It’ll be second time lucky for the Bears as they look to kick-start their County Championship preparations.
Edgbaston was meant to play host to a three day friendly against Somerset, but poor weather led to the fixture being trimmed to two days before eventually being abandoned on Thursday.
The guys are in a good place and they’re really keen to get out into the middle and be competitive.
Jim Troughton
Attentions therefore went straight to Sunday as Warwickshire entertain Durham MCCU in the traditional First Class university fixture, starting at 11am.
And despite the set-back, 1st Team Coach Jim Troughton is comfortable at where his competitive side is at.
“The guys are in a good place and they’re really keen to get out into the middle and be competitive,” said Troughton. “Everything else we feel we’re ticking off, we’re hoping the weather is favourable and we can get that opportunity against Durham this week.”
“You just wanted to have a good luck at some of the guys, because competition for places is high. Just seeing guys competing is what you want to see. The nets are one thing, but actually being out in the middle is a different kettle of fish. Hopefully, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday we have decent weather and if not maybe we need to use the second team friendly at Derby on the 9th-11th as another opportunity to see people before we get cracking on the 13th.”
Despite the poor conditions, the squad have taken full advantage of the impressive marquee as well as getting out onto the field for an afternoon.
Small steps, yes, but the pre-season schedule that was constructed through the winter remains well on course.
“We’ve been very lucky having a marquee and be able to train on grass,” Troughton added. “We did get out to the middle to get some practice in, but it’s a real shame when the weather comes in. All those plans you’ve got to get some competitive cricket we’ve had to put on hold and then the sun comes out the day after we call it off. It’s always the way.
“Because of the dampness on the square it would be nice to open up the net, use the Somerset wicket and have an open practice, but it just depends on how much rain we’ve had on it really. The main thing is that the bowlers are getting their workloads and the batters are getting lots of balls to hit against bowlers which is what you need to do.”
Ground Entry
Entry will be free to all attending the three-day fixture and the Tom Dollery Members’ Lounge and David Heath Suite will both be open.
Gates open one-hour prior (10am) as per usual for Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup matches.
