Talks planned for Shropshire's Richard Oliver

Oliver achieved his dream of becoming a professional cricketer on Saturday when he signed a contract with Worcestershire until the end of the 2015 season.

And Shropshire are seriously considering life without their 24-year-old talisman, after just over a year in charge of the side since succeeding Ed Foster, due to his added obligations.

Chairman Toby Shaw said: "We are absolutely delighted for Richard and we all hope that he can go on to do better than he already has.

"That's what we are here for, as a Minor Counties club, but we also appreciate that he needs to be fully committed as a professional sportsman.

"There is an issue about the captaincy, which we will sit down and talk about when the match is out of the way. We will make the right decision between both parties.

"We know Richard only wants what is best for Shropshire, so I can't foresee a situation where we can't reach a mutual agreement about what is best for the future.

"If we have to find another captain, he will be a hard act to follow. I am sure he will still play for the county, where possible, and give it his all.

"It's the cross we must bear for producing these sort of cricketers. If you are doing something right, these things tend to happen."

Oliver was in action for county yesterday in their Minor Counties Championship clash with Wales at Pontarddulais after figuring for Worcestershire against Durham in the T20 Blast at New Road on Saturday.

The skipper made 11 as Shropshire ended day one 27 runs ahead after being dismissed for 182, James Ralph top-scoring with 40. Wales were 155-7 at stumps.