Foster given nod as county skipper

Ed Foster was today unveiled as the new captain of Shropshire as the county cricket club’s committee opted for a change in direction.

Foster will replace James Ralph for 2010 and become the latest captain to attempt to bring long over-due silverware to Shropshire.

Ralph had been keen to continue at the helm, but Shropshire have opted for fresh blood in a decision ratified at committee level last night.

Wicket-keeper Matt Tilt, who has spent the last four seasons skippering St Georges, will be Foster’s vice-captain.

“It’s a huge honour to have the chance to captain Shropshire,” said 24-year-old Foster.

“It’s something I have aspired to do and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity at such a young age.”

Foster has caught the eye as captain of Shrewsbury over the last three seasons, winning promotion from Birmingham League division one and guiding the club to their highest ever finish — sixth in the premier division — last term.

The left-handed opening batsman also took Shrewsbury to the semi-finals of this year’s National Club Knockout.

He will follow up in the footsteps of his dad Jon who captained Shropshire between 1987 and 1993 in what is believed to be the first father and son to both captain the county.

Ralph’s tenure came to an end after two-and-a-half seasons, during which Shropshire have twice entered the last day of the Minor Counties Championship season with the chance to win the western division title for the first time since 1973.

But they failed to force victory on both occasions against Cheshire. “I have been very proud to do the job,” said Ralph. “It has been difficult getting a side out at times and I thank Trevor Sheperd and Peter Bradley (the two chairman of selectors in Ralph’s reign) for their help.

“We have had a young side and I’ve been pretty pleased with the way it’s gone. There are no hard feelings and if I’m available and asked to play next season, I will do so.”

Shropshire County Cricket Club chairman Bryan Foulkes said: “We would like to place on record out thanks to James Ralph for his time as captain.”

“He stepped into the breach when Tim Hancock left as skipper and we will always be grateful for that. ”

By JAMES GARRISON