Staffordshire Development XI have a strong 12-man squad to pick from for their two-day match against Cheshire 2nd XI.
The match is being played at Burslem tomorrow and Wednesday, starting at 11am on both days.
Staffs have taken the opportunity to not only look at the next generation of talent, but also to give senior players some red-ball game time.
First-team skipper James Kettleborough captains the team, which also includes senior side batsmen Peter Wilshaw and Matthew Morris.
The trio will be looking to spend time in the middle to prepare for Staffs’ NCCA Championship campaign, which starts next month.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Callum Hawkins takes the gloves. He notched up two half-centuries in Staffs’ Knockout Trophy campaign.
The bowling department also boasts first-team experience with Sam Atkinson, Scott Winnington and Anis Raza also included.
There is a nod to the future as well, with Checkley’s Clark Haddrell, Stone SP’s Edward Batchelor and Stafford’s Matthew Turner featuring.
Callum Leese will also be aiming to put his name in the frame for the Championship three-day matches.
Leese made his first-team debut in the defeat by Wiltshire at Smethwick. He also featured in the rain-affected match against Buckinghamshire.
The Development XI have made a decent start to their season in the North of England Cup.
They started off with victories over Cheshire 2nd XI and Cumbria in 50-over matches before losing to North Wales.
Admission is free and refreshments will be available.
Staffordshire (from): James Kettleborough (cpt, Checkley), Sam Atkinson (Moddershall & Oulton), Edward Batchelor (Stone SP), Clark Haddrell (Checkley), Callum Hawkins (Moddershall & Oulton), Callum Leese (Hem Heath), Matthew Morris (Westhoughton), Anis Raza (Ashcombe Park), Gurjot Singh (West Bromwich Dartmouth), Matthew Turner (Stafford), Peter Wilshaw (Meakins), Scott Winnington (Bagnall Norton).
Picture: James Kettleborough captains Staffordshire Development XI against Cheshire 2nd XI at Burslem. Image: Alfie Shenton
