Derbyshire today announced the appointment of Chris Wright as their new bowling coach. This represents a big move deeper into coaching for the ex-England international. Wright, who has recently retired as a professional seamer, steps into this new role after a remarkable professional journey that spanned more than 20 years. He will take the place of Ajmal Shahzad, who left the club at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Wright, 40, arrives at Derbyshire after recently bringing an end to his own playing career at Leicestershire last summer. During that short period, he left an indelible mark. He then led Leicestershire to promotion to the top tier of the County Championship by winning the Division Two title. His breadth of experience from working with Middlesex, Warwickshire and Essex stood him in terrific stead. Over the course of his career, he took more than 800 wickets.
Despite his impressive football pedigree, Wright’s appointment is remarkable coming on the heels of a difficult chapter in his personal life. His initial July 2024 suspension was backdated nine months. This punishment came in the wake of his positive test for ostarine, a banned substance that operates as a testosterone mimetic. This appalling incident, which blew up in September 2023, has unfortunately eclipsed his recent successes.
Mickey Arthur, Derbyshire’s head of cricket, said he was “absolutely convinced” that Wright will make an outstanding head coach. He pointed to Wright’s recent playing experience and enthusiasm as a big part of why he was selected.
“He’s a very promising coach and, as someone who was playing the game at a high level as recently as last season, he will be able to form a great understanding with our squad and continue the development of our bowling attack,” – Mickey Arthur
Wright’s transfer across the East Midlands to Derbyshire becomes his first step into coaching. He hopes to use his extensive knowledge and experience to help develop the natural talent of the club’s bowlers.
Wright understood that the shift from player to coach was often difficult and isolating. None of that stops him from being 100% focused on making Derbyshire a success. His overarching vision should be to develop a strong second wave bowling plan and improve the overall team atmosphere.
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