Dale Benkenstein: Lancashire appoint Gloucestershire head coach

Dale Benkenstein had a short spell as a batting coach at Lancashire in 2021 before being appointed Gloucestershire head coach

Lancashire have appointed Gloucestershire head coach Dale Benkenstein after Glen Chapple's exit.

The 49-year-old spent the past two seasons with Gloucestershire.

Chapple stepped down at the end of last season after seven years in the role and 31 years with the Red Rose.

"It is a hugely talented group of players to work with and I am really excited to be part of that and to bring my own vision to Old Trafford," he told the club website.

"It's a new challenge for me personally and one which I can't wait to get stuck into.

"I am looking forward to meeting the players and staff in the new year and continuing the squad's preparations ahead of the upcoming campaign."

Former South Africa all-rounder Benkenstein spent two seasons as Hampshire coach, between 2014 and 2016, and briefly worked as a batting consultant at Old Trafford in 2021, prior to taking over at Gloucestershire.

His time in the West Country was difficult though, as they were relegated to County Championship Division Two in 2022 and finished bottom of the table in 2023, without winning a red-ball game.

Gloucestershire chief executive Will Brown told the club website: "Dale has worked hard throughout a challenging couple of years to create a new structure within the cricket department and to develop our squad of talented players.

"We thank him for his efforts."

Benkenstein, who captained Durham to successive County Championship titles in 2008 and 2009, will now look to guide Lancashire to a first County Championship title since 2011.

Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon has signed to feature in all formats in 2024 and will feature in a bowling attack alongside veteran England legend James Anderson.