Berkshire finally return to championship action
W BERKSHIRE CCC
After a year's absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Berkshire play their first home three-day championship match since winning the title in 2019 when they host Dorset at Finchampstead on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
The defending champions will be looking to extend their incredible unbeaten run in the competition to 36 matches, stretching back to June
2015 when they defeated Oxfordshire by 40 runs at Henley with Chris Peploe taking six wickets in each innings to finish with outstanding figures of 12110.
In addition to spinner Peploe, the Henley quartet of Richard Morris, Euan Woods, Stewart Davison and Tom Nugent all remain in the side.
Berkshire and Dorset both drew their opening Western Division 1 match of the season although delays for rain almost certainly prevented them from winning. Berkshire (347-5dec) were well on top against Wiltshire (179 and 146-5) at Corsham, while Dorset (325-8 and 132-4dec) looked in a very strong position up in Cheshire (187 and 30-0).
As usual, Berkshire head coach Tom Lambert has to check with Middlesex and Hampshire over the availability of players who are attached to the first-class counties before naming his side. Work commitments for players could prove another issue.
But Dan Lincoln looks set to return following his recent three appearances for Kent's 1st XI. Now starring for Home Counties Premier League Division 2 leaders Slough, the batting star will be playing at his former club, while his ex-Finchampstead team-mate Oli Soames, now with Guildford, is expected to be in the Dorset team.
Play on all three days is due to commence at 11am.
W BUCKS CCC
Bucks have named young Buckingham opening batsman Michael Wells in the 12 for their National Counties Championship Eastern Division 2 match against Hertfordshire at Tring Park, starting this Sunday.
Wells, who has been in the runs for both his club and the Bucks Academy, joins a squad which will be keen to record their first victory after their opening draw against Bedfordshire.
Amersham all-rounder Michael Payne, who missed that game due to work commitments returns to the team along with opener Eliott Callis.
The pair replace Masoor Khan and Daniel Ogden in the side.
Bucks squad: T Hampton (H Wycombe) capt, E Callis (H Wycombe), AJ Woodland (H Wycombe), A Kervezee (Halesowen), M Payne (Amersham), R Richardson (Whitburn), J Rodnight (Tring Park), A King (Buckingham), C Parsons (H Wycombe), S Croft (Harefield), C Haddow (H Wycombe), M Wells (Buckingham).