Staffordshire have made two changes to their squad for this weekend’s NCCA NV Trophy game against Northumberland.
Paceman Sam Keeling-Wright and all-rounder Reeve Evitts are both unavailable for the Group Two contest at Jesmond on Sunday (11am).
Staffs have drafted in seamer Liam Hurt and Derbyshire all-rounder Joe Hawkins into the travelling party.
Hurt had been expected to focus on the T20 and Championship formats this season – but he returns to the 50-over side in Keeling-Wright’s absence.
Captain leads the way as Staffs pick up Trophy win at Bedfordshire
Staffordshire make the long trip north on the back of a 34-run victory over Bedfordshire at Ampthill on Bank Holiday Monday.
That was the ideal response to their opening-day defeat at the hands of Norfolk.
Staffs need to win this weekend and then defeat Lincolnshire at Bignall End a week later to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
Staffordshire (from): James Kettleborough (cpt, Checkley), Sam Kelsall (Moddershall), Matt Morris (Leek), Dan Lincoln (High Wycombe), Ollie Walker (Himley), Joe Hawkins (Moddershall), Callum Hawkins (Moddershall), Liam Hurt (Leyland), Jake Garlick (Moddershall), Sam Atkinson (Moddershall), Tom Brett (Finedon Dolben), Jack Batchelor (Stone SP).
Main image: Liam Hurt returns to the Staffordshire squad for the NCCA NV Play Trophy game against Northumberland at Jesmond. Picture: Pete Stonier