Swardeston skipper Mark Thomas is set to make his first Norfolk cricket appearance for five years.
The 28-year-old Swardeston captain’s long exile from the county ranks will end on Sunday 10 July when he plays in the MCCA Knockout Trophy quarter-final against Herefordshire at Manor Park (11am).
All-rounder Thomas has made himself available for Norfolk’s one-day games, and has been called in as a replacement for leg-spinner Robbie Austin, who is unavailable.
Thomas was a member of the Norfolk side that won the MCC Trophy at Lord’s in 1997, but has not played for the county since making a one-day appearance in 2000, his only outing after his father Peter was replaced as chairman of the selection committee and uncle David removed as county coach.
In 2001, he played for Cambridgeshire against Norfolk in a one-day match at Manor Park.
Norfolk team manager and former captain Paul Newman said: “Like, I am sure, many people in Norfolk cricket, I warmly welcome Mark back into county colours.
“He has indicated his availability for our one-day games and his experience and ability with both bat and ball will be a bonus for the side. His inclusion gives us another frontline seam bowler and Mark’s batting will be another plus.”
Norfolk: C Amos, C J Rogers, J M Spelman, T R Ward, C R Borrett, M O Wilkinson, L T S Newton, C Brown, M W Thomas, P J Bradshaw (capt), M A Addison.
