Beds recall four for Cumberland clash

BEDFORDSHIRE return to Minor Counties action after a three-week break this weekend when they make the long trip to Cumberland.

Surprisingly, Beds have decided to go into the game without a specialist spinner, preferring a four-man pace attack of Andy McGarry, Colin Griggs, Will Sneath and Martin Weightman.

There are four changes from the side which drew with Suffolk in the opening three-day match at Luton with James Kettleborough, Andy Reynoldson, George Thurstance and Will Sneath, who were unavailable for that game, all returning.

They replace Dan Simpson, Greg Evans, Ziggy Arshad and Chris Esh, although Alastair Craig, who made his debut against Suffolk, keeps his place.

Chairman of selectors Pip August said: “We are persisting with our policy of playing young local talent whenever possible.

“It’s all a matter of getting the balance right. The average age of the side is only 22 and we are still able to call on the experience of skipper Ollie Clayson, Steve Stubbings and Andy McGarry.”

The county will be delighted to welcome back Bedford School captain Kettleborough who has been in magnificent form for both the school and the Middlesex second XI this season.

Reynoldson, who missed the last match because he was playing for Northamptonshire seconds, will strengthen the middle order and Beds may call upon his occasional left-arm spin to give the attack some kind of variety.

Former Bedford Modern School batsman Thurstance is available again after being committed to playing for Cardiff University recently.

The game, which starts on Sunday, is being staged at Sedburgh School near Kendall, the first time Bedfordshire have ever played there.

Beds: Ollie Clayson, James Kettleborough, George Thurstance, Steve Stubbings, Andy Reynoldson, Alastair Craig, Martin Weightman, George Arblaster, Will Sneath, Colin Griggs, Andy McGarry.

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