Blain takes coaching role with Yorkshire

John Blain will return to Yorkshire at the end of October as assistant bowling coach and will also be registered as a player so can be called up if required. However, the club have agreed to release him for Scotland's ICC World Twenty20 matches next summer and the World Cup qualifiers.

Blain will be responsible for developing the pipeline of talent emerging from a schools' cricket programme in the county and through the club's academy. He will eventually take over from Steve Oldham.

He began his career with Northamptonshire before moving to Yorkshire for the 2004 season, playing 14 first-class matches over three seasons and taking 38 wickets. He has also played 31 ODIs and six Twenty20 internationals for Scotland

"This is a great opportunity for me and it will be an honour working for the Yorkshire in such an important role," Blain said. "I have enormous respect for Steve Oldham and relish the chance to learn from him and develop my own coaching expertise."

Yorkshire chief executive, Stewart Regan, said: "John is well known to Yorkshire's members and supporters and will be a great asset to the county as we move forward. His international experience, natural leadership qualities and enthusiasm makes him an ideal role model for younger players. We want him to spend time with Steve Oldham in order to learn the tricks of the trade and ultimately take over when Steve decides to call it a day."