Westbury wants to see progress

The Birmingham League Premier Two outfit have managed to retain all of last year’s first-team squad with all-rounders Mahaaz Ahmed and Ollie Walker the only additions, from Barnards Green and Beacon respectively.

Himley, who host Dorridge on Saturday, beat every Premier Two team they faced in last year’s shortened season.

Former Worcestershire academy star Westbury claims the focus is on steady progress, during what is his first full campaign at the helm.

He said: “I would like to think we will be a solid side. I’m not sure we are going to the kind of team which blasts 350 and then bowls the opposition out for double figures every week but I believe we will be competitive.

“We’ve got a squad capable of playing attritional cricket. This is a long-term project, we have the foundation blocks in place and the aim is to keep building on those each season.”

Smethwick will be hoping to call on some first-class experience for their Premier Division One campaign.

Oliver Hannon-Dalby, who opens the bowling for Warwickshire, has joined as their contracted player and should prove a real handful for opposing batsmen when he is available to play.

Smethwick have also snapped up Mohammed Qamar Khan from Attock and talented young batsman Ibbadat Thaman from Milford Hall.

Once again skippered by former Derbyshire player, Rawait Khan, Smethwick face a testing opening fixture away to Berkswell tomorrow.