James Kirtley to depart Sussex Cricket as coach

Sussex Cricket has announced that bowling coach James Kirtley will leave the club at the end of October as part of a coaching staff restructure. Kirtley, a long-standing figure at the club, had a 16-year playing career at Hove before transitioning into full-time coaching in 2019.

During his tenure as a coach, Kirtley contributed to the club winning the 2024 Rothesay County Championship Division Two title and helped the team consolidate its position in Division One. He is credited with the development of several players, most notably England Test bowler Ollie Robinson.

His departure follows other recent coaching changes, including the exits of head coach Paul Farbrace and batting coach Grant Flower. The restructuring occurs as Sussex manages financial challenges, including a salary cap imposed by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Incoming head coach Matt Walker will lead the search for a new lead bowling coach during the winter.