Bald_Reynard wrote:

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/cricket/warwickshires-recruitment-id-potential-end-28849961

Cain's interview with the Mail didn't throw up too many surprises, but there was one thing that stood out. We're leaving it late to sign a second Overseas player. I guess a batsman - possibly one who might offer a backup spin option?

I don't know about a batsman who could offer a spin option, I do agree that any second Overseas signing, could be a batter though. Cain didn't indicate if it might for red ball - we obviously still need an Overseas player for T20 (though of course we do usually go for an all rounder).

BristolBear wrote:

Definitely agree that the bowling might be undone by a lack of depth. If Norwell does get injured again, you rely entirely on Hassan to be the point of difference. If he’s not there, then OHD, Rushworth, Miles, Barnard all relatively similar in that they rely on swing and consistency to take wickets. Fantastic bowlers but as we saw at times last year, if conditions don’t suit them, wickets can be hard to come by.

There are a couple of wildcards in the mix this season. Michael Booth, while no great (statistical) pedigree in Seconds cricket, did show glimpses of pace and accuracy last year - and did well in Abu Dhabi. And while the club have only (officially) signed George Garton for white ball, I have a sneaking suspicion that we could see his left arm seam in some red ball games.

https://edgbaston.com/news/warwickshire-confirm-pre-season-match-schedule/

Middle East Tour schedule and other pre-season games.

https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-prepare-for-campaign-in-middle-east/

21 man squad - all you'd expect, with Hassan Ali & Dan Mousley in the PSL and Moeen Ali & Chris W training at Edgbaston.

https://www.thenational.scot/sport/24154457.andy-umeed-back-scotland-rediscovering-love-cricket/

Great article on Andy's 'comeback',, with Somerset and now with Scotland. Obviously, he's no longer the player we released.

Sam has been recalled - against Melbourne Renegades today. I don't know if he's been given another chance, or there's been an injury. Just hope he gets a score now.

Sam dropped after 4 disappointingly low scores for Hobart (3, 0, 11, 14). And they promptly win, with a convincing batting display. Can't see him getting back in, unless of injuries.

https://edgbaston.com/news/hain-ready-to-embrace-hobart-opportunity/

Sam is joining Hobart in the T20.

https://edgbaston.com/news/simon-kerrigan-joins-warwickshires-pathway-coaching-team/

Kerrigan is the new High Performance (Academy) Coach - and will also work as the First team Spin bowling Coach.

Andy wrote:

George Maddy
Isaac Mohammed
Yusuf Khalil
Sinel Gunaratne
Theo Wylie
Oliver Dandy
Taz Ali
Edward Batchelor

Thanks Andy. I think I've seen the names on an earlier post, but still the Club should have given the full list in this website news. Perhaps you might get a job in the Media Department!

Inside-edge wrote:

https://edgbaston.com/news/class-of-24-bright-future-for-academy-prospects/

Shame, no names are mentioned, other than the 4 we know about. Another example of the Media Department falling down on the job.

The BBC are saying it is a contract for red and white ball, nothing about just a possibility of red ball. I'm sure he'll be HB's replacement.

I don't think we'll sign another seamer - let alone use an Overseas (CC) slot for one (I reckon that will be either an opening batsman, preferably one who bowls a bit of spin - there are quite a few around). Booth will be a more significant replacement for Garrett & Johal's places and Norwell will be given another chance.

Andy wrote:

Interesting. Always thought him a bit overrated. He's had loads of issues with illness and injury too. Has pace and can bit though I suppose and he's a left armer which we don't have currently.

FINALLY, an experienced left arm seamer to replace Barker - its only taken 5 years ! Its a shame it will only be for white ball though. And as Andy says, he has had lots of injury issues - just hope they've been largely sorted. Not as good a batsman as KB, but he is no slouch in the lower order.

No huge surprise as regards a contract with us, but Michael Booth has signed for 3 years:-

https://edgbaston.com/news/booth-buzzing-to-be-a-bear-after-signing-first-pro-deal/

He has been playing a fair bit this year - for the Seconds and in the 50 over team - and done OK (probably no more than that at the moment).

Kai has signed a 2 year contract. Great news - he is a big prospect:-

https://edgbaston.com/news/teen-prospect-kai-smith-signs-bears-contract/

I haven't seen any announcement of our 'Retained List'. There was speculation on the likely leaving of George Garrett and Manraj Johal, but as far as I've seen, it's gone quiet at Edgbaston.

ExiledBrummie wrote:

Have we had an overseas batter as poor as Braithwaite!!?

All our Overseas batsmen have been poor in recent years (though Malan did improve towards the end and Pandya never had much chance before injury). The All Rounders have been a mixed bag (McAndrew & Maxwell did better batting than they did bowling and Brathwaite was so hit and miss - literally !). The bowling choices have been generally OK - last season, Yadav & Siraj and this, Hasan Ali. I wonder whether the fact that our First Team Coach was a bowler, might lead him to be a better judge on that side ? Someone definitely needs to sort out any Overseas batting choices next year - perhaps Larsen might do better.

Still a delay, after the Inspection, but play is due to start soon.
We're unchanged from the Middlesex game.
Somerset won the toss and chose to bat. Andy Umeed playing for them.

Andy wrote:

I wouldn't even be considering him. This lad averages 10 from 21 FC innings in NZ. One 50+ score.

Yes, I checked him out and spotted those stats. As BR says, he also looks to be a 'thoroughgoing' Kiwi, so unless he has UK connections; status, visa and permit issues might preclude a contract anyway.

Interesting team out today:-
Amir Khan
Isaac Mohammed
Chris Benjamin (Keeper)
Jakob Bhula
Danyal Khan
Kai Smith
George Maddy
Jake Lintott (Captain)
Henry Brookes
Che Simmons
Sam Atkinson
Yadvinder Singh (Bowling)

Possibly one indication of a new Summer contract (depending on Overseas status / visa permits) - Wellington (NZ) batsman Jakob Bhula - who's done really well since he came in. Nikhil Gorantla has also done well in a couple of 2nds game recently, I thought he might be worth another look, but he's not playing today.

Moseley's Yadvinder Singh might also get a Development contract.

No Johal or Garrett (again) says to me that they'll be on their way soon.