Derbyshire appoint Wright as new bowling coach

Wright, 40, amassed more than 800 wickets in a playing career which saw him lift the County Championship with Warwickshire, as well as multiple white ball honours with the Bears, Essex and Leicestershire, with whom he also won promotion to Division One last season. He takes on the role of men’s assistant coach - bowling lead.

Having retired from playing at the end of the 2025 campaign, Wright moves into his first full-time coaching role, and will work with a bowling attack containing Division Two’s leading wicket-taker in 2025, Luis Reece, overseas seamer Mohammad Abbas, as well as a number of players entering their prime years.

Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, said: “We had an unbelievable amount of talent apply for this role, but it was Chris’ energy, enthusiasm and his ideas for how he can drive our project forward which impressed me most.

“He’s a very promising coach and, as someone who was playing the game at a high level as recently as last season, he will be able to form a great understanding with our squad and continue the development of our bowling attack.

“Our pieces are coming together for nicely for the new season, our red ball squad has been finalised and now our coaching structure is ready to hit the ground running in the new year. I’m very excited for next season and I know our supporters share that optimism.”

Wright added: “I’m immensely excited to be joining Derbyshire. The squad is in a really strong place, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our bowlers to help them continue developing their games.

“I’m very familiar with the quality within this squad and well aware of the skills the players possess. Now it’s about refining our work through the winter and taking that next step towards promotion next season.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I’m eager to embrace. Derbyshire is a Club on the up, and the chance to work alongside a coach like Mickey Arthur is something any young coach would relish.”