Adrian Birrell announced as England U19 coach for Sri Lanka series

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the appointment of Adrian Birrell as England U19 coach for the duration of the series against Sri Lanka this summer.

Birrell holds an ECB Level 4 Coaching Certificate and was Ireland National Coach from 2002-2007. Ireland enjoyed considerable success during this period including reaching the Super 8's stage at the ICC World Cup 2007 in West Indies and gaining a top 10 world ranking. His 25-year coaching career has also seen him work with the South African U19's side and as Head Coach of Eastern Province from 1999-2002. Birrell currently lives in Ireland and continues to work with Ireland A.

ECB Elite Player Development Manager, John Abrahams, said: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Adrian Birrell to work with the England U19's this summer. Adrian has a wealth of coaching experience and he will be a real asset as we prepare for the challenge of Sri Lanka in July."

Adrian Birrell said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity to coach the England U19's. The challenge of the Sri Lanka tour excites me as well as the chance to use my knowledge and experience to maximise potential and produce England players of the future. I look forward to working with John Abrahams and the ECB coaching staff as well meeting all the players."

England U19's will play a two-match Test series, a two-match Twenty20 series and a five-match one day series against Sri Lanka. The first match begins on Wednesday 21 July at Northampton .