Luke Thornton to captain Shropshire Academy in opening match of the season

Allscott Heath all-rounder Luke Thornton will captain Shropshire's Academy team in Sunday's 50-over friendly against Wales National County (North) at Brymbo Cricket Club (11am).

It's the first of five fixtures arranged for the side this season, with James Wojda the team's head coach.

Thornton is one of three players selected to have played for Shropshire's first team along with seamers George McCormick and Alex Heath.

"It's always a good test against Wales National County (North)," said Ed Ashlin, Shropshire's first-team coach. "They tend to have a mixed team in terms of ages, including some more experienced players from the leagues around North Wales, and some younger players too, so hopefully it should balance out well.

"It's a good opportunity for the lads playing to show off their skills and hopefully push themselves forward, so it will hopefully be a good, competitive game of cricket."

Shropshire have named 12 players who can all play in Sunday’s match, with a nominated non-batter.

Shropshire Academy: Krrish Chadha (Shrewsbury), Connor Glendinning (Cound), Luke Thornton (Allscott Heath, captain), Kieran Gill (Shrewsbury), Gursimrat Singh (Attock), Ed Prideaux (Shrewsbury), Morgan Ward (Wellington, wicketkeeper), Harry Turley-Salmons (Lichfield), Jack Shields (Shifnal), Ollie Dyson (Whitchurch), Alex Heath (Whitchurch), George McCormick (Bowdon).