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Shropshire name 12-man squad for NCCA Trophy opener against Northumberland at Oswestry

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A 12-man squad has been named by Shropshire for Sunday’s National Counties Cricket Association Trophy match against Northumberland at Oswestry (11am).

It’s the opening One Day Trophy game of the season for Shropshire in a group which will also see the county face Staffordshire at Wem next month and play 50-over away matches against Cheshire and Cumbria.

Director of Cricket John Abrahams has been encouraged with the progress made by Shropshire during recent warm-up fixtures as he looks forward to the weekend.

Abrahams said: “Hopefully we can put into practice all that we’ve done, all that we’ve talked about and all that we’ve planned to do.”

He added: “We do feel that we’re getting more clarity as far as our team game plans and individual roles are concerned.

“If we turn up on the day and perform as we have been doing, perhaps even just a little bit better, then hopefully it will be a good game and we will be competitive against Northumberland, our first opposition.”

Abrahams revealed strong competition for places meant “tough decisions had to be made” in selecting Sunday’s squad.

He said: “The players selected almost all responded immediately to the invitation to be a part of the squad.

“People have been working hard and taking on board what we’re trying to do and how we’re trying to do it.

“This will be the first opportunity for us to see how it plays out in the first official fixture.”

Abrahams knows Northumberland, this weekend’s visitors to Oswestry, will provide tough opposition for a Shropshire side captained by Graham Wagg, the former Glamorgan all-rounder.

“They’ve got a couple of players who have had first-class county experience with Durham,” added Abrahams. “Northumberland are traditionally a strong county.”

Spectators are allowed to attend Sunday’s match and must adhere to the current ECB and government guidelines.

Spectators are advised to please park at the Marches School nearby on Morda Road. Parking at the ground is for players, officials and staff only.

Shropshire, from: Joe Carrasco (Shepherds Bush), Ryan Lockley (Oswestry), Charlie Home (Wolverhampton), Xavier Clarke (Shifnal), Graham Wagg (Biddestone, captain), Ross Aucott (New Farnley), Ben Lees (Bridgnorth, wicketkeeper), David Laird (Oswestry), Sam Ellis (Formby), Matty Simmonds (Bridgnorth), Sam Whitney (Bridgnorth), Ben Roberts (Oswestry).

Pictured: Oswestry Cricket Club will host Shropshire’s NCCA Trophy match against Northumberland on Sunday.