Promising Shrewsbury allrounder Alex Blofield has jetted out to Australia to widen his cricketing education by spending six months playing in Perth.
Blofield, who is also attached to Worcestershire and was a regular for the New Road club’s second XI last season, will make his first appearance in grade cricket for Subiaco Floreat this weekend.
Shrewsbury skipper Ed Foster said it would be a great experience for Blofield and that it should only help to improve his game.
“Alex will be able to play some good cricket and I’m sure he will enjoy his time out there,” said Foster.
“He’s going to be a gap student at Christ Church Grammar School in Perth where Mike Barnard spent time last year.
“It depends whether Subiaco have any other English players and what their other spinners are like, but he might find himself playing second grade for them and maybe he might even get a game in first grade.”
Blofield was part of the Shrewsbury squad who made history by being crowned Birmingham Premier League champions for the first time this year.
Several Shrewsbury players have reaped the rewards of spending English winters playing in Australia in recent years including Ed Foster, Rob Foster, Mike Barnard, Elliot Green and Will Parton.
Jack Shantry, Shrewsbury’s contracted Worcestershire player, is currently playing first grade cricket for Campbelltown in the strong Sydney Cricket Association competition.
Meanwhile, Shrewsbury are keen to recruit experienced local cricketers who are keen to play at a higher standard as they strive to bolster their second team squad.
“We’re looking for players who would be able to play most weeks at a very good standard,” said first team skipper Foster.
He can be contacted on 07754 391829.
By Stuart Dunn