Crowe flies back to Berkshire

Berkshire Cricket Club have appointed Carl Crowe as their new professional.

The 34-year-old off spinner, who is also developing a reputation as an outstanding coach. helped the county to win the Minor Counties Championship in 2008 before rejoining Leicestershire last season.

But he has now returned to a Berkshire team that includes younger brother Craig.

"We are naturally delighted to have him back in our ranks," said team manager Dave Morris.

Crowe takes over from all-rounder Richard Logan, who was the county's professional last season, when he topped both the batting and bowling averages.

"Having to release Logie was the hardest decision I have ever had to make as Berkshire team manager," said Morris.

"He is a super guy and did a great job for us, but unfortunately, we can only have one professional.

"But I felt that having Carl will give the team a better balance.

"Chris Peploe (slow left-arm spinner) is going to play for us on a more regular basis and he and Carl will give us a very strong spin attack. Both can also bat as well."

Berkshire have been back in the indoor nets for three weeks with a number of new faces in attendance.

They include batsman Neil Turk, the 26-year-old brother of Reading player Paul Turk, and left-handed bat Simon Macey, 23, who has played for Wiltshire and Worcestershire 2nd.

Wicketkeeper Tom Burrows, having been released by Hampshire last season, is set to return to Berkshire although his work as a solicitor is likely to restrict him to playing in one-day matches only,

All-rounder Richard Morris, son of the team manager and younger brother of all-rounder James, could also be playing for the Royal county providing he can overcome a knee injury. He was previously on the Hampshire staff.

Opening bat David Barnes is currently resting following surgery on his back, and he has been joined on the sidelines by his Henley club colleague Tom Lambert.

Paceman Lambert broke his hand when young Reading batsman Shelvin Gumbs drove the ball back to the bowler during a nets session. He will be in plaster for about six weeks, but should be fit for the early season warm-up matches.

Berkshire make their earliest ever start to a season with a one-day game against the Middlesex 1st XI at Radlett CC confirmed for Wednesday March 31.

They will return to Radlett a week later to take on Middlesex's second string.

Former Berkshire coach and player Richard Johnson is now back with Middlesex as a bowling coach.