....and he's back!
https://edgbaston.com/news/stirling-set-for-edgbaston-return-on-short-term-deal/

They'll be dancing in the streets of Edgbaston tonight.

I agree that there have been some amazing matches.
I do think, though, that there is a difference between losing a thrilling match in a fairly unimportant series in New Zealand and losing the deciding match in an Ashes series.
Whether it's because of an exciting finish or because of wanting to see your team win, anything that creates interest in Test cricket has to be good.

I think that's true; and his innings in that match won him the Walter Lawrence Trophy for the fastest hundred of the season.

The man speaks for himself:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ind-vs-aus-odis-glenn-maxwell-recovery-hasnt-happened-as-fast-1360345

Well, he's just played for Victoria v South Australia so presumably is fit (but maybe not in the best of form - out for 5 and 0!)

I agree with Andy that it's ok to hail this as a good signing, though if he under-performs, we will have egg on our faces.
As for Stirling, I won't mention who said that he would be a good signing because I don't want to embarrass Exiled Bear.

England Lions took a bit of a beating today; but Jacob top scored and, although he didn't take a wicket, was the most economical bowler:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-lions-in-sri-lanka-2022-23-1355654/sri-lanka-a-vs-england-lions-3rd-unofficial-odi-1355662/full-scorecard

As the oldest Warwickshire member once said:
"What's in a name?"

Mr Cain says: " We want the person to focus on high performance outputs and to get the best out of our players. We’ve not moved away from our principles but we want someone who understands the changing face of modern cricket, the increasing influence of the franchise game, and the mindset of contemporary players."
And of course none of that would apply to a Director of Cricket - or would it?

Yes, this looks like a great signing.

Interesting quote from Mickey Arthur in the latest edition of The Cricketer:
"I do genuinely believe that the game does itself a disservice in this country. County cricket is revered all over the world."

117 for twice out in four matches - star quality.

A bit worrying that three major sponsors are disappearing from English domestic cricket:
https://www.planetsport.com/cricket/news/ecb-attempting-attract-new-sponsors-ahead-busy-home-summer

I thought that alcohol related partnerships were a bit passé but maybe Naked Wines is an ok sponsor:
https://edgbaston.com/news/cheers-warwickshire-and-naked-wines-toast-new-partnership/

Jake certainly gets around the world!
https://edgbaston.com/news/lintott-its-a-great-opportunity-on-the-big-stage/
There have been rumblings about the T10 tournament around match fixing and players not getting paid but hopefully Jake stayed clear of all that.

Some recognition for Sam Hain:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bethell-and-hain-selected-for-england-lions/

Interesting article on Keith Barker:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-11590367/Keith-Barker-reflects-swapping-sports-devastating-bowler.html

Not sure that I'm too thrilled about Irani or Silverwood:
https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/countycricket/ronnie_irani_in_frame_fill_warwickshire_director_cricket_role.html

One up and two down for two years would achieve it, if that's how it must be.
As for removing counties, I guess that Leicestershire would be top of most people's list as most likely to go - and when did they ever produce anyone for England?
Oh, hang on, just remind me, which county developed that young lad Rehan Ahmed?

Ah, yes, the Adrian Shankar debacle! As someone said at the time, if you could cross him with Ravi Bopara, you might have a half decent cricketer and you'd have one heck of a sitar player.