Maddy On The Comeback Trail

• 14/04/2010
• Second XI

Darren Maddy returns to action next week as Warwickshire's Second XI takes on the MCC Young Cricketers.

Opening batsman Maddy will mark his return to fitness by helping the Bears take on the MCC's developing cricketers in two matches at High Wycombe.

Maddy suffered a severe facial injury while batting in the nets during Warwickshire's pre-season training camp in Bloemfontein, a blow that was doubly unfortunate owing to the fact that Maddy was only able to make two Championship appearances in 2009 before he snapped a cruciate ligament in his knee, an injury that required surgery and put paid to the rest of his season.

But such is Maddy's determination that he has fought his way back to fitness and these upcoming matches will provide him with valuable match practice.

The two sides were originally scheduled to meet in the Second XI Trophy on April 19, followed by a three-day Championship game starting the following day.

But the ECB today confirmed that, following a request by both sides, the Championship encounter will now get under way on April 19, with the Trophy clash rescheduled for April 22.

Speaking about the forthcoming matches, Warwickshire Director of Cricket Ashley Giles said: "Second XI cricket is an essential part of the county game. It offers young cricketers a chance to play against experienced professionals and allows senior players returning to fitness to get some cricket before returning to the first team. We're particularly looking at this forthcoming Trophy match as an opportunity to fine-tune our one-day side ahead of our first CB40 fixture against Kent on April 25, and hopefully we can build on what we learn at High Wycombe and kick off our limited-overs campaign with a strong performance."

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