Matt Lamb has reflected on a "brilliant" day on Thursday when Warwickshire's young team pulled off a sensational seven-run win over Leicestershire in the Royal London Cup at Edgbaston.
Lamb scored a stylish maiden List A century to lift his side to 303 but the Foxes then raced to 217 for two in the 35th over in reply.
The Bears, missing a dozen senior players, had to dig deep – and, brilliantly led by captain Will Rhodes, did exactly that. They reeled the Foxes back in, bowling and fielding with discipline, skill and resolve to record an extraordinary victory.
It’s hard to think of an emerging generation more passionate about, and proud of, the ‘Bear’ – and that shone through as they pulled the match round.
“It was a brilliant day,” said home-grown all-rounder Lamb. “To get the century was a nice personal milestone for myself but it always tastes a bit sweeter when we win.
“First and foremost, what a great game of cricket it was and to pull it back like we did in the field was brilliant. A lot of credit has to go to the bowlers.
“What a game of cricket to play in and it says everything about the spirit at the whole club. All season we have got in positions where we have been behind in games but, starting with that win at Trent Bridge in the championship all those months ago, it just feels like at the minute at this club, it doesn’t matter where we are in games, we can drag them back from anywhere. “
It was a memorable comeback in the field, cheered on every step of the way by a noisy and appreciative Edgbaston crowd – though it would never have happened without a big total on the board – and that owed everything to Lamb’s century in a Bears’ List A record sixth-wicket stand of 153 with Ethan Brookes.
Brookes’ maiden List A half-century – 63 from 65 balls – was built with freedom and quality to help salvage the innings from 121 for five.
“I really enjoyed batting with Ethan,” said Lamb. “We had quite a bit of time and, in that situation, you can get yourself in and it’s quite easy to tick over at times. We said we have some time so let’s just knock it about a bit and then we can go for it at the back end. That’s what we did, in particular Ethan – I thought his intent was brilliant all innings.”
