Coaches at Norwich Cricket Centre
Meet the Cricket Coaching team at Norwich Cricket Centre
The Norwich Cricket Centre coaching team combines elite playing experience with professional coaching qualifications to help cricketers of all ages and abilities reach their potential.
Whether you're taking your first steps in the game or preparing for high-level competition, our coaches provide expert guidance in a professional year-round training environment designed to accelerate development and build confidence.
Ben France
Founder & Head Coach of Norwich Cricket Centre
Norfolk County Age Group Lead Coach
ECB Level 3 Qualified Cricket Coach
Playing & Coaching Highlights
✔ ECB Level 3 Qualified Cricket Coach
✔ Norfolk County Age Group Lead Coach
✔ Former Derbyshire County Cricket Club Player
✔ Former Suffolk & Norfolk National Counties Cricketer
✔ England Over-40s World Cup Squad Member
✔ Club Professional at Swardeston Cricket Club
✔ 30+ Years Playing & Coaching Experience
✔ Specialist Batting & Player Development Coach
Ben France is an ECB Level 3 Qualified Cricket Coach and former first-class cricketer with Derbyshire County Cricket Club. Over a playing career spanning more than 30 years, he has represented both Suffolk and Norfolk in National Counties and National Counties cricket, including being part of Suffolk's Minor Counties Championship-winning side.
Ben is Club Professional at Swardeston Cricket Club and continues to compete at a high level with the England Over 40s team, having been selected for the 2024 World Cup squad.
His coaching career has included roles as Cricket Professional and Head of Cricket at both Framlingham College and Town Close House School. Working within two of the region's leading independent schools, he has helped develop talented young cricketers while overseeing the delivery of high-quality coaching programmes.
During his professional playing career, Ben competed against some of cricket's biggest names, including Dale Steyn, Shane Warne, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Muttiah Muralitharan. He also gained valuable experience playing Grade 1 cricket in Australia for Parramatta and North Sydney.
Today, Ben leads coaching programmes through his academy and Norwich Cricket Centre, providing expert coaching and year-round access to one of the region's leading indoor cricket facilities. His passion is helping cricketers of all ages and abilities improve their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game.
Sam Arthurton
ECB Level 3 Qualified Cricket Coach
Playing & Coaching Highlights
✔ ECB Level 3 Qualified Cricket Coach
✔ Captain of Norfolk County Cricket Club
✔ Former Essex County Cricket Club Player
✔ MCC Young Cricketer
✔ East Anglian Premier League All-Time Leading Run Scorer
✔ National Counties Trophy Record Holder
✔ 2024 National Counties Cricket MVP
✔ Specialist Batting & Performance Coach
Sam Arthurton is one of Norfolk's most accomplished cricketers and coaches, bringing a wealth of playing experience and cricket knowledge to Norwich Cricket Centre.
A former Essex CCC player and MCC Young Cricketer, Sam has enjoyed an outstanding career in county and premier league cricket. He currently captains Norfolk County Cricket Club and is widely regarded as one of the leading batsmen in National Counties cricket.
His achievements include becoming the all-time leading run scorer in the East Anglian Premier League, holding the record for the highest score for Norfolk in National Counties Trophy cricket, and the record for the most centuries scored in National Counties Trophy history.
In 2024, Sam was recognised as the MVP player in National Counties cricket, highlighting his consistency and excellence at the highest level of the county game.
As a coach, Sam combines elite-level playing experience with a passion for player development, helping cricketers of all ages and abilities improve their technique, confidence and understanding of the game.
Sagi Rajagura
ECB Level 2 Qualified Cricket Coach & Club Professional
Playing & Coaching Highlights
✔ Former Sri Lanka Under-19 World Cup Squad Member
✔ First-Class Cricketer in Sri Lanka
✔ Overseas Professional at Swardeston Cricket Club
✔ ECB Level 2 Qualified Coach
✔ East Anglian Premier League Leading Wicket-Taker
✔ Experienced Batting, Spin Bowling & All-Round Skills Coach
Sagi Rajaguru is an experienced cricket coach and accomplished all-round cricketer who brings international playing and coaching experience to Norwich Cricket Centre.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Sagi played first-class cricket before establishing himself as one of the East Anglian Premier League’s leading all-round performers as Overseas Professional at Swardeston Cricket Club.
As an ECB Level 2 qualified coach, Sagi works with players of all ages and abilities, helping cricketers develop strong technical skills, confidence and game awareness in a positive learning environment.