IT'S ALL change for Ludlow Cricket Club this season – a new captain, a key departure and no chance of winning promotion!

That’s no reflection on the talent Ludlow have at their disposal – just the fact that Birmingham League restructures mean there is no promotion from the Shropshire League this season.

Ludlow finished second in the Shropshire Premier last season, runners-up to title-winners Whitchurch.

But they have lost skipper Will Sparrow – Shropshire Premier Player of the Year the last two years running – to Birmingham League outfit Bridgnorth.

Taking over the captaincy role is former Durham and Hampshire ace Ruel Brathwaite.

Ludlow are set to open their season this Saturday with a stern test at home to Sentinel, who were relegated from the Birmingham League last summer.

However, club secretary Matt Porter said the club could look to postpone the game after the recent bad weather.

He said: “We are excited about the season but we are frustrated at the weather which hasn’t allowed us to get on the pitch much.

“We are still debating whether to invoke the Shropshire League rule whereby you can rearrange your opening game for a Sunday later in the season.”

Porter admits the ‘no promotion’ issue will make it a strange season but believes the restructuring will strengthen the league in the long run.

He added: “We are excited about the 2019 season because the standard in the league will significantly improve with teams dropping down.

“This season is a little strange – there’s still the prestige of winning the Shropshire title to aim for but at the same time knowing you’re not going to get promoted.”

Ludlow seconds begin their season away to Lilleshall seconds, while the thirds host Lilleshall firsts.

Elsewhere, Bishops Castle, who finished mid-table last season, begin their Shropshire League Division Two season at home to Wellington thirds.