OLD Elizabethans will be without Pakistan international Nasir Jamshed for their season opener against promoted Stratford at the Memorial Ground tomorrow (noon).

The Perdiswell-based club hoped to have the 26-year-old, who has figured in two Tests and a string of T20 internationals, available ahead of their Birmingham and District Premier Cricket League Division Two campaign.

But OEs’ cricket committee chairman Steve Walsh said Jamshed was still in Pakistan and admitted he was also unsure whether the left-handed opener would face Wombourne the following weekend.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board organised a domestic tournament at the last minute, which is happening now, so he’s involved in that,” he said.

“We are hopeful he will be around next week, but it still hasn’t been confirmed.”

Walsh said the capture of Jamshed had created a “buzz” at the club, who have made a series of additions to bolster their bid for promotion this season.

Left arm spinner JJ Dilley has joined from Ombersley, while middle-order batsman Elliot Hennessy and all-rounder James Padden have moved from Barnards Green and Worcester respectively.

The top order has been boosted with the arrival of Ash Bullock from Bromyard and the return of Jack Taylor from Brockhampton.

Harvey Groves, who was Rushwick’s young player of the year in 2015, has also been recruited but OEs failed in their efforts to land Worcestershire bowler Charlie Morris.

“We enquired about Charlie but it wasn’t possible,” Walsh said.

“There is a general rule they have to play in the Premier Division or Division One, so he is playing for Bridgnorth.”

Walsh said he does not believe a strong start is essential but is confident they have the squad to push for honours this term.

“We probably lacked a good squad of players last year,” he added.

“But with the players we have added this year there is a lot more competition for places, so that should add a bit of strength to the team.

“We have probably got a squad of 15, which is great because I don’t think we have had that for the last five or six years.

“If all the players who have come to the club perform well and gel together, then we can push for promotion.”