Shantry upbeat after blow

Shropshire's Adam Shantry is hopeful of overcoming the bitter disappointment of being released by Warwickshire to return to the First Class game.The former Perkins left-arm seamer was informed his three-year stint at Edgbaston was at an end in a meeting with under-pressure coach Mark Greatbatch.

"I still think I have a lot to offer and think I can do well in the First Class game and maybe even beyond that," said the 24-year-old.

"My agent says there is interest from a couple of clubs so we will have to see what happens over the next month or so." Shantry burst onto the Bears scene in stunning fashion by taking five wickets on his first team debut against West Indies A after his switch from Northamptonshire.

A catalogue of injuries and fierce competition for places have since left Shantry kicking his heels through much of his time with the Bears.

But he had hoped his performance against defending champions Sussex in the LV County Championship last month - where he had figures of 4-5 at one stage - was going to prove enough to convince the Warwickshire hierarchy he was worth another contract.

"I got an injury before that game and I spoke to my dad (Brian) and we both agreed I had to give it a go to have a chance of getting another contract," he added.

"It went well there and I played through the pain for the Pro40 game against Essex.

"But before the championship game against Kent it got worse and I told the captain Darren Maddy that it was getting silly and I wouldn't be able to play. I only felt about 50 per cent and you can't be running into bowl at 50 per cent against batsman like Robert Key.

"The only thing I would say is that I didn't get enough chances when I was fully fit and other bowlers with inferior records were playing."

"But there is no bitterness towards Warwickshire because they have looked after me well."

* Shantry's brother Jack and his Shrewsbury team-mate Rob Foster have both had trials with First Class counties in the last week.

Foster played for Warwickshire seconds against Nottinghamshire seconds while Shantry was invited to bowl in the nets at Northants.

By James Garrison