Jack Brooks working with Western Storm

It’s been another busy winter for Jack Brooks.

As well as working through his pre-season programme, the Somerset bowler has been working with Western Storm.

We caught up with him earlier this week to find out how he’s been fitting everything in.

“Over the winter I’ve been looking into some coaching opportunities,” he explained. “I’ve got my Level Three coaching badge and I wanted to see what I can learn about myself from coaching others and whether I can have a positive impact on young cricketers. I spoke with [Western Storm Head Coach] Trevor Griffin and asked him if I could just see how he went about things because the women’s game is getting bigger and bigger and there’s so much talent coming through.

“Trevor said that he was looking to recruit a bowling coach and a batting coach, and I said that although I’ve got a First Class hundred I might be better suited to helping with the bowling! I’m now spending two afternoons a week working with Western Storm.

“It’s been amazing. The players are so open to learning and it’s great to be a part of these young player’s journeys. There’s some serious talent there. Most recently I’ve been working with Lauren Filer. She’s a massive prospect. She bowls quick, she’s tall and she’s got skills.

“Heather Knight has been in a few times too and it’s been really interesting to see how the England Captain goes about her business. It’s been a massive learning curve for me and I’ve found it really enjoyable and rewarding. Hopefully, I can still help support them in the summer.

“The women’s game is going from strength to strength and it’s really exciting that young girls have the chance to develop as players and can go on to have lengthy careers in the game.”

Head Coach, Trevor Griffin has been impressed by what he’s seen.

“Jack has been superb,” he said. “He’s got a great nature and quickly built relationships with the players. The squad already speak very highly of him and enjoy talking about the game with him. He’s getting a lot from it as well as he discovers where his strengths lie as a coach.

“He his desire to help the players and share his experience and knowledge shines through. He’s built up a great relationship with Lauren Filer and I’m hoping that some of his aggressiveness towards batters rubs off on her.

“The opportunity to have somebody with his experience and knowledge of the game to come in and work with our players was too good to turn down. It’s a win-win situation because it also gives him the chance to experience something different and develop as a coach.”