Burgess: “It’s way easier when you’re out there”

Warwickshire's batting hero Michael Burgess showed his selfless side as he praised his teammates following a dramatic two-wicket victory over Northamptonshire.

Coming in at 24 for 5, chasing 176, the wicket-keeper showed incredible composure to see his side over the line with 78*.

Burgess will receive plenty of plaudits, and rightly so, but the 29-year-old was quick to not only downplay the situation, but praise his teammates too.

“It’s way easier when you’re out there compared to when you’re waiting to bat,” said Burgess post-match. “I dread to think how Rushy felt at the end there having to wait nearly an hour to bat. Being the next man is the worst.

“When you’re out there, you just focus on the job to do, and fair play to them, they bowled really well. Huge credit to Barney, as he played brilliantly. It was 20 for four when he walked in, and he steadied the ship getting to 40, so a lot of credit goes to him.

“I love batting with OHD, and we’ve had a couple of partnerships in the past where we’ve spent some time together and put on some runs. When he came out I felt quite comfortable we’d do it as I’ve got complete trust in him. I’d never do it without him, he’s just a calm old owl who did it brilliantly. He tells me how many balls he wants to face, and we try to set that up.

“He won’t get the plaudits, but he should do as he was outstanding. He deserves a lot of credit, and he bowled brilliantly, so fair play he had a great game.”
Asked about the result on an enthralling final day, Burgess added: “Credit to both teams for putting on a game on the last day because I think it easily could have petered out for a draw.

“There’s no point just blocking it out and both sides having a bat, so it was a pretty fair declaration on what was a good wicket, which did quite a lot. They’ve got some good bowlers, and some good balls were flying about early, so to get the win was very pleasing.”