Kevin in as Three Lions Sharp up for Proteas

KEVIN Sharp will be reunited with England captain Joe Root this summer after the Worcestershire batting coach was invited to be part of the Three Lions coaching set-up.

The 58-year-old will link up with the England squad for two days ahead of the second Test against South Africa at Trent Bridge which begins on July 14.

Sharp worked with Root during a spell as coach at Yorkshire while he also oversaw the development of the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Gary Ballance and Adam Lyth.

Worcestershire have helped England out recently with director of cricket Steve Rhodes chosen to work with England for the two-Test series in Bangladesh last winter after a previous spell with the England Lions in the UAE.

Sharp said:“I had a message from Paul Farbrace (England assistant coach) and they have asked me to go and join with the England squad for two days prior to the Trent Bridge Test to assist with preparations.

“I am absolutely made up and quite chuffed about that. It is quite a nice accolade to have at my time of life. It gives you a lot of pride to help out your country.You go about your job and you do your best, and it just came out of the blue.

“I’ve known Farby a long time and we’ve always had a good relationship and I will be able to catch up with the England captain. Joe was in touch, he was good, he made one or two jokes and said he hoped I can still throw!”