Benjamin Oliver Coad, known as Ben Coad, is an emerging cricket player from England. Born on July 17, 1985, in Harrogate, Coad has quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional pace bowling skills.
Coad’s talent was first recognized in 2017 when he earned his place in Yorkshire’s Championship side through a series of outstanding performances. He made his mark in the Roses match at Headingley, where he showcased his ability by taking an impressive six wickets. With his lithe physique, determination, and the ability to move the ball at a good pace, Coad added a significant boost to the Yorkshire team, who were in the midst of managing the transition of their aging fast bowlers.
In his first full campaign, Coad proved his worth by taking 50 wickets in the Championship at an average of 20.86. These exceptional figures earned him numerous awards at Yorkshire’s end-of-season celebration, with the director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, hailing him as “a revelation.” From the very beginning of the season, Coad led Yorkshire’s attack with his standout performance of 6 for 37 in the opening Championship match against Hampshire.
Coad’s outstanding form continued into the following summer, where he took an impressive 48 Championship wickets with an average of just 16.33. Although his returns were steadier in 2019, Coad still finished amongst the top wicket-takers for Yorkshire, only falling behind Duanne Olivier and Keshav Maharaj.
Deeply committed to the Yorkshire club, Coad made the decision to commit his future to the club at the end of 2022. With an impressive first-class record of 210 wickets at an average of 20.26, Coad solidified his position as one of the top performers in county cricket.
Coad’s cricketing journey began at Harrogate CC, where he first made an impact. He made his debut for the Yorkshire first-team in the YB40 against Gloucestershire at Headingley in 2013. Recognizing his potential, he signed terms as a junior professional ahead of the 2014 summer season. In preparation for the upcoming season, Coad honed his skills at the Darren Lehmann Academy in Adelaide, with a six-week sponsorship.
Coad’s talent was further displayed in his T20 debut at Wantage Road in 2015, where he put on an encouraging performance. He followed it up with another solid display against the defending champions, Warwickshire. After making his Championship debut at Chester-le-Street in 2016, Coad worked diligently over the winter to increase his pace and make himself a force to be reckoned with on the field.
As a rising star in English cricket, Benjamin Oliver Coad has already made his mark with his remarkable performances. With his potential and determination, Coad is poised to achieve even greater success in the future and establish himself as a prominent figure in the sport.
