Warwickshire have parted company with Liam Norwell by mutual consent after the popular seamer suffered a fresh injury setback.
Norwell hasn’t played a senior Bears game since his 9/62 heroics on the last day of the 2022 season ensured the Club’s County Championship Division One status.
The 32-year-old signed a two-year contract extension in March 2023 but missed the entire campaign after suffering a back injury in pre-season.
He returned to action with four Second XI outings in June this year – taking eleven wickets – but tore his pectoral muscle in the last of those against Worcestershire at Portland Road.
Norwell has undergone an operation which means he’s likely to be out for a long period of time.
Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen said: “I’m gutted for Liam because I know how hard he’s tried and trained to get back to full fitness. He’s been close to making a return on a few occasions but not quite got over the line.
“After finally overcoming the back injury he suffered terrible luck by tearing his pec when he looked to be getting back to his best.
“He’s not played a senior game for almost 700 days now, and with another lengthy stint out following surgery we have agreed with Liam to release him from his contract.
“Liam is a popular guy in the dressing room and around the Club having been with us for six years. So I know this news will come as a blow to our Members and fans as well.
“Our medical and physio team will be offering him support over the coming months. And it goes without saying he’s always welcome at Edgbaston.”
Norwell has a total of 347 First Class wickets – including 94 for Warwickshire – and was part of the England Lions tour of Australia in 2021-22.
That England call-up came after a fine season at Edgbaston in which he claimed 49 wickets at an average of 18.21.
Norwell said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Bear since joining and have shared in some great team successes and memories. After finding the problem, and finally overcoming my back issues during the winter, I was hoping for a productive season and being able to return to my best.
“I have worked incredibly hard but this significant injury, needing surgery, was very hard to overcome. My focus now is on getting fit and healthy again, and working out what is next for my family and I.
“Good luck to the Bears for the rest of the season and beyond.”
And First Team Coach Mark Robinson added: “In my first season here in 2021, Liam was fit all season, we won the Championship and it was pretty obvious we had one of the best seamers in the country on any surface.
“He impressed that winter on an England Lions tour. Despite being injured for most of the 2022 seasons he answered a call to arms and took that famous nine wicket haul on the last day of the season to keep us in division one.
“He will always be revered as a Bear who made a difference. From everyone on the playing side of the club, we wish him all the best.”
Over 13,500 tickets sold for T20 quarter-final
For a third year in a row, Bears have secured a home Vitality Blast quarter-final against Gloucestershire on Friday 6 September. And tickets are going fast!
Over 13,500 tickets have already been sold. Adults tickets are available for only £20, if purchased in advance, while U16s are £5.
