Sports
Lancashire Shake Up Coaching After Winless Streak Ends Benkenstein Era
Dale Benkenstein exits as head coach after dismal start to season as club turns to Steven Croft for interim leadership
Lancashire County Cricket Club has announced the departure of head coach Dale Benkenstein following a winless run in the County Championship that has left the team languishing in seventh place in Division Two. The decision, confirmed by the club on Wednesday, marks another major shift after a turbulent two seasons under the South African coach.
Benkenstein, 50, who took over from Glen Chapple in late 2023, oversaw the club’s relegation from Division One last season and was unable to spark a turnaround in 2025. Lancashire are now the only side in either division yet to register a win this summer, with their latest defeat—a crushing innings-and-three-run loss to Leicestershire—piling on further pressure.
In a statement, Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Performance, said: “Following a difficult start to the season, we feel now is the right time to make a change. After much consideration, both Dale and I feel the team will benefit from a new direction.”
Taking over on an interim basis is former captain Steven Croft, a club legend who retired last season. Croft’s first match in charge will be Thursday’s T20 Blast opener against Worcestershire Rapids at Emirates Old Trafford. He will be supported by Will Porterfield, Craig White, and Karl Krikken.
Croft brings with him both experience and a deep connection to Lancashire cricket. He played a central role in the club’s 2011 County Championship win and captained the team to T20 Blast glory in 2015. More recently, Croft has been honing his coaching skills with the club’s Second XI and Academy, as well as on England Under-19 tours.
Despite flashes of hope—such as a strong showing by James Anderson in a draw against Derbyshire—Benkenstein’s tenure was marred by five innings defeats in under 18 months. His final post-match comments hinted at internal uncertainty, citing a lack of clarity over whether the focus was on developing young talent or chasing promotion.
The situation became increasingly dire in recent weeks. A club apology was issued to members, Keaton Jennings stepped down as red-ball captain, and expectations of immediate promotion began to fade.
With a 73-point gap to Division Two leaders Leicestershire, the focus now shifts to stabilizing the team and rebuilding confidence in the white-ball format.
The club praised Benkenstein for his dedication, stating, “He leaves with our best wishes for the future.” As Croft takes over, fans will be watching closely to see whether the new leadership can revive Lancashire’s spirit and fortunes on the pitch.