Chris Rushworth has agreed a one-year extension into 2026, in the role of player / coach.
Rushworth or ‘Rushy’ as he is affectionately named, joined the Bears in 2023, leaving Durham as their all-time leading wicket-taker. In his first season with the Bears, he took 53 wickets in the County Championship, and although the 2024 and 2025 seasons have been hampered by injury, Chris has played an important part in some matches, most recently taking seven wickets in the away Championship fixture vs Worcestershire in May.
In recent times, Chris has assisted more and more with the Club’s pathway and Academy bowlers, spending winter hours and summer matchdays with the U18s and other age groups, as well as assisting with the 2nd XI. His new role from November 1st will see him focus even more on the good work he has started, as we aim to inspire and develop a crop of talented bowlers who are capable of playing at the very highest level for the Club in years to come. Chris is currently completing his Level 3 coaching award through the ECB.
Rushworth said, “As I’ve entered the twilight of my career, coaching has become more of a focus for me, and I am excited by the young talent at Edgbaston.”
The new role will enable him to mentor young, developing seam bowlers whilst being ‘on the park’, and this is something he is very excited about.
“I know I can help them progress and prepare them for multi-format cricket in the future, and to be able to stand next to them at mid-off and pass on my experience and knowledge is a brilliant prospect. My aim is to stay as fit as possible and ready to perform for the Bears when needed, whilst continuing to build my relationships with our stars of the future.”
First Team Coach Ian Westwood said, “We recognise the need for more coaching support to our young, developing bowlers, and we are delighted that we can now create a role that utilises Rushy’s expertise and experience in this area.”