Whitchurch’s Richard Oliver looks set to be rewarded for his scintillating early season form with an opening berth for Shropshire in their first Minor Counties Championship clash.

Oliver has been earmarked to open the batting – most likely with Bridgnorth’s Jono Whitney – when Shropshire take on Herefordshire at Eastnor in a three-day game starting Sunday.

The void has been created because vice-captain Ed Foster misses the opening game because of work commitments.

But Oliver’s early season average of 69.17 from the first eight Birmingham League division three games – including two centuries – looks to have earned the youngster a chance to make his mark.

“Richard has been in good nick for Whitchurch and is obviously hitting the ball well so there is a good chance he will open,” said captain James Ralph.

“Andy Gray is another option but a lot of that depends on whether we bat or field first.”

Foster isn’t the only notable absentee from the Shropshire squad who will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of being knocked out of the one-day MCCA Trophy in the group stages.

Gloves

Jack Shantry, whose availability could be restricted after signing a summer contract with Worcestershire, misses the Eastnor clash because of university commitments while all-rounder Duncan Catterall is unlikely to play many – if any – Championship games.

Ted Bayliss, who impressed with bat and ball in Sunday’s Trophy defeat to Oxfordshire, is also ruled out with a long-standing ankle injury.

Two wicket-keepers, Matt Tilt and Anthony Parker, are named in the starting line-up but the former is expected to don the gloves.

A 12th man will be named before the weekend.

The full squad: James Ralph (Kidderminster, captain), Jono Whitney (Bridgnorth), Richard Oliver (Whitchurch), Rob Foster (Shrewsbury), Atiq Chistri (Knowle & Dorridge), Andy Gray (Walsall), Bruce Thomason, Anthony Parker (both Shifnal), Matt Tilt, Steve Taylor (both St Georges), Mike Barnard (Shrewsbury).