Our Coaches

Richard Hindley - Head Coach

"MY SESSIONS ARE FUN, INTERESTING AND PLAYER CENTERED. YOU MAY LEAVE TIRED HAVING WORKED HARD BUT IT WILL BE WORTH IT"


Richard 'Hinders' Hindley brings a wealth of professional playing experience and a deep passion for the game to his role as Head Coach at Serious Cricket.


With an impressive coaching portfolio spanning over 20 years, Richard coordinates and oversees coaching programs both at our Cricket Centre and externally across various schools, clubs, district associations and county teams.


Recognisable as the face of our cricketing content on our social channels, Hinders embodies the spirit of cricket through his coaching expertise and engaging presence.



Coaching Credentials:



  • ECB Level 3 Coach

  • ECB Coach Education Tutor and Assessor

  • 20+ years of coaching experience

Steve Bucksey - Cricket Operations Manager

"BY CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PLAYER TO EXPLORE AND HAVE THE CONFIDENCE TO IMPLIMENT THE PRACTICE TO THE FIELD IS MY AIM IN EVERY SESSION I LEAD"


Steve is an ECB Advanced Coach (Level 3) with over 15 years coaching within the game in addition to many years playing club cricket. This extends specifically to a vast amount of experience coaching in a 121 environment, plus for the last 7 years has been working with players within the Hampshire Pathway.



Coaching Credentials:



  • ECB Level 3 Coach

  • 15+ years of coaching experience

  • 7+ years of working with Hampshire Pathway

Steve Oliphant

"MY MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO HELP PEOPLE UNDERSTAND HOW TO BECOME MORE ACCOMPLISHED AND CONFIDENT IN THEMSELVES.”


Steve ‘Olly’ Oliphant is a key member of our coaching team and has a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of cricket. He strives to create a positive and dynamic learning environment for players of all abilities. If he isn’t doing that he can often be found as a spare pair of hands in our retail outlet, busy warehouse, or even helping out behind our bar!



Coaching Credentials:




  • ECB Level 3 Coach

  • 20+ years of coaching experience


Simon Hammond

“I AIM TO DELIVER AN ENJOYABLE, HIGH-QUALITY PLAYER-CENTERED ACTIVITY WITH CLEAR GOALS.”


Simon Hammond is a seasoned cricket coach who brings over twenty years of coaching wisdom to the cricketing community. Simon's coaching journey has been enriched by his experiences as a former community coach with Hampshire and his role as a Coach Educator. His passion for the game is matched only by his dedication to nurturing cricket talent and imparting his knowledge to those who are eager to learn.



Coaching Credentials:



  • ECB Level 2 Coach

  • ECB Coach Education Tutor and Assessor

  • NVQ A1 Assessor for the Hampshire Academy

  • 20+ years of coaching experience

Mark Otley

"MY SESSIONS ARE PLANNED TO ENSURE WHAT YOU PUT IN IS WHAT YOU GET OUT AND YOU ARE ABLE TO SHOW THE WORK BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD OF PLAY"


Mark is an experienced coach having worked in Academies in New Zealand and also having been a player among those academies.


He has a passion for ensuring aspiring cricketers are given the best opportunity to succeed. Having had 7+ years experience in coaching and many more years as a player Mark wants to create a dynamic environment in which players are able to thrive at whatever level they may be.


Mark has recently moved to England to play cricket for Falkland CC and wants to share his passion of cricket, Mark has represented New Zealand at U19 and been involved in Both Fast bowling development academies and Youth Development academies being involved in these has given Mark the motivation to pass on his knowledge to anyone who is wanting to learn and improve their knowledge of Cricket.

Kieran Connell

“I AIM TO HAVE PLAYERS WALKING OUT MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND CONFIDENT AFTER FUN AND ENTERTAINING PLAYER-CENTRED SESSIONS .”


The youngest member of the coaching team, by some considerable distance you might say. Kieran started in the shop helping everyone with their equipment needs and now he can be found on the other side of the centre working in the arena and net lanes as well. Kieran's coaching journey is in its early stages but like a fine wine, he is maturing nicely. He is a man of many talents, one of which is a goalkeeper so if you have a session with him you will be in safe hands!



Coaching Credentials:



  • ECB Level 2 Coach/Core Coach

  • ECB Support Coach

  • 4+ Years Coaching Experience

Josh Balcombe

“I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING WELL-ROUNDED CRICKETERS, FOCUSING ON TECHNICAL SKILLS, TACTICAL AWARENESS, AND A POSITIVE MINDSET. MY PLAYER-CENTRED APPROACH SUPPORTS GROWTH AND CONFIDENCE AT ALL LEVELS OF THE GAME.”


Having progressed through the Hampshire County Age Groups from U10s to U18s, Josh has gained invaluable insight into diverse coaching methods, shaping their understanding of player development. They have competed at an elite level in the BUCS Southern Premier League and captained teams in various formats, combining technical expertise with leadership experience. Their coaching journey has involved working with juniors and seniors, designing programs to nurture talent, and fostering team cohesion while prioritizing individual growth.


Coaching Credentials:


• ECB Level 2 Coach


• Over 6 years of experience coaching players from grassroots upwards


• Played in the BUCS Southern Premier League for university cricket 


• Developed skills through exposure to diverse coaching styles at the county level


• Expertise in batting, bowling, and fielding development


• Leadership and team management experience in coaching and playing

Ian Simpson

“I AM A STRONG BELIEVER IN WORKING HARD AND HAVING LOTS OF FUN WHILE TRAINING, RESULTING IN LEARNING AND DEVELOPING SKILLS.”


As a player, a club coach, or a district coach, Ian has been a part of the cricket centre for as long as we have been here in Dummer Dummer. He is an enthusiastic coach who loves coaching and helping players. We are not sure who will talk more in the session, you or Ian, but the one thing we do know is that you will have a fun learning experience.



Coaching Credentials:



  • ECB Level 2 Coach

  • 20+ years of coaching experience

Olly Birts

“MY SESSIONS PROVIDE A PLAYER-LED ENVIRONMENT, WHERE THE AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT THE SKILLS DEVELOPED IN THE NETS WILL BE TRANSFERABLE TO MATCH PLAY THROUGH ENGAGING AND CHALLENGING SESSIONS, MEETING THE NEEDS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES.”



  • Former professional cricketer who represented the MCC Young Cricketers, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Hampshire as a left arm spinner and middle order batsman.

    Currently an ECB Level 2 Coach with experience coaching in Australia, South Africa and the UK, also previously Director of Cricket at Guildford CC.

    Specialises in spin bowling and batting. But also has good experience working with seamers.

    Best Coaching Achievement: Working with Shoaib Bashir from the age of 16 years old and still now whilst he plays for England.

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