James Ralph is aiming to revive the Cats' fortunes

And the experienced Bridgnorth batsman, 38, is aiming to get his reign off to a flying start by beating Oxfordshire at his home club in their next three-day match which starts on Sunday.

Shropshire have lost their first two matches of the campaign, but Ralph, who replaces Shrewsbury's Anthony Parker as captain, is adamant they remain in the running for honours with four games left to play.

"We are just looking to win the next four games and get as high up that table as we can," said Ralph.

"If we win four our of four, you never know we might still win the league.

"I know we haven't had a great start but if you win four games then you are not normally too far away.

"We can't go into games thinking negative thoughts. We have got quality players and we have got to back ourselves to turn it around."

Ralph is no stranger to the role, having captained the side for three years from 2007, and he was asked to step back into his old position after doubt was cast over Parker's future availability for the county.

Parker skippered the team in their recent defeat to Herefordshire but is now expected to be unavailable for the rest of the season after landing a new job as assistant groundsman at Wolves.

He had inherited the role from opening batsman Richard Oliver who relinquished the position after recently signing a contract with Worcestershire.