Match Preview: Westwood ready for new season challenge

Ian Westwood has seen the dawn of more than 20 seasons as a Bear. Now he’s preparing for one in his new role as First Team Coach – and says he’s ready for the challenge of leading his hometown Club in 2025.

briggford

2025-04-03T13:51:34.000Z

“There’s always a buzz around Edgbaston at this time of year,” said Westwood as he prepares to take on Sussex in his first game in charge.

“It’s my first as first Team Coach but the excitement feels just the same. We’ve done a lot of hard work and prep in the winter, pushed ourselves on tour, everyone is working well in the nets and the lads are raring to go.

Warwickshire’s last Championship encounter with Sussex came in September 2018 when Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, and Dom Sibley all reached three figures (112, 124, and 144 respectively) in a high-scoring Division Two draw.

And it’s 10 years since the two sides met in Division One.

That 2015 clash at Edgbaston saw two dominant batting displays with Sussex declaring on 601/6 before Laurie Evans was unbeaten on 213 and Tim Ambrose hit 153 as Bears replied with 612/6d.

Westwood opened the batting with Varun Chopra in that 2015 match and ended his Bears playing career in 2017 having made more than 250 Bears appearances.

He knows his way around the County Championship as well as anyone and recognizes the importance of gaining early momentum.

He added: “The Championship can be a lot about momentum. If you can get off to a good start it really helps set the tone and to kick on as the games start coming thick and fast.

“But every game is important. You often look back at the end of a season and no matter where you are in the table, the odd point here and there can make all the difference.

“We just want to play some good cricket, pick a team that gives us the best chance to win each game, and take it session by session, don’t look too far ahead.”

Westy said he wants to do 2025 “his way” but has taken counsel from some former Bears and Head Coaches as he prepares for his debut season in the top job.

He said: “I want to do it my own way, but of course I like talking cricket so I’m always picking people’s brains along the way. Matt Walker (Bears Batting Coach and former Kent Head Coach) is vastly experienced and has been a good sounding board. And there are lots of ex-Bears I’m still in touch with to talk cricket.