Preview: Warwickshire v Worcestershire, Friendly

Warwickshire's first team squad all have a chance to impress during simultaneous three-day friendlies against Worcestershire between Monday 28 and Wednesday 30 March.

Club captain Will Rhodes will lead the Bears against the Pears at Edgbaston while a 2nd XI fixture between the old rivals will take place in a parallel warm-up contest at the Edgbaston Community Sports Ground at Portland Road.

The Bears are straight back into action after a two-day warm-up against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge over the weekend in which several batters showed excellent form. On the first day, Dom Sibley made 65 (84 balls) and Matt Lamb 54 (89 balls) then on Sunday, Michael Burgess struck a fluent 60 (62 balls, ten fours, one six), supported by Rob Yates' unbeaten 38.

In the unusually warm, dry, spring weather, bowlers have been denied the usual early season help from the conditions. They have all got valuable overs under their belts, though, and have started to loosen limbs ahead of the intense workload in the months ahead.

Jake Bethell delivered an impressive 14-1-38-1 at Trent Bridge and will lead the spin attack in the two-dayer at Portland Road while Danny Briggs and Jake Lintott form a fascinating spin pairing in the game at Edgbaston.

England paceman Olly Stone will play at Portland Road as captain though, still on the way back from long-term injury, as a batter only. Only seamers Liam Norwell (back spasm) and George Garrett (sore heel) are side-lined by injury.

Bears first team coach Mark Robinson said: "We had a good couple of days at Trent Bridge. It was another very good batting wicket and most of the batters have had some time at the crease this pre-season while the bowlers have got some overs in their legs.

"Now the two games against Worcestershire will give everyone an opportunity. Manraj Johal and Ethan Brookes come in for their first game of pre-season. Playing two games parallel is a really good concept. We tried it last year and it worked well and we are really fortunate to have two grounds where we know the pitches will be top-drawer.

Team (Edgbaston):

Will Rhodes (C)Chris BenjaminDanny BriggsHenry BrookesMichael Burgess (WK)Sam HainOlly Hannon-DalbyJake LintottCraig MilesWill RhodesDom SibleyRob Yates12th man: Che Simmons.

Team (Edgbaston Community Sports Ground):

Olly Stone (C)Zaman AkhterJacob BethellEthan BrookesOllie CurrillAlex Davies (WK)Adam HoseManraj JohalMatt LambDan MousleyRyan Sidebottom

Entry is free for all spectators at Edgbaston Stadium, with entry available via the Main Reception. Food and drink will be available from the Tom Dollery Lounge, located on the second flood of the South Stand.