LONDON, May 28: Matthew Maynard was confirmed Saturday as England’s new assistant coach. The 39-year-old Glamorgan and former England batsman will now retire from playing with immediate effect having already been recruited to the national one-day coaching set-up.

Maynard is set to take up his new job on June 9 and will work with both Test and one-day squads as well as Academy and age group teams on a contract that will run until the end of the 2006 English season.

“I really enjoyed being a part of the England management team during the winter and am very pleased that I am now going to be involved with England’s elite cricketers on a longer-term basis,” Maynard, who played four Tests, said.

“I have spent 20 years with Glamorgan and leaving Sophia Gardens behind will be a big wrench, but this is a terrific opportunity for me to bring my skills and experience to bear at the top level and I am very excited about the prospect.”

Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin added: “It’s disappointing to be losing a player of Matthew’s calibre but he had indicated his intention to retire at the end of the season anyway and as opportunities such as these don’t come up too often we’re happy to help in any way we can.

“Matthew has made a terrific contribution to cricket in Wales, both on and off the field, for more than 20 years.

“We’re delighted he’s been identified for such an important role and we’ve no doubt he will be a great success in his new position.”

Back in 1985, Maynard scored a century on his first-class debut against Yorkshire reaching his hundred with three successive sixes.

He later captained Glamorgan to their 1997 County Championship success under current England coach Duncan Fletcher.

—AFP