MYSTERY surrounds David Trotter’s exclusion from Wey-mouth’s line-up to face Wayfarers at Redlands in the Dorset Premier League tomorrow (1.30pm).

The Seasiders’ captain and opening seam bowler is neither injured, unavailable or out of form.

But despite this, his name does not appear on the team sheet, fuelling speculation that he is considering his future in charge of the club.

He said: “I’ve just decided not to play. The Press isn’t the place to discuss the reasons why. I will be getting everything prepared for the match as usual and I’ll be hoping for a good win.

“But I won’t be playing – it’s as simple as that.”

Trotter refused to discuss the matter further although he was his usual enthusiastic self when it came to previewing the contest.

He added: “We slipped up at Broadstone last week where we just didn’t bat or bowl well enough.

“But Wayfarers at home is a perfect opportunity to bounce back to form and everyone is looking forward to the game.

“Wayfarers have given us some battles in the past and are a good, hard working team. But at home I’d expect us to beat any one, regardless of league positions and form books.”

The Seasiders show three changes to the side that lost at the Delph with Matt Lawes coming in to replace the skipper in the bowling department. Dan Hutchens and Andy Fulton return from injury with Firaz Ulhaq and Steve Budd dropping down to the seconds.

In Trotter’s absence, wicketkeeper Jim Ryall is expected to lead the team.

Trotter said: “Our bowling wasn’t at its best last week but that will be boosted by Matt, Dan and Andy.

“All four are very capable, quickish seam bowlers and all have the ability to bowl tightly and take wickets – depending on the match situation when they bowl.”

Weymouth’s players will be keen to impress with the prospect of more names being available for selection in the very near future.

These include Simon Browne who is on holiday, Ben Lawes (work commitments), Jason Ladd-Gibbons (school) and Sean Fitzgerald (injury).

Trotter added: “We’ve not yet been able to pick what, on paper, is our strongest side but slowly people are becoming available again.

“However, no one has the right to walk straight back into the team, the same way no one has the right to expect their place every week.

“We all have to work hard to keep our spots and the pressure is such that everyone is on their toes and looking over their shoulders. That’s a good thing and once we have everyone back available it’s going to an interesting time."

Weymouth: Payne, Ryall, England, Bray, Janaway, Womble, Fulton, Whyte, Lawes, Hutchens, Nobbs.