A very warm welcome to you all at the start of a new National Counties season to which we look forward with a quiet sense of optimism.
The cricket committee have worked hard over the winter months in terms of recruitment to ensure that we remain competitive on all fronts and build on last season’s success after finishing runners-up in the 50-over Trophy competition.
The new signings of opening batter Joe Johnson, experienced all-rounder Roman Walker and seam bowlers Imran Tariq and Clark Haddrell should add significant strength to the squad and provide keen competition for places.
The appointment of Dave Cartledge, as new team manager, with his wealth of experience both as a player and coach at Staffordshire, is an important addition. Highly respected at both Minor and National Counties level, he is seen very much as the ”right fit” for Shropshire cricket as we continue to evolve, and best adapt to the demands of the multi-format game.
It is not always an easy task for young players, making the transition into senior representative cricket. Save for the most gifted of players, development is rarely linear. They need time to learn the game in its various guises, and the role of the older and more experienced player, including of course coach/mentor, is crucial and cannot be understated!
With the existing age restrictions invariably impacting upon selection, and limiting the opportunity for the older player to represent their county at the highest recreational level, it remains the hope of many, including former players, that there may possibly be some relaxation in these rules going forward.
If National Counties cricket is deemed to be the pinnacle of recreational cricket and the stepping stone for talented players into the first class game, then the balance between young and old alike should be more evenly weighted, otherwise selection cannot be said to be truly representative of the best talent available.
The concept that a successful club cricketer can readily become disenfranchised by his late 20s, at first sight appears to conflict with the ECB’s mission to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
Whilst data is presently unavailable as to the cohort of players who first appeared for the county after the age of 25, it is interesting to note that of the 69 players who have been capped for Shropshire following entry into the Minor Counties Championship in 1957, some 34.7 per cent achieved that honour only after reaching the age of 30 and beyond. Had players in the past been subject to the existing age threshold, how many county stalwarts might have been culled well before their time?
Historically performed well
National Counties cricket must be more than a mere extension of the existing pathway if it is to be properly considered the top tier of cricket outside the professional game
So where might we best challenge for honours over the coming months? In terms of the white ball game, the newly-named NV Play National Counties Trophy is an obvious starting point. Shropshire have historically performed well in this competition, reaching six finals since its inception in 1983.
The team on paper is well balanced and, in recent times, best suited to the longer format. It is popular amongst both players and supporters alike, as was born testament to by the excellent crowds that attended the home games last year on the journey to the final.
Promotion to Western Division One of the three-day Championship will be very much in captain Charlie Home’s sights, after narrowly missing out in 2021 and 2024. The limited number of games, reduced to just four following the overall restructure and rebranding of Minor Counties cricket in 2020, means that good availability and clear skies are both crucial elements if that goal is to be achieved. There is little margin for error in the event of misfortune with the weather.
The increased depth of squad and resultant competition for places should bode well, aided by the anticipated return of our skipper, still recovering from a nasty finger injury sustained at pre-season nets.
Without fear of contradiction, Shropshire cricket remains in a good place. We can take justifiable pride in the contribution the county has made to the professional game in recent years No less than four of our own home-grown players have represented England Lions in the last eight years. Further, the recent appointment of Ed Barnard as Warwickshire captain following in the footsteps of Joe Leach at Worcestershire is something to celebrate.
Despite the challenges of Covid with consequent changes in our business model, increased overheads and cost of living, with careful budgeting we remain in a sound and stable financial position. We remain fully committed to providing the very best we can both on and off the field. Without the support of sponsors, patrons, members and tireless volunteers, this would not be possible. A very special thank you to all.
Similarly, we say thank you to our various host clubs across the county who generously give of their time and provide such excellent facilities. We are, indeed, blessed with many fine grounds throughout Shropshire which meet not only the relevant criteria, but are rich in character. Davenport Park, the home to Worfield Cricket Club, is no exception. We are delighted that this will be the venue for our Showcase game against Worcestershire in early July and look forward to seeing you there.
Nothing remains, but to wish all connected with Shropshire County Cricket Club a successful and above all most enjoyable season.