Bowling coach Matt Mason is backing Worcestershire paceman Jack Shantry to double his tally of 250 first class wickets before he hangs up his spikes.
The 28-year-old reached the milestone in the hard fought draw with Derbyshire in the Specsavers County Championship at the 3aaa County Ground last week.
Mason believes Shantry's excellent fitness record plus a bowling action-run-up which does not over-tax his body, means he will be able to continue playing for many more seasons.
He said: "Shants has got to 250 first class wickets, and with a terrific average as well, and I think he will go well beyond that.
"He could easily double that. He is not particularly old, he has a very resilient body. He's hardly missed a game through injury so he could have a very long career for Worcestershire.
"He will probably double that tally I would have thought.
"Bowling doesn't seem to take it out of him. He can bowl day after day and that is one of his great strengths really.
"You can throw him the ball anytime and you know what you'll get.
"I'd like to see him running in at New Road for another five, six years for sure."
Mason belives Shantry can surpass the achievements of another popular Worcestershire bowler in Alan Richardson who ended his career with 569 first class wickets after a golden four years at New Road yielded 250 wickets.
He said: : "I don't think Shants will ever lose the desire to do the business. What a terrific competitor and player he is for Worcestershire and I love watching him play.
"He gives 100% for the lads and the team and he is so determined. He believes on his day he can do anything and often he does it.
"There is no reason why he can't emulate someone like an Alan Richardson and even go beyond his impressive career stats."
