Ben Green surrounded by members of the Devon under-18 and development squads during a break in training

SOMERSET all-rounder Ben Green has been going back to his roots to work with some of Devon’s up-and-coming youngsters.

Green, who went through Devon’s youth system all the way to the Minor Counties side, has been coaching the current crop of development squad and under-18 players.

The 22 year old from Exeter went through the Somerset Academy as well on his way to winning a professional contract at Taunton.

Having played 17 times for England under-19s between 2015-2017, and spent UK winters honing his game in Australia, Green has learned a lot in a relatively short time.

And Green is enjoying passing on some of his knowledge during sessions at the Ondaatje Cricket Centre in Exeter while working towards his ECB Level Two coaching award.

Green has been working alongside Devon pathway manager Sandy Allen and cricket development manager Matt Theedom with the Devon youngsters. He has loved every minute of it.

“It’s great for me to go back to Devon and see some familiar faces and to really try and help these kids make the next step in their careers,” said Green.

“It’s been a great opportunity for me, and I’m looking into whether I would like to take up coaching in the future.

“I love going back to Devon, so it’s a perfect arrangement.

“Devon did so much for me from the age of nine and I still occasionally play for their senior team. I’ve got a lot of ties there and a lot of fond memories.

“I’ve got a lot to thank Devon for when it comes to the large part of the journey that I’ve been on as a cricketer so far. If I can help just one kid make that step up then that would be great.”

Theedom said everyone is benefiting from Green’s sessions.

“We all know Ben is a talented player, but he is also developing into an articulate and knowledgeable coach,” said Theedom.

“It has been brilliant for our young players to work with Ben and learn from his experiences.

“Ben has been undertaking his ECB Certificate in Coaching Young People and Adults with the Devon Cricket Board this winter and is working with our Development XI and Under 18 performance squads.

“It's very heart-warming to see someone that has come through our player pathway becoming such a good role model.”