QUICK bowler Ian Bishop believes Devon are in good shape ahead of their must-win game against Shropshire starting at Bridgnorth tomorrow.

The Budleigh Salterton skipper, Devon's senior player after captain Bob Dawson, agrees that Devon are without some key personnel in Shropshire due to claims elsewhere.

But Bishop says such is the strength in depth of Devon cricket at the moment, the absence of James Burke, Lewis Gregory and Adam Dibble can be covered.

Exmouth opener Burke is taking part in an England under-19s trial, while Plympton all-rounder and England age-group player Gregory has a game for Somerset second XI, as does opening bowler Dibble.

Burke and Dibble both featured prominently in the drawn game with Dorset two weeks ago — Gregory didn't play — but Bishop isn't too concerned that they won't be around at Shifnal.

"We have got some exciting players coming through at the moment, like Chris Metters and Gary Chapple, as well as players who have been around a while who have become serious Minor Counties cricketers," said Bishop.

"We will miss James Burke and Dibble in this game, although that is something we will have to get used to as Somerset do have first call on them anyway.

"It is a sign of the strength in Devon cricket that we can go without Burke to Shropshire and bring in Seb Benton instead.

"Seb hasn't been able to play until now as Cardiff UCCE have first call during the university season. He comes into the side having played half a season of First Class cricket with Cardiff, which makes him a pretty good replacement.

"Rob Holman is back for this game. He used to be a fringe player but he has batted fantastically for Devon this season and is now an accomplished player at this level.

"We've had to make changes, just as we did in the last game. Luckily, we have the players to cover the gaps."

Devon have drawn their first two games — away to Berkshire and home to Dorset — and are halfway up the table in fifth spot.

Cheshire are the current leaders in the six-game campaign between the 10 counties, who play each other twice during a three-year cycle. Devon don't play Cheshire this year, which makes this game significant.

"Because we don't play Cheshire this year we can't afford to let them get too far ahead of us as we can't get the points back by beating them," said Bishop.

"It's still relatively early days as no one has won more than one game so far, so the teams at the top haven't become spread out.

"If we lose to Shropshire it will let them get 20-odd points ahead of us, then you have some work to do in the last three games just to get in front of them, never mind who else is up there."

Shropshire look like being without dual-registered seamer Jack Shantry, who has a summer contact with Worcestershire.

Wicketkeeper Matt Tilt is not available, which means a call-up for Anthony Parker on his own ground.

Also named in the squad is 17-year-old off-spinner Alex Blofeld, who will make his debut if he plays.

Shropshire (from): JT Ralph (Kidderminster), EJ Foster, RJ Foster, MR Barnard, A Blofield (all Shrewsbury), AKD Gray (Walsall), RK Oliver (Whitchurch), Atiq-ur-Rehman (Knowle & Dorridge), JD Whitney (Bridgnorth), SA Taylor (St Georges), AJ Parker (Shifnal), EJ Bayliss (Kidderminster)

Devon (squad): SR Benton (Paignton), DJ Bowser (North Devon), RI Dawson (Budleigh Salterton), R Chappell (Bradninch), RJ Holman (Weston), AWP Allen, IE Bishop (both Budleigh Salterton), TS Anning, DF Lye (both Exmouth), S Barlow (Sidmouth), CL Metters (South Devon)