Bears overseas allrounder Beau Webster has been called up by Australia for the World Test Championships final and their subsequent tour of the West Indies.
Webster has been included in a 15-player squad for the Lord’s showpiece against South Africa starting on 11 June.
And he’s also in the Baggy Greens tour party that will play three Tests in the Caribbean between 25 June and 15 July.
Webster will join up with the Australia squad following Warwickshire’s County Championship game at New Road later this week.
It means he’ll miss Bears’ Vitality Blast campaign but is expected to be back to face Worcestershire in the Championship return fixture at Edgbaston (22-25 July) and the red ball trip to Essex that starts on 29 July.
Elsewhere, Bears’ fellow overseas player Hassan Ali has been awarded a surprise central contract by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Pakistan play five IT20s against Bangladesh from 25 May to 3 June so it’s hoped the Bears fans’ favourite will be back at Edgbaston in time for the 8 June Blast clash against Derbyshire Falcons.
Warwickshire Chief Executive Stuart Cain, said: “Beau has settled in well at Edgbaston, making a big difference on and off the field, but his performances over the winter for Australia always meant this was a possibility.
“Like all Bears fans I’m disappointed to be losing him but we wish him all the best.
“The Hassan situation is more frustrating. We believed we had assurances he would not be involved with the Pakistan side this summer. But a change of management at the PCB has meant he’s been given a central contract and won’t be able to support us throughout the season as expected.
“It’s another example of the challenges clubs face in attracting quality overseas players. With the financial incentives associated with franchise cricket around the globe, and the expanded international schedule, it’s very hard to find players that will both improve the squad and be available for the majority of the summer.
“In years gone by, it was much easier to get quality overseas players for an entire season, and for season after season.”
It’s understood Ali won’t be made available for Warwickshire’s County Championship match against Somerset at Edgbaston starting on 22 June or the trip to Sussex the following week.
But he will return to T20 action for five games between 4-13 July before linking up again with Pakistan. The Club is awaiting confirmation from the PCB over Ali’s availability for the Blast quarter finals and Finals Day should the Bears progress to the knockout stages.
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