Alex to skipper Suffolk for first time

April 27, 2023

ALEX Oxley will skipper Suffolk for the first time as Connor Cobbold makes his county debut in Sunday’s T20 fixtures versus Lincolnshire.

The 19-year-old Mildenhall wicket-keeper is called into the side as Jacob Marston is unavailable for the double-header at Woodhall Spa CC, start 11am.

Captain Adam Mansfield and Ben Parker are also missing for Suffolk’s second Group 3 game of this season’s competition, after last Sunday’s opener versus Cambridgeshire was washed out.

However, all three will return for Monday’s matches versus Norfolk at Ipswich School as Suffolk play back-to-back fixtures over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Oxley (pictured batting above) will lead Suffolk in the absence of Mansfield who, along with team-mate Ben Parker, is contracted to play for Sudbury in the National Club Cup.

It means Oxley, who has just turned 22, will become Suffolk’s youngest ever captain, eclipsing Mansfield, who was 25 when he took on the job first time around in September 2016.

Suffolk Head coach Andy Northcote said: “We are delighted to give Alex Oxley the opportunity to lead the county for the first time. He captained our 2nd XI last season and has all the attributes to go on to become a successful captain in the future.

“He has experienced players around him, which will help, and it should be a great occasion for someone who has come through our Youth system and has done exceptionally well in the first team.

“Connor is also a graduate from our Youth system and comes in as Jacob needs to complete University work, although he will be back on Monday.”

Suffolk had slipped to 73 for 7 off 15.5 overs when the first of the two scheduled matches was abandoned due to persistent rain.

Northcote said: “It was frustrating for sure, but kind too following the start we had.

“We got out of jail and are ready to try again this weekend in what is going to be even tougher with two games back-to-back, the travel up and down to Woodhall Spa and the quality of the opposition.

“The clash with the National Club Cup Competition on one hand is frustrating and the other exciting as people new to the group have the opportunity to impress.”

Suffolk: Michael Comber, Ben Claydon, Alex Oxley (capt), George Rhodes, Josh Cantrell, Darren Ironside, Jack Beaumont, Tom Harper, Freddie Heldreich, Connor Cobbold (wkt), Dan Shanks. 12th man: Andy Northcote/Tom Rash.

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