Warwickshire’s England Lions Rob Yates and Hamza Shaikh return to the Bears squad as the Club looks to reach the One Day Cup final.
Yates and Shaikh have been on Lions duty at New Road, Worcester, in a four-day game against Sri Lanka that finishes today (Sat 17 Aug).
Both missed the final Group B game against Nottinghamshire and Friday’s dramatic Quarter Final win over Worcestershire – but will be available for Sunday’s Semi Final trip to Glamorgan.
Shaikh fell just short of a Lions’ century on debut in the first innings (91) while Yates’ unbeaten 57 guided them to victory on the final day.
Warwickshire First team Coach Mark Robinson, said: “Rob and Hamza were part of settled team so missing them has meant we’ve had to adapt. It’s been an excellent development opportunity for them both to test themselves against an international bowling attack but the timing of the game wasn’t great for us.
“We’ve missed Yatesy not only for his batting and catching but also the ability to play a finger spinner which is important to complement wrist spinners and balance the side.
“We’re going into the game on a high after Friday’s win. It was an amazing occasion for the players and fans, a day that will stay with us all for some time.
“Sometimes players lose that freedom; it can come and go. You can get distracted by off-field things, you strive too much for franchise or international cricket, and it takes you away from the love of the game. When you play for the love of the game, the enjoyment, that’s when you’re at your best.
“You can’t underestimate what Will (Rhodes) did at the other end as well. He wasn’t at his fluent best but he showed a stubbornness and desire, refusing to surrender, and what he did allowed us to get a foothold in the game, guided Kai and a gave us a belief we could win.
“It’ll be a tough task in the Semi Final, Glamorgan topped the group for a reason, but we’re more than capable and have potential match winners throughout the side.”
Warwickshire’s Group B game against Glamorgan – who topped the table with six wins from eight – was abandoned earlier this month due to rain with only 18 overs possible.
The Welsh side’s 50-over campaign has been built on a four-pronged seam bowling attack that’s taken 55 wickets.
Daniel Douthwaite and Andrew Gorvin have 16 apiece, Dutch pacer Timm van der Gugten has 12 scalps to his name – including 5/49 at defending champions Leicestershire on 11 August – and Jamie McIlroy has chipped in with 11 wickets.
Robinson said: “We know what to expect on that front. But they may also have Mason Crane back which will give them a leg spin option and change the dynamic of their team a bit.
“We’re still riding the adrenalin of the Quarter Final win and we’ve given ourselves a chance of getting to a final for the first time in several years.
“It’s been emotionally and physically challenging, with lots of games in a short period of time, but we’ll regroup and re-focus for one last effort to reach the final.”
Squad
T AliBarnardBenjaminBoothBurgessHannon-DalbyLintottMalikMilesRaeRhodesShaikhSmithWylieYates
How to follow
Members and supporters can follow the match live in our Match Centre at edgbaston.com, which will include a free-to-watch Live Stream and a live text commentary. You can also see a ball-by-ball feed and watch highlights of all the action. Supporters can get involved by sending their match-day comments and thoughts on Twitter via @WarwickshireCCC and we’ll publish the best ones on our live text commentary in the Match Centre. Supporters can also watch the Live Stream and get instant push notifications of all wickets, innings and match results via the Edgbaston app, which is free to download on iOS and Android. Match updates will also be available across the Club’s social media accounts, simply search for @WarwickshireCCC.
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