Warwickshire bring back Frost
Tony Frost has been brought out of retirement by Warwickshire to cover for the potential absence of Tim Ambrose on England duty next season
Cricinfo staff
10-Jan-2008
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The offer was put to him by Ashley Giles, the director of cricket, following Ambrose's call-up for the tour of New Zealand which starts next month. If Ambrose cements a place as England's wicketkeeper it will leave Warwickshire short of options behind the stumps.
"Tony ticks all the boxes and can provide good cover should Tim be away for prolonged spells with England," said Giles. "He is an experienced, capped player who is an accomplished batter and like-for-like replacement.
"As a club we want to be positive and support our younger players and we feel that Richard Johnson [the reserve keeper] would benefit from more matches with the second XI before being thrust into first team cricket. Tim's position in the England set-up is not guaranteed but until we know more about his long-term commitments we now have an experienced and committed replacement for what is such a crucial position in the side."
Frost was thrilled to be given the opportunity to relaunch his professional career. "It was a surprise to be having the conversation but it didn't take me long to accept the offer," he said. "I have enjoyed working with the ground staff and learning the other side of the game but I loved my time with [Warwickshire] and I can't wait to get back with the team and playing."
In his last season before retiring Frost topped Warwickshire's batting averages and was highly rated around the circuit as one of the safest wicketkeepers. Early in his career he was forced to bide his time while Keith Piper had the No. 1 slot, but enjoyed a consistent run when Piper vacated the role.