Shrewsbury ace Blofield gets Shropshire call

The 17-year-old off-spinner has been handed his first senior county call for the three-day clash at Nantwich, which gets under way on Sunday.

Blofield, who has been drafted in to replace injured Shrewsbury team-mate Elliot Green, faces a baptism of fire.

Shropshire, third in the division and 17 points behind leaders Cheshire, must defeat their opponents and hope second-placed Wales fail to beat Dorset to stand any chance of claiming the Western Division title.

But Blofield said: "I can't wait. I know it is a must-win game and obviously I am a bit nervous, but I can't wait to be involved.

"I am quite confident that I will settle in well. There are quite a few Shrewsbury players in the team and I know a few of the other players from playing against them which helps."

Blofield, the younger brother of Shrewsbury and Shropshire's Alex Blofield, has earned his cap after enjoying an impressive season captaining Shrewsbury School to national glory.

Chairman of selectors Brian Foxall said: "Elliot Green is injured and we obviously hope he will be fit to play for us in the MCCA Trophy final later this month.

"We were looking for another bowler and, in order to balance the team, preferably a slow bowler, so Henry has been called up."

Blofield's inclusion is one of the three changes from the side beaten by Berkshire earlier this month.

Shrewsbury captain Rob Foster and wicketkeeper Anthony Parker also return.

Whitchurch all-rounder Omar Ali is unavailable while Simon Gregory and Harry Smallwood, who made his debut against Berkshire, are omitted.

Shropshire: Richard Oliver (Shifnal), Steve Leach (Shrewsbury), Chris Murtagh (Reigate Priory), Joe Clarke (Wellington), Rob Foster (Shrewsbury), James Ralph, Jono Whitney (both Bridgnorth), Anthony Parker, Henry Blofield (both Shrewsbury), Ben Sanderson (Rotherham Town), Dan Bowen (Whitchurch).