Shropshire CCC big guns urged to step up

The county cricket side head to Norfolk tomorrow for a one-day quarter-final clash at Manor Park, Horsford, Norwich.

Former Leicestershire paceman Alex Wyatt is back in the team after missing the exciting victory in the last round at Staffordshire last month with a shoulder injury. And Shropshire also have former Worcestershire batsman Alexei Kervezee in their ranks.

But the 28-year-old has failed to fire so far, scoring just two at Staffordshire and one in the opening-round win over Herefordshire.

“It’s just a couple of innings and it can change, but he’s due,” said Jones. “He’s scored in the T20 but hopefully he can come to the party and do well on Sunday.

“Alex has come back and hopefully he has a good runout for Shifnal today and can stay fit, as with him in the side it does strengthen us.”

Wyatt replaces the unavailable Gurjit Sandhu for the last-eight clash, with Shropshire otherwise unchanged.

Robbie Clarke, who hit an unbeaten 107 to guide Shropshire to a one-wicket win against Staffordshire after successfully chasing down 265, keeps his place.

“We haven’t done too well in the 50-over competition in the last two or three years, but this time we’ve played well and have already knocked out two of arguably the strongest teams in Herefordshire and Staffordshire,” added Jones.

“We’ve gained momentum and that means we can now go to Norwich confident of getting another good result.

“Norfolk are a well supported side and I’ve played against them in finals before – but this is really a game we’re all looking forward to.”

Shropshire: Steve Leach (Shifnal, captain), Omar Ali (C&R Hawks), Will Parton (Shrewsbury), Alexei Kervezee (Halesowen), Robbie Clarke (Oswestry), Ross Aucott (Shifnal), Simon Gregory (Bridgnorth), Sam Whitney (Bridgnorth), Mike Barnard (Shrewsbury), Jack Twigger (Wellington), Alex Wyatt (Shifnal). 12th man: Jack Edwards (Shifnal).