Ed Barnard looking to replicate Bears' all-rounder history

After joining Warwickshire from neighbours Worcestershire, the 27-year-old is eyeing the first-team role that has been filled with such distinction in recent years by the likes of Rikki Clarke, Neil Carter, Keith Barker, Tim Bresnan and Chris Woakes.

But, speaking from Adelaide where he is spending two months with Sturt District CC playing grade cricket, Barnard insists he can’t wait to get stuck into the challenge.

“I get itchy feet if I am not involved so I love the all-rounder’s role. It’s a constant challenge – there are challenges in every department of the game at different times and trying to balance them all is something I really enjoy. It’s why I work so hard in the off-season to be in the best place I can be at the start of every season.”

That work is currently taking place in South Australia until early March as Barnard plays some cricket…and gets some sun on his back.

“It’s the top level of amateur cricket in Adelaide, similar standard to Birmingham League, and I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “There are some very good cricketers around and a lot of English lads because there’s no limit on overseas players. In the first winter without Covid restrictions a lot of lads are taking the chance to get abroad and play some cricket.

“I’m doing a lot of gym work in the week and working hard and also getting a bit of time on the beach which is a bit nicer than it sounds back home. I’m not too homesick right now.”

This is the sun-drenched bit of Barnard’s winter, but he very much enjoyed his time working with the Bears in Birmingham before Christmas - his first experience of Edgbaston as home.

“It was really nice to have two months to get to know the lads and feel at home before I came away,” he said. “It was mainly fitness work but I also did some technical stuff, ready for this trip. I very quickly felt comfortable with the lads and the staff and it will be great to get back in March and start stepping up preparation towards the season.”