Alex Lees has revealed that Lead High Performance Coach James Franklin has made an impressive first impression on Durham’s players ahead of the 2019 season.
Franklin signed a two-year deal with the club after replacing Jon Lewis, who opted to leave his role at Emirates Riverside at the end of last term.
The 38-year-old enjoyed a long career in the game, featuring in 31 Test Matches and 110 ODI’s for New Zealand. Lees believes that his experience at the highest level will stand him good stead in his new role, and feels that he has already made an impact on the squad during their time together in pre-season in South Africa.
Lees said: “He has been very impressive. I was fortunate enough to play against him a few times for Middlesex. I always knew he was a good bloke. Working with him in South Africa was the first time I worked with him as a coach, but he was very impressive.
“He’s a typical Kiwi, he’s very laid back and very approachable along with being firm, but fair. He’s going to give a sense of real enjoyment to the players and I think he’ll push us in the right direction on and off the field. I’m very much looking forward to working with him.”
Lees made a solid start to the 2019 season, scoring 74 in the first innings of Durham’s first-class opener against Durham MCCU at Emirates Riverside. The opener has admitted that the change in coaching staff has put the pressure on the players to earn their place in the side for the start of the new campaign.
He added: “Change provides a new challenge for players even for those that might have been here a long time. It’s a fresh slate for everybody.
“Any amount of runs at this stage of the year for anyone can only help, individually and as a team. It provides healthy competition and makes people work harder to earn their spots, which is what every squad needs.”
Durham begin their season on the road against Derbyshire on Friday in their Specsavers County Championship opener.