When you have played in an ICC Cricket World Cup final in front of 93,013 people under the lights at Melbourne Cricket Ground, you are well-qualified to talk about atmosphere.
Birmingham Bears skipper Grant Elliott has done that.
Elliott was in the New Zealand side against old foe Australia in the World Cup final in March 2015 – and he relished the occasion. He top-scored with 83 for the Black Caps, though it wasn’t enough to prevent the Aussies lifting the crown.
The vastly-experienced Elliott loves nothing more than a big occasion at a big ground – as Surrey discovered to their cost last August when his brilliant unbeaten 59 steered the Bears to a sensational NatWestT20Blast quarter-final win, chasing down 204, at The Oval.
That victory secured the Bears their place at Finals Day at Edgbaston – and for Elliott an experience which he admits is right up there with the most memorable he has savoured in his long career.
“What a day!” he recalls. “Finals Day is just a brilliant occasion. It has the fantastic atmosphere from a full house at Edgbaston and, of course, for us the added home advantage of all those Bears fans cheering us on.
“I had heard a lot from the other players about what it is like to play in Finals Day – and it completely lived up to expectations.
“When I saw that we were drawn to play in the first semi-final, I thought that it might make it a long day but it was not that way at all. It flew by. There was a real buzz around the ground in the final and that just makes you want to experience it again.
“I am really looking forward to getting back to the Bears. We had great support all through the tournament last season and every home game had that big-match feel to it so it will be fantastic to be part of that again in 2018. And another Finals Day would be a great way for me to round off.”
Finally…who could forget one of THE catches of the day from our very own skipper…
Watch The Bears This Summer
The best value to watch Elliott and the Bears in action this summer is our T20 season pass. This includes ALL 7 home games, and at just £77 for all 7 games, you are actually saving more than you spend!
Please note- prices are due to rise after January 2018, so buy today to avoid the price rise.
Season Pass Holder Benefits;
- Priority booking for T20 Blast Quarter-Finals
- Priority booking for T20 Blast Finals Day*
- Discounted parking on domestic match days
- 10% off merchandise at the Edgbaston Shop
- Invitation to the members quiz after a selected T20 fixture
*If the Bears reach finals day
To buy your season pass please either click on the below below, or contact our ticket office on 0844 635 1902 (option 2) (Open Monday – Friday 10am-5pm). For any queries please email tickets@edgbaston.com.
