Richard Oliver named Shropshire County Cricket Club captain

Oliver, who now plays for Surrey League side Reigate Priory, will replace previous skipper Ed Foster following his shock decision to quit the role last month.

Club chairman Toby Shaw said a number of potential candidates had been in the frame for the position, including Ed's brother Rob Foster, who has recently succeeded his sibling in the role at Shrewsbury, and Anthony Parker, who has spent the last two seasons captaining Shifnal in Birmingham League Division One.

But Oliver, who is currently playing in Australia for Geelong City, was the preferred choice.

Shaw said today: "I am pleased to announce Richard Oliver has been chosen as captain for the 2013 season

"I think his appointment is going to be very well received. He had an excellent season and with the additional responsibility I think he will do particularly well."

Oliver was voted top batsman at Shropshire's end-of-season dinner last month after making 378 runs at an average of 63.

Shropshire have also confirmed that former Yorkshire batting coach Kevin Sharp will join as coach and recruited ex-Yorkshire seamer Ben Sanderson.

Sharp was previously a cricket development officer in Shropshire and is currently director of cricket at Giggleswick School in Yorkshire.

"Kevin will be a great appointment for the team with his experience while Ben has has had first class experience with Yorkshire," said Shaw.