Stuart Broad rated Steffan as one of the best bowling coaches he has worked with.
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) have roped in the data-driven and sports science focused fast bowling coach Steffan Jones for the upcoming 12th edition of the IPL 2019.
The latest development confirmed by the franchise on Thursday (November 29) in a release, welcoming Jones to their coaching staff and hoping that the Royals’ young fast bowlers will improve and learn new skills from the game’s most progressive fast bowling coach.
Steffan, who has been instrumental in developing players of all ages and genders from grassroots to international stars, was highly regarded as a fast bowler playing for several counties –including Somerset, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, and Kent in his First-class career spanning 14 years.
The 44-year-old managed 387 wickets from 148 games in the longer format, while 256 wickets from 191 matches in one-day cricket, as well as, has 10 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul in his career.
Steffan has massive coaching experience working with Derbyshire, Somerset and Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League last year, as well as, was a part-time scout for Surrey.
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.”
Meanwhile, Steffan, who is currently director of Sports Performance and Wellbeing at Wellington School in Somerset, has a Sport and Exercise Science BSC (Hons) at Loughborough University and a PGCE in PE from Cambridge University. Besides cricket, former pacer also played Rugby professionally and has done research in javelin and baseball, which has helped him in bringing innovative ideas into coaching.
On his appointment, Steffan feels honored to get the opportunity to work in the world’s best T20 event and he is excited and looking forward to working with RR in the IPL 2019.
Jones signed off by saying, “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.”
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)