Blast Preview: Rapids v Bears

West Indian all-rounder Kyle Mayers will relish the pressure of a derby debut when the Bears face Worcestershire Rapids in a crucial Blast fixture at New Road on Friday night (5.30pm).

Windies international Mayers has been recruited to reinforce a Bears squad ravaged by international calls, injuries and Covid, with the latter ruling out Mayers' countryman Carlos Brathwaite again tomorrow.

Brathwaite will be back for the last two group matches next weekend. In the meantime, 28-year-old Mayers, whose last competitive cricket was a Test match against South Africa in the Caribbean in June, is mustard keen to help fire the Bears to victory tomorrow to boost their bid for qualification.

"The coaches have told me all about the rivalry with the Rapids and what a big game it is for the fans and the players, so I am really looking forward to that challenge," he said. "Any pressure situation is good because it is always a great feeling to help get your team across the line.

A left-handed batsman and right-arm medium pace bowler, Mayers brings to the Bears experience from playing for the West indies in all formats. His Test career started in sensational style last February when he scored a stunning unbeaten 210 (310 balls, 20 fours, seven sixes) as West Indies chased down 395 to beat Bangladesh by three wickets at Chattogram.

He would love to make a similar impact on his Bears debut tomorrow.

"I am really excited to be here," he said. "Any opportunity to play cricket in England is a good one. I was here as a reserve last time West Indies came to play in England and really enjoyed my time in the country. I always wanted to come back and really see what living in England is all about.

"It has been great so far and I really appreciate this opportunity with the Bears. I had a good net with the batting coach and the bowling coach the first day I arrived before the rain came! The last game I played was in a Test series so it was good to knock off some dust and I just can't wait for the games to arrive.

"Any chance I get to be involved, whether it is with the ball or the bat, I will be looking to take it. I want to make this most of this opportunity."

Squad

Will Rhodes (c), Jacob Bethell, Ethan Brookes, Michael Burgess (wk), Sam Hain, Adam Hose, Matt Lamb, Jake Lintott, Kyle Mayers, Craig Miles, Ed Pollock, Ryan Sidebottom, Rob Yates.

How to follow

Warwickshire Members and supporters will be able to follow all the action via the Match Centre on edgbaston.com and through the Edgbaston app (available for free on iOS and Android).