Hunt for new Shropshire cricket skipper begins

Shropshire County Cricket Club officials have been left with an unexpected search for a skipper following Ed Foster’s shock decision to quit the role earlier this week.

But a time framework has already been put in place to ensure a swift decision is reached. “The cricket committee are meeting on November 5,” Shropshire chairman Toby Shaw confirmed.

“We will draw up a shortlist of candidates with a view to approaching people to see whether they want to be considered for the job and also how they see the future in terms of their own availability. We don’t want to let it fester and we are keen to make a decision within the month.”

Shaw has revealed the decision-makers have an open mind on the identity of the new skipper, but are determined to appoint a Shropshire player rather than one of next season’s yet-to-be-decided professionals.

Amongst the potential candidates are wicket-keeper Anthony Parker, who has spent the last two seasons captaining Shifnal in Birmingham League Division One, and Rob Foster – Ed’s brother – who has recently succeeded his sibling in the role of Shrewsbury skipper.

Opening batsman Richard Oliver – who has captained Whitchurch in the past – is another who could be considered.