Warwickshire Bears Captain, Ed Barnard, is looking forward to the return of the T20 Vitality Blast, as the Bears renew their rivalry with Worcestershire Rapids at Edgbaston Stadium on Friday 26 June.
The fixture is part of a huge doubleheader at The People’s Home of Cricket, with Bears Women playing Surrey at 3:00pm before the Bears take on the Pears at 7:00pm.
In the last meeting between the two teams at the end of May, Worcestershire took local bragging rights with a six-wicket win. Barnard is hoping his team can bounce back from that in front of a bumper crowd in the West Midlands.
“Of course it would be nice to get one back over them,” he said. “Worcester played well at their place.
“We didn’t quite get the performance right, but these games are always a special occasion and I’m sure there will be plenty of fans in, so it should be a good evening.
“I know the fans love it. They’re a good side, they’ve got some good players, and it’ll be another challenge for us, but hopefully we can take the confidence from that last game at Somerset.”
In their last outing against Somerset, the Bears successfully chased down 216 for victory, with Beau Webster striking a 61-ball 112, and Dan Mousley an unbeaten 71.
That result gave Warwickshire their first win of the 2026 Vitality Blast after a difficult start to the campaign, with Barnard’s team now needing a strong run of results if they’re to progress through to the knockout rounds.
“We didn’t quite get going towards the start and it took us a few games to get into it,” he added. “That wasn’t through any lack of trying.
“I think that last game at Somerset can give us some really nice belief and confidence going into the second block.
“We’re in a position where we have to win pretty much every game to have a chance of qualifying, so taking that momentum is crucial.
“I think we’ve had two really good four-day games as well in the middle block, where we’ve put in some good performances. The lads are going into this really high in belief so I’m expecting good things.”
Play gets under way between the Bears and Worcestershire at 7:00pm on Friday 26 June, with the teams set to be announced at the toss.
Bears v Pears. The ultimate fan experience.
Digbeth Dining Club. Pravha Band. The best atmosphere in the Blast. One big rivalry. Bears v Pears returns on Friday 26 June.
Just imagine; a packed out stadium, the best summer night out – and YOU. Buy tickets in advance and save, while group offers are available for bookings of 5+.