Alleyne holds high hopes

Mark Alleyne © Getty Images

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Gloucestershire coach Mark Alleyne has called on his young side to prove their potential by claiming the LV County Championshiop Division Two title this season.

Alleyne, a former England all-rounder and one of his county’s best loved captains of the modern era, insists that a largely inexperienced outfit can challenge for honours.

“It’s a tough season regardless of how young or old your side are,” said Alleyne. “A county season is intense, but we feel we have the ability to cope with those rigours.

“We’ve lost a lot of experience in the one-day side, but we’re hoping to do well in both forms of the game and we feel it’s pretty even.

“If you ask me what success would look like in September I’d say winning the Second Division title is within our capabilities, definitely.”

If Gloucestershire are to win promotion they will rely heavily on players such as Craig Spearman.

William Porterfield may be on the verge of a Gloucestershire contract © Getty Images

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Last year he hit an impressive high of 192 against Worcestershire, and will be expected to at least maintain his average of 44.19.

A place in the top flight of the four-day game is firmly in Alleyne’s sights even if they do not top the Division Two table, while extending the Gladiators’ fine record in the short format - further improved by last year’s victory in the second tier of the NatWest Pro40 - is also on the cards.

“Second best would be winning promotion and if we can keep up the success we’ve had in the one-day game over the last seven or eight years then I’ll be a happy man,” he added.

“This is my second year full time as a coach and we’ll be looking to improve this year.”

Meanwhile, this year’s World Cup has given Gloucestershire fans a chance to watch new signing Anthony Ireland in action.

Ireland, 22, represented Zimbabwe in the tournament and, after retiring from international cricket, will now be plying his trade on the county circuit.

“Anthony played a little for our seconds last year and we’re confident that he will help us compete on every day of the season,” said Alleyne, who will also give a trial to opening batsman William Porterfield after Ireland return from the World Cup.