Shropshire's captain Richard Oliver steps down after sealing Worcestershire switch

Oliver led the Cats for the last time yesterday as they lost by eight wickets to Wales in their opening game of the Unicorns Championship in Pontarddulais.

The former Shifnal batsman earned a deal with the Pears until the end of the 2015 season following an impressive trial period at New Road.

He still hopes to play for the county when he is available but his Worcestershire commitments are expected to severely limit his chances of figuring.

A new captain is expected to be announced next week following a committee meeting on Monday.

Shropshire's chairman of selector Brian Foxall said: "Richard is giving up the captaincy so we are now discussing his successor. It will be discussed at our committee meeting next Monday night – but Richard would still like to play some cricket for Shropshire if and when he has the chance. His availability for Shropshire matches is likely to be very limited. It is not to say that he won't play the odd game. We just don't know."

Oliver's decision to step down, which ends a 19-month spell at the county helm, has not come as a huge surprise.

The club had planned to hold talks with Oliver following the Wales game after he achieved his dream of becoming a professional cricketer on Saturday.

And chairman Toby Shaw had admitted earlier this week that the club may have to find another captain depending on the outcome of those talks.

But the club have made it clear that Oliver departs the role with their blessing following his fine achievement.

Oliver took over the captaincy in November 2012, replacing Shrewsbury's Ed Foster, who decided to relinquish the role the previous month.

Last year he steered the Cats to an impressive 10-match winning streak in the Minor Counties Championship and Trophy before defeats to Berkshire in both competitions ended their hopes of silverware.