Warwickshire’s players encountered “excellent training conditions” on their first full day’s work in the specially-constructed marquee at Edgbaston today.
Rather than travelling abroad, the Bears will this year base their pre-season practice in the marquee in conditions prepared by head groundsman to replicate those they will find out in the middle when the season opens in April.
The pitches played very well and batsmen and bowlers alike got a great workout. There was some real quality in there with the likes of Bell, Trott and Hain facing Stone, Sidebottom and even Woakesy who popped in for a net before he flies out to New Zealand with England tomorrow.
Jim Troughton
And first-team coach Jim Troughton was delighted with the first day’s training under canvas.
“We know we have the best groundstaff in the country at this club and Gary Barwell and his team have proved it again by setting up the marquee with perfect practice conditions,” Troughton said.
“The pitches played very well and batsmen and bowlers alike got a great workout. There was some real quality in there with the likes of Bell, Trott and Hain facing Stone, Sidebottom and even Woakesy who popped in for a net before he flies out to New Zealand with England tomorrow.
“It was a brilliant session and just emphasised what a good idea this is. It’s a no-brainer really. Indoor practice has its merits, of course, but there is nothing like being able to practice fully on a grass surface as the season gets closer.
“The guys had a great session in there today. They now break off for half-term next week knowing that, when they get back, they have got a really good training environment to work in as we really crack on towards the season.”
