My 2018 Cricket Season

Sitting here in my university room, 2018 cricket season’s an absolute lifetime ago, but 2019 season also seems a lifetime away as I eagerly await the start of the season again, so I thought this would a good time to reflect on my own 2018 season.

This season started with the inevitable, me lugging around revision guides and flashcards to Edgbaston to witness Warwickshire’s start to their promotion hopes. However, come July, textbooks were out the window, exams sat for the second time round and my summer was devoted to cricket, just for a change, and it was a full on season…

As always, a large part of my summer is spent cheering on, in my opinion, the best county in the country, Warwickshire, and this season was no different. Warwickshire are always my priority, whether they are home or away, we always make the effort to show our support. After a slightly disappointing previous season, I went into this year with hope that Warwickshire could return to Division 1 and secure promotion connivingly, and they just did that! In terms of red ball for Warwickshire, all season they displayed excellent performances to give them the deserved Division two title, and put them in the top tier, back where we belong! The team this year looked revitalised, with signings such as Will Rhodes & Dom Sibley making good first impressions and settling into the team very well. Veterans Trott and Bell showed that class truly is permanent as time and time again their incredible form was on display for everyone to see. Although, it wasn’t all cheerful, as Trott announced that this would be his last season for Warwickshire which was a sad day for us all, but watching him flourish in his farewell season was a pleasure. Its undoubtable that he will leave a huge hole at Edgbaston, both on and off the field but he has been an outstanding player for both England & Warwickshire and he deserves the upcoming rest I think!

  

Over to limited overs cricket for Warwickshire, which was less successful than the County Championship, as in the RLODC and T20 Blast, they failed to progress past group stage unfortunately. White ball cricket has always been a strength for Warwickshire, however this season it wasn’t to be, but next year we will come back stronger! This wasn’t to say there was some amazing performances, such as Ian Bell scoring a magnificent century in the Blast, against Northants where he scored 131 off 62 balls in front of an energetic (slightly inebriated) Hollies stand. Another stand out performance is the crowd at Edgbaston that Warwickshire fans immerse themselves in. The Hollies stand boasts one of the best atmosphere’s in cricket and this is no different for a T20 game at Edgbaston under the lights. The support for the lads is incredible, the chants are non – stop (We all love you Jeetan…oooohhh) and provides ample entertainment on a Friday night!

Watching Warwickshire for the majority of my cricket season is something which I love doing and one thing I miss more than anything during the off-season is the people that I am used seeing every week in the stands. I maintain the opinion that one of the best things about cricket is the people you meet through it, and these people continue to show me why. Edgbaston is one incredible cricket ground, and not a bad meeting spot either. These have been the making for some great cricket trips this year, from the beauty of Tunbridge Wells, the rivalry at Worcester and some midland trips to Nottingham and Derby.

My season isn’t complete either without the usual antics of travelling around the country to see England play, with this summer taking me of course to Edgbaston, as well as Trent Bridge and Southampton.  Firstly, it was the start of the ODI series against the strong India side at Trent Bridge, and for this game India proved to be too strong for England as they dominated the whole game and England slumped. However this game did prove to be an anomaly in the series as eventually England won 2-1 after some incredible white ball cricket from them after the slight slip at Trent Bridge.

Then came the first day of Edgbaston test match against India, where the brilliance of Sam Curran put us in strong position against India, although I was gutted that I couldn’t see the England victory in the final days of the test!

To conclude the India series, I took the trip down to Southampton with Lettie, which is always one of my favourite cricket weekends, and thanks to England winning the test series here, that isn’t changing soon! Nothing beats sitting in scorching hot weather, watching England on top in the test match and listening to the grumbles of the India fans whilst England fans are in full voice as we headed to another test series win. However, that weekend came with a bittersweet feeling, as when we departed Southampton it was announced that the next and final test of the summer would also be Cook’s last test for England, fair to say I got a few looks on the train having a little cry to myself…

This season was different for me though, as for the first time some of the time watching games was spent sat in the press box, reporting on the game. The opportunity to experience journalism in cricket was one that I welcomed with open arms and has been absolutely amazing this season. Therefore, special mention to everyone at Deep Extra Cover who have been so welcoming this season, put up with all of my rookie questions and gave me this chance! The opportunity from this has been something I could have only previously dreamt of, such as reporting on the prospect and trail days of the proposed ‘The Hundred’ format and getting to interview some of Warwickshire’s top performers. I always wondered what it would be like to be a journalist in cricket and this season I got a glimpse of it and realised its something I would love to continue. Plus, its quite funny to watch the shock on people’s faces when you tell them you write about cricket in your spare time and the reply is, ‘’but you’re a girl?’’, sorry is it really that hard to believe a girl can be into cricket these days!? It’s a good little bonus as well that when its freezing outside, I have the warm press box to sit and watch cricket from!

