Former Worcestershire county cricket captain Richard Oliver rejoins Shropshire

Oliver skippered the side for 19 months until stepping down in June 2014 after earning a professional contract at New Road.

But he has signed up for Shropshire's one-day campaign which starts with a Unicorns Trophy clash a week tomorrow at home to Herefordshire at Shrewsbury CC.

And Shropshire skipper Steve Leach is hoping they will be able to hang on to 26-year-old Oliver for the championship games that follow.

"It's really good news and it will be a real morale boost to have him back in the county side," said a delighted Leach.

"He will be with us initially for the one-day games and then we will see what happens from there because there may be county sides show an interest in him.

"But he's a quality player who will boost our batting as well as giving us an extra option with the ball."

Oliver was named Shropshire captain in November 2012 when he replaced Shrewsbury's Ed Foster.

During the 2013 season he helped steer the side 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.

Leach admits Oliver's arrival adds to the experience he will be able to draw on in his first summer leading the side.

He added: "There will be a few senior players in the side now with Richard in there as well. We've also got David Wainwright who has played lots of First Class games.

"We've got experienced lads so that's not only good for me but for the young players in the team as well."

Oliver, who has played for Shifnal in the Birmingham League, left Worcestershire at the end of last season after rejecting a new one-year deal.

He wanted to return to Australia over the winter and play for Geelong whereas the Pears were keen for him to remain and work on aspects of his batting at Malvern College.

Shropshire conclude their pre-season preparations with a players' meeting followed by a practice match at Wrekin College tomorrow.