Off-spinning all-rounder Joe Stanley is the latest Shropshire player to be awarded a county cap in recognition of his contribution to the club over the last five seasons.
Stanley, who celebrated his 21st birthday last month, has emerged as a consistent performer for the county since making his Shropshire debut in the NCCA Championship match against Cornwall at St Austell in July 2022.
Stanley, a former pupil of Telford’s Thomas Telford School who captains Wolverhampton in the Birmingham League, played in every match for Shropshire across all formats this season.
His efforts for the county were recognised at a presentation to announce he will become the latest recipient of a prestigious county cap during the final match of the 2026 season against Dorset at Whitchurch.
Stanley, proud to have been awarded a county cap by the club, said: “I didn’t really know it was a thing when I first started playing, but then I saw a few people get them and I thought that would be nice to get one. It was a bit of a surprise and it means a lot. I love playing for Shropshire and it’s good to be recognised by getting a county cap.
“I’ll keep trying to make myself available as much as possible. We’ve had two or three good years, so hopefully we can add a few trophies. That’s probably the next step for us as a side.
“I feel like we’ve got a good team spirit. We obviously want to win but we play in the right way. It’s never a problem waking up on a Sunday and going to play with your mates, and we’ve got a decent side.”
Huge impact
Shropshire captain Charlie Home, who delivered a speech about Stanley to the players as he was awarded his county cap at Whitchurch, added: “Joe made his debut when he was 16 against Cornwall. He’s been a fantastic servant to Shropshire cricket. He has played a large amount of games and had a huge impact. We probably forget he’s only just turned 21 and has many, many more years to come.
“He’s the main spinner in the side and offers us a great amount of control while having the ability to take wickets regularly, which doesn’t come around too often.
“He’s an unsung hero with the bat. He’s batted in just about every position for the county and he gets valuable runs whenever he’s needed.
“He also fields in the slips and has taken a number of very good catches, so he’s a fantastic all-round cricketer.
“He always does what he can for the team to win and do well, and I’m absolutely delighted he’s got his county cap as he deserves it.”
Stanley, who previously played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s Academy, produced his best performance for Shropshire during the Championship match against Wiltshire at Whitchurch in August 2023, claiming a stunning haul of 9-83 in Wiltshire’s first innings, just a day after his 18th birthday.
It’s the second best ever bowling figures by a Shropshire player in a Championship match, only bettered by a return of 9-56 from former Yorkshire and Derbyshire spinner Andy Gray against Cornwall at Truro in 2008.
Pictured: Joe Stanley bowling for Shropshire this season.