FORMER Somerset all rounder Ian Blackwell is back at the Cooper Associates County Ground working with the Academy youngsters on a regular basis, writes Richard Walsh.

‘Blackie’ played for Somerset between 2000 and 2008 and was an integral part of the team which won the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at Lord’s in 2001.

During his career which included one Test match and 34 ODI appearances for England, the big hitting left handed batsman and slow left armer scored 11,500 first class runs at an average of 39.57, which included 27 centuries and a best of 247 not out and took 398 wickets at 35.91.

Now Blackie is back at Taunton helping to develop the next generation of Somerset players he said: “It has been good helping out at the ground with the academy players, especially the left handers.

“Young Louie Shaw, who is a promising slow left armer, looks a great prospect so I’ve enjoyed talking to him and helping him.

“Eddie Byrom, a left handed batsman, is another player with immense talent. Working with him on batting in the one day arena and facing spin has been a good challenge.

“Eddie is a well grounded individual with a great work ethic, wanting to learn and better himself. It’s been a pleasure helping him and I predict big things for Eddie, similar to what Tom Abell has done for himself.”

Eddie Byrom said: “ It is a great experience for me to have the chance to work with someone like Ian Blackwell who was a world class left hander. He has talked with me a lot and I am sure it will help me with the development of my own game.”

Academy director Steve Snell said: “ I have always had the very highest regard for Blackie who was a very talented player in all formats of the game. As a left hander he has a lot to share with the likes of Eddie Byrom and Louie Shaw and we are very fortunate to be able to involve him with the Academy.”