Shropshire’s Minor Counties Championship challenge has received a boost - with allrounder Steve Taylor making himself available for the season opener with Herefordshire.
But Taylor’s return to the ranks for the Western Division clash at Shifnal, which starts on Sunday, is tempered by the withdrawal of Ted Bayliss.
Shropshire-based Bayliss, who plays for Kidderminster, has been forced to pull out due to niggling injury problems.
He contacted skipper James Ralph on Tuesday to admit he was struggling, and it has now been decided to withdraw him in case he breaks down during the three-day game.
“Ralph rang me to let me know the situation,” Shropshire chairman Bryan Foulkes revealed. “I didn’t want to go in with anyone who is a question mark for a three-day game so it was decided to leave him out.”
But Foulkes is delighted to have St Georges man Taylor back, hailing him as a top drawer bowler who can also turn a game with his explosive batting.
“It’s a big plus for us to have Steve playing because he’s our best strike bowler,” he added.
“We all know he can bat as well. Against Wiltshire last year we managed an unexpected win at the death and it was Steve who started the charge.
“He’s a good all-round cricketer and he’s someone we’d always want to have in our team.”
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best news this year!