10 Jan 2016 | Cricket
Glamorgan Coach Robert Croft has been seconded to the England Cricket coaching team for a 12-day period ahead of England's One-Day Series in South Africa.
Croft played 50 One-Day Internationals during a five year international career and was a key figure in Glamorgan's limited overs success during his 23 year career in first-class cricket.
This is a great opportunity and something I'm looking forward to. said Croft, who is due to complete this ECB Level 4 Coaching qualification this year.
It's extra experience for me and if the opportunity presents itself to help the lads I will. I'm there to observe and primarily be a sounding board for the spin bowlers, but will give any additional help as required.
It is another opportunity to increase my coaching experience. The November before last I was invited out to work with Andy Flower with the development squad in Sri Lanka and this time it's the full squad in South Africa. I'm looking forward to meeting up with two excellent coaches with different styles in Trevor Bayliss and Paul Fabrace and to absorbing their ideas.
It is always good to have an open mind in the profession you are involved with, you can learn everyday, so I hope to pick up things that will help me be a better coach.
After a draw at Newlands, England lead the four-match Test Series 1-0 with the limited overs fixtures beginning with a warm-up match in Kimberley on January 30th, before the one-day series starts in Bloemfontein on February 3rd.
Since last year's World Cup, England's growing status as a white-ball team thrills Croft ahead of the South Africa Series.
Looking from a far, this England team seems to have a no-fear attitude at the moment, added Croft. There's a confidence about these England players and the side is well balanced in terms of age and experience.
Glamorgan Chief Executive Hugh Morris was quick to approve Croft's secondment to the ECB.
We are delighted Robert will be able to develop his coaching knowledge and skills with England and believe his experience of spin bowling will provide valuable support to the England squad, said Hugh.
Flashback: Arguably Crofty's best moment for England as a batsman came at Old Trafford in 1998 when he helped hold South Africa at bay for more than three hours to save the Test.