Now I’m at University Of Birmingham, and even closer to Edgbaston, bring on April when cricket will be back down the road and my summer devoted to cricket will continue…

2018 season, you were incredible…

Until 2019…

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.

Is The ECB Hindering Women’s Participation In Cricket?

 In 2017, England Women’s Cricket Team came away triumphant from the World Cup, grasping the trophy and inspiring thousands of girls along the way, by showing how incredible the game of cricket is and how girls all over the world can get involved. Recently, the ECB have introduced a ‘’Women’s Soft Ball Cricket Festival’’ in a hope to encourage more girls to take part; however, it has come under scrutiny from many women as it potentially comes across patronising. Do we need a soft ball to play with? Or is that we are incapable of understanding the rules? Is the aim to attract women, or to utterly belittle us?

The women winning the World Cup was an amazing advert for cricket, inspiring a nation and bringing together fans all across the country. It showed an immense display of positivity around not just women’s cricket, but women’s sport in general. Fans which included thousands of girls were gripped by the fantastic games and the chance of England winning. There is no doubt that it improved participation in cricket from girls, and inspired many girls to now go get into sport, and that they can do something just as well as anyone else can, or even go one further than any male teams have as England showed. There was a buzz around women’s cricket for a period of time after that final, it was being spoken about more than ever in my opinion, and I heard people discussing it around me, which left me feeling so proud of that team and the idea women’s sport was getting recognition that it needs. Throughout that time, girls really did run the world.

However, since that incredible spectacle, it seems that we are just going round in circles with women’s participation in cricket. The introduction of the soft ball tournament struck home that they don’t believe women enjoy the game as it is, which was further portrayed when the new proposed format ‘The Hundred’ was advertised to be attracted to women, especially mums. This suggesting that we currently cannot understand the game, and that we need a new format to help us be attracted to cricket. Personally, I have ample ability to understand the various formats of cricket, and what the ECB branded as ‘’baffling rules’ during their advertisement of the soft ball tournament. It is not beyond the capability of women to watch, and enjoy a cricket game. This negative marketing of cricket for girls and women watching cricket makes you realise that the people in charge of the game have such little faith in women in cricket, after everything our very own women’s team did, it seems to be being undone fairly quickly. The inspiration so many girls felt, has been took away as they now feel they have to take part in a simplified game for them to take part.

Throughout the world cup that our women won, 50% of ticket sales were to females, showing the interest for the game is there, but somehow the ECB have managed to patronise most of that audience by implying that they can’t understand, or participate in the usual rules of cricket or focus on a format which is in fact only 20 balls less than a current format. The England women’s team did not need a soft ball, less balls, a new set of rules to go out and win a world cup so why do others girls? It feels like it is one big circle, of positivity around women’s sport, inspirations and participation all increasing, but then gets brought back down by the thoughts that women have limited interest or ability in a sport that I know so many women love, and certainly have no problem understanding, even after a few cocktails! There is plenty of other ways to get women and girls into cricket, its been shown by the ‘All Stars’ campaign that plenty of girls have shown their interest into the game from grassroot clubs and that this is also on the rise with more and more signing up to the programme.

The issue also with the current situation the ECB believe to be that not many families are choosing cricket as an activity to take their children to, therefore explaining that they believe they need a new format to appeal to these families, and in particular mums. The new format is not going to all of a sudden turn mum’s ideas about cricket around, cricket and counties need to ensure that they produce a spectacle that is for a family. It is not the format that is limiting the potential of our current formats, it just needs a little attention in the family friendly department. Counties are putting all their efforts into making a cricket match a family activity with kids zones, family stands or activities and there is no reason this cannot attract the desired audience. Mothers aren’t thinking of how many balls an over there is, if they will get hit with a ball, or if they wont be able to understand it, they are thinking about giving their children the best fun possible, and getting value for money. Mothers can be just as much of part of the cricket audience as anyone else, if its done the right way.

