FORMER Zimbabwe national cricket bowler Kyle Jarvis has donated 50 bowling boots to net bowlers across the country.

The right-arm fast bowler, who now plays County Cricket for Lancashire after quitting international cricket in 2013, says he is driven by the need to give back to a country ‘that has given me so much’.

“I come back to Zimbabwe every year and I see the hard work these developing players put in the nets.

“After meeting with Sean Bell the Zimbabwe National team (fitness) trainer I discussed my idea with him and we partnered up to start this initiative,” he said.

The 27-year-old said more pairs will come next year

“It's only a small start, but looking to bring many more pairs over the coming year.

“I wanted to donate as many pairs of boots as I can to help developing players across Zimbabwe.

“I felt the time was right to give back to a game and country that has given me so much.

“If I can help even one player to take the next step in their career then I will feel like it has been a success.

“With the economy as it is, unfortunately it's not easy for everyone to have access to boots whenever they need so I'm just happy I can do my part to help out,” Jarvis said.

Bell, whose Howzat Cricket Academy has also benefitted from Jarvis’s generosity, was grateful for Jarvis’s initiative.

“Guys have been very appreciative,” he said.

“So far we have only distributed to Harare based players, but would like to get out to surrounding areas and distribute to deserving players in Bulawayo, Mutare, Kwekwe and surrounding areas.

“This is very encouraging we hope that the project between Kyle and Howzat lasts long into the future and we can even look to source 2nd hand equipment to service the junior market.