FORMER Somerset player Alex Barrow has been involved with coaching the young cricketers on the Academy for several years now, primarily working with the batters and the ‘keepers, which he is thoroughly enjoying.

“I work with the Academy on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday which fits around my other role with Exeter University and is perfect for me. I want to coach as much as I can and being able to be here working with the Somerset Academy means so much to me. To be able to help these guys on their way towards playing for Somerset and perhaps international cricket is very special to me.

“I love coaching anyway but to hopefully develop their game and mindset and get excited about the prospect of playing cricket for Somerset is something that I'm passionate about, and these guys are as well.

“Last season I got to spend time on match days with the Under 18s in the 50 over, T20 and three days competitions which gave me the chance to see them play. Prior to that I'd only seen them during the winter and not seen any game play which was tough so last year to have that time with them and watch them develop how they transfer their winter skills into the summer. Now its already January so the season will fast approach.

“We have got some really good young batters and ‘keepers at Somerset throughout the different age groups and hopefully we will see some of those guys transition through into Second XI cricket and some be given a professional contract. There are also a fair few waiting in the pipe line as well so there is plenty to be excited about.

“We are really lucky that we have got good players who want to get better, and a great group of coaches who I believe will help these guys. To be part of a coaching team like this is something pretty special. The players are why we are here and they are a great bunch.”

This month Alex will be heading off to Sri Lanka with the Academy. "A large part of time will be spent on skills development with a lot of batting against bowlers which is sometimes difficult throughout the winter

“Touring as a young adult is a great experience and something that you always look forward to and our job as coaches is to make that trip as good as possible for them. We want to make sure that they are getting a holistic development, not just about the cricket there but getting out and seeing some of the local Sri Lankan culture. It’s also about managing their lifestyle and being away from home which being a professional cricketer will involve."