Carl Crowe relishes tough Wales challenge

Crowe was part of Berkshire's title-winning team in 2008

Berkshire player-coach Carl Crowe says overcoming Wales would be all the more satisfying given their strength.

The teams meet next weekend in the Minor Counties Championship.

Crowe told BBC Berkshire: "In the past their side has varied between amateur players and the Glamorgan second team. You're never quite sure what to expect.

"But you want it to be tough and the harder you work for your victories, the more you deserve it and the better a player you become."

The match is being played at Falkland cricket club in Newbury, where Berkshire have a good record in recent years.

"We call it Fortress Falkland," said Crowe. "From the moment we get there we feel very comfortable and happy.

"It's difficult to come to Falkland and take on Berkshire."

Crowe became coach of the county at the start of this season, but says that it has not affected his role dramatically.

"I've always tried to give advice to players individually as well as part of a team, so that hasn't really changed," he explained.

"Even when I wasn't coach I loved to give my opinion whether it was listened to or not!"

Adjusting to the pressure of more responsibility within the team hasn't been difficult either.

"As one of the senior players you tend to be looked upon with more responsibility anyway."

Berkshire may have to play the match without Chris Peploe, who plays for his club side on Sunday, and Crowe made clear the difficulties involved with availability for a Minor County.

"It's a tricky balancing act between playing your best team and having the guys available at the right time.

"Getting everybody available at the right time is a problem to try and solve."

But Crowe is adamant that Berkshire can draw on the confidence their Championship win in 2008, their first in 55 years, gave his players.

"When we come up against tough situations, the side can recall that experience.

"Having done it once before we can hopefully do it again."

Berkshire versus Wales starts at 1100 BST on Sunday, 4 July at Falkland Cricket Club in Newbury.