Second XI Squad Announced

Warwickshire have named a strong side for their first Second XI fixture of the season against the MCC Young Cricketers at High Wycombe on 19 April.

The match will be a return to action for opening batsman Darren Maddy after recovering from a severe facial injury suffered while batting in the nets during Warwickshire’s pre-season training camp in Bloemfontein.

The injury could have potentially put paid to Maddy’s career, but the 35-year-old has shown incredible courage and determination to fight his way back to fitness and will be keen to get his season underway.

“I’m thrilled for Darren that he’s battled his way back so quickly,” explained Warwickshire’s Second XI Coach Dougie Brown. “It’s a great testament to his character that he’s recovered from what was a really nasty injury. He’s been practicing hard and looked in great touch in the nets, and hopefully he can kick on in this match and score the runs he deserves for all his hard work.”

The side will be captained by left-arm spinner Paul Best, and also contains Best’s England under 19 team-mate Ateeq Javid. It is further bolstered by the presence of batsman James Ord and allrounders Steffan Piolet and Keith Barker, all of whom played First XI cricket last season.

“Often Second XI teams are skippered by the most experienced player in the side, but we’ve identified Paul as someone with real leadership qualities and plenty of good tactical ideas,” Brown added. “He’ll have lots of experienced heads around him to offer him advice if he wants it, but we’re keen to give him this opportunity and we think he’ll do really well.

“We’re really looking forward to getting our season underway. We’ve got an exciting bunch of talented cricketers at the club at the moment, both in the Second XI and in the Academy, and this match represents a great opportunity for them to turn in a strong performance. If they do this then they will have a real chance of becoming part of Ashley’s plans for the First XI.”

Warwickshire squad to face the MCC Young Cricketers in the Second XI Championship on 19-21 April at High Wycombe:

Darren Maddy

Nathan Newport

James Ord

Steffan Piolet

Ateeq Javid

Jonathan Webb

Richard Johnson (wk)

Keith Barker

Paul Best (Captain)

Calum Macleod

Andrew Miller

Tom Milnes