Thurstance to captain Beds

The county have been beset by unavailability for this game and have still to finalise their side, but in the absence of regular skipper Jamie Hewitt, Thurstance was the obvious choice.

The 21-year-old former Bedford Modern School pupil has been in outstanding form this season, scoring two centuries for the county, including an unbeaten 110 in the last game with Hertfordshire.

He also showed his versatility in that match by standing in as wicketkeeper for first choice Alex Martin.

Martin returns for this game and it could be that this time Beds will need Thurstance’s skills as a bowler.

As well as Hewitt, among those ruled out this weekend are Andy Reynoldson, Matt Barnes, Brad Matthews, 
Tom Brett and possibly Chris Esh.

Cambridgeshire, who are leading the chase for the Eastern Division title, have two top-class spinners in their line-up and seem sure to produce a wicket that turns.

So the absence of Brett, Esh and Reynoldson would be a blow to Bedfordshire’s chances, however the return of left-arm spinner Dan Vernon is a bonus.

The other good news for the county is that James Kettleborough returns as he is not required by Northamptonshire.

The 20-year-old has been scoring runs regularly for Northants second eleven and will surely get a game for the first team before season ends.

Beds have drawn all four of their championship games this season despite playing some entertaining cricket.

Chairman of the selectors Mike Archer said: “In many ways it has been an encouraging season.

“We have consistently fielded a young side and it is good to see the talent coming through.”