Mark Ramprakash 'thrilled' to extend his coaching role with Middlesex

As a player, Ramprakash made 52 Test appearances for England, but it was in county cricket where he starred with the bat, playing for Middlesex for 14 seasons before moving across the Thames to Surrey.

He scored over 35,000 first-class runs at an average of 53.14 and Middlesex's head of performance cricket Alan Coleman praised the impact the experienced Ramprakash has had on the group since taking up the position over the winter.

"Since Ramps joined us at the start of our winter training programme, the impact he's had has been incredible," Coleman said.

"He has brought an energy to our sessions that not only engages the players but constantly challenges them to improve.

"I'm thrilled that he has committed himself to the group for the rest of this season, and I can't wait to see what we can collectively achieve with him as an important part of the coaching unit."

Head coach Chris Silverwood, assistant Graham Thorpe and director of men's cricket Ashley Giles all departed their roles in the wake of England's humiliating defeat to Australia this winter.

And Ramprakash said the prolific bowling pair have paid the price for poor batting performances during the Ashes.

"I hope it's not the end of their careers but whether they will be in the frame to be selected in the summer, there's a huge question mark," he said.

"Young players learn off great players, by being alongside them, and not having them in the squad does mean there's a huge hole in the England Test side.

"I never saw this coming because really there's been so much focus on England's poor batting displays, particularly in Australia, but also last summer, and it seems that these two great bowlers may have paid the price for the Ashes defeat.

"I hope it's not the end of their careers, because they've been such unbelievable servants for England."