Craig Overton has hailed the impact Kevin Shine and Ottis Gibson had on his development during the England Performance Programme’s fast bowlers camp in South Africa.
The 20-year-old was one of seven pacemen to undertake a four-week training camp in Potchefstroom, a place well known for altitude training.
Overseeing the trip were EPP Lead Fast Bowling Coach Shine and Gibson, who left his position in charge of West Indies in August.
And Overton, whose training had been hampered by a minor ankle injury, believes the experienced duo had a positive impact on his game during the trip.
The Somerset bowling all-rounder told ecb.co.uk: “Gibbo has been really good. He has developed me a little bit. He just gives a different opinion to what Shiney gives.
One proper athlete and seven wannabe's!! @chrissyohuruogu had her first net with the boys today! #Legend#PotchUnitspic.twitter.com/Oh1qFsHGGj
— Jack Brooks (@BrooksyFerret) December 5, 2014
“It is always nice to get other people's thoughts on what they think I can improve on so you can gather both points of view and see what is best to you.”
Overton took a well-earned break from bowling following the end of the domestic campaign in September.
In South Africa he did not make major changes to his action, instead focusing on going back to basics.
He said: “It was just bowling, getting back into it after having six weeks off after the season.
“It was slowly trying to get back into it and change a few things. But I was pretty happy with how I was before so I didn’t have to change much.”
Tried batting today with the cricket boys! I wasn't v. good though.much harder than it looks, but alot of fun! pic.twitter.com/iiPgrowxeX
— Christine Ohuruogu (@chrissyohuruogu) December 5, 2014
The seven fast bowlers, who were joined by James Anderson and Stuart Broad, were not the only athletes taking advantage of the world-class facilities in Potchefstroom.
Ensuring Shine and Gibson were allowed a break, Ohuruogu gave up her time to put on a training session for the players while also having a net.
“It was a strange experience because you don’t really come out and expect to train with Olympians,” said Overton, who has been named in England Lions’ squad for the tour of South Africa in the new year.