Yates looking for positive Bears response following testing day against Somerset

Rob Yates is challenging Warwickshire to respond in the right way after they fell to defeat against Somerset in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.

2026-07-27T10:30+01:00

The Bears lost by 125 runs at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, with Warwickshire still searching for a first win of the campaign.

After Somerset had posted an imposing 337 for eight from their 50 overs, Warwickshire were dismissed in the 40th over for 212 despite 44 from Kai Smith and a run-a-ball 52 from Jake Lintott.

Yates, who was yesterday named captain of the side for the remainder of the One Day Cup competition after Sam Hain was ruled out for its duration due to injury, says it was a tough day for his team.

“I thought that was a very chaseable target on a good, fair pitch,” he said. “I think it offered a bit for everyone, but with a short boundary and strong winds, there’s just an overriding feeling of disappointment.

“Look at how they played their innings. [Tom] Lammonby got 85 and [Lewis] Goldsworthy got 100. It was risk-free cricket. They didn’t really play any shots in anger, and it meant we gave them the freedom to go hard at the back end.”

Although it proved to be a difficult start to his time as captain, Yates, who is a product of Warwickshire’s pathway, says it was a proud moment to lead the team out, and an experience he’ll learn from.

“It's a huge honour and a privilege to be asked to be captain, even if it is as a stand-in,” he added. “It's a strange one, obviously, and we’re really hoping Sam is back soon.

“I'm looking forward to learning more about captaincy and the nuances that come with it. It's not been the easiest start, but there’s lots to learn.

“It's something I could never have asked for, and I love doing it for this Club.”

Yates was also quick to praise 16-year-old Charlie Taylor, with the right arm quick, who has already played for England Under 19s this year, making his first appearance for the senior team.

“You can easily forget that he's 16, which I think is a real compliment to him,” Yates said. “He didn't look out of place there at all. I thought he was excellent.

“He bowled a lot of hard overs with the short side, which would be tough for some of the most experienced bowlers.

“I think part of learning and growing is having those tougher challenges to deal with and he's showed me today that he's ready to deal with them. He’s a really exciting prospect.”