Norwell ‘grateful for England Lions opportunity

Liam Norwell has returned from his first Lions tour armed with plenty of advice and knowledge plundered from the likes of England legends Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes.

Warwickshire paceman Norwell spent five weeks down under with the Lions as they shadowed the senior England squad in the run-up to the Ashes. The two squads mingled for some of the time and, during those sessions, Norwell seized every opportunity to learn from the players he aspires to follow into the senior England team.

“The whole trip was a fantastic experience and I am really grateful for it,” he said. “Most of all the chance to train with and talk to the guys who have been there and done it at the very top level.

“I spoke to Stuart Broad a lot, particularly about bowling to left-handers because we both like to go round the wicket to them. I also spoke to Ben Stokes quite a few times about different angles and different grips on the ball because we are fairly similar sorts of bowlers.

“It was just great to be part of the England set up and now I just want to bring all that knowledge I gained back to Edgbaston and make myself a better bowler for Warwickshire next season. We have a title to defend and I can’t wait to see all the lads at Edgbaston in the New Year and get cracking towards next season.”

Norwell’s selection for the Lions trip followed his superb 2021 season for the Bears – 48 championship wickets at 18.26 – and the 29-year-old went on to distinguish himself on his Lions debut with a five-for against Australia A. He was delighted to bag five for 58 in the first innings, though reckons he bowled better in the second for 13-3-35-0.

“It was very pleasing to get the five-for, though, to be honest, it was just my day,” he said. “I thought I bowled better lengths and applied more pressure in the second innings.

“There were one or two good balls in there, but I got lucky with a top edge. You take those days when they come, though – there are enough days when you don’t get much luck. It was just a very enjoyable game to play in and chatting with the Aussies after the match was really good.

“It was a great trip but I’ve only had ten days off since the end of the season so now I’m really looking forward to some time with the family. Then it will be back to business at Edgbaston in the New Year and working towards defending that championship title.”