Davies: “This squad could do some really good things”

Alex Davies is delighted to be in the selection mix as Warwickshire prepare for their LV= Insurance County Championship match against Essex at Edgbaston.

But the batsman/wicketkeeper, who has joined from Lancashire, is far from taking a place in the XI for granted after the Bears’ strong start to the season against Surrey last week.

If Davies is selected, it is likely to be as a specialist batsman with Michael Burgess having started this season the way he performed last, very impressively with bat and gloves.

The new recruit is comfortable with that and just keen to contribute as much as he can, however he can.

“I’m just really loving being involved,” Davies said. “I’ve played a lot against Essex over the years so hopefully can bring some experience to the squad but after last week’s performance, when everyone performed really well, we’ll just have to see what Rhodesy and Robbo come up with.

“Whatever they decide to go with, I will be 100 per cent behind them. I’ve been in situations before where I’m playing in a squad with high quality keepers such as Jos Buttler and Dane Vilas, but the way I see it is, Burge has the gloves. He is the championship-winner from last year and I’m totally aware of that.

Alex Davies

“I’m not coming in with any demands, my aim is just to come in and enjoy my cricket and try to get into the team and score a lot of runs. Burge has had a whirlwind start to the season and I am chuffed for him.”

The recruitment of Davies, a potential England player approaching his peak years, was a real statement of squad-building intent from Warwickshire. From the 27-year-old’s perspective, the move gives him a fresh challenge and the chance to work at a home ground where he loves playing and has achieved plenty of success.

Davies was man of the match in the final when Lancashire won the 2015 Vitality Blast at Edgbaston and he averages 49.75 with the bat in championship games in Birmingham. 

“I was ready for a change – it’s as simple as that,” he said. “I have nothing bad to say about Lancashire – I had ten great years there and they gave me a fantastic platform to my career but this is just something I needed to do.

“When I signed my Warwickshire contract last year, it was before the Hundred so they weren’t county champions at the time but, of the clubs interested I felt that Warwickshire had the best squad and the best age of squad. There is a good core of guys between 24 and 28 with a couple older than that and then some good youngsters below it. I feel that this squad could do some really good things over the next few years.

“Alongside that, the facilities and ground are second to none. Old Trafford is an amazing ground but Edgbaston speaks for itself. It is a place I really enjoy batting and that was part of the decision-making progress to sign for Warwickshire. It’s always a good pitch there so I’m hoping to capitalise on that in the years to come.”