Participation in women’s sport is on the rise certainly, however after our girls achieved the biggest triumph in cricket and gave inspiration to so many girls it seems that it is almost being washed away. Even though girls are enjoying cricket up and down the country, and women can sit and watch 5 days of a test match and understand it fully, the ECB still feels that we need a simplified version of the game with less risk to be hurt in to be attracted to it. Soon they may realise that if they just showed a little bit more faith in the female audience, it may solve their supposed problem…

My Views On 'The Hundred'

The ECB chairman has now announced that the newly introduced format of 'The Hundred' is set in stone, so its here to stay. In 2020, a new franchise tournament will grace England & Wales in which 8 teams will compete in the 100-ball format, and the ECB hoping it would attract a new audience, and there lies the problem I believe. 

The tournament was presented in a way that it was portrayed the focus was to simplify cricket, and its existing formats to women, and especially mum's can understand the game, and then to attract the younger generation to the game as well. Firstly, myself being a woman, can confirm I don't need a new tournament to help me understand cricket, along with many other women I know we manage it just fine! Plus, just because you have delivered a human, does not automatically make you incapable of understanding sport. This idea did not go down well at all, I certainly was outraged that the people in charge of the sport I love thought that I was not able to understand it, or would lack interest in it purely because i'm female, when I think there is plenty of women out there that show they have the same passion for cricket. 

In terms of attracting the younger generation, it is to some extent true that children these days are not as attracted to the wonderful game as they once were, such as before the Ashes 2005. However, there is 50,000 children signed up to the (very good, ECB I will give you some credit) 'All Stars' programme, proving the interest of children is there and that they do love the game. Personally, I believe children do have an interest in the game, I can't walk around Edgbaston without getting hit with a plastic cricket ball or being shouted 'heads!', kids absolutely love that. Some counties also do a fantastic job at attracting the younger audience, and ensuring its a family friendly environment with various activities for children and a family can enjoy a day out without breaking the bank. There is plenty of ways as well that you can attract to children, without having to invent a new format! If the Big Bash can seem to come up with ways to sell out their stadiums with the T20 format, there is no reason we can't do the same. 

It is a sad state of affairs when the current body of people in charge of cricket have little faith in the sport that so many people love with so much passion for that they feel they have to invent something new to attract to this new audience. Issues from this may arise, it may alienate the current millions of people loving cricket as it makes them feel that their support is not good enough and this new audience is now a priority. But what about us? Why sell the sport to people who currently don't enjoy it or watch it, when they have millions out there who are willing to give so much already to the sport. In my opinion, its all good and well trying to attract a new audience, and especially the younger generation to cricket, the more the merrier, but it doesn't need a new format to do this. 

Opinions came in thick and fast when this new format was announced, and it seemed to follow a pattern, T20 can do all the stuff they are promising this new format will. Invest in the wonderful tournament which we already have, 'Vitality Blast' which provides some magnificent entertainment. This tournament does have the potential to challenge the best in the world, it just needs someone to have a little faith in it and tweek it a little. This first has to come from cricket being accessible to all, which is potentially the underlying problem. It's not the fact that people don't enjoy the game, or that this new audience will need a shorter format to understand it, it may be that they aren't able to access the game. A Sky Sports membership costs a fair bit, tickets also can be pricey (many counties do their best to limit this for families) and the rise of phones and social media now means cricket has to be available on those as well. Bringing cricket back to terrestrial TV would be a great start, giving the opportunity for everyone to watch and witness what an incredible sport it can be, which will ultimately attract people along. People need an insight into the game, the atmosphere and the fun, not something to show they need it simplifying, potentially patronizing many people in the process. 

There is no doubt that there is some curiosity circling around the circuit, fans will be eager to see how the tournament fairs, how the proposed 10 ball over comes into play and ultimately the reaction from the 'new audience', if it will it make any considerable difference. But the question still remains of its really needed, do we need a new format to attract a new audience or are people being blind to other ways of attracting people? 

It has been hard for all cricket fans to see the people in charge of cricket say that the current tournament so many enjoy is mediocre and that their support may not be enough, but mostly that those people don't have the faith or love of cricket in the same way so many fans do. The Hundred will provide a new spectacle certainly, but its quite ironic that their aim is to attract a new audience by giving them a shorter game to understand, when in fact adding a new format is complicating the game further, logic of England Cricket never fails to amaze me. Let's see what 2020 brings, which is of course when I will supposedly understand cricket?

