Though momentum has been stunted, Wardens skipper Harry Johnson is confident that his side will get back into the swing of things.
SKIPPER Harry Johnson believes Kenilworth Wardens can pick up where they left off in Birmingham & District Premier Division Two – pending no further intervention by weather – in Saturday’s fixture at Oswestry.
The Wardens, like so many clubs in recent weeks, have been held back by three successive abandonments against Bromsgrove, Dorridge and most recently Wolverhampton, meaning Kenilworth have surrendered top spot by no means of their own.
Sliding down to fourth behind new leaders Wem, who they trail by 18 points, there will be a real determination from all involved at Kenilworth to hit the ground running again, having stormed to comprehensive victories in their opening three league matches this term.
Johnson is more than confident the Glasshouse Park club will pick up where they left off and quickly return to their previous form.
“We can’t control the weather and prior to the interruption, we had a 100 per cent record from our opening three games so I have to be happy,” said Kenilworth’s captain.
“In particular it’s been great to see different people stepping up and taking responsibility with both bat and ball to get us over the line during those three wins.
“Our pro Ali Zaryab has made an excellent start, as befits someone with his pedigree in Pakistani first-class cricket and the Under-19 World Cup.
“Perhaps the biggest frustration for us is that our new signing George Scrimshaw has twice been kitted up to make his Wardens debut but is yet to bowl a ball.
“He really impressed Derbyshire in the early weeks of the season and is desperate to get started with us.”
With Kenilworth’s forthcoming fixtures now to be decided in 55-over matches, following the switch of formats last weekend, Johnson views some clear advantages.
“The red ball poses a different challenge for both bowlers and batters and tends to lend itself to a more attritional style of cricket,” he added. “It’s really important that we adapt quickly and hit the ground running to maintain our momentum from the opening weeks.
“From a selection perspective, with bowlers able to deliver 17 overs, we may look to lengthen our batting line-up as opposed to going into games with six bowlers.”
