SOUTH Wilts begin their pre-season cricket preparations with a 50-over friendly match against Newbury-based Thames Valley League outfit Falkland on Saturday (1pm).

Eddie Abel is scheduled to make a welcome return to the South Wilts’ fold, with former Hampshire Academy seamer Ryan Murray recovered from shin splints and set to debut.

South Wilts: James Hibberd (Captain), Will Wade, Eddie Abel, Ian Holland, James Hayward, Joe Cranch, Ben Draper, Luke Evans, Sam Pittman, Steve Warner, Ryan Murray.

The respective second teams will meet at Bemerton.