Central Sparks’ Lauren Rowles has been confirmed as the Head Coach of England’s Learning Disability (LD) side.
Lauren, who is Sparks’ full-time Talent Manager and works with youth development teams in regional county, had been in the Head Coach role on an interim basis and led the Learning Disability team to Ashes success in Australia last winter.
With the side winning all three ODIs and four of five T20s, the 30-year-old has been rewarded with a two-year contract, alongside Jason Weaver, who was named Head Coach of the England Deaf team.
“Lauren has already excelled in the Head Coach role on an interim basis so she was the natural choice to continue taking the England Learning Disability team forward,” said, Ian Martin, Head of Disability Cricket.
“We wish them both all the best ahead of a busy year for the England Disability Cricket Performance programme.”
Lauren’s achievements down under were recognised by the ECB earlier this year, with the former Worcestershire captain, receiving an ECB Red Cap.
Lauren joined Central Sparks as coach in 2021 and is currently on the ECB’s Level 4 coaching course. That’s the pinnacle ECB coaching badge and opens the door for Lauren to coach at the highest level.
Sparks’ Director of Cricket Laura MacLeod said at the time: “We’re all immensely proud of what Lauren has achieved in a relatively short space of time. She’s already made her mark with England’s LD team and been rewarded with a two-year contract with the disability national team.
“I’m sure she’s got a great coaching career ahead of her.”
Over 19,000 tickets sold for Women’s Ashes IT20
For the first time, Edgbaston will host a Women’s Ashes IT20 as the oldest rivalry in cricket returns to Birmingham – and over 19,000 tickets have already been sold!
Watch local stars including Amy Jones and Issy Wong in action as we make history on Saturday 1 July, 6.30pm start. Limited tickets are left from only £17 for adults and under 16s £5.