Ones To Watch In 2018 County Championship

With the County Championship beginning in just 48 days (can it hurry up already?!) I thought it would be good to look at some players who it might be worth keeping an eye on throughout the season. All of them could be very successful after all showing positive and promising signs last season, and with youth on the side, they will be giving every game their all for their counties.

Liam Banks 

At just 18, he made his debut in the county championship last season in September against Yorkshire when he opened the batting. He may not have scored a large amounts of runs but he seemed to take to opening well, which then lead to him getting a call up for the U19 World Cup. In that tournament he originally was in the middle order, but moving up the order to opening was where he made the best impression. He made a century (120) against Canada and some other scores of 50+ to make vital contributions for the team, but he showed he was a great player and had a good technique. If he can work his way into the first team for Warwickshire, then could get plenty of runs for them and help in their search for promotion. He is playing club cricket for Tamworth CC in the summer as well, aiming to get as much cricket under his belt as he can. Whether it be this season, or in future seasons, I think Banks could become a solid player for Warwickshire and step up when needed, especially with senior batsmen Bell and Trott soon to retiring possibly, he could fill that space.

Dan Lawrence

A batsmen for Essex, reigning champions and at 20 years old he has showed how much of a great player he is. He became the third youngest batsman to make a Championship century when he struck 161 for Essex against Surrey at The Oval in April 2015 at the age of 17 years and 290 days. It was only his second first-class game. Averaging 41 in the 2017 season, he sure proved himself and earned an England Lions call up and is currently playing in the Caribbean. There is no doubt that he was a great help in Essex’s winning season, and he will be hoping to replicate and improve on him performances to help them search for the silverware again. As a middle order batsmen at Essex there is a wealth of talent to help him grow, and keep striving and putting in those big scores.

Henry Brookes

A fast bowler who has come through the age groups at Warwickshire, and has certainly impressed a lot of people there including players, staff and members. He has been branded as potential talent numerous times through the ranks and academy at Warwickshire, and he managed to get into the first team at the back end of last season when he made his debut in September in the game against Essex. Through the winter he has battled a stress fracture but is now back fit and is training with the first team bowling unit and getting dug into pre-season. His injury meant he unfortunately missed out on the U19 world cup, but he played some games in the summer for the U19 and seemed to be  impressive then so another good season for Warwickshire looms hopefully and more joy for him in in terms of England as he may set his sights on England Lions He may a key bowler coming through the age groups and flourish into a great, reliable bowler to be next to the senior bowlers. He seems to have done all he can to impress Warwickshire with Ashley Giles claiming he is a ‘’potential superstar once he realises how long his arms and legs are’’ and Pop Welch, bowling coach also speaking highly of him with a plethora of praise.

George Garton 

A left arm bowler who has showed a lot of promise in the past 2 seasons after making his debut in the early games of the 2016 season. Last season his major breakthrough came when he was added to the England Ashes squad for Australia to act as cover for Jake Ball. He must have impressed those selectors so will be one to look out for when playing for Sussex, and could be in the eye of the selectors as a possible end to their hunt for a promising left arm seamer who is of test standard. Garton will be giving his all to keep impressing selectors and get some good results for Sussex. 

Richard Gleeson

Playing for Northamptonshire in all 3 formats, Gleeson is a right arm seam bowler who could be a key player for Northants this season in the County Champ. At the end of the 2016 season he won a 3 year contract after showing very promising signs, so has plenty of potential to show his skills for Northants.  He has also been called up for the England Lions currently touring in the Caribbean as an injury replacement for George Garton, so both players are on England’s radar it seems and have impressed, his two 5fer’s at the back end of last season have definitely helped his case. 

These are just a small selection of the young players hoping to make their mark in the season and do all they can to get their team as champions or promoted. Only 48 days to wait...

The Positives Coming Out Of The Ashes Down Under

Lets be honest here, there wasn't much to shout about after the recent Ashes series as Australia outplayed us in all departments I believe, but there was a select few positives to come out the 5 tests. Rather than discuss all the negatives and suggestions for the future which have been flying around, I decided to stick to talking about those positives. 

Firstly there was Dawid Malan, who showed a lot of strength, determination and the idea that he could be one hell of a test player throughout the series in my opinion. He stuck in when needed to, but flourished with the bat when he found the opportunity to. His temperament looks ideal for test cricket, and he displayed a class performance, especially with his maiden test century coming in the 3rd test in Perth. He sent a message back to the Australian bowlers that England certainly were not down and out and still willing to fight, it's just a shame that some of the others didn't follow his lead. He certainly nailed down his spot at No.5, and showed a lot of promise.. 

