Warrick Fynn excited for Shropshire debut

The 32-year-old all-rounder is set for his county debut, having been named in the team which will take on Herefordshire in a three-day contest beginning at Whitchurch CC on Sunday.

South African-born Fynn has been living in the UK for the past six years and playing for Oswestry in the Birmingham League.

And he is now eligible to make his Shropshire bow after acquiring citizenship and a British passport.

“I had my ceremony last month in Shrewsbury, sang the national anthem and was given my passport,” he said. “I netted a few times with Shropshire a couple of years ago and we looked long and hard at the regulations back then. It became apparent I needed a British passport in order to play.

“Now I have got one I can’t wait to get started. It’s going to be an exciting challenge.”

Fynn played first-class cricket for Eastern Province in his homeland before moving to the UK permanently.

Now married with two children, he believes domestic contentment has helped contribute to blistering form with the bat which has seen him average more than 100 in Division Two of the Birmingham League this season.

A useful left-arm spinner too, Fynn has been called-up at the first opportunity by Shropshire but is under no illusions he is stepping up a level.

“It will be a challenge and that is probably what I am most excited about,” he said. “It’s been a very good start to the season but it is still early. Through my career I have been very good in certain parts of the season and not in others. The goal is to be more consistent throughout.

“Life is good at the moment. We just bought our first house. To be honest I think that has probably helped with my cricket.

“There are other factors of course but I probably enjoy my cricket a lot more now. Back in South Africa I had all my eggs in one basket.”

Fynn’s Oswestry team-mate Joe Carrasco has also been included in the Shropshire XI as they look to kickstart their campaign following an opening week draw with Wales.