Bamber gearing up for first Bears v Pears derby | INTERVIEW | County Championship 🐻v🍐

Ethan Bamber is preparing for his first Bears v Pears derby – and he hopes the game at New Road will reach the highs of his last visit to Worcestershire. Bamber – Warwickshire’s top wicket taker this season with 22 – was part of the Middlesex side that won promotion from Division Two at New Road on the last day of the 2022 season. And it ended with players from both sides on the balcony watching the drama unfold 30 miles down the road at Edgbaston as Liam Norwell delivered his nine-fer heroics. “It was a mad game, great memories,” said Bamber. “I ended up watching the Bears game alongside Ed Barnard. It was his last game for Worcestershire before his move to Edgbaston so he was very invested. “That was my only First Class game to date there so I’m really looking forward to returning with the Bears. It’s my first derby game for the Club so there’s a bit extra on it. New Road is a tight ground, you’re close to the fans, so we might get some banter. I enjoy it; it’s good to play in front of passionate support. “We’re in a good spot. A positive result makes that first block of Championship games look very solid, three wins and three draws from seven. We all want to end this block of games on a positive note.”