Frost back from retirement

Anticipating the absence of Tim Ambrose with England in New Zealand, Warwickshire have summoned Tony Frost from retirement. The wicketkeeper retired from the first-class game in 2006 and took up a ground staff position at the club, but has been asked to return for the upcoming season.

Since his retirement Frost has represented Knowle and Durridge in club cricket, and Warwickshire will hope the experience has kept his skills sharp. Should Ambrose perform sufficiently to cement a place in the England squad, the county may need the services of Frost for the entirety of the upcoming season.

“Tony ticks all the boxes and can provide good cover should Tim be away for prolonged spells with England,” said Giles, the director of cricket. “He is an experienced, capped player who is an accomplished batter and like-for-like replacement.”

In 92 first-class games Frost has averaged 28.12 with 3 hundreds. Perhaps more crucial, however, is his record of 241 dismissals. In his final season for Warwickshire he topped the first-class batting averages. Giles has made it clear, however, that Frost is a short-term replacement.

“As a club we want to be positive and support our younger players and we feel that [reserve keeper] Richard Johnson would benefit from more matches with the second XI before being thrust into first team cricket,” he said, “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 himself reveled in the opportunity to return for his county. “It was a surprise to be having the conversation but it didn’t take me long to accept the offer,” he said.