SAM Kelsall is determined to make the most of his fresh opportunity with Staffordshire – and hopefully scratch a 10-year itch in the process.Kelsall returned to the county fold over the winter after a period away from the Staffs set-up.The 33-year-old was appointed as captain ahead of the 2020 campaign – which was ultimately cancelled due to the covid pandemic – but stepped down without taking charge of a competitive game after failing to find common ground with management over certain issues.Kelsall spent time away from the National Counties Cricket Association circuit, but returned to play for Bedfordshire in the 2024 season.However, he’s now back home with Staffordshire and eager to play his part in another successful chapter for the county.“I thought my chance to play for Staffs again had gone,” said the Moddershall all-rounder.“But there were some good conversations over the winter and I wanted to get back involved.“It’s been great, training and playing with a good group of cricketers – it’s been a really good environment.“There’s no point in dwelling on what happened in the past – things happened for a reason.“If anything it’s made me hungrier to get back and hopefully contribute to winning games of cricket for Staffordshire.“I did enjoy my time with Bedfordshire and I haven’t got a bad word to say about them, they gave me the opportunity to play at this level again.“But ultimately I’m a Staffordshire lad and have played for the county since I was 10, so this is very much my home.”And Kelsall is part of a Staffs side who have started the season impressively.After three years of failing to progress from the group stages of the 50-over competition, Staffordshire have bucked the trend and advanced this year.
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