Alex Gidman departs as Kent batting coach to become England Women's assistant coach

The search for a new Kent batting coach is under way - again!

Alex Gidman has left his post as Kent men’s batting coach to become England Women’s assistant coach.

The former Worcestershire head coach, 42, joined the club in February and was lead batting coach throughout their 2023 season.

It means Kent are now on the look-out for a fourth batting coach inside two years, as well as a new bowling coach to replace Simon Cook, who has become Kent’s director of cricket.

Former England all-rounder Michael Yardy was appointed to the role in February 2020 but left in November 2021 and ex-Netherlands international Ryan ten Doeschate spent the 2022 summer in Canterbury, shortly after retiring from his playing role. But he opted to depart to pursue franchise coaching opportunities.

Gidman, older brother of former Kent all-rounder Will Gidman, said: “I’d like to thank everyone at the club for making me feel so welcome during my time here and I wish everybody associated with Kent the very best.”

Cook described the chance for Gidman to work alongside England Women’s head coach Jon Lewis as “a fantastic opportunity” and hinted Matt Walker’s new-look coaching team for the 2024 campaign would be revealed in the near future.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Giddo and he moves over to [the] ECB with our very best wishes,” Cook said.

“We hope to complete our coaching line-up, led by Matt Walker, for the coming season very soon.”