Warwickshire launch their Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign against Yorkshire at Scarborough tomorrow, aiming to go one better than last season’s run to the semi-finals.
The Bears reached the last four last year before suffering a 39-run defeat to Glamorgan in Cardiff. This time round, again under the leadership of Ed Barnard with club captain Alex Davies away for The Hundred, the objective is very much to go all the way and lift the trophy, says first-team coach Ian Westwood.
“We want to win any competition we are in,” Westwood said. “We played some really good cricket in the 50-over comp last season and hopefully we can do the same. If we can do that, we’ll see where it takes us.
“We will field a very young side at times but all the evidence is that our younger players are growing into the side and capable of making an impact. Hopefully they will flourish among the senior players, led by Ed who was brilliant in the comp last year. He was our top scorer and top wicket-taker and captained the side really well.
“He had a great Blast campaign for us this year so I am a bit surprised that he didn’t get a wildcard call up for The Hundred. But that’s good for us and I know how fired up he is to lead us in the 50-over format again.”
Warwickshire’s campaign starts up on the east Yorkshire coast at Scarborough, one of county cricket’s great historical homes. The Bears have played out many memorable matches at North Marine Road since their first visit there in 1899 when they were sentenced to a 167-run championship defeat by Schofield Haigh’s 12 for 45 in the match.
Westwood believes it is a fantastic venue for his side to start their 50-over season. A buoyant and, at times, belligerent atmosphere is promised.
“Scarborough is a great place to start,” the coach said. “I have told the younger guys about how good the atmosphere is and about some of the abuse I have had there! It will be really good experience for them and it’s a great opportunity for the guys to put in a strong performance right at the start of the tournament.”
After visiting Scarborough tomorrow, the Bears will begin their home 50-over campaign against Northamptonshire at Rugby School next Sunday.
Rugby Cricket Festival returns this August
Bears will once again be taking county cricket on the road for the second annual Rugby Cricket Festival, held at the historic Rugby School.
The venue will host three games against Northamptonshire Steelbacks on Sunday 10 August, Kent Spitfires on Wednesday 13 August and Middlesex on Friday 15 August. Tickets are selling fast, with adults £15 and U16s free.