In the aftermath of the Ashes 2025-26, England Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed Troy Cooley as their men's elite national pace bowling lead. Cooley will be working with England Lions and England Young Lions, helping develop fast bowlers.
Cooley is one of the most-decorated fast-bowling coaches. He returns to ECB after two decades. He was part of the historic 2025 Ashes as national pace bowling coach.
After a four-year tenure, he joined as a coach at Cricket Australia's National Performance Programme. In 2021, he joined as fast bowling coach at BCCI's National Cricket Academy.
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England's Managing Director of Cricket, Rob Key is delighted to have the services of Cooley. He called him one of the best coaches in the world.
“Troy is one of the very best coaches in the world whose record over more than two decades speaks for itself,” Key said.
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“He has coached and developed the best pace bowlers in all conditions and his vast experience and knowledge will not only benefit the England Men’s team but also help to nurture the next wave of fast-bowling talent.
“This role will see him to work with pace bowlers and coaches at all levels of the men’s professional game as we look to build a structure for sustainable success.”
Cooley thanks Laxman, lauds English fast-bowling talent
Cooley labelled England’s fast-bowling talent as world class. He thanked BCCI’s Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman for his support during his tenure.
“I am proud of the foundations built in recent years and grateful to the BCCI team, led by VVS Laxman, for their support. Joining the ECB is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next phase of England’s pace‑bowling future - bringing together the art of performance and the science of long‑term development,” Cooley said.
“England’s pace‑bowling talent and identity are world‑class. My focus is to continue strengthening pathway alignment - technical standards, coaching language, performance expectations – by blending practical coaching with evidence‑based development so bowlers and coaches can progress with clarity and confidence," the 60-year-old added.
Cooley's domestic cricket numbers
Tasmania-born Cooley has played 33 first-class and three List A games. He claimed 54 wickets in red-ball cricket at an average of 61.35. From three List A games, he managed just four wickets.