Andy Pick took on the task of moulding the England Under-19s into future stars in October 2003. So far he's helped them to two World Cup semi-finals and will build on this experience in 2006, when he has a year-long sabbatical in Canada whom he will take to the senior tournament in March 2007. The Canadian board is delighted to have bagged his services, and has already heaped praise on his "very special enthusiasm".

Pick started out with Nottinghamshire as a fast bowler, and hit the heights of England A. After finishing at Trent Bridge in 1997 he spent two-and-a-half years as the cricket professional in Bedford School, where he helped to nurture Alastair Cook who was, naturally, in the first XI by the age of 13.

He continued to bring on talent when he accepted the position of national coach for the North East in 2000. Three years later, after a reshuffle, he became the Under-19 coach. Already successful, he can only hone his skills more with Canada - crucial experience which he can plough back into England's youth set-up if and when he returns.
Jenny Thompson March 2006