Preview: Warwickshire v Derbyshire, Metro Bank One Day Cup

Warwickshire’s bid to bolster their position at the top of Group B in the Metro Bank One Day Cup has been boosted by the return of Jacob Bethell and Henry Brookes from The Hundred.

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2023-08-14T16:25:00.000Z

Warwickshire’s bid to bolster their position at the top of Group B in the Metro Bank One Day Cup has been boosted by the return of Jacob Bethell and Henry Brookes from The Hundred.

Bethell has played just one of five Birmingham Phoenix games while seamer Brookes has yet to feature in the competition.

Both have been released from the franchise to join up with the team for Tuesday’s (Aug 15) game at home to Derbyshire as the Bears look to maintain their 100 per cent start following Sunday’s nine-wicket win at Worcestershire.

Exciting teenage spinner Taz Ali – recently called up to the England under-19s squad – has also been drafted into the side by First Team Coach Mark Robinson and, if selected, will make his first senior start.

The 17-year-old Moseley school student – who’s progressed through Warwickshire’s youth pathway from the age of 10 – has been a regular wicket taker for the Club’s under-18s and Second XI.

Robinson, who believes his side still need two more wins to confirm qualification for the knockout stages, said: “It’s a bonus to have two quality players like Henry and Beth back in the fold and we’re grateful they’ve been released by the Phoenix.

“Neither have played much competitive cricket in the last few weeks – the last ball Henry bowled in anger was in our Championship game against Middlesex – but their release certainly gives us more options.

“We want to win this competition and the players have been first class so far. Our younger players are getting valuable first team experience and it was great to see Boothy (Michael Booth) take his first wicket at New Road.”

Derbyshire come into the game lying seventh in the table having lost three – the latest a 27-run reverse at Durham – of their four games.

However, Derbyshire did the Vitality Blast double over the Bears this season and Robinson knows they cannot be underestimated.

“Every game has looked tricky,” added Robinson, “and Derbyshire are no exception. They will be playing close to their full T20 team and likely to include players like Wayne Madsen, so it’ll be a stern test of our unbeaten record.

“The Worcestershire game was a coach’s dream! Again it was pretty much all over inside the power play as Olly and Barney did brilliantly to exploit the conditions and have them five down so soon.

“I’ve been delighted by how seamlessly Barney has adapted to opening the batting. He was given the role because I knew he could do it, but I think he’s even exceeded his own expectations.

“He’s a proper batter, technically good, and he scores at a decent rate without smashing it over long off for sixes. He’s been scoring quickly and been a good foil for Yatesy.

“There have been strong performances across the side, a real team togetherness, and let’s hope we can keep this run going and secure a place in the knockouts.”

Squad

Taz AliEd BarnardJacob BethellMichael BoothEthan BrookesHenry BrookesMichael BurgessOlly Hannon-DalbyJake LintottCraig MilesWill RhodesHamza ShaikhKai SmithRob Yates

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, with BBC commentary, and a live text commentary.

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.