80 local cricketers attend Warwickshire open trials

Warwickshire High Performance Manager Paul Greetham, Second Team Coach Ian Westwood and Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace saw 80 cricketers aged 18-25 last month as part of its open trials at the Edgbaston Cricket Centre.

Having staged three previous sessions focused on bowlers and power hitting, this year’s open trials gave opportunities to talented batters, bowlers and all-rounders to ultimately push for a place in the Warwickshire men’s and women’s squads.

However, the invitation was extended to Birmingham & District Premier League clubs, who could identify and recruit players who are not currently playing at the highest level of recreational cricket in the West Midlands.

“The response we received was overwhelming,” said Greetham. “Covid has presented issues in terms of scouting talent who are currently in our county pathway or for players to trial due to the bubble environment.

“Ultimately, we wanted to put on an inclusive event that opened our doors to the local community – although it’s gone nationwide. It’s brilliant to see how diverse the crowd are tonight, coming from different clubs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages.

“This is the fourth time we’ve done this and it’s a completely open event by where anyone can apply. We’ve probably gone more niche in the previous three by looking at certain skillsets, but due to not hosting an event like this for three years it’s therefore an opportunity for any player.

“We’ve got a group here tonight who just love watching talented cricketers. To have our Director of Cricket in Paul Farbrace and Second XI Coach Ian Westwood involved as well as staff from our youth cricket who coach and understand our community is great. All 11 staff here know what talent looks like and if we all agree that someone is a promising player that’s great for them. We’ll get them back in, make sure they train and potentially offer a Second XI opportunity. That’s exciting.”