Star cricket signing Umar Amin back for Walsall

Walsall will have star signing Umar Amin back in their line-up for a key Birmingham League Premier Division clash at Knowle & Dorridge tomorrow.

The Pakistan international is back from a four-week training camp in his homeland to strengthen the former champions' hand in an enticing clash.

Captain Dave Powles, a figure of huge frustration after failing to finish off Kidderminster last weekend, is determined his side get back in the hunt by taking points off one of the front-runners and always fancied contenders.

All-rounder Amin's presence will have K&D on alert. A left-handed batsman and medium pace bowler, he has played 27 times for Pakistan and is regarded as one of most high-profile recruits in the Birmingham League's celebrated history.

"It's a huge boost for us to have Umar back after four weeks," he said.

"He is still heavily involved in Pakistan's international set-up and did not have a choice but to attend.

"But his presence adds significant strength to our batting certainly and probably our bowling too. It's a good moment to welcome him because this is a big game for us this weekend."

Walsall had the lion's share of the game against Kidderminster once they had overcome the early difficulties of 68-4 off 26 overs.

But Powles (84) and Paul Byrne (89) set a club record fifth-wicket stand of 152 to guide them to an intimidating 261-8 which was never threatened by Victoria.

Slumping to 25-3, then 52-5, the drawbridge went up and Victoria held them at bay to finish on 118-7.

"It was massively frustrating," admitted Powles. "The good partnership we had showed that it was a good wicket but they never really went for it.

"It was difficult to get them out in those circumstances."

It's not getting any easier for Himley after another blank weekend in their disrupted and so far disappointing campaign.

A poor performance at Walmley left Greg Wright's outfit still looking for their first win but with two significant holes punched in their line-up for tomorrow.

Moeen Ali's call for England's Test duty may have delighted his many Birmingham League friends but it has forced Worcestershire to call back Tom Kohler-Cadmore for county duty.

And with Olly Westbury back at Shrewsbury School, Wright's numbers are thinned for a tough assignment at Brockhampton.

"It is a blow to lose them and there's not much point denying that," said Wright.