The loss of overseas signing Shaun Marsh for the rest of the season to a shoulder injury is a big opportunity for Glamorgan’s young players to make a mark in this year’s Vitality Blast, according to captain Colin Ingram.
With Marsh out it means batsman Aneurin Donald could move to the top of the order, while Kiran Carlson could fit into the middle order.
“He (Shaun Marsh) is a massive loss for us,” admitted Ingram. “He has fitted in tremendously well amongst the group and showed plenty of signs of the terrific player he is while he was here so it’s obviously a loss but we wish him well in his recovery.
“When you lose a player of that calibre it is difficult but it does give an opportunity to other players in the squad to come in and stake a claim.
“Aneurin Donald towards the back end of last year really did nicely up front for us, so potentially he could step into that role and hopefully make the most of it.
“Kiran Carlson would have been frustrated sitting on the side so it would be great to get him in. He’s an exciting young player and he’s showed in all the formats he’s played so far that he has what it takes at this level – we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
The Welsh county will also be without fast-bowler Marchant de Lange for the competition after he aggravated a hamstring injury, but Ingram is confident he still has plenty of bowling options to fill the void.
“Marchant showed in his death bowling towards the back end of last season how he can make a big difference with his pace and he used it well so it’s unfortunate for us.
“The one nice thing is that the people we have playing at the moment, especially in the bowling attack have been doing over the last three years for us so certainly the experience is there and it’s about being excited about the challenge and opportunity it gives them over the next few weeks."
With 12 matches still remaining in the group stages and the team currently sitting in fourth position, there is plenty to play for in the competition and time for Glamorgan to fill the vacant overseas position if the right type of player becomes available and mount another serious challenge in the Vitality Blast.
“This time of year is challenging but it’s something we’ve jumped on to straight away,” said Ingram.
“There’s a large part of the tournament left so we’ve put out a few feelers and having a look at what sort of player is available and hopefully over the next couple of days we can find a suitable replacement.
“I really have high hopes for the year and we have a nice and balanced side, with a few good all-rounders so I’m really positive about the next weeks and building to the back end of the competition."