Shropshire’s one-day Minor Counties cricket champions will face First Class opposition for the first time in six years.

Ed Foster’s side will play Worcestershire in a Twenty20 Challenge at Wellington Cricket Club’s Orleton Park on Thursday, May 26.

While the final format for the day has yet to be finalised, it is likely two Twenty20 matches will be staged with the action getting underway at lunchtime.

“It’s a great opportunity for the Shropshire team to pit ourselves against what will be a very strong Worcestershire side,” said Foster.

“I know Steve Rhodes (director of cricket) from my time at Worcestershire so I asked them if there was a possibility of a game and he came back and said yes.

“We are delighted that Worcestershire are keen to support cricket in Shropshire.”

Amongst the stars who could be heading to Orleton Park are Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and Bangladeshi ace Shakib Al Hasan, who will both spend time as overseas players with the Pears this year.

Australian Damien Wright could also feature while there will be expected appearances from former England star Vikram Solanki and Shrewsbury seamer Jack Shantry.

“Worcestershire are planning to bring their full first team squad,” said Shropshire County Cricket Club vice chairman Toby Shaw.

“The main Twenty20 Cup starts a week later so it will be a very important part of their preparations.”

Shropshire won the MCCA Trophy last season, clinching the 50-over crown with a seven-wicket triumph over Lincolnshire at Durham in August.

The last time they met a First Class county was when they were beaten by a Hampshire side including Shane Warne and Kevin Pietersen in the first round of the C&G Trophy in 2005.

By JAMES GARRISON