Ajmal Shahzad joins Derbyshire coaching team

The former England quick replaces Steve Kirby, who has moved to Somerset to lead the bowling attack

Kirby joins Somerset

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Derbyshire have added Ajmal Shahzad to their backroom team ahead of the new season.

The 35-year-old replaces Steve Kirby, who is the new bowling lead at Somerset.

He will operate as an assistant to head coach Dave Houghton with a focus on nurturing the bowlers.

Shahzad played one Test, three ODIs and three T20s for England during a senior career which included spells at Yorkshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Sussex.

After retiring in 2017, he spent time with Ampleforth College in York before joining the MCC's Young Cricketers Programme in 2019.

The former right-arm quick will take charge of an attack that includes Sam Connors, Michael Cohen and Ben Aitchison, as well as allrounders Matt Critchley, Luis Reece.

"I’m really excited to get started with Derbyshire and I can’t wait to work with the lads and see the benefits of our work on the field," he said.

"Steve [Kirby] has done a tremendous job with the attack, and I can see how much potential there is among our bowlers. 

"I’m looking forward to putting my own mark on their development and using my experiences to help them progress and maximise the talent that is clearly there."

Image courtesy of Derbyshire CC