Staffordshire captain James Kettleborough says the NCCA Showcase games against Leicestershire will be worthwhile exercises – regardless of the outcomes.
In previous years, the matches between National Counties Cricket Association sides and their first-class rivals have been 50-over affairs.
But tomorrow, Staffordshire will take on Leicestershire in two Twenty20 matches at the Foxes’ Uptonsteel County Ground. The games start at 11.30am and 3.30pm.
The switch to the short format is part of Leicestershire’s Twenty20 Blast campaign preparations – but Staffordshire also have their own plans to put in place.
Later this month, Kettleborough and his players will turn their attention from 50-over matters to the T20 Cup with an opening-round trip to Northumberland.
So although Kettleborough would love to guide his side to wins on the day at Leicestershire, he’s keen to see the bigger picture from a team and individual perspective.
“We’re two or three weeks away from our Twenty20 Cup games and this is also an opportunity to play against professionals and on a first-class ground as well,” said Kettleborough.
“It will be a good experience for the players, although it’s going to be a steep challenge. But it will be worthwhile day.
Andy Carr: Staffordshire had chances to sample double NCCA Knockout Trophy joy
“We can keep an eye on how people go about things and it gives us the chance to look at the areas we need to work on ahead of the T20 Cup.
“As with Showcase games in the past, it’s a chance for one of two individuals to get runs and wickets – and when that happens you have a chance of winning.
“Players can stick their hands up and have a day out against the pros. If some NCCA sides can come away with wins, then it will have been a good experience.”
‘Opportunity knocks’
Staffordshire will take a youthful-looking squad to the Uptonsteel County Ground for the two contests.
Work commitments have ruled out a number of players, but Kettleborough is keen to see the depth of talent in the county ranks.
“It’s an opportunity for the young lads and, whatever happens, it going to be a learning experience for them,” added Kettleborough.
Disappointment for Staffordshire as Suffolk bank NCCA Knockout Trophy points
“We get to play at a first-class venue and that can be quite daunting for young lads, so it will be interesting to see how they handle the occasion.
“But they can be challenged at the highest level of domestic cricket and we’ve got a handful of lads aged between 18 and 22 who have aspirations to get themselves noticed.
“They can showcase their skills and some counties might just recognise that.”
Ockbrook & Borrowash’s Ethan Berlusconi, who featured in the pre-season friendly against Wales, is in the travelling party.
Captain Ketts hits century to set Staffordshire on way to NCCA Knockout Trophy win
Newcastle & Hartshill’s Rohan Vallabhaneni is also included, as is 17-year-old Warwickshire batsman Isaac Mohammed.
Admission to Friday’s matches is free for all Staffordshire members on production of their 2025 membership card on the gate.
Staffordshire squad: James Kettleborough (cpt, Checkley), Sam Atkinson (Moddershall & Oulton), Ed Batchelor (Stone SP), Ethan Berlusconi (Ockbrook & Borrowash), Reeve Evitts (Wolverhampton), Jacob Garlick (Moddershall & Oulton), Callum Hawkins (Moddershall & Oulton), Liam Hurt (Flixton), Isaac Mohammed (Warwickshire), Matthew Morris (Burslem), Jack Redman (Audley), Jack Hammond (Meakins), Rohan Vallabhaneni (Newcastle & Hartshill).
Main image: Staffordshire captain James Kettleborough is looking for his players to showcase their skills against Leicestershire. Picture: David Peters
