A new era dawns for Shropshire cricket tomorrow when Ed Foster begins his Minor Counties captaincy reign.

Foster will take charge for the first time in the 50-overs MCCA Trophy clash with Cumberland at Shifnal (11am start).

It represents the opening round-robin game of the qualifying group, with clashes against Northumberland, Staffordshire and Cheshire to come.

And Foster – who will follow in the footsteps of his father Jon in captaining the team – is aware of the importance of getting off to a good start as they chase a top-two finish and a semi-final berth.

“We haven’t had too much success in the one-day Trophy since we last got to Lord’s in 2003,” said Foster.

“We haven’t really got off to a good start in the last few seasons so it’s certainly important that we try and get a win tomorrow with some very tough games to come.

“The preparations have been good, with the nets and the practice game at Wellington last Sunday and everyone is greatly excited about it.”

Foster is refusing to follow previous Shropshire captains in predicting this will be the year that the long wait for silverware – a major trophy hasn’t been won by the county since 1973 – will be ended.

“I think it’s a mistake to say this is going to be our year because there are so many things which are out of your control,” he added.

“You don’t know what the weather is going to be like for a start and availability can be an issue.

“I think we have got a competitive side and the first aim will be to try and finish in the top three in our round robin group and the top four or five in the championship.”