THIS Saturday will see Barnards Green Cricket Club embark on their first-ever appearance in the Birmingham & District Premier League Division One following their promotion last season.

The 2023 cricket season has now arrived and Green begin with a home tie against Berkswell, and they have been busy through the summer to build a squad capable of competing. 

There is something of a new look to the side with the club having completed some excellent signings during the winter.

Worcestershire CCC's Charlie Morris will fill the contracted player berth and Alex Gosling and Dan Holland are young players who come with big reputations.

The Green have also secured the services of Abu Jayed Rahi as their overseas signing, an experienced quick bowler from Bangladesh. Rahi has played 13 test matches for his country, 2 one-day matches and 3 T20s. In addition, Rahi has nearly 300 first-class wickets.

In addition, Ben Cooke, a middle-order batsman, joins from local rivals Colwall to provide vital depth to the batting stocks.

The club have also added some players this week in the build-up to Saturday; Max Bentley, a 19-year-old leg spinner from Wiltshire, has signed from Biddlestone CC and Jonny Dovey has returned to the club after a short period playing local league cricket in 2022.

Club Captain, Ryan Tongue, is delighted with the squad that the club has assembled not just in the first team, but across the board.

"Squad depth is key for a successful season across the four Saturday teams," he said.

"We are now in a position where all four teams have strong squads of around 16 players which is a luxury we have not had in recent years. There should be healthy competition for places in all four sides." 

Saturday will also mark the club's Former Players Day, where Around 70 past players from seven different decades will be coming together at the club to reminisce and recall the great memories which have made the club so special to those who have played there.