JAMES Tomlinson is looking forward to developing a new generation of Hampshire fast bowlers - after the birth of his second child.

The Hampshire legend, whose wife Lucy is due to give birth to a sister for their three-year-old son Ernest, is a father figure to many youngsters at The Ageas Bowl.

His main cricketing ambition now is to develop the county’s first homegrown opening bowler since he and Chris Tremlett came through the ranks.

“I’ve done the winter coaching stuff for five years through all the age groups and have been very lucky to have an opportunity to work with [head of player development] Charlie Freeston, a brilliant bowling coach,” he says.

“He’s my bowling guru and Matt Drakeley at the Emerging Players Programme has given me lots of opportunities to run a bowling group throughout the winter.”

Tomlinson is coaching 35 fast bowlers between the ages of 11 and 20.

“To get some academy seamers coming through from the southern part of England is the aim.

"We’re looking everywhere but it takes time. I want to get the best athletes in the south and teach them how to bowl.

“During the Olympics Steve Redgrave said he wants to teach tall, big people how to row. Bowling is very different but it’s the same process.

“If you get strong people and teach them how to bowl there’s a possibility there.

"But a huge number of things things have got to come together to produce a fast bowler.

“You have to have the right character and the right support when you break down - because every bowler breaks down. They also need a really good release and to be able to hit a 50p.

“What we mustn’t do is mollycoddle them because fast bowling is incredibly tough.”