Two games into his 14th season as a Bear, batter Sam Hain is confident in the direction Warwickshire are heading with Essex the visitors to Edgbaston Stadium on Friday.
The 30-year-old reached 16,000 career runs in the Rothesay County Championship opener against Surrey, a performance which provided early encouragement, with a collective display setting the tone for the campaign.
Now considered one of the senior players in the squad, Hain is confident with the positive direction from the opening two games, a draw against Surrey and a defeat against Sussex, heading into the next block of games.
“It’s the start of a long season,” said Hain. “Surrey was a great outing. Winning the toss helped, but as a batting unit everyone chipped in, and that’s exactly what you want to see.
“It was a pleasure to be out there with Mouse and share that moment. I know how much it meant to him and it showed what this group can do.”
While the subsequent defeat against Sussex proved frustrating, the focus inside the camp has remained calm and constructive.
“Division One keeps you honest,” Hain said. “If you have one poor hour, sometimes that’s all it takes, we lost a few early wickets in that third innings and suddenly you’re chasing the game.
“The fight we showed to get past 300 was important. Those are the things you take confidence from. That’s what Division One is about. There are no bad sides. It’s who pieces it together for four days.”
With games coming thick and fast, the Bears are placing emphasis on learning without dwelling. “You try not to take any baggage into the next game,” he said. “Each fixture is a new test, different bowlers, different conditions. We’re having honest conversations, but always with confidence in what we’re building.
“Everyone’s shown they can get in and play their role. As a bowling unit, we’re working collectively, each bowler brings something different.”
Essex arrive as a proven test, boasting experience throughout their lineup and a style of cricket built around pace and pressure.
“They like a fast game. They’ve got senior players who’ve been there and done it, and world‑class operators so it’s going to be a good test.”
For Warwickshire, the focus is firmly on execution rather than opposition reputation. The lessons from Sussex, particularly around navigating pivotal periods, have been clearly identified. “If we get through those tricky spells, suddenly the game looks very different,” he said. “That’s on us as a batting unit, and we know that.
“There’s a good mix in this group. Experience, energy, and players who are now taking real responsibility. The feeling in the camp is positive, the boys are in a good place.”