Donovan Miller takes on Essex pathway role despite head coach interview elsewhere

Miller represented Essex at second-team level and has been a regular coaching presence in the Caribbean Premier League

Donovan Miller has joined Essex as a fast-bowling coach on the county's pathway despite making it to the final interview process for a head coach role at another county.

Miller, who played for Essex's second team and has held multiple roles with the club in the past, has head coach experience from his time on the franchise circuit, including in South Africa's short-lived Mzansi Super League with Jozi Stars.

He has also been a regular presence in the Caribbean Premier League, spending time as head coach of Jamaica Tallawahs, as well as with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and as assistant to Andy Flower's St Lucia Zouks.

But despite interest from elsewhere, he told Essex's website that the opportunity to return to the county was too good to turn down, adding that the county was willing to be flexible should future franchise openings come up.

"I was in the final interview process for a head coach role with another first-class county," he said. "However, when this opportunity comes along at a county I call home, I decided to take on the role."

^{Miller will be working with Essex's young fast bowlers, hoping to emulate academy graduates Aaron Beard and Jamie Porter (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

Miller's role will see him work with the county's academy and young fast bowlers, having done similarly in the past with the likes of Jamie Porter, Sam Cook, Jamal Richards and Aaron Beard, all academy graduates.

He added: "The chance to help develop the next generation of bowlers excites me. Furthermore, the county is very flexible regarding the franchise work I have been involved with and continue to encourage me to gain more experience abroad.

"I want to thank Essex Cricket for giving me this opportunity. I have been involved with the county in different roles for several years and it's an environment I know very well with there being some exciting talents right throughout the pathway."

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