Josh Cobb, the only player to have won the Player of the Match award in two T20 Blast finals, has officially retired from professional cricket. The 34-year-old has stepped away from the game to take up the role of Boys Academy Lead at Warwickshire, marking the next chapter in his cricketing journey.
A Storied Career Across Counties and Leagues
Cobb’s career began in 2007 with Leicestershire before he went on to represent Northamptonshire and Worcestershire. Over the years, he made 448 professional appearances and also won the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title with Dhaka Gladiators in 2013. Additionally, he captained Welsh Fire in The Hundred, further establishing himself as a respected leader in the game.
Memorable T20 Blast Triumphs
Cobb made history in the T20 Blast, winning two finals with standout performances. His first Player of the Match award came in 2011, when he took 4 for 22 to help Leicestershire defeat Somerset. Five years later, in 2016, he showcased his batting prowess, smashing 80 off 48 balls to guide Northamptonshire to victory over Durham at Edgbaston—the very ground where he will now begin his coaching career.
Transition to Coaching
Cobb’s move into coaching has been in the works for some time. In September 2023, he worked as a consultant coach for Australia’s ODI team in England, an opportunity that came through his former Leicestershire teammate Andrew McDonald. His decision to move into coaching follows in the footsteps of his father, Russell Cobb, who runs the UCCE program at Loughborough University.
Reflecting on his career, Cobb shared:
“Since making my debut 18 years ago, it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable ride with plenty of ups and downs. I’m immensely thankful for the people I’ve met, places I’ve traveled, and memories created over the years. Scoring my first hundred at Lord’s at 18 and winning the T20 Blast finals twice are moments I’ll always cherish.”
Developing Future Stars at Warwickshire
Cobb takes over an academy that has recently produced young talents like Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley. His new challenge will be to nurture homegrown talent and help them progress to the professional level.
“My challenge is to keep developing homegrown players that can go on to play for the Bears and England,” Cobb said. “I’m excited at the chance to lead an academy at such a great club like Warwickshire, one that’s had a lot of success over the years.”
A New Chapter Begins
With an illustrious playing career behind him, Cobb now shifts his focus to shaping the next generation of cricketers. His experience, leadership, and deep understanding of the game will be invaluable in his new role at Warwickshire.
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