Happy memories as Oliver returns
Richard Oliver resumes his Shropshire cricket career tomorrow at a ground which holds one of his best memories for the county.
The opening bat makes his Shropshire return in the Unicorns Trophy tie against Herefordshire at Shrewsbury's London Road ground (11am) as the county open the season.
The first group game in the competition two years ago – at the same venue – saw Oliver crack a brilliant 148 from just 82 balls.
Current England Lions star Joe Clarke added an unbeaten 78 as Shropshire beat Lincolnshire by four wickets.
Oliver said: "It's certainly a good memory, a nice memory to be going back to Shrewsbury with. It's always a good place to play.
"There's usually a good following from the Shropshire faithful and hopefully that can continue, that we can get a big crowd in and we can entertain them."
Oliver, who has spent the last two seasons with Worcestershire, is excited to be playing for Shropshire again – he first represented the county at under-12 level – and he's impressed by the quality of players in the side.
Former Derbyshire spinner David Wainwright and ex-Leicestershire seamer Alex Wyatt make their debuts tomorrow while Worcestershire Academy batsman Ollie Westbury, who signed for Birmingham League champions Shrewsbury during the winter, also features for the first time.
Oliver is looking forward to playing under new captain Steve Leach and Karl Krikken, Shropshire's director of cricket.
"He's going to be key to our success this season because of the quality of guy he is," said Oliver of former Derbyshire coach Krikken.
"Full credit to him, Steve Leach and the committee for bringing a squad together of not just good players but also good people. It's going to be a pleasure to play this year."
