Shropshire allrounder Rob Foster makes his seasonal bow for Shrewsbury this weekend – but the London Roaders must do without Wembley-bound county paceman Jack Shantry.
That’s the mixed selection bulletin for Shrewsbury skipper Ed Foster ahead of a big Bank Holiday double header he hopes will be the launchpad for a move up the Birmingham Cricket League first division table.
Shrewsbury host Halesowen on Saturday before heading to Coventry & North Warwick on Monday – two games Foster believes offer his men a good chance of picking up points provided they play to their capabilities.
“It’s a chance for two wins, I hope, as both teams we’re playing are in the bottom half,” he said.
“Coventry have lost a lot of players and have had a terrible start to the season. Halesowen have also struggled but their overseas player is a good bowler.
“But we’ve been a bit light on runs early doors and we’ll be looking to put that right this weekend.”
Foster is delighted to have his younger brother Rob on board for the first time this season, reflecting that he’s been in good form for Cardiff University.
He had hoped Rob would be able to bring with him new signing Tom Allin, the contracted Warwickshire paceman, but Allin will have to wait a while longer for his Shrewsbury debut as he has exams to prepare for in Cardiff.
“It’s brilliant news to have Rob back as he bats at number four and bowls, and I’m sure everyone will make him welcome,” said skipper Foster.
“He’s still at Cardiff until the middle of June but it’s good news to have him in the team.”
Foster conceded it was a blow to be without opening bowler Shantry but understood the reasons behind his absence.
“Jack doesn’t take missing games lightly but he’s off down to Wembley to watch his beloved Bristol City in the Championship play-off final,” he said.
“He’s then also got a university exam on Tuesday so he’ll miss Monday’s game as he will be studying.
“Jack is a big miss for us but Mike Barnard will come in and he’s a very good young bowler.
“I’m looking forward to watching Mike as I heard really good reports of how well he bowled in the National KO game with Harborne recently.”
Australian allrounder Reece O’Connell is also waiting to be unleashed after rain severely curtailed his first appearance of the season against Stratford last weekend, while Shrewsbury are waiting on the fitness of batsman Wayne Merrick, struggling with a hamstring injury.
Jack Brydon will be added to the 12-man squad named for Saturday’s game for Monday’s visit to Coventry.
SHREWSBURY (v Halesowen), from: E. Foster, R. Foster, J. Anders, R. O’Connell, J. Gale. D. Rees, M. Barnard, W. Merrick, E. Green, D. Manders, T. Somerville, M.
Lascelles.