6th August 2021
| Matt Thompson
Wales have named a 13 man squad for their One Day Cup semi final clash against current holders Berkshire at Port Talbot CC on Sunday.
Making their first appearance in the final four for the first time since 1996, Wales have a number of selection question marks that they will be hoping becomes clearer over the next 24 hours. From an injury perspective, fast bowler and local boy Richard Edwards hasn't recovered in time after pulling up a fortnight ago in club cricket. He has benefitted from an extended rest - missing back to back three day games after an outstanding performance against Glamorgan - but hasn't been able to pull through.
PHOTO: Local boy Richard Edwards misses out through injury on Sunday.
Veteran seamer Aneurin Norman could only manage three overs in the first innings in the championship match at Devon 11 days ago and is also fighting a battle to be fit in time for Sunday. The Mumbles all rounder has been more or less been ever present in Wales' line up since 2008 and will be hoping to come into Sunday ready.
Wales are fortunate to have an abundance of depth at their disposal in the likes of Sam Jardine and Ben Morris - both of whom replaced Norman and Edwards at Abergavenny against Shropshire this week. 18 year old Morris made his mark immediately with a sparkling 5 wicket haul on debut, and Jardine claimed the big wicket of former Glamorgan all rounder Graham Wagg on his way to 3-44.
It's been a hugely successful season for Wales this summer, so much so that they are resigned to being without opening batter Steve Reingold. The 22 year old Cardiff UCCE student has broken into Glamorgan's Royal London One Day Cup side, after impressing for Wales and Glamorgan's 2nd XI, and looks set to feature against Nottinghamshire at Sophia Gardens on Sunday in what would be his 7th List A appearance of the season. The same can be said of St Fagans all rounder and skipper Andrew Gorvin who has featured in 4 of Glamorgan's 50 over games this year. Gorvin didn't feature on Thursday at Grace Road against Leicestershire though, which may mean he is available to Wales.
PHOTO: Steve Reingold (batting) won't be available for Wales after breaking into Glamorgan's 1st XI this summer.
There are two welcome returns to the squad however for all rounder Joe Voke and experienced campaigner Brad Wadlan. Chepstow born Voke, who could play on his home ground featured for Wales against Herefordshire in pre-season and has been in fine form with bat and ball this year for Port Talbot. Availability has been the main barrier to inclusion before now. Wales will be boosted by Wadlan's return - the 32 year old is a proven performer averaging over 44 with the bat in an 87 game national counties career (Wales, Herefordshire & Cornwall) and has collected 217 wickets at an average of under 18. A former Unicorns player, Wadlan's last appearance for Wales was a dogged 2nd innings century against Devon at Sandford in 2019.
Berkshire will visit Port Talbot for the first time in their history on Sunday. Head Coach Darren Thomas confirmed that the side are relishing the challenge. He said, "it's a fantastic opportunity for us and one that the lads have earned based on our approach and execution this year. We've had games in the group stage where we've been put under pressure and come out the other side which has been great for our confidence, and we've shown since then that we can raise our game against high quality opposition in the showcase fixture against Glamorgan. There's been a unwavering level of belief in the group this season and we know we have the quality to come away with a place in the final if we play like we know we can."
Play starts at 11am on Sunday and spectators are welcome.
Wales NC squad from: SJ Pearce* (Bridgend), JN Voke (Port Talbot), TR Bevan (St Fagans), CR Brown, OMD Kolk (both Lansdown), BL Wadlan (Swansea), GC Holmes (Cardiff), CL Herring+ (Pontarddulais), SJ Jardine (Neath), AW Gorvin (St Fagans), AJ Norman (Mumbles), TD Phillips (Cardiff), BJ Morris (Abergavenny)
Berkshire squad from: Perera, Albert, Morris*, Woods, Rishton, D. Lincoln+, J. Lincoln, Peploe, Nugent, Beavan, Uttley, Davison.
