Herefordshire CCC side prepare for double home test

In the county squad for the first time are batsmen Mahaaz Ahmed and Callum Lea, while all-rounders Josh Blunt and Riecko Parker-Cole are also called up for debut appearances.

Ahmed is a former Eastnor player who is now turning for Barnards Green while Lea is the son of Tony Lea, who played for Herefordshire in their first Minor Counties season back in 1992.

Blunt is a leg-spinner and middle-order batsman, also playing for Barnards Green and studying at Worcester University, while left-arm seamer and hard-hitting lower-order batsman Parker-Cole has just returned from a winter in Australia to link up with Worcestershire CCC 2nd Xl.

Another new face in the squad is Charlie Scott, now the Brockhampton first choice wicket-keeper after Ian Bullock, who retains his place in the county 13, returned to play his club cricket at Bromyard.

Pardoe, however, will be one of a number of familiar performers to county followers.

The former Worcestershire man is likely to open the batting alongside all-rounder Pete Burgoyne with another experienced all-rounder, Dave Ball, also figuring.

Jamie McIlroy, now on the books of Glamorgan and MCC Young Cricketers, retains his place, as does young leg-spinner Alex Russell.

Tom Hage and Jamie Harrison, who have been regular performers over the last two seasons, complete the squad.

“Every player will play at least one of the two games,” said chairman of selectors Ian Macklin.

“The final team make-up will be decided by captain Matt Pardoe and coach Richard Skyrme on the day.

“Whatever team is chosen, the average age of the nine youngest players will be

under 21.”

Play in the first of the two games on the day is due to start at 11am.

Herefordshire: Matt Pardoe (capt), Mahaaz Ahmed, Dave Ball, Josh Blunt, Ian Bullock, Pete Burgoyne, Tom Hage, Jamie Harrison, Callum Lea, Jamie McIlroy, Riecko Parker-Cole, Alex Russell, Charlie Scott