Somerset County Cricket Club has welcomed former England opener Mark Stoneman to their coaching team as a batting consultant for an initial three-month period. Drawing on a distinguished playing career spanning over 15 years, Stoneman brings a wealth of experience to the club’s batters.
Throughout his professional journey, Stoneman represented notable teams including Durham, Surrey, Middlesex, and Hampshire, accumulating 19,864 runs across all three formats. Upon joining Somerset at the Cooper Associates County Ground, he expressed enthusiasm for his new role.
“I’m eager to work closely with the players and share valuable insights,” Stoneman said. “My goal is to help them build on their strengths and unlock even greater potential. Somerset is a high-performing club, and I’m excited to contribute to its continued success.”
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Having been passionate about cricket since the age of four, Stoneman has progressively transitioned into coaching. Over recent winters, he has refined his skills by providing individual coaching, collaborating with Middlesex Women, and supporting Hampshire’s professional and age-group players. He emphasised the importance of understanding each player’s unique approach.
“Every player has their own way of processing thoughts and executing on the field,” he explained. “As a coach, my job is to support their individuality, helping them flourish while aligning their mindset and actions to optimize performance. This collective development will strengthen our batting unit as a whole.”
Somerset’s head coach, Jason Kerr, welcomed Stoneman’s appointment, highlighting his impressive credentials. “Replacing Shane Burger was a priority, and Mark’s availability is a real asset,” Kerr stated. “His international playing experience and deep domestic knowledge will greatly benefit our players. Beyond technical skills, Mark will provide mental support and help each batter find their own effective methods.”
Kerr also acknowledged Stoneman’s ongoing coaching journey. “He’s been working with a mix of young talents and seasoned pros, gaining varied experience. Mark is thoughtful about his growth as a coach, and we’re excited about what he’ll bring to Somerset.”
Recently, Somerset captain and England star Thomas Rew demonstrated the kind of batting spirit Stoneman aims to cultivate. Rew scored an unbeaten 86 in a commanding 167-run partnership with Ben Mayes, guiding the Lions to victory well before time.
Reflecting on the innings, Rew praised the conditions and camaraderie. “The wicket played better than the other day. Maysey got us off to a fantastic start, and once we settled in, it was about staying focused, communicating, and targeting the spinners down wind.”
“We didn’t fixate on the scoreboard but trusted our natural aggression,” Rew added. “Every chase, whoever is on the team, we aim to see it through. That responsibility is a big part of our dressing room culture. It was great we were both still out there at the end.”
With Mark Stoneman now supporting Somerset’s batters, the club is well-positioned to build on its strong foundation and achieve further success in the seasons ahead.