Former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm is backing the nation’s cricketers to shrug aside their off-field troubles and get back to winning ways when the three-Test series in the West Indies starts next week.The 45-year-old was in Shropshire yesterday to give a master-class to youngsters in Frankton, before speaking at the village cricket club’s annual dinner.

Malcolm was born in Jamaica, where England’s first Test against the West Indies begins on Wednesday. But he is backing his adopted nation to triumph.

“Steve Harmison holds the key to this first Test,” he said. “He does not like touring, but if he bowls well he will be a real fire starter. He is a fine bowler but he needs a bit of luck. If England bowl well in Jamaica, they will win.”

Malcolm, who famously took 9-57 against South Africa to lead England to victory at The Oval 15 years ago, added: “The West Indies has talent like Edwards, Chanderpaul and Gayle. But if England are at their best they they can win this series.”

Malcolm also praised the coaching set-up at Frankton for giving local teenagers a love of cricket.

“Too often it is the international coaches that get the credit for producing top class cricketers. But it is really at clubs like this where the love of cricket comes from. I love watching youngsters play cricket like this, and I have seen some real talent here.”