Former Shropshire cricket captain James Ralph has rocked Shropshire’s plans for the new Minor Counties cricket campaign by joining near rivals Herefordshire.

Ralph was replaced by Ed Foster as Shropshire skipper at the end of last season, but was expected to extend his association with the county into a 12th year under the new captain.

But the talented batsman, who scored almost 3,000 Championship runs for Shropshire has now pledged his future to Herefordshire.

“Ed has decided to take a different route for Shropshire this year and has some great ideas about getting the youngsters more involved,” said Ralph.

“Having been involved for 11 years, I decided it might be a good time to stand out the way so it was in my mind not to play for anybody Minor Counties wise this season.

“But three other lads from Kidderminster (Ralph’s club side) have signed for Herefordshire and I was asked if I wanted to get involved.

“It’s just gone on from there. I’m very proud to have played for Shropshire, let alone captain them, and I don’t think it’s quite sunk in what I have done yet.”

After making his debut in 1998, Ralph played 64 Championship games for Shropshire, scoring 2,934 runs and making five centuries – including a best score of 138.

He made 54 one-day appearances for Shropshire scoring 899 runs.

Ralph spent almost three seasons as Shropshire captain and came close to winning the Western Division title on two occasions.

Foster admitted he was disappointed Ralph has elected to move on.

“I spoke to Ralphy who said he had been offered the chance to play for Herefordshire,” said Foster.

“Both myself and Matt Tilt (vice-captain) have spoken to him about him still playing for Shropshire.

“It’s disappointing and a shame it’s ended after his long association.

“But the indications were he wouldn’t be playing many games anyway so it will give a chance for one of the younger lads to play from the start of the season.”

By James Garrison