Essex have appointed Graeme Welch as their new seam-bowling coach. Welch, 35, retired through injury last summer after playing for Warwickshire and Derbyshire.

“After retiring from playing in the summer I’ve been looking for a new start and as I’ve been coaching for a number of years already this is a great opportunity, especially with all the changes that have been taking place at Essex,” he told the club’s website.

“I’ll bring my knowledge and experience of swing bowling, having bowled it myself and played with and against a lot of international bowlers whose brains I’ve picked. In general I hope to bring enjoyment, excitement and fun to the role. Although I’m not a slave driver I’m not afraid of hard work so I hope to instil that into the bowlers at Essex.”