Duo back for Bedfordshire’s trip to Cumberland

While the other counties were in action two weeks ago, Bedswere left to twiddle their thumbs because of the MCCA committee’s decision that they must play Norfolk during their cricket festival at the end of the month rather than on the scheduled date.

This at least has given the chance for batsman Dan Blacktopp’s injured ankle to heal and he returns to the side.

Also back is last season’s captain Jamie Hewitt who has been coaching at Haberdashers Aske school during term time and he will open the batting alongside Luke Thomas.

Even though Bedfordshire cannot call upon James Kettleborough, who made his county debut for Northamptonshire against Middlesex at Lord’s this week - the batting looks strong with George Thurstance and skipper Andy Reynoldson, who has been in great form this season, coming in at four and five.

The bowling attack has still to be finalised though with concerns about George Bacon and Alex King who have been struggling recently with injuries.

If Bacon is ruled out, Hewitt could be pressed into opening the bowling with Martin Weightman with Shabbz Hussain as the third seamer.

With Jon Carpenter available Bedfordshire have plenty of spin options although the green pitches of Cumberland are normally more conducive to seam bowling.

Certainly that was the case in Cumberland’s opening fixture at Barrow where Buckinghamshire were bowled out for 56 in their first innings and the game was over by just after lunch on the second day.

Bedfordshire have a busy month with a home game against Cambridgeshire at Bedford Modern School on July 20, 21 and 22 before the match with Norfolk the following weekend.