Henry Brookes hopes his career-best figures on loan at Derbyshire will boost his Vitality Blast selection claims as the Bears launch their T20 campaign on Saturday.
Brookes took 6/20 in the first of two games on loan at the Incora County Ground earlier this month following a devastating 12-over spell against Leicestershire.
In total, he took 10 wickets in three innings and the 23-year-old is hoping that form will act as a “knock on the door” as the Bears turn their attention to the Blast.
“Taking my debut five-for in the County Championship was a special moment,” said Brookes. “They’ve a good squad of players at Derbyshire, so to get amongst the wickets and put in a performance like that was fantastic.
“There are lots of quality bowlers at Edgbaston right now, great depth, so I’ll just keep knocking on the door, bowl as much as possible, and make the most of any opportunity that comes around.
“The Blast crowds at Edgbaston are always electric and hopefully I’ll be involved and put on a show for them.”
Brookes seems to revel in debuts. He took a stunning 5/25 on his Birmingham Phoenix debut in The Hundred last year against Southern Brave.
And he performed well in last season’s Blast, taking nine wickets in seven games including a best of 3/38 in a win at home to Durham.
“T20 is a format I enjoy playing,” added Solihull-born Brookes, “and I’m coming into the Blast in good form. I’m feeling confident at the moment – I’m working with Barnsey (bowling coach Stuart Barnes) on my skills – and am ready for the call-up should it come.
“Derbyshire was a brilliant opportunity for me to remind people what I can do and it was a great feeling to be out there again playing cricket.
“But it’s also great to be back with the Bears and hopefully the Edgbaston crowd will also see me at my best again soon.”
This Saturday, Edgbaston Stadium will host the first-ever Vitality Blast Off double-header to launch this summer’s T20 competition.
Four teams – Derbyshire, Lancashire, Bears and Yorkshire – will compete across two matches as part of a full day of T20 entertainment, with live music and more throughout the day.
Fans will be able to watch a host of international stars at the new showpiece launch event.
Over 13,500 tickets sold for T20 quarter-final
For a third year in a row, Bears have secured a home Vitality Blast quarter-final against Gloucestershire on Friday 6 September. And tickets are going fast!
Over 13,500 tickets have already been sold. Adults tickets are available for only £20, if purchased in advance, while U16s are £5.
