Shropshire cricketer Chris Whelan gets one-match suspension
Shropshire cricket professional Chris Whelan has been hit with a one-match Minor Counties Championship suspension after showing dissent to an umpire.
Shropshire cricket professional Chris Whelan has been hit with a one-match Minor Counties Championship suspension after showing dissent to an umpire.
The former Worcestershire and Middlesex paceman has been punished for his response to a rejected leg before appeal against Herefordshire batsman Brad Wadlan in last week's rain-affected drawn game at Colwall.
Whelan, who signed for Shropshire at the start of the three-day Western Division campaign, will now miss the trip to Falkland to take on Berkshire on Sunday after Minor Counties chiefs reacted to a report from umpires.
"Chris is banned for one match and it's particularly disappointing," said Shropshire captain Ed Foster.
"In my opinion it's quite unfortunate and harsh because there wasn't a great deal going on – I've seen a lot worse in both club and Minor Counties cricket go unpunished."
Whelan made his debut for Shropshire in the victory over Cheshire at Bridgnorth last month and the game at Herefordshire was his second appearance.
Shifnal all-rounder Jack Edwards has been called up to replace the 26-year-old, who has played 23 First Class games for Worcestershire and Middlesex. And Foster is confident his bowling contingent can fill the void created by Whelan's absence.
"Our bowling in the last game was pretty good and Dan Bowen and Mike Barnard are in good form for their club (Shrewsbury)," added the skipper. Shropshire head to Berkshire with a seven-point advantage at the top of the Western Division.
But they will be without both professionals with Bilal Shafayat ruled out because he is due to start an LV County Championship game for Hampshire against Yorkshire next Wednesday, the day after Shropshire's game is due to finish.
Team: Ed Foster (Shrewsbury, captain), Richard Oliver (Reigate Priory), Omar Ali (Whitchurch), Rob Foster (Shrewsbury), James Ralph (Bridgnroth), Jono Whitney (Bridgnorth), Anthony Parker (Shifnal), Alex Blofield (Shrewsbury), Jack Edwards (Shifnal), Mike Barnard (Shrewsbury), Dan Bowen (Shrewsbury).
