St George’s are set to ring the Cup Match changes for the second straight year as they attempt to wrestle the coveted trophy from holders Somerset.

The challengers could make as many as four changes to the 2023 team as they prepare to renew battle with their perennial rivals at Somerset Cricket Club on August 1 and 2.

They also made four changes to their team last year with Delray Rawlins and Charles Trott recalled and all-rounder Brian Hall and opening batter Azende Furbert getting the nod for the first time.

“There are changes anticipated,” St George’s cricket chairman and former captain Wendell Smith told The Royal Gazette.

“Charles Trott has sustained a serious foot injury and is likely to be out for the remainder of the season.

“Last year we took only one pace bowler, so it is possible that we will shore up that area or our bowling attack generally. Additionally, we have a few young batsmen who may pick themselves due to their excellent form this season.

“We do anticipate a close battle for spots as we have a healthy number of prospects who are performing admirably this season and subsequently they will likely make a strong case for their inclusion.”

St George’s have already held two trial matches in which a number of players yet to appear in the Annual Classic have impressed with bat and ball.

“Of course, with three trial matches planned, the players have further opportunities to make statements to the selectors and my reminder to the players is to seize these opportunities to pick yourself,” Smith said.

Seamer Jamar Stovel and all-rounders Nzari Paynter and Jonte Smith are among those seeking recalls to the Cup Match team this year, while batter Marcus Scotland, who was a reserve last year, young seamer Luke Fulton, all-rounder Luke Horan and wicketkeeper-batter Jarryd Richardson are among those hoping to break into the St George’s team for the first time.

Paynter, Richardson and Macai Simmons have all scored half-centuries in trial matches, while left-arm spinner Kevon Fubler claimed three wickets for eight runs and Bermuda under-19 players Fulton and Horan took two wickets apiece in St George’s 217-run win over Cleveland in the opening trial at Wellington Oval.

“The trial match versus Cleveland County proved most helpful in that the St George’s players had the opportunity to bat on a decent pitch for an extensive period of time, nearly 65 overs, thereby enabling them to attain some much needed extra batting practice,” Smith said.

“Three chaps took advantage of this and scored half-centuries, namely Nzari, Jarryd and Macai. We were also able to take a look at some of our new bowling prospects and they all performed admirably as well.”

Several St George’s Cup Match players also impressed in the match between the club and St David’s in the penultimate trial at Lord’s last weekend, with captain Onias Bascome hitting 90 and seamer Keith Whorms claiming three wickets.

Jonté Smith scored 79 and claimed two wickets for St David’s, while Hall, who made his debut for St George’s as a colt last year, claimed three wickets and Paynter two in the home side’s four-wicket defeat.

With St George’s due to be presented with the Premier Division 50 Overs trophy this week after sealing the title last Sunday, confidence and team morale is high, something Smith, the first batter to score 1,000 runs in Cup Match, hopes spills over into the upcoming two-day classic.

“The league programme is functioning extremely well, with consistent high attendance at training sessions and, best of all, the morale is excellent,” he added.

“These players understand the concept of knowing their role on the team. This is without a doubt the strongest and best team morale that we have had at St George’s in the past decade.

“Team comes first and these players are invariably praising one another and supporting each other as their peers are performing.

“Confidence is obviously high and our performances and results attest to this.

“The large number of league and Cup Match prospects who participated in the Smash tournament was beneficial as it provided extra match-play opportunities.”