Worcestershire have recruited two of their former players, Alexei Kervezee and Shaftab Khalid, as part of their Academy coaching staff.
Batsman Kervezee and off-spinner Khalid are taking on an increasing role with members of the 2021-2022 Academy intake in addition to the Sub Academy and County Age-Group Programme youngsters.
Academy Coach Elliot Wilson believes their experience of the First Class game over several years, harnessed to their coaching skills and being excellent characters, can only benefit Worcestershire’s budding professionals of the future.
They are working with Wilson, Kevin Sharp, Andy Sutton and Ryan D’Oliveira.
Wilson confirmed: “Alexei and Shaftab, both former players of the club, are both now helping more and more with the coaching of not only the academy, the sub academy, the county age-group programmes.
“It is great to have them back involved with their experience of playing First Class cricket and their good relationship with the county.
“Shaftab was here for quite a while and went on an England A tour, and the experiences he would have had will be great when training and bowling with the lads. He was and still is a very skilful cricketer.
“Shaftab and Alexei have played the pro game, had a career in the game, and know what it takes to have a career.
“This is another important cog in support of our young players. There are some massive learnings to be had from people like Shaftab and Alexei.
“Good people that work hard has been the goal and a guiding principle for me from the very outset. The coaching knowledge, skills and craft will constantly evolve, but it starts with good people working hard that care.
“These two guys have shown that they care and are prepared to work hard.“
Alexei Kervezee, aged 32, scored 4621 first class, 2632 List A and 1356 T20 runs during a 10-year career at New Road and made 39 ODI and 10 T20I appearances for the Netherlands.
Shaftab Khalid, 39, played all three formats of the game for Worcestershire between 2003 and 2005 and his first List A victim was South African skipper, Graeme Smith, in a tour game at New Road.
