Skipper Foster raring to go ahead of Norfolk home clash

Foster, beginning his third season as county captain, always enjoys leading the side at Shrewsbury’s London Road, his home club ground, and he’s keen to stress the importance of a positive start on Sunday.

Shropshire memorably lifted the MCCA Trophy at Durham’s Riverside ground in 2010 and Foster would dearly love a repeat performance this year.

Foster said: “It’s a good surface at Shrewsbury and it will play to our strengths as a side. We’re a positive side in terms of our batting and bowling and the pitch will help with that.

“We’re looking forward to getting going again. Last season finished on a bit of a low note so the one day side can really give us a kick start.”

Opening batsman Foster, who had spells with both Worcestershire and Leicestershire, believes Shropshire are well equipped to enjoy another good run in the MCCA Trophy.

And he’s delighted the county have secured the services of former Nottinghamshire star Bilal Shafayat as their new professional for the 2012 season.

“It’s a tough draw in terms of travel and the teams we’re playing against,” said Foster, 27. “We played Lincolnshire in the final two years ago and they’re in our group. We’ve also got Norfolk and Suffolk, both good sides, and Wiltshire as well.

“It’s not going to be easy but it never is in this sort of competition. We’ve started the season fairly well in years gone by and we want to do the same again.

“My target this year is quite simply to do as well as possible. Minor Counties cricket is so competitive and teams are very even.

Latter stages
“The season can often hinge on a couple of games at various points. If you lose a game in the one day competition you struggle to get through.

“And if you lose one of two games in the three day competition, then you’ve no chance really.

“I would like us to ensure we get through the group stages of the MCCA Trophy as that’s probably where are strength is.

“We let ourselves down last year but if we can push on to the latter stages that would be great.

“We’ve struggled with availability in the three day game in recent years but we’ve got to be aiming for the top four really.”

Foster, whose dad John is also a former Shropshire captain, insisted he remained determined to bring success to the county club.

He added: “I’m as keen as ever to be successful so hopefully we can do that and follow on from the first season in charge.

“There’s 20 Minor Counties teams and only two tournaments to win so the numbers are always going to be stacked against you.

“But success can be measured in different ways and we’ve got some good young players coming through so that’s a positive.”

Admission to Sunday’s match against Norfolk at Shrewsbury’s London Road ground is free and the action gets under way at 11am.