Gray is tipping Ralph as skipper

James Ralph would be the ideal choice to become Tim Hancock's permanent replacement as Shropshire captain - according to the man who will lead the side tomorrow.

Shifnal allrounder Andy Gray will take charge on a one-off basis at Oswestry tomorrow when Northumberland are the visitors for the final game of the MCCA Trophy.

But the former Derbyshire man has ruled himself out of the long-term running after Hancock's shock resignation - and believes Ralph is the man to lead the side forward.

"I want to concentrate on playing for Shropshire this summer because I know I will be doing a lot of bowling in the three-day games," said Gray.

"I have only just come onto the scene and don't fully know the players so I don't think I am in the position to be hiring and firing players and deciding batting orders and the like.

"Maybe a year or two down the line it will be something I would fancy but I would like to see James Ralph get it.

"I have known him a while and he is an excellent cricketer who loves the game." The captaincy issue is sure to come to the top of the agenda after tomorrow's game.

But Gray is happy to concentrate on achieving a positive result against Northumberland - even though his side require the unlikely combination of a thumping victory and a crushing defeat for Cheshire in Cumberland to qualify for the semi-finals.

"We need a miracle but they do happen occasionally," he said. "The main thing for us is to go out and play some good cricket, get some confidence back in the guys for the Championship and try and win the game.

"There are some good young players in the county and I'm looking forward to seeing Dan Redfern make his debut. I've seen him at Derbyshire and he's a very good talent."