Warwickshire have appointed former England Lions and Cricket Ireland coach Stuart Barnes as our new Bowling Coach following the departure of Matt Mason to England Women.
Barnes arrives following a spell at Surrey having previously worked in Bowling and Assistant Coach roles with Gloucestershire and Somerset.
The 52-year-old – who has also coached with the Bangladesh national side – is set to join up with the squad full-time from January.
It comes just weeks after Mason reluctantly moved on from Edgbaston following one season to take up the role of Fast Bowling Coach with the women’s national squad.
Warwickshire Head Coach Mark Robinson said it was important to act swiftly following Mason’s exit and was pleased to land a coach of Barnes’ calibre so soon.
He said: “There were other potential candidates with excellent CVs but Stuart with his wealth of experience and expertise stood out. We’re lucky to land someone of Stuart’s calibre.
“He’s a coach with solid county and international experience. He’s a great addition to our coaching set-up and I’m confident our bowlers will benefit under his guidance.”
Barnes – who will soon be relocating from Kent to put down roots in Birmingham – has more than 20 years’ professional coaching experience at all levels from Club Youth Cricket, to professional cricket and World Cups.
He’s previously worked with Chris Woakes during an England Lions tour of the West Indies and was at Gloucestershire during Liam Norwell and Craig Miles’ early careers.
He added: “It’s great to see how these guys have developed; I’m looking forward to working with them and the rest of the bowlers.
“There’s a very talented squad here, one that can challenge for honours on all fronts, and naturally that was one of the attractions.
“My aim is obviously to get the bowlers fit and raring to go ahead of the new season, plus also using my experience working with young players to create an environment where talent can blossom and break into the professional game.
“The facilities here are excellent and there is really no excuse not to improve. I can’t wait to get started and be a Bear.”
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