England invite for former Shropshire coach Kevin Sharp
Former Shropshire coach Kevin Sharp has spoken of his pride at being invited to be part of the England coaching set-up to assist with preparations for the Second Test with South Africa at Trent Bridge this summer.
Worcestershire batting and second XI coach Sharp will link up with the England squad for the two days ahead of the Test which gets under way on Friday, July 14.
He will be reunited with new England Test captain Joe Root who worked closely with Sharp during his formative years with Yorkshire and has often credited him as being a huge influence on his career.
In addition to Root, Sharp also oversaw the development of the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Garry Ballance, Adam Lyth and Andrew Gale during his spell as a coach at Yorkshire.
After a spell coaching Shropshire, he was offered the chance to return to the First Class game at New Road four years ago and has created a favourable impression.
Sharp said: “I had a message from Paul Farbrace (England assistant coach) and they have asked me to go and join with the Engand squad for two days prior to the Trent Bridge Test to assist with preparations.
“I am absolutely made up and quite chuffed about that. It is quite a nice accolade to have at my time of my life.
“It gives you a lot of pride to help out your country. You go about your job and you do your best and it just came out of the blue.”
“I’ve known Farby a long time and we’ve always had a good relationship and I will be able to catch up with the England captain for a couple of days.
“Joe was in touch, he was good, he made one or two jokes and said he hoped I can still throw!”
Sharp believes the coaching call-up is a reflection on the positive reaction amongst the England hierarchy to the Worcestershire set-up.
He said: “Obviously it is great for the club and great for me. To get some international recognition is great.
“But I think a lot of good things are said about this club with the way we put an emphasis on the Academy and play a lot of our own lads.
“There is a lot of respect for this club with what is happening here.
“Little things like this England call are just of benefit to everyone and is a reflection on the work everyone does - Steve Rhodes, Matt Mason (assistant coach-bowling coach) and Elliot Wilson with the Academy.”
Sharp was part of the coaching set-up when the England Women’s team won the World Cup in 1993, triumphing in the final against New Zealand at Lord’s.
