Shropshire bring in ex-Surrey man Chris Murtagh
Shropshire have brought in former Surrey batsman Chris Murtagh to help bolster their chances of Minor Counties Championship glory.
The county side have won both of their opening games in the competition so far and they are also in the semi-finals of the MCCA Knockout, despite suffering availability issues during both matches.
Bosses have moved to bring back Murtagh, who has previously played for the club in 2010 and 2011, following the recent loss of Jono Whitney and Bilal Shafayat.
Whitney has retired from three-day cricket while Shafayat is pursuing an opportunity to get back into the first class game.
Murtagh, who is currently playing his club cricket for Reigate Priory, previously played for Shropshire in 2010 and 2011, averaging 40 in the three-day format.
He also scored 316 runs in a four-year first class career with Surrey.
A statement on the club's website stated: "We recently lost the services of Bilal Shafayat and Jono Whitney.
"Given the continuing difficulties of availability for Championship cricket, Shropshire have elected to bring in some batting experience in the form of ex-Surrey staff member Chris Murtagh."
Murtagh will not be available for Shropshire's third Minor Counties Championship match of the season at Oxfordshire, which will start on Sunday, but he will be available for all games after that.
And availability issues have again forced Shropshire to make changes to their side ahead of this weekend, with Shifnal batsman Tom Home handed his first call-up.
Home will be the latest in a relatively long line of debutants who have been called up to the County side this season because of selection problems.
Shropshire's chairman of selectors Brian Foxall said the move presented a great chance for the youngster to stake a claim for a regular place in the side.
He said: "It is not ideal that we are having to throw in in experienced players but Tom scored 56 for Shifnal on Saturday in the league.
"Our captain Richard Oliver, who also plays for Shifnal, sees him every week and he rates him highly.
"It's a chance to make his mark and if he plays well who knows there may be opportunities for the rest of the season."
