We played some very serious cricket, as if it was a championship game, and I am really happy where we are in terms of our overall preparation.
Dougie Brown, Director of Cricket
Dougie Brown believes that Warwickshire’s players made excellent progress towards readiness for the new season during their first-class friendly with Leeds/Bradford MCCU – despite the loss of the entire third day to bad weather.
Heavy overnight rain left the field at Edgbaston too wet for cricket on Day 3 (Saturday 2nd April) so the match was abandoned as a draw at noon.
That meant the Bears, who were due to resume their second innings on 45 for one, were denied further batting practice but director of cricket Brown remains very happy with his team’s preparations for the start of the championship season against Hampshire at The Ageas Bowl next Sunday.
Dougie Brown
“It was a shame to lose the last day against Leeds/Bradford but the rain really came down overnight so it was just too wet to play,” he said.
“But the guys got some really good practice in during the first two days. We played some very serious cricket, as if it was a championship game, and I am really happy where we are in terms of our overall preparation.
“It was great to see most of the batters get some good time at the creaase on Thursday. Then I was really pleased with the way the seamers bowled on Friday on what was quite a placid pitch and in really horrible bowling conditions – bitterly cold and in a strong blustery wind.
“In terms of the approach to the season proper it is all about progress and in each of our practice matches you can see the progress the guys are making with the rust being chipped off.”
Still to come
The Bears have one more pre-season practice match left, against Worcestershire at Edgbaston on Tuesday and Wednesday when admission to all spectators will be free.
