New Birmingham Bears Captain Carlos Brathwaite admits it's a little strange to be named skipper, but he's looking to use his vast experience in the new role.
The 33-year-old impressed in his debut season with the club last year, proving his worth not only with bat and ball, but in the dressing room too.
The former West Indies international returns to Edgbaston with full availability meaning he will lead the side for all group games and the knockout stages, should the Bears qualify for the quarter-finals and subsequently Finals Day.
“It’s a little strange, but it sounds good as well,” said Brathwaite when asked how he feels being captain. “At first, he (Paul Farbrace) wanted me back so I thought the call was about whether I got a contract or not.
“I had no idea that captaincy was on the agenda and it took me by shock. I was a bit surprised, but at the same time I’m very excited that during the season the club rated me highly.
“I always try to be a leader as much as I can be in the dressing room whether I have the title of captain or not. I have captained internationally, CPL and back home as well so it’s not new.”
Brathwaite takes over from Club Captain Will Rhodes who has held the position for two years and led the Bears to a first quarter-final in four years.
The decision made by the cricket management team abelieve that Carlos taking over as T20 skipper removes some pressure from Will Rhodes as Club captain, giving Will the opportunity to play with a lot more freedom as a result.
“I gave him a call before I made the decision to just let him know it was offered and if I could get his blessing,” Brathwaite added. “He let me know that he was fully in support of my appointment and looking back last season he was really good to me.
“The job he did in four day cricket is testament to how much of a good leader he is and he led the club to two trophies. I’ll be leaning on him to try and cultivate that winning spirit into the T20 team whether that’s on or off the field.”
Bears fixtures for the 2022 season are set to be released by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) later this year with all Vitality Blast group games being played between late May and early July, before Finals Day on Saturday 16 July.
Fans can save up £90 on the match day price with a T20 Season Pass, covering all seven Vitality Blast home games at Edgbaston for just £85.
For more information about T20 Season Passes, please visit edgbaston.com.
Season Pass – 8 games for £85
Watch all seven Birmingham Bears home Vitality Blast matches in 2023, plus Vitality Blast Off, for only £85 with a T20 Season Pass.
Season Pass holders will also get a host of benefits, including a free guest pass. And with the new Blast Off debut, Season Pass holders will enjoy eight games in 2023.
