Goodwin's new challenge

Less than a month after Murray Goodwin’s glittering 12-summer career with English County team Sussex ended, the top batsman has returned to the South West and set himself a new challenge.

Goodwin was this week unveiled as the new coach at Colts Cricket Club and he said developing junior talent would be a major focus.

The 39-year-old has had a distinguished ca ree r in the spo rt, dominating first class matches around the globe and making more than 90 international appearances for Zimbabwe.

Colts will field four junior teams this season and Goodwin said his first priority would be lending a hand to the stars of the future.

‘‘It is a position I am taking very seriously,’’ Goodwin said.

‘‘Our junior sides have dwindled a little bit. I think Bunbury’s junior cricket sides have dwindled a little bit over the past few years.

‘‘It is important someone like myself, who has been able to play first class and international cricket, tries to put something back in.’’

Goodwin will also return to the crease as a player for Colts, who will this summer attempt to defend their Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association premiership.

But any personal achievements will be taking a back seat this summer.

‘‘I need to put something into the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association because, after all, this is where I started,’’ he said.

‘‘I want to be seen playing with up and coming youngsters and after the games if they want any advice of feedback hopefully I can put them on the right track.’’

While his focus is on playing and coaching in the South West, Goodwin has not ruled out a return to England in 2013, but not with Sussex.

The veteran batsman revealed he had ‘‘an offer on the table’’ to play on in the County competition next season.

He scored 24,000 runs in all forms of the game for Sussex, including 48 centuries.

The former WA and Zimbabwe batsman also engineered two triple centuries in his time at Hove.

Goodwin is available for private coaching sessions, contact him at mwgoodwin@hotmail.com.