Nottinghamshire have moved to strengthen their pathway coaching setup with the acquisition of Anton Roux from Otago.

The former Netherlands Head Coach will take charge of batting and fielding across age group squads and the club’s Academy. 

The 38-year-old will join Andy Pick, who took up a similar position as a bowling specialist for the club’s youngsters following the Autumn acquisition of Kevin Shine.

Former Notts players Bilal Shafayat, James Hindson, Darren Bicknell, David Lucas and Jamie Hart are, meanwhile, in their second year of coaching the club’s young cricketers.

“Developing homegrown players is one of our main aims. It’s something we’re focusing on. Anton has the skills and experience to assist us with that,” said Director of Cricket, Mick Newell.

“With a number of ex-professionals – and the introduction of full-time specialist coaches in Anton and Andy Pick into that pathway system – we believe those players will now be receiving the best possible support and tuition.

“Developing homegrown players is one of our main aims. Anton has the skills and experience to assist us with that.”

Mick Newell

“We have a healthy number of homegrown players within our professional squad now. We always want that to be more – and we want to drive the standards as high as they can be so, ultimately, we are producing players who enjoy long and successful careers with us and can push to play international cricket.”

Roux, a former right-arm spinning all-rounder who won 36 of his 52 games in charge of the Dutch national side, left his role in the Netherlands to join Otago as an Assistant Coach in 2016.

“My association with Notts goes back to 2002 when I was involved with the Titans Academy in Pretoria and played against them in a pre-season game in Johannesburg,” he recalled.

“The first time I visited Trent Bridge I was in awe of the ground and club. To fast forward a few years and come back as a Pathway Coach seriously excites me."

Anton Roux

“Clive Rice was the coach at the time, Chris Read was the keeper and after the game I was given a shirt from the skipper, Darren Bicknell.

“The first time I visited Trent Bridge was with the Dutch team back in 2013 and I was in awe of the ground and club.

“To now fast forward a few years and come back as a Pathway Coach – and join a coaching team containing Matt Wood and Andy Pick – seriously excites me.

“On top of that, to be able to tap into the knowledge and expertise of the coaching staff of Peter Moores, Kevin Shine, Paul Franks, and Ant Botha is an awesome thought for any coach.

“I look forward to adding value wherever I can to the Notts players and to this great club. I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get stuck in.”

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