Pupils' progress gives "vicarious thrill" to ex-pros at Shrewsbury School

Coaches can share knowledge across the first-class, regional and T20 system

When assessing Shrewsbury School's cricket programme you can't help but be drawn to the depth of quality coaching.

Experience across the first-class, regional and T20 system, and knowledge of England Under-19s, National Counties and the club game is a conversation away for over 800 students – a source of pride for director of cricket Will Hughes.

Leading the effort is cricket professional Adam Shantry, who made nearly 50 appearances for Glamorgan, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire before knee injuries cut short his career in 2011.

"Adam has a good rapport with pupils, finds out what makes them tick and is good at putting in place a targeted programme, making good use of technology to refine techniques," Hughes said.

^{An aerial view of Shrewsbury School}

"It is great for him to see players achieve at a high level, getting a vicarious thrill off that. He is getting a lot of pleasure seeing players stepping onto the professional pathway."

Spearheading the girls' programme is Gwen Davies, who represented Birmingham Phoenix in the 2022 women's Hundred and has previously played for Central Sparks and Loughborough Lightning (now The Blaze).

"She sets the girls high standards and expects them to be brave and committed in the field," said Hughes. "She knows what it takes to play at the highest level. 

"She knows what the girls should be doing and fighting their corner to make sure they are not behind the boys in terms of coaching hours and a quality fixture list. It gives us a real figurehead, a role model and impetus to the programme.

Dave Manning, 60, enjoyed several years in the Birmingham Premier League and represented Worcestershire Cricket Board and the MCC.

^{High standards are expected of girls' cricketers}

Hughes added: "Dave brings a real pragmatic and streetwise nous to our cricketers who perhaps have lived in quite a cosy bubble; he brings a hard edge slant. 

"He is a very good manager, sets very high standards but is excellent at getting the best out of players and he has been instrumental to our success. He leaves no stone unturned."

Ex-Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire opener Greg Smith completed his first year at Shrewsbury in 2022/23, arriving primarily as a geography teacher, and has already made an impact.

"For the young batters in the side to have his calmness in the nets talking through different scenarios is like gold dust," said Hughes. 

"He spent the winter taking groups on playing spin and is hugely well connected. We had a talk with Tom Westley, the Essex captain. In terms of the blend he is a recent leaver from the game and brings a real contemporary feel."