George Rhodes returns to Suffolk CCC line-up in place of Alex Maynard for Staffordshire CCC visit
George Rhodes returns to the Suffolk side for Monday’s NCCA Trophy match versus Staffordshire.
Rhodes, who missed Suffolk’s opening Group 2 game against Norfolk last Sunday, is the only change to the side that defeated Norfolk by 124 runs at Fakenham CC.
Bury St Edmunds batter Alex Maynard makes way for Rhodes, who is starting his third full season as Suffolk’s professional, for the Bank Holiday Monday match at Bignall End CC.
After breaking new ground with their visit to Fakenham CC, it will also be the first time Suffolk have visited Bignall End CC.
Staffordshire have not played at the Boon Hill club, who are celebrating their 150th anniversary year, since 1990.
Suffolk head coach Adam Mansfield said: “George Rhodes comes in to replace Alex Maynard. It’s unfortunate for Alex, but I have spoken to him and explained our reasoning.”
The inclusion of ex-Worcestershire and Leicestershire all-rounder Rhodes is a boost for a Suffolk side already buoyed by Sunday’s comprehensive victory over the holders.
Matt Wareing blew away the top-order on his way to excellent figures of 5-27, but received solid support from the rest of the attack.
Dan Shanks will start the match on a hat-trick after wrapping up the Norfolk innings with two wickets in two balls.
Mansfield said: “Our bowling was excellent. We hardly bowled a bad ball and it was well backed up in the field.”
Staffordshire defeated Suffolk by 116 runs at Mildenhall in last season’s group game, although Suffolk won their next three fixtures to qualify for the quarter-finals, before bowing out to Cambridgeshire.
Mansfield said: “Last season was a tough fixture against Staffs. They played well and we didn’t. Let’s see what happens this time.
“They're a top side and I hope we play to the best of our ability. We will go there, enjoy ourselves and play hard.
“It’s another game of cricket and if we play well, we’ll be there or thereabouts come the end of the game.”
Suffolk: Jack Beaumont, Ollie Burle, Darren Ironside, George Rhodes, Kieran Pell, Alex Oxley, Josh Cantrell (capt), Jacob Marston (wkt), Tom Harper, Dan Shanks, Matt Wareing. 12th man: Alex Maynard.
