Frost handed Warwickshire benefit

Warwickshire wicketkeeper-batsman Tony Frost has been awarded a benefit year in 2009 just months after coming out of retirement.

Director of cricket Ashley Giles persuaded the 33-year-old to resume his playing career in January when team-mate Tim Ambrose was called into the England set up.

Frost's decision came a little over two years after he had quit as the professional game and joined the Edgbaston groundstaff.

Tony Frost enjoyed an unexpected revival with Warwickshire in 2008

He responded by producing his best season with the bat, scoring 1,003 LV County Championship Division Two runs at an average of 84. This included a career-best 242 not out against Essex at Chelmsford in September.

Frost, who was chosen for a benefit following a number of approaches from county members, said: “I would like to thank the club for agreeing to the kind requests it received and for awarding me this honour.

“A benefit year is a wonderful opportunity for me and one that I am immensely grateful for.

“I would particularly like to thank all the Warwickshire members that have supported me throughout my career and have helped make this possible.”

Chief executive Colin Povey added: “Tony has been a fantastic and loyal servant to the club and we wish him all the best in his benefit season.”

Frost made his Warwickshire debut in 1997 and received his county cap in 1999. He has scored over 4,000 first-class runs, taking 251 catches and 18 stumpings.