Bears continue successful tour with double-header against Northants

Warwickshire’s pre-season tour of South Africa continued with another highly productive T20 double-header on Friday.

Taking to the field at the Coetzenburg Oval, both fixtures against Northamptonshire provided exactly the kind of workout the coaching staff were looking for as the squad ramps up its outdoor preparations with the English summer around the corner.

In the opening match of the day, the Warwickshire bowling attack put in a disciplined shift to restrict the opposition to 114 all out. There were two wickets apiece for Michael Booth (2-16), Oliver Hannon-Dalby (2-23), and Taz Ali (2-14).

When it was their turn to bat, the Bears used the innings as a pure training exercise. To ensure the batting line-up gained the maximum possible time in the middle, Warwickshire batted out their full allocation of 20 overs, racking up an eventual 158/8. The innings was powered by a spectacular display of ball-striking from Dan Mousely, who blasted 77 from just 48 deliveries, clearing the ropes five times. Theo Wylie also chipped in, adding a brisk 28 off 19 balls.

The second fixture allowed for further rotation and crucial time on turf. Batting first, Warwickshire posted a competitive 165/8. Jake Lintott anchored the back half of the innings, top-scoring with a superb unbeaten 41 off 28 balls. He was well supported by Ed Barnard, who scored a solid 28, and Rob Yates, who set the tone early with a rapid 25 from just 11 deliveries.

The bowling group then backed up the batters’ efforts, effectively containing the Northamptonshire lineup to secure the victory. Richard Gleeson led the attack with a sharp 3-23, while Jordan Thompson picked up 2-34.