Warwickshire Confirms the Schedule for Preseason Games – T20

March 14, 2024

Warwickshire Confirms the Schedule for Preseason Games – T20

The Bears’ Middle East preseason tour is heating up this weekend with a crucial T20 match against Team Abu Dhabi, a strong opponent, and Yorkshire, a traditional rival. These matches are significant as they will test the team’s readiness for the upcoming season and provide a glimpse of the players’ form.

Mark Robinson’s team plays the hosts’ Select on Friday, March 15, at 2:15 p.m. GMTXI.

Yorkshire Vikings play on Saturday, March 16, at 10:15 a.m. GMT.

Bears supporters can watch both games for free through the Club’s Match Center, as they will be live-streamed.

The competition, which is being held at the Zayed Cricket Academy complex in Abu Dhabi, also includes teams from Nottinghamshire, Essex, and Somerset. The Finals Day is set for Sunday, March 17.

After the first games are completed, Sunday’s matches and times will be confirmed.

Next week, on Wednesday, 20, and Thursday, March 21, there will be red ball action as Warwickshire plays Yorkshire in a two-day match. This format, known for its strategic and patient gameplay, will provide different excitement. The red ball action will test the players’ endurance and decision-making skills over the two days of play, starting at 10 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT).

The 90-over warm-up won’t be live-streamed daily, but updates will be available on edgbaston.com and the Club’s social media platforms.

The team departs for home on Friday, March 22, before a practice match against Leicestershire from Tuesday, March 26, to Thursday, March 28.

While Edgbaston workers continue to prepare the stadium for the start of the season, it is being played behind closed doors. The Club’s website and social media pages will both post game updates.

There was supposed to be a Second XI warm-up match against Leicestershire at Portland Road. However, the game has been called off due to the recent and expected heavy rain, which could have affected the playing conditions and the safety of the players. This decision was made to ensure the players’ safety and the integrity of the game.

On Easter Monday, April 1, Warwickshire will continue its preparations with an internal game involving the Bears squad and training sessions before the exciting season opener against local rivals Worcestershire on Friday, April 5.

Report on the Abu Dhabi Counties Super Cup: Team Abu Dhabi vs. Bears

The Bears won their first Abu Dhabi Counties Super Cup match, defeating Team Abu Dhabi by six wickets thanks to an outstanding half-century from Michael Burgess.

At the Tolerance Oval, the destructive wicket-keeper batter put on a show in the sticky conditions and bright floodlights, hitting over 209 with nine boundaries.

The right-hander was duly awarded Player of the Match and received numerous handshakes from teammates after making two sixes and seven fours in a merciless 26-ball spell to reach 54 not out.

It was a powerful knock that was based on the bowlers’ diligence.

Under the strategic decision of winning the toss and elected to bowl, the Bears’ bowlers executed their plan effectively, limiting their opponents to a mere 118 runs.

With three wickets for just 19 off 3.4 overs, stand-in captain Danny Briggs spearheaded the attack. Other wicket-takers included Michael Booth, who had one, Craig Miles, Jake Lintott, and Liam Norwell, who had two each.

However, it wasn’t all easy riding in response as Will Rhodes dropped the seventh ball and Ed Barnard the first, leaving the Bears down 1/2 and the momentum shifting.

Despite early setbacks, Burgess and Garton’s partnership and Shaikh and Benjamin’s contributions demonstrated the Bears’ resilience and determination, ensuring a winning start to the season.

Yorkshire defeated Somerset by five wickets and will play Mark Robinson’s team on Saturday at 10.15 a.m. GMT.

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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.