Zen Malik and Che Simmons were the stars of the show as Warwickshire Second XI got off to a winning start against Northamptonshire in the Second XI Championship - Group 1.
The Bears secured an eight-wicket victory against Northants with positive performances with both bat and ball from those knocking on the door of the first team, as the Edgbaston Community Sports Ground witnessed a winning start to the season.
Simmons took 5-66 as the Bears restricted the visitors to 187 all out, with 16-year-old Charlie Taylor also picking up two wickets.
In reply, the Bears amassed a total of 339 thanks largely to Malik, who finished 147* having come in at number three. His 219-ball innings contained 17 fours and three sixes and was his second century in as many games, having scored 107 against Worcestershire in last week’s friendly.
The 28-year-old was rewarded with a spot in the Bears’ First XI for this week’s Rothesay County Championship match against Essex at Edgbaston Stadium.
Northants fought back in their second innings, posting 224 as the wickets were shared amongst the bowling group with Simmons and Taz Ali both picking up three apiece as the Bears were set 72 to win which they knocked off for just two wickets.
The Bears are next in action on Monday 20 April, with Essex the visitors.