Five players will make their debuts for Shropshire’s Academy side in a 50-over friendly against Staffordshire’s Development XI at Wrekin College tomorrow (Friday, 11am).
Shrewsbury all-rounder Harry Cooke, Worfield opening bat Ollie Gilks, Wellington all-rounder Will Lewin, Shrewsbury wicketkeeper Ed Lewis and Oswestry seamer Alex Selby are all selected for the first time.
Shrewsbury’s Lewis Evans, a left-arm spinner and middle order batsman, will captain the side.
Head of Academy Ian Roe said: “Lewis has played for the academy before and took eight wickets on his debut against Cheshire two years ago. When I asked if he would like to captain the side for the first time, he jumped at the chance.
“It’s a good opportunity for the five players who will be making their debuts for the academy.
“Staffordshire always provide a tough test, so we expect it will be a good challenge and a good opportunity to test ourselves.”
Sam Ellis, who has become a regular for Shropshire’s first team as an opening bowler, also features in tomorrow’s side, with Roe adding: “We’ve selected a young side, so Sam will provide a little bit of experience and will be playing only as a batsman.”
Both Shropshire and Staffordshire have selected 12 players, with a nominated non-batsman.
Shropshire’s Academy side will return to Wrekin College the following Friday, July 23 when Herefordshire’s Development XI provide the opposition.
Shropshire’s promising young cricketers will also face Cheshire Academy at Newport Cricket Club on Friday, July 30.
Shropshire Academy: Harry Cooke (Shrewsbury), Ollie Gilks (Worfield), Sam Ellis (Formby), Lewis Evans (Shrewsbury, captain), Matt Lamb (Wellington), Luke Thornton (Shrewsbury), Will Lewin (Wellington), Adithya Manigandan (Wellington), Charlie Walker (Bridgnorth), Matt Rees (Worfield), Alex Selby (Oswestry), Ed Lewis (Shrewsbury).
Pictured: Wrekin College will host Shropshire’s Academy fixture against Staffordshire’s Development XI tomorrow.