Ed Foster’s chance to forge a career in the First Class game with Leicestershire has left Shrewsbury pondering just who will spearhead their Birmingham Cricket League first division promotion challenge this season.
Foster had been elected as Shrewsbury’s skipper at their AGM but the London Roaders are now trying to discover whether he will be available to play for them given his commitments at Grace Road.
Chairman Andy Barnard said the classy opening batsman remained their first choice to captain the side but they are now assessing whether it’s still a viable proposition.
“I’ve been in contact with Ed quite a lot in the last few days,” said Barnard. “He’s asked for clarification from Leicestershire about his commitments on Saturdays and he’s waiting to hear back from them.
“It’s up in the air but clearly we still want Ed to do it if he’s available. That would be the best outcome for us but in the back of our mind, we’ve got other options.”
Barnard added everyone connected with Shrewsbury was delighted to see Foster join Leicestershire after being released by Worcestershire at the end of last season.
“We’re very proud of what Ed’s done and we want him to go and play First Class cricket,” he said. “We hope he turns his three-month contract into a full time contract. We feel that’s our role, producing good young cricketers, and there are a few more at the club who would like to follow in Ed’s footsteps.”
Barnard revealed Shrewsbury had started to consider who they would turn to as new captain if Foster’s Leicestershire commitments rule him out, with young county spinners James Gale and Rob Foster, Ed’s younger brother, both in the frame.
Shrewsbury, meanwhile, are also keen to resolve the issue of who will act as the club’s overseas player this year.
Australian allrounder Reece O’Connell still tops their wanted list given the impressive impact he made last season with more than 70 wickets and useful runs with the bat.
O’Connell could also come into the equation as the club’s new skipper if Foster is ruled out of the job – but Shrewsbury are just waiting to find out whether he will be able to return from Perth to spend a second summer at London Road.
“Reece is still our first choice and he’s in discussions with his employers in Australia about what sort of time he could have off this year,” said Barnard.
“He coaches in an indoor cricket centre and has to negotiate time and cover so we’re just waiting to see how much time he would have to come over here again.
“We want to get the best fit for us and we’ve got first-hand contact over there with Ed Foster being in Perth at the moment.”
Barnard added Shrewsbury were also keen to recruit a fast bowler as, while they have an abundance of quality spinners, they are a little light in the pace department.
“There’s going to be a lot of emphasis on Jack Shantry who no longer has any bowling restrictions to consider because of his age,” he said. “But we’re still looking for another quality seamer to come in and help make us stronger.”