Captain Onias Bascome will not be involved in St George’s Cup Match trial against Cleveland Countu at Wellington Oval on Saturday.

Bascome has been ruled out as he will be featuring as a guest player for Devonshire Rec in their Central Counties match with North Village. Macai Simmons will captain St George’s in Bascome’s absence.

The challengers’ team also comprises Nzari Paynter, Dean Simons, Azendé Furbert, Jarryd Richardson, Luke Horan, Kevon Fubler, Brian Hall, Luke Fulton, Seth Campbell and Keegan Jones, who will be keen to impress cricket chairman Wendell Smith and his fellow selectors.

“This team includes a host of promising young cricketers who are hoping to display their respective talents as we embark upon the business end of the season,” Smith told The Royal Gazette.

“For both group of players, this match on Saturday should provide an opportunity for both the batsmen and bowlers to display their craft in a longer format of the game.

“As Cleveland have the first crack at dethroning Bailey’s Bay in the Eastern Counties curtain raiser, what better way to prepare for such a match than to participate in this trial match just two weeks prior to the long awaited showdown.”

Also among the notable players absent from the St George’s team are former Sussex all-rounder Delray Rawlins.

St George’s are scheduled to play another Cup Match trial match against St David’s at Lord’s on July 13 before their final trial match at Wellington Oval on July 27.

Both matches will start at 10am with lunch and tea breaks to be held as per Cup Match and Eastern Counties regulations.

Somerset, who have held the prized trophy since 2012, retained their title after last year’s match was drawn in the East End.

• St George’s Cricket Club will be holding its football prize-giving ceremony after the Cup Match trial match on Saturday. Community members are invited to send along prizes or donations for the players who helped Premier Division outfit St George’s Colts win the prestigious FA Cup for the first time last season.