FORMER Gloucestershire chairman John Light has backed Frocester all-rounder Kieran Smith to shine in England’s Development Programme.

The Marling School pupil is a member of the Gloucestershire academy and has been selected for the Under-17s squad alongside County colleague Miles Hammond.

A third Gloucestershire player, all-rounder Tom Shrewsbury, has been chosen for the Under-19s group.

Smith, a batsman who bowls left-arm Chinamen, was a regular for Nick Trainor’s Frocester in the West of England Premier League’s top division last summer.

Light said: “This is a type of bowling rarely seen but Gloucestershire coach John Bracewell tells me Kieran has the ability to dismiss good batsmen on good wickets.

“Bracewell is a great rugby man, but did not know that Kieran’s grandfather (one of the nicest men in Gloucestershire) was a rugby international and became president of the Rugby Union.

“‘JV’, as he is known by everyone, is rightly proud of Kieran and all Cotswold sportsmen should be proud of the past, and I am sure future contributions of the sporting Smith family.’

THE Gloucestershire Cricket Board is looking for a new coach to help inspire the next generation of players in the county.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for delivering sessions in schools.

Candidates for the full-time role should have completed their ECB Level 2 coaching badge or overseas equivalent. Applications by November 28, for details visit www.gloucestershirecricketboard.com