IT has been no coincidence that Gloucestershire’s form this season has been directly related to the commencement of my old coach John Bracewell.

He brings with him a set of skills acquired over many years coaching at a variety of levels.

This will no doubt have instilled in the squad a confidence that has been lacking for a number of years.

One of his main strengths is his ability to maximise the resources he has at his disposal and bring out the best in those that he can inspire.

Certainly, in the one-day format Gloucestershire has looked like the unit they once were in the early 2000s which brought them unprecedented success. Long may this winning habit continue.

In the one-day format Bracewell focuses on disciplined bowling, tight fielding and putting pressure on the fielding side through good running between the wickets. This therefore goes hand in hand with maximising the fitness of the players.