Wem looking for star man Kale to make an impact
Wem hope the introduction of Indian overseas star Mohit Kale will help in their long-awaited start to life in the Birmingham League.
A competitive Birmingham League campaign has been a long time coming for Wem, who won promotion via the Shropshire League play-offs in 2019.
They also finished first in the Shropshire League in 2018, when there were no promotion. Wem played in last year's regionalised adjusted version of the Birmingham League, but can't wait to sample the real thing at the highest level the club have ever played.
And new skipper Danny Cohen, who along with brother Matty has played at Wem for a number of years, believes the professionalism of 24-year-old top order bat Kale will help inspire Wem's players.
"He's in isolation at the moment but he's chomping at the bit and is available for Saturday," Cohen said of Kale, who has more than 600 first class runs in 15 matches in his homeland.
"He's top order but bowls legspin as well.
"It's not just on the pitch, we discussed having a good pro around the club, it raises everyone else's game. We've had young Aussies who are more over for the social side.
"We've had someone else from India and everyone wanted to try hard to impress him. They are really keen, professional and like to do things right, lads step up to that challenge."
Cohen takes the captaincy from Sam Peate, who remains involved.
Wem struggled in last season's adjusted campaign, as nine defeats from 10 provided a tough taster of Birmingham League life.
The Kynaston Ground side have further bolstered their squad with the arrivals of big-hitting Craig Heath and bowler Andrew Harrison from county rivals Sentinel.
They also welcome back dangerous spinner Ben Peel, who did not feature last season.
Wem begin the Premier Division Two with the lengthy trip to Worcestershire side Barnt Green on Saturday.
