Match Preview: Westwood looking to build on solid start

Bears head to Durham hoping to build on what First Team Coach Ian Westwood described as a solid performance in securing a share of the points in his first game in charge.

briggford

2025-04-10T14:00:00.000Z

Bears head to Durham hoping to build on what First Team Coach Ian Westwood described as a solid performance in securing a share of the points in his first game in charge.

His side were under the cosh when Division One newcomers Sussex posted 528 in their first innings back in the top flight.

But an opening wicket stand of 116 in reply by skipper Alex Davies and Rob Yates set the foundations for a “comfortable draw” in Westwood’s words as he was buoyed by some standout performances.

Yates went on to score 180 runs in the game, there were 50s for Davies, Dan Mousley and Ed Barnard, while Ethan Bamber and Taz Ali both took four wickets on their First Class debut for the Club.

Seven of the starting eleven were aged 26 or under – injury ruling out seasoned campaigners Olly Hannon-Dalby and Chris Rushworth – but Westwood was pleased with how the new-look side gelled quickly.

“There were lots of positives to take and some great individual performances,” reflected Westwood. “We got quite far behind so to get a comfortable draw in the end and for everyone to contribute was pleasing.

“Having got three early wickets on the first morning we were keen to push on. We didn’t make the most of it, perhaps a bit of inexperience, we were trying a bit too hard.

“There are learnings from the first game. I think everyone will be better for that it, for the run out, particularly the seamers, to get overs in their legs.

“We have a lot of talent in the team but we’re quite a young, inexperienced side. It’s exciting but there will be some learning along the way.

“We’ve had some experienced players leave over the winter. Last weekend we had five homegrown Academy graduates in the team. There are talented guys coming through, all keen and eager to get an opportunity.”

Warwickshire lie fifth in Division One having taken 14 points from the Sussex draw, while Durham are ninth after taking five bonus points from an eight-wicket defeat at Nottinghamshire.

Durham also have injuries to contend with – England quicks Brydon Carse and Mark Wood are both out – while David Bedingham, the Championship’s top run scorer last year, has been in South Africa playing for Western Province and may not return in time.

But Westwood, who takes his team to Chester-le-Street today (10 April) ahead of a two-hour training session, knows they will face strong opposition.

“Durham are an experienced team, lots of quality with bat and ball,” he added. “They have a good seam attack so it will be interesting to see what the conditions are like up there and what we find.

“They lost their first game at Notts so will be very keen to put that right with a win. We’ll have to be at our best.

“There are no bad teams in Division One. Every game will be a stern challenge but we’ll go there with confidence and we’ll certainly be up for it.”