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

The Budleigh Salterton skipper, who used to play for Callington, agrees that Devon are without key personnel due to claims elsewhere.

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

Plymouth College student Burke is taking part in an England Under-19 trial, while Plympton all rounder and England age-group player Gregory and opening bowler Dibble have a game for Somerset seconds.

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

He said: "We have got some exciting players coming through at the moment, as well as players who have been around a while who have become serious cricketers.

"We will miss Lewis Gregory and Adam Dibble, although that is something we will have to get used to as Somerset have first call on them anyway."

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.

Bishop said: "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 beating them.

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

"If we lose to Shropshire that 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 (from): JT Ralph (Kidderminster, captain), 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), GR 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 CC).