Birmingham ladies' cricket team needs new players

Apr 1 2008 By Jasbir Authi

A BIRMINGHAM ladies' cricket team could be facing their final innings unless new members are found.

Moseley Ashfield Cricket Club could be stumped if 20 players don't stump up for the upcoming season.

The cricket club, off Yardley Wood Road, Moseley, has run a successful ladies side for three years, including players such as Sarah Aley, who went on to play for the Australian under-23 national side.

However, numbers haven now dwindled and club spokesman Shuja Shams today urgently appealed for women to step up to the wicket and show their batting spirit.

Mr Shams, aged 39, from Hall Green, said: "We had a successful ladies' side playing last year but a number of the ladies have moved on to other clubs and we are looking to fulfil the fixtures for this year. These include the Warwickshire league fixtures.

"We are completely struggling this season."

Prospective players need not possess the bowling prowess of Monty Panesar or batting skills of Kevin Pietersen.

"Anyone aged from 16 is welcome and no experience is needed," Mr Shams said.

"We run training session for the ladies on Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm, and they can join the team or just have an enjoyable bat around.

"The fixtures are always on a Sunday and there are some odd evening matches. It wouldn't take up too much time."

* Anyone interested in joining should contact the ladies' captain or Mr Shams on 07958 108123.