TAMWORTH CC are hoping to strengthen their side in the next few weeks having returned to training with a session at Edgbaston last weekend.

All-rounder Stuart Burrows has been re-elected as First XI skipper as Tamworth look to mount a promotion campaign in Birmingham League Division Two.

The club are on the verge of signing a batsman from South Australia – but will not release his name until the deal is done.

Tamworth – who have replaced outgoing chairman Robin Norris with Mick Nield – are also in the hunt for a seam bowler and have held positive talks with two English club cricketers.

"Our aim this season will be to pick up where we left off last year and continue to show signs of progression," said Burrows (pictured above)

"I thought we did okay last season and if we get the right commitment from everyone, we can really do well this summer."

"We want to develop the younger players at the club and we are also hopeful of getting two or three new lads in.

"We are definitely looking to bring a seamer in – that has to be a priority for us.

"I think we already have more than enough to be there or thereabouts in the table but we definitely need two or three new faces, to add strength in depth."

The arrival of new players will off-set the departure of Worcestershire CCC and England under-19s star Jack Manuel, who is expected to leave the club to join Birmingham League Premier side Walsall.

"We think Worcester want him to play Premier Division cricket, though nothing has been confirmed as yet," said Burrows.

"Losing Jack is a blow because he's a quality batsman but at the same time he only played half a season last year anyway due to injury and England and Worcestershire commitments.

"It gives some of the other young guys here – like Jake Flower and Tom Philpotts – the chance to move up in the order.

"And we have other juniors coming through who will get their chance I am sure."

● JACK Manuel will be hoping to be selected for England under-19s first group match of the under-19s World cup on Saturday.

England face Hong Kong, followed by Afghanistan on Monday (January 18) and current under-19 World Cup holders India on Wednesday (January 20).

The top two teams in each group will progress to the quarter-finals.