Nasser Hussain visits Suffolk

Nasser Hussain OBE provided an ‘inspired’ insight into life as England captain at a cricket coaching conference in Suffolk.

The former England skipper was the keynote speaker at the Coaches Conference organised by Woolpit CC Director of Cricket and Suffolk Head Coach Andy Northcote through the Andy Northcote Cricket Academy.

The ex-Essex batsman, who led England between 1999 and 2003, captivated the 60 delegates from 14 counties for an hour at Framlingham College on Sunday with his views on the topic of captaincy.

Hussain spoke about how central contracts played a key part in England’s rise under his leadership and how he managed the various different characters in the side.

There then followed a session on spin bowling delivered by ECB spin bowling consultant Chris Brown, who was on the staff at first-class county Lancashire. The session by Brown, who subsequently captained Norfolk from 2013-2018, also included a practical demonstration.

Former Yorkshire wicket-keeper Simon Guy, who was later player-coach with Suffolk, delivered a session on wicket-keeping both in the classroom and in the adjacent sports hall.

Steffan Jones, who played for four first-class counties and has since become a global fast bowling performance expert, then spoke about fast bowling.

The event was rounded off by a session on white-ball cricket, hosted by David Mann of BBC Radio Suffolk talking to Jones, who has coached Rajasthan Royal in the Indian Premier League, and Nicky Boje, the former South African Test and one-day international. Boje, who appeared in 115 ODIs and a single T20 international for the Proteas, now works at Ipswich School.

Andy Northcote said: “I set up the conference with one objective and that was to have an impact on the local coaching community. The engagement from all the coaches throughout the day helped me achieve that.

“Our guest speakers blew us away; each being very different. Nasser Hussain inspired all by retelling tales of the past building in a truthful
account of his captaincy period.

“Chris Brown and Si Guy’s enthusiasm shone through and Steffan Jones’ detailed, analytical approach wowed all. It was equally great to have Nicky Boje and David Mann wrap up the day in a meaningful but relaxed white-ball show.”

Photograph caption: Former England captain Nasser Hussain speaking at the Andy Northcote Cricket Academy Coaches Conference at Framlingham College on Sunday

Words and Photograph: NICK GARNHAM

Tags: Andy Nothcote, Chris Brown, Coaching, ECB, Nasser Hussain, Nicky Boje, Simon Guy, Steffan Jones, Suffolk

Categorised in: Coaching