Staffordshire captain James Kettleborough says his side can’t afford to dwell on the past as they begin their National Counties Cricket Association season.
Staffs kick off their 2026 campaign with an NV Play One-Day Trophy Group Two home game against Norfolk at West Bromwich Dartmouth on Sunday (11am).
The Trophy has been a source of frustration and disappointment for Staffordshire in recent years.
They have failed to progress beyond the group stages in each of the past three seasons in the 50-over format.
However, captain Kettleborough is keen for his players to focus on the few positives which have emerged from this competition as they attempt to crack the code.
“It’s very known to us that we haven’t had the success in recent seasons in the Trophy that we would have liked and there is an element of my mindset that says ‘we’ve nothing to lose by trying things out’,” he said.
Staffordshire select squad for NCCA Knockout Trophy opener
“But I also don’t want us to forget how good we can be, we’ve shown that in small doses in 50-over cricket and plenty in other formats.
“I would rather head into this season’s Trophy believing we can be better and knowing that if we get things right consistently then there is no reason why we can’t match the success we’ve found in the other formats.”
‘New faces’
Staffordshire will head into this weekend’s encounter with a relatively new-look side.
There could be up to half-a-dozen changes to the line-up which played in last year’s final group game, ironically against Norfolk at Sprowston.
Among those switches, Staffordshire will have debuts to three winter recruits – Ollie Walker, Sam Keeling-Wright and Dan Lincoln.
All-rounder Walker and seamer Keeling-Wright were both born in Staffs and play their club cricket for county sides Himley and Old Hill respectively. They have joined from Herefordshire.
‘Attitude and desire are key ingredients for Staffordshire’
Lincoln, meanwhile, has made the move from Berkshire, where has was captain, to add experience to the Staffordshire ranks.
“Ollie brings that all-rounder ability. He’s shown over the past couple of seasons with Herefordshire he’s capable of playing some pretty devastating match winning innings and his seamers are more than useful which can assist with getting the balance of the side ride,” explained Kettleborough.
“Sam brings that raw pace that so many sides at any level desire. It’s a really threatening asset to have and our challenge will be working with Sam to get the best of him and also try to keep him fit and on the field as much as we can, something he’s struggled with in the past and we want to help put right so we can get as much out of him and his pace as possible.
‘Talk of the town’
“The signing of Dan Lincoln will no doubt be huge news around NCCA cricket. As soon as we were made aware that he was available we certainly felt as a county we wanted to have a conversation with Dan at the very least.
“We acted quickly and I personally had a lengthy in-depth chat with Dan and on the back of those am really excited at securing Dan’s services.
“He’s going to a huge asset to the county both on and off the field as he his desire to help develop those around him is as equally high as his desire to win more silverware.”
‘Captain’s target’
And with those new signings, plus plenty of talent within the current squad, Kettleborough is aiming high this year.
“Quite simply for me this season, I want us to show how good we can be and ultimately win some silverware,” he added. “It’s a high bar I know but it’s nothing we can’t achieve if we nail our process and execute performances when needed.
“As I’m sure all counties will say at this time of year before a ball is bowled, it’s got the potential to be an exciting season so let’s see how it unfolds.”
Main image: Staffordshire captain James Kettleborough is targeting a winning start to the one-day season. Picture: David Peters