“He’s developing into a genuine all-rounder, a very good player who’s on an exciting journey in cricket.”
Those are the words of Bears Director of Performance Gavin Larsen on Bears opener Rob Yates after he agreed a two-year contract extension with Warwickshire.
The deal means Yates – who’s been with Warwickshire for 14 years having developed through the Youth Pathway and Academy – is now committed to the Club until at least the end of the 2026 season.
“I’m delighted to sign a new contract,” said the 24-year-old from Solihull.
“It’s a privilege to call Edgbaston my home for at least another three years. The place and the people here mean a lot to me and I aim to contribute more to the success we are working towards on and off the pitch.”
Yates broke into Warwickshire’s senior side in 2019 and last season was a mainstay of the Bears line-up, opening the batting alongside Al Davies.
He scored a total of 1,280 runs across all formats, including 447 in the Vitality Blast. Only Sam Hain hit more T20 runs for the Bears.
And that form has continued into 2024. Against Durham last week he registered his second highest score for the Bears (191 from 205 balls) while also taking on the lion’s share of the bowling with seven wickets in 74 overs.
Larsen added: “I’m thrilled Rob has signed with us: he’s a Bear through and through, developed through our youth system, and a very good player on exciting journey.
“His batting speaks for itself and I believe it’ll get better and better. We had another illustration of how good it is against Durham…and the icing on the cake was watching him bowl 70-odd overs of spin.
“There was chatter about him being a part time bowler who was developing nicely. Well I thought I was watching a full-blown first class spinner. It’s filled me with a lot of confidence in his ability as an all-rounder in the team.
“And of course he’s a very, very good fielder, with great hands at slip, and no-one took more catches than him in the County Championship last season outside of wicket-keepers.
“Rob is a great guy, brings a lot to the changing room, is calm, measured, and highly competitive which I love as an attribute. All Bears fans should be very pleased he’s on board with us for the future.”
Four Teams. Two Matches. Blast Off is back!
Vitality Blast Off is back and the Bears will launch their home T20 campaign with a huge men’s double-header featuring two big Midlands rivalry games.
Taking place on Saturday 1 June, Derbyshire Falcons host Leicestershire Foxes (2.30pm) before the Bears take on Notts Outlaws (6.30pm). Buy tickets in advance and save.