Next is Alastair Cook, or Cooky, finding the form we all know he had in a magnificent way. I would scroll through twitter and see people calling for his retirement, saying he is past his best or that he is not coping without captaincy, and I thought that was a whole load of rubbish. Then he went a proved everyone wrong by scoring 244* in the 4th test in Melbourne. He fought through a difficult period for him out in the middle through the first few tests, as he has done numerous times before in his career and came out on the other side once again. The phrase, form is temporary but class is permanent really does apply to Cooky. He is one of the best players in the world, and 12,000 test runs shows just that. 

Another thing which all England fans will agree is one of the best things about every away tour, but especially down under is The Barmy Army. Through thick and thin they support the team and sing a little louder as each test goes by. Their support really is incredible and you can tell how much it means to all the players, Joe Root singing along shows how much they cherish the support as well. Seeing so many of them out there makes me proud to be an England fan, knowing we offer the best support! One of my dreams is to go on tour with them, and it just looks an absolute blast. They are an amazing group of people who deserve so much praise for the their support, but also the way they go about it. They are the unsung heroes of The Ashes!

I may be on my own in this one, but I did enjoy Michael Vaughan on BT commentary as I thought he offered a great insight into the game and even though he copped quite a lot of stick for being negative, you wont see him doing it for the fun of it, there wasn't a lot to be positive about! He is England's biggest cheerleader when they are doing well, and he celebrated the small victories for England but offered great commentary with an insight into the game. I shall add Alison Mitchell into this as well, I think she has also been brilliant! Nice to see a woman on there as well, and she has never actually played cricket (like me), just has a sheer passion for the game (like me) and also studied geography (like me)...hope for me to be a pundit for an Ashes series! 

I also thought Craig Overton really emerged, he took his chance to play with both hands but was unlucky yo be sidelined with  cracked rib but before that he showed promising signs. He offered something a little different which was what was desired, and also bowled really well in partnership with Woaksey, plus from his 41 runs in the 1st test showed he does offer something with the bat. He is one to watch for the future I think with hopefully more opportunities, and getting Steve Smith has your maiden test wicket cant be all bad!

Admittedly, there wasn't many positives to talk about, but I get told a lot I am quite optimistic when it comes to cricket hopes so thought I'd focus on the good things rather than the numerous failings! 

Here is to 2019, where the urn will return home and it will be England's!

A look ahead at Warwickshire's 2018 season

After the 2017 season proving to be quite disappointing in some ways for Warwickshire with us facing relegation, but then also some great things to shout about such as reaching the final of the T20 Blast, it's now time to look ahead to the 2018 season with new fixtures, a new captain, and a new division. 

Firstly, I'm sure that most Warwickshire fans will be with me and say that its amazing news to hear that the wonderful Jeetan Patel (sings Jeets chant to myself...thanks Tom & Alex) has been appointed as Club Captain for County Championship team and One Day Cup team. He is no doubt one of our best players, and this is shown through the various awards he has won including 2017's Players Player Of The Season, which was thoroughly deserved, so the appointment is welcome news. He is going to make a great captain by setting a great example to the lads and he has years of experience to back him up, as well as playing with his heart and soul for the bears. As well as his constant motivation to the other guys on the field, you can tell that playing means so much to him and winning is his aim, as his voice is always the one heard most clearly at the back of the members area. He might be our overseas player, but he is certainly a true bear, who I know will put everything into getting us back where we need to be...Div 1 champions! In addition, its great news to hear that Grant Elliot is returning as the T20 captain. Last season, he got the lads playing some more fresh, exciting cricket posting bigger scores and helping with the bowling as well which enabled us to reach Finals Day. I am so glad he is coming back to try and get revenge this season and challenge for the silverware again, as you can tell he wants to do so well for the bears and is a fantastic overseas player. Another good appointment in the captaincy department is Dom Sibley as vice captain, which is a good attempt to hope to get leaders in the team coming through and during this transition period to engage the younger lads in leadership so we aren't searching for a captain in the coming seasons. Dom will learn a lot from watching Jeets and the other senior players, so in a few seasons he can be the captain to help us win more trophies. I cant wait to see the captains in action next season.

