County Championship Preview: Warwickshire
They flopped last year and if not for Norwell would be in Div 2 but they won in 2021. Can they rediscover that form?
Warwickshire survived relegation in the last session of the last match last season with a magical spell from Liam Norwell who was ably backed up by Oliver Hannon-Dolby but their position didn’t bely their quality but their injury troubles as just 12 months before they had become County Champions.
They have lost Opener Dom Sibley to Surrey and Seamer Olly Stone to Promoted Nottinghamshire but if they have the rest of their seamers fit they will challenge higher up the table thanks to players like Sam Hain who scored a mammoth 1137 runs at 63 last season as he continues to show he should get an England shot but keeps getting overlooked.
They also had Matt Lamb last year but he has jumped down to Derbyshire in Division 2. Although they have added Moeen Ali although his availability for Red Ball cricket is unlikely but there is no doubting Ed Barnard’s availability as he follows Moeen over from Worcestershire and Chris Rushworth moves down from Durham to bolster the Seam attack.
I expect some struggles batting at times with the players who have left but a fit bowling attack can more than make up for it with Oliver Hannon-Dolby, Liam Norwell, Chris Rushworth, Danny Briggs and the Overseas signing of Hasan Ali.
Predicted Line-Up:
Rob Yates
Alex Davies
William Rhodes
Sam Hain
Chris Benjamin
Ed Barnard
Michael Burgess (WK)
Danny Briggs
Hassan Ali
Liam Norwell
Chris Rushworth
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