Former captain James Ralph will end a near two-year exile from Shropshire cricket this weekend.

Ralph has not represented Shropshire in Minor Counties action since stepping down as captain in August 2009.

But, after a season playing for Herefordshire, he returns to a 13-man squad for the start of Shropshire’s defence of the MCCA Trophy against Staffordshire at Oswestry on Sunday.

One debutant features in the squad with Shrewsbury’s middle order batsman Tom Cox rewarded for a fifth place finish in last year’s Birmingham League premier division averages.

“We all know what Ralph can do and he will add a bit of experience to our middle order,” said Shropshire skipper Ed Foster.

“Tom had a very good season last year and certainly won Shrewsbury a number of games so he deserves his chance.”

Allrounder Joe Leach is unavailable due to university cricket commitments, while seam bowler Michael Barnard is out for two months with a hip injury.

Professionals Andy Gray and Chris Murtagh are both included.

Squad: Ed Foster (captain, Shrewsbury), Dan Bowen, Tom Cox, Rob Foster and Will Parton (all Shrewsbury), Mark Downes and Matt Tilt (both Wellington), Andy Gray (Alvaston & Boulton), Chris Murtagh (Reigate), Anthony Parker (Shifnal), James Ralph (Kidderminster), Steve Taylor (St Georges), Jon Whitney (Bridgnorth).