IPL: Rajasthan ropes in Steffan Jones as fast bowling coach

Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday announced the signing of former England cricketer Steffan Jones as it's fast bowling coach for the upcoming 12th edition of the cash-rich league.

Jones, who was regarded highly as a fast bowler playing for several counties in a career spanning 14 years, has worked with the likes of Stuart Broad and Dan Christian during his short coaching stint with Big Bash League's team Hobart Hurricanes last year.

Commenting on his appointment, Jones said: "It is a privilege for me to get this role and work with one of the best T20 teams in the world. Rajasthan Royals have a great culture of unearthing new talent and developing its cricketers which I am excited to be a part of."

"I am really looking forward to this opportunity to work with an extremely talented group of fast bowlers," the 44-year-old added.

Meanwhile, Royals' Head of Cricket Zubin Bharucha said: "Jones thinks differently, and that is what we love at the Royals. His research into other sports is extremely interesting and his data and sports science focus meant he was a perfect fit for RR."

"Steffan brings in a fresh perspective to the art of fast bowling and we are excited to have him at Rajasthan Royals," Bharucha said.

Starting his first class career in 1997, Jones represented English counties like Somerset, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire and Kent, bagging 387 wickets in 148 matches at an average of 36.87. He has 10 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul.

Jones has coached at Derbyshire and Somerset and is currently director of Sports Performance and Wellbeing at Wellington School in Somerset. He was also a part-time scout for Surrey.

--IANS

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