James Ralph back in Shropshire cricket for 2011

Former captain James Ralph will be back in the Shropshire cricket ranks for 2011.

The former Shifnal, St Georges and Bridgnorth batsman spent last season playing Minor Counties cricket with Herefordshire.

But he has registered for Shropshire once again and will be available in both the one-day Trophy and Championship.

"Ralphy has made a valuable contribution to Shropshire over a number of years and we are pleased to have him back on board," said captain Ed Foster.

"He is proven at our level and he will add a bit of experience to our squad."

Ralph made his Shropshire debut in 1998 and has made 64 Championship appearances and featured in 54 one-day games, scoring almost 4,000 runs in the two formats.

He captained the side for 18 months before stepping down at the end of 2009 season and making way for Foster.

Meanwhile, Shropshire's hopes to emulate their memorable campaign of 2010 - when they won the Minor Counties Trophy - begins in earnest tomorrow night with a net session at Shrewsbury School.

"We started the nets early last season and it stood us in good stead, " said Foster.

"The one-day tournament round-robin format means you can only really afford one slip at the most so we need to hit the ground running.

"A few of the lads are still in Australia where they have been playing cricket over the winter.

"But anybody who is here and in the squad is expected to be there because we need to make the most of these opportunities."

Shropshire will have a further net session next month before playing a full scale internal practice match at Wellington on April 24.

They begin their defence of the 50-over competition with a home game against Staffordshire at Oswestry on May 1.

By JAMES GARRISON