SOMERSET have appointed former all-rounder Ben Phillips as part-time academy bowling coach. 

Phillips, 40, will work with young fast bowlers on both the academy, the identified fast bowling group, and the Somerset Cricket Board’s Emerging Player Programme as well as with the county age group teams.

Phillips made his first class debut in 1996 and after a spell with Northamptonshire he moved to Somerset in 2007 where he was played under the captaincy of Justin Langer, before moving onto Nottinghamshire where he played between 2011 and 13.

During his career Ben played in 124 first class matches in which he scored almost 3000 runs at an average of 21.30 and took 271 wickets at 30, with a best of 6 for 29.

In addition Ben played in 137 List A matches in which he claimed 153 wickets at 30.21 and made 63 T20 appearances taking 62 wickets at 27.79.

“I am really thrilled to have been appointed to this post. I have got very fond memories of my playing days with Somerset and it’s great to bet back involved with the Club.

“When you retire you want to keep involved with the first class game and to have the chance to work with the future stars at Somerset is a huge honour for me and I feel really privileged to be working alongside the other coaches at the County Ground.”

Ben added: “This is a great opportunity for me and I am really thrilled and can’t wait to get started.”

Andy Hurry, the Somerset Director of High Performance said: “We are very excited to be able to announce the appointment of Ben Phillips who will work jointly with both the Academy fast bowlers as well as the Somerset Cricket Board’s Emerging Player Programme and Age Group teams, “Having reviewed the Academy over the last few months we felt that a specialist fast bowling coach was of paramount importance to the players going forward.

“Ben has a great understanding of the philosophy of the Club having played for Somerset and after finishing in the first class game he has been away and developed himself into a coach and we are very much looking forward to him working alongside us in the Academy programme, in conjunction with Somerset Cricket Board.”