Leroy Shepherd admits South Hampstead are facing a challenging start to the season after his injury-hit side was bowled out for 52 in his first game as captain.

However, the skipper is adamant the Milverton Road outfit will go from strength to strength in Division Three of the Middlesex County League as key men become available.

SH were missing seven first-team players for Saturday’s opener against the Tamils, while their overseas player is yet to arrive and another new signing - wicketkeeper-batsman Felix Walker – was not registered in time to play.

They performed well with the ball, Faisal Nadeem-Ahmad (5-31) and Touqeer Ahmad (3-22) leading the way as the hosts were bowled out for 133 in 42 overs.

However, SH suddenly found themselves 20-6 in reply and Shepherd was one of five visiting batsmen to depart for a duck as his side was skittled for a little over 50 in just 16.2 overs, with Kavithasan Kannathasan (5-14) doing much of the damage.

“It wasn’t the perfect start [to the captaincy],” Shepherd admitted. “Bowling them out for 133, we were looking to knock that total off but it was pretty shambolic batting. It’s pretty weak.

“The only positive is that we didn’t have our strongest team out - injuries this year so far have really killed off. But we’ve got Fuad Ahmed and Mo Choudhry back this week and we’re pushing through Junaid Choudray. Felix is in the team too.

“Our season will get easier and easier - the hardest part for South Hampstead this year is what we’re going through at the moment.

“For our first two to three weeks we might be on the shaky side, but from there on in it’s upwards - we’ll get stronger and stronger.

“We’ve pretty much got the same type of team as last year and I would say it’s even stronger, when our overseas player arrives and with the inclusion of Felix as well. With these people coming in, our team will just go on.”