Dale Benkenstein Departs as Lancashire's Head Coach

Lancashire Cricket has confirmed that Dale Benkenstein has left his role as Men’s Head Coach by mutual consent, following a challenging start to the season and struggles after last year’s relegation.

“Following a difficult start to the season, we feel that now is the right time to make a change, as we look to improve our on-field performances,” said Mark Chilton, Director of Cricket Performance. 

“After relegation at the end of last season, results have not improved so far this year, and after much consideration, both Dale and I feel the team will benefit from a change in direction.”

Benkenstein, who joined the club in 2022, exits as Lancashire prepares to begin its Vitality Blast campaign. The club has appointed former captain Steven Croft as Interim Men’s Head Coach, with his first match in charge scheduled against Worcestershire Rapids at Emirates Old Trafford.

Croft will oversee the team starting with today’s training session, supported by William Porterfield, Craig White, and Karl Krikken. A veteran of over 600 appearances for Lancashire, Croft was a key figure in the club’s 2011 County Championship win and captained the side to T20 Blast success in 2015. Since retiring from professional cricket last year, he has been involved with coaching the Second XI.

“Steven is a Lancashire legend, highly respected in the dressing room and has been working incredibly hard on his coaching career for several years,” Chilton noted. “More recently, he has coached within our Second XI and Academy and has also joined a couple of England Under-19s tours, working with some of the brightest prospects in the country.”

“I’d like to thank Steven, along with the other coaches, for stepping into the role at short notice ahead of our Vitality Blast opener tomorrow evening,” Chilton added.