Olly Stone admits that being part of the Bears' thrilling Vitality Blast win over Notts Outlaws on Sunday is the sort of memorable experience that "makes it all worthwhile."
England paceman Stone returned after a long-term back injury with a wicket first ball as the Bears beat their fierce T20 rivals by one run in an extraordinary eight-overs-a-side game at Edgbaston.
Chasing the Bears’ 98, the Outlaws finished on 97 after Jake Lintott’s incredible spell of two for six in two overs. Craig Miles sealed the win by getting the all-or-nothing last ball right up in the blockhole but Stone had struck a big blow with the very first ball of the innings which dismissed the dangerous Joe Clarke.
The fast bowler’s double clenched-first reaction to the wicket said it all about what it meant to him to be back in action for the Bears.
“There were a few emotions flying round when I took that wicket,” he said. “It was just so great to be around the team.
“It has been a long few months so it was brilliant to get out there again. At times you doubt whether you will ever get back out on the field and days like yesterday make it all worthwhile. To get a wicket first ball was great but more importantly it was two points and a win.
“It was a crazy game. We’ve had a lot of eventful games against Notts over the years and some really tight ones and this was another amazing one.
“In an eight-over game you don’t really know what is a good score and there was a bit of weather around but Chris Benjamin batted beautifully and then Alex Davies was brilliant in that last over scoring those crucial runs.
“Then Jake’s performance was outstanding yet again. Taking those two wickets in his first over put us right back in it. He just keeps on doing it and showing his class.”
The victory, which rewarded the good crowd which stuck it out admirably during the long wait for the weather to clear, got the Bears back on track after successive defeats.
After four wins from six games, they sit second in the North Group as they prepare to visit Durham on Wednesday.
Stone is just delighted to be involved.
“Everything is fine and I’m ready for Wednesday,” he said. “The body feels like I have bowled but if I knew I’d feel like this after my first game back I would have definitely have taken it.
“All is good with the back, it was a little hip niggle that kept me out of the first few T20s, but fingers crossed, with the fixtures being quite spaced out, I can put a good run of games together now and help us get some more wins.”
