Blain returns to Yorkshire fold

Scotland seamer John Blain played for Yorkshire between 2004 and 2006

John Blain is set to rejoin Yorkshire at the end of October as an assistant bowling coach.

He will be responsible for developing the pipeline of talent emerging from a thriving schools' cricket programme in the county and through the club's academy.

The 29-year-old is seen as an ideal long-term replacement for Steve Oldham who has been personally responsible for bringing through England internationals Darren Gough, Matthew Hoggard and Ryan Sidebottom in recent years.

Oldham will play a key role in Blain's personal development thus ensuring that Yorkshire have a succession plan in place for young bowlers to progress through the ranks and into the professional squad.

Blain said: “This is a great opportunity for me and it will be an honour working for the Yorkshire County Cricket Club in such an important role. I have enormous respect for Steve Oldham and relish the chance to learn from him and develop my own coaching expertise. I cannot wait to get started.”

In the short-term, Blain will be registered as a professional cricketer with Yorkshire and will represent the county when required.

Blain began his cricket career with Northamptonshire before moving to Yorkshire just before the start of the 2004 season. He spent three seasons with Yorkshire between 2004 and 2006 and played 14 first-class matches, taking 38 wickets.

Blain has played 31 one-day internationals for Scotland

As a Scotland international he has played 31 one-day internationals and six international Twenty20 matches, taking 44 wickets in all.

Blain will continue to represent Scotland and will feature in the Twenty20 World Cup in 2009 as Yorkshire have agreed with Cricket Scotland that he can continue as an international player.

Stewart Regan, Yorkshire’s chief executive, said: “John is well known to Yorkshire’s members and supporters and will be a great asset to the county as we move forward. His international experience, natural leadership qualities and enthusiasm makes him an ideal role model for younger players.

"We want him to spend time with Steve Oldham in order to learn the tricks of the trade and ultimately take over when 'SO' decides to call it a day.”

Roddy Smith, chief executive at Cricket Scotland added: "This is excellent news for John and a real opportunity to progress his professional career.

"I am sure he will be a real asset for Yorkshire CCC and I am absolutely delighted for him both on a personal and professional level.

"Yorkshire has agreed that John can continue playing for Scotland which is great news for us, especially with the World Cup Qualifier and Twenty20 World Cup taking place in 2009."