Cricket-News.Org

On Monday morning, Tony Frost will be re-joining the Bears squad in their pre-season training for the 2008 season. Frost made his Warwickshire debut in 1997 and has been working on the groundstaff since retiring from the first class cricket at the end of the 2006 season.

Tony was approached by Ashley Giles, Director of Cricket, about returning to the fold after the announcement that Tim Ambrose had been selected for the England tour to New Zealand. Giles commented, “Tony ticks all the boxes and can provide good cover should Tim be away for prolonged spells with England. He is an experienced, capped player who is an accomplished batter and like for like replacement.”

“As a Club we want to be positive and support our younger players and we feel that Richard Johnson would benefit from more matches with the second XI before being thrust into first team cricket. Tim’s position in the England set-up is not guaranteed but until we know more about his long-term commitments we now have an experienced and committed replacement for what is such a crucial position in the side.”

Frost is delighted with the call-up,” It was a surprise to be having the conversation but it didn’t take me long to accept the offer. I have enjoyed working with the Groundstaff and learning the other side of the game but I loved my time with the Bears and I can’t wait to get back with the team and playing. I spent all last season with Knowle and Dorridge so I have been keeping my eye in and look forward to extending my career at Edgbaston.”

Comments(0)

Essex County Cricket Club has appointed Graeme Welch as their new Seam Bowling Coach. The former Warwickshire and Derbyshire all-rounder was chosen out of a strong field of candidates to fill the full-time position.

Welch’s remit will be to assist all of the County’s professional seam bowlers as well as those within the Academy and Development squads. The 35-year-old will be taking up his first coaching job after retiring from playing through injury last June.

Welch’s professional career began in 1994, spending seven seasons at Warwickshire before moving on to Derbyshire in 2001. In total the Durham-born cricketer played 171 first-class matches, taking 477 wickets and scoring 5075 runs.

Welch said: “After retiring from playing in the summer I’ve been looking for a new start and as I’ve been coaching for a number of years already this is a great opportunity – especially with all the changes that have been taking place at Essex. I’ll bring my knowledge and experience of swing bowling, having bowled it myself and played with and against a lot of international bowlers whose brains I’ve picked. In general I hope to bring enjoyment, excitement and fun to the role. Although I’m not a slave driver I’m not afraid of hard work so I hope to instil that into the bowlers at Essex.”

Essex First-Team Coach Paul Grayson said: “I’m delighted to have Graeme Welch on-board because he has vast experience as a player and will prove a great addition to our set-up now that he is entering the coaching field. Although Graeme will primarily act as a bowling coach he could also bat a bit during his playing days, so I’m sure he could offer assistance to our batters as well - making him a good all-round coach. It is good to employ someone from outside Essex to offer fresh ideas. Graeme comes from a successful environment at Warwickshire during his early playing career so he will bring a culture of winning to our dressing room.”

Comments(0)

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has been crowned the Quintessence Design Essex Website Player of the Year for 2007. The Pakistani pipped Australian all-rounder Andy Bichel to top spot by just seven votes after both enjoyed outstanding seasons for the County.

Seven hundred Essex CCC website users casted their nominations to decide who would follow in the footsteps of previous winners Will Jefferson (2004), Alastair Cook (2005) and James Foster (2006).

Kaneria’s 107 wickets in the four major domestic competitions was sufficient to convince enough voters to select the spinner ahead of the other candidates.
Ravinder Bopara finished in third after his fine all-round season earned him a spot on England’s one-day and Test tours to Sri Lanka this winter.

Ryan ten Doeschate, Alastair Cook and James Foster were next in line for the keenly contested minor placings.

Each voter who plumped for Kaneria will now go into the draw to win the chance to hand the award over to the Player of the Year during one of the first home games of the 2008 season. He or she will be contacted sometime during the next week.

Comments(0)