Michael Burgess has marked a memorable season behind the stumps for Warwickshire by signing a new contract – and said the feeling in the camp is one of positivity and anticipation ahead of the new campaign.
Burgess – whose highlights reel of 45 County Championship catches last summer included some stunning takes – has agreed a one-year extension to keep him at Edgbaston until at least the end of 2025.
The 29-year-old – who averages almost 35 with the bat in First Class cricket (34.53) – also contributed some vital runs including a match winning 78 not out against Northamptonshire and a season high of 88 at Hampshire.
Burgess signed from Sussex in 2019 and was capped by the Club in 2021 after being part of the County Championship and Bob Willis Trophy winning sides.
“It’ll be six years a Bear by the end of summer 2025,” said Burgess. “I’m delighted to extend my stay and be here for another two seasons. It’s nice to feel I’m cemented in a team and at a club.
“Everyone in the dressing room has been talking about how well the Club is moving forward and how we’re looking strong for this season. I’m confident we can build on the efforts of last year and hopefully compete a little bit higher up the championship table this season.
“There are good things going on here, a good vibe in the dressing room, a great spirit, and I want to be part of that.”
Burgess is the latest of an esteemed lineage of Bears wicket keepers, including the likes of Tiger Smith, Geoff Humpage and Tim Ambrose.
Only Ambrose (3.17) has a better dismissals per match ratio than Epson-born Burgess (3.16) but he’s quick to heap praise on the Bears bowling attack for serving up the chances.
He added: “Catching stats are nice but I only get the chances because of the bowlers. I’m lucky to keep to one of the best bowling attacks in the country. Yatesy as well at first slip has benefitted from that (26 catches in 2023, the most in Division One).
“There have been some great wicket keepers for the Bears over the years so if any of my stats are getting close to the likes of Amby then it’s very flattering.
“I’m feeling good and prep is going well for the new season. I’ve been working on my standing up work but my volume will really ramp up when we get outside and on pre-season tour. On the batting side, I’m making a couple of technical changes but nothing dramatic.”
Warwickshire First Team Coach Mark Robinson described Burgess as a consistent performer who does “special things” behind the wicket.
“He’s grown a lot as a person as well as a player during his time with us. He’s a reliable, consistent performer, and he’s understated. He does some special things that perhaps go under the radar because he makes it looks simple.
“Statistically he’s one of the best performing keepers in the country – right up there in the top bracket for runs and dismissals – and his versatility with his work coming up to the stumps for the seamers gives us an extra advantage.
“His batting is important to us, he scores runs at vital times to win or save us games. I’m pleased he’s committed to more time with the Club.”
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