Fixture announcements have come out for next season and all in all the season looks a jam-packed one, but that makes it all the more exciting. The county championship fixtures were what I quickly scrolled to first, to see what days I can get away from revision to sit freezing cold at Edgbaston. It is slightly disappointing to see that they seem to have been pushed to the start of the season, where its just about out of winter, or end of the season where its basically autumn, but there is a few games in the height of summer which is good news, however not many at weekends which is sad news. The away fixtures also look very good, I am particularly excited for an away trip to Kent so I can go see my best friend Lettie as we have waited a long time for a Warwickshire V Kent game, as well it sounds like it possibly could be the Tunbridge Wells festival week so that should be a great away day at a wonderful little ground. Plus the Middlesex away being in the warmer days of the season and after exams also looks a good away day, as well as Glamorgan. I am definately looking forward to watching some proper cricket and keeping everything crossed that there is a free cake on the 1st of each champ game at Egbaston...

The One-Day Cup fixtures have also been released, which look a good bunch as well. Played throughout May & June it does make it slightly difficult to fit these in whilst I am meant to be buckling down and revising for exam season in June, but the fixtures look solid nevertheless. There is a Warwickshire V Worcestshire game in there as well at home which will be a good derby and one I'm sure we will come out on top in. One silver lining is that the final day is at the end of June, so not only is it warm (can you tell I don't like the cold) I also happen to have booked that week off work, so if Warwickshire could repeat their 2016 campaign and make it all the way to Lords and win that would be fabulous, lets make it happen! I think we can really challenge for this title this season, with new, young talent such as Ed Pollock and Aaron Thomason breaking into the T20 team I am hoping they can do the same in the 50 over team and play alongside the senior players who will also step up, and I believe we have one very talented batsmen in Sam Hain who will boss the competition once again. 

The fixture list that most people get most excited for is the T20 Blast list, and most eyes turn straight to the Bears V Pears derby, and the date is already in my diary! The games lined up look like amazing fixtures, with us starting our campaign away to Notts at Trent Bridge, which I hope to attend with a large bears following there and a repeat of the final, but not a repeat of the result! Then our first home game agasint Yorkshire Vikings, and continuing the home games with plenty of Friday nights lined up at edgbaston with the best atmosphere in cricket I think, along with sun-soaked Sunday afternoons watching the game. The introduction of midweek games to our home fixture list will also be a interesting one, and I'm sure the atmosphere will be just as good as a Friday night, as no school the next day for me! What a way to finish the home season as well with the clash with Worcestershire which last year brought in a record home crowd at Edgbaston, so that is going to be one hell of a game and night. The fact we also have a double header game with the KSL on our game against Lancashire Lighting, when Loughborough Lighting will take on Western Storm is a great prospect as well to add to the season. With Grant back as captain, and the signs of the cricket we saw last season with the talent shining through I think our chances are right up there for the title in 2018, bring it on! T20 Blast season is always an exciting time for the club with lost of exciting things happening on and off the pitch including the talent from the guys and the atmosphere off the pitch, and perhaps this season we can have a kids zone for adults? 

In 2018, our county championship title race will this season be in division 2 which is obviously not where we wanted to be at all, but its something to embrace and try and see the positive side of. It means that we can go through the transition period and build up a solid team with a mix of experience and young talent and build up through the season, and also through the divisions. It also gives us new opposition, and with that comes new grounds to visit, so the away days will be a good prospect as well. Kent was one I looked forward to as I've said, but also Leicestershire & Sussex are great ones as I love those grounds, and Middlesex away will be a good spectacle. Division 2 is certainly not going to be easy with some very good teams who have some very good players all fighting for promotion but I am confident we can put up a good fight and challenge to get back up to Division 1.

The 2018 season does boast plenty of things to look forward to all in all, perhaps not for the lads as much who aren't getting an abroad pre-season trip, instead are heading off to the car park to get the practice in a marquee. However, the return of cricket is always an exciting time, giving  a chance for us to build a good solid squad with a mix of young talent that are all ready to prove themselves with the experienced/senior guys stepping up in county game, and 50-over games. Plus, hoping the exciting cricket played by our T20 squad makes next T20 campaign a entertaining one and fingers crossed a winning one. It will also be good to catch up with all the members at the beginning of the season, and at the members events which I hope will be returning as they were a good laugh, especially in the pub quiz where we all definitely saw each others competitive side. Of course, I am also hoping for some sun!! Next season looks like it's going to be a good one, can it hurry up please. 

Here's to hoping Warwickshire can pull of one hell of a season next year!

Youuuuu Bearsssssss!!