Birmingham Bears Season Preview

Birmingham Bears’ T20 campaign begins with an away trip to Trent bridge, where the Bears will face the defending champions, Notts Outlaws. The defending champions, Notts, beat Birmingham Bears to the title last season, so the Bears will be looking to show just how far they have come and get a win under their belts to kickstart what could be a very exciting campaign for them. 

T20 season is always a thriller, the newly branded “Vitality Blast” provides an incredible spectacle across the summer months with spectators enjoying sunshine, brilliant cricket and an all-around experience! Birmingham Bears play at one of the best grounds in the country; Edgbaston providing an atmosphere like no other ground I have been to, and on a Friday night it’s unbeatable. It’s an atmosphere that the players can thrive of and they use the crowds energy and passion to put on a show, and the Bears never fail to do that! 

Narrowly missing out last year was ultimately disappointing, however the way the team played their cricket in the latter stages of the tournament was a pleasure to watch. They came out with a fearless, aggressive style and much more intent which gave us a really good chance at final day, with every Bears fan believing we could come away with the title. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be, nevertheless the cricket that was played was a very high standard and it will be even better if this could be carried on into this season so we can go that one bit further and secure the title. With the return of our NZ captain Grant Elliot, and T20 stalwart Colin De Grandhomme, the squad is looks incredibly strong. It is also undoubtedly strengthened by Sam Hain returning from his England Lions stint, where he looked in phenomenal form, averaging 115 when playing for Lions, which we all hope he convert when arrives back to the Bears. 

Some fresh talent to take note of is Ed Pollock & Henry Brookes, who are two of the younger players within the squad, but can light up a cricket ground with their electric performances. Pollock made his debut last season, making 60 of 44 balls on debut, and made an eye-catching half century in the semi-final against Glamorgan, showing that he can deal with high pressure situations while concurrently also continuing to play in a fearless manner that many others admired. Brookes has come onto the scene since making his debut last season in championship cricket and has been very impressive in all of his matches.  He has been bowling with great pace, and could be a key bowler in the squad; as he looks to be one of the most promising young bowlers in the country. These young players will be raring to go in such an exciting competition, as with all the hype around the competition, it provides ample opportunity to be recognised for their emerging talent.

The fixture list sees Birmingham Bears have 7 home games, with 3 Friday night games and the last one being the infamous Bears/Pears derby (always rather be a Bear than a pear…). Edgbaston also welcomes a double header with the Kia Super League, where Loughborough Lightning take on Western Storm before Birmingham take on Lancashire, and that is looking to be a exciting showcase. Away trips for the Bears take them to New Road, where we can get one up on the Pears early in the season, as well to other counties such as Derbyshire, Northants and Lancashire where there will likely be a large Bears following, me included! Watching the Bears at Edgbaston is always time well spent, with plenty of drink flowing (thank god for members discount!), way too much food (the donuts are too good) and an unforgettable night spent with friends cheering on from the Hollies!

With the young talent emerging in the team, world class overseas and senior players using their plethora of experience there is no reason that Birmingham Bears cannot go all the way. It is going to be an exciting season in our search once again for the silverware, and I would encourage anyone to get down to Edgbaston to witness how amazing it can be.