It's (very) early days; but this report confirms that Ed Barnard is likely to be a fantastic acquisition as an all-rounder.

There's cricket to be seen this month:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-to-host-worcestershire-in-three-day-friendly/
Subject to the weather improving, of course!

He is extending the Kiwi influence that started in the 1940s and 50s with Martin Donnelly, Tom Pritchard and Ray Hitchcock and stretched more recently to Jeetan Patel, Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori (well, maybe not Vettori!).
And then there was that other Kiwi coach who made such an impact at the Club. What was his name? Badbatch, Grimbatch, something like that.

Apparently, his nickname is The Postman because he always delivers.
Let's hope so!

Brian has tweeted: "Well, that's me done as Bears club journo, ending a 23-year connection with the club as reporter/employee."
I hope that it is an amicable parting because Brian is a great guy, always there in the press box to share a friendly word. I shall miss him.

....and he's back!
https://edgbaston.com/news/stirling-set-for-edgbaston-return-on-short-term-deal/

They'll be dancing in the streets of Edgbaston tonight.

I agree that there have been some amazing matches.
I do think, though, that there is a difference between losing a thrilling match in a fairly unimportant series in New Zealand and losing the deciding match in an Ashes series.
Whether it's because of an exciting finish or because of wanting to see your team win, anything that creates interest in Test cricket has to be good.

I think that's true; and his innings in that match won him the Walter Lawrence Trophy for the fastest hundred of the season.

The man speaks for himself:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ind-vs-aus-odis-glenn-maxwell-recovery-hasnt-happened-as-fast-1360345

Well, he's just played for Victoria v South Australia so presumably is fit (but maybe not in the best of form - out for 5 and 0!)

I agree with Andy that it's ok to hail this as a good signing, though if he under-performs, we will have egg on our faces.
As for Stirling, I won't mention who said that he would be a good signing because I don't want to embarrass Exiled Bear.

England Lions took a bit of a beating today; but Jacob top scored and, although he didn't take a wicket, was the most economical bowler:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-lions-in-sri-lanka-2022-23-1355654/sri-lanka-a-vs-england-lions-3rd-unofficial-odi-1355662/full-scorecard

As the oldest Warwickshire member once said:
"What's in a name?"

Mr Cain says: " We want the person to focus on high performance outputs and to get the best out of our players. We’ve not moved away from our principles but we want someone who understands the changing face of modern cricket, the increasing influence of the franchise game, and the mindset of contemporary players."
And of course none of that would apply to a Director of Cricket - or would it?

Yes, this looks like a great signing.

Interesting quote from Mickey Arthur in the latest edition of The Cricketer:
"I do genuinely believe that the game does itself a disservice in this country. County cricket is revered all over the world."

117 for twice out in four matches - star quality.

A bit worrying that three major sponsors are disappearing from English domestic cricket:
https://www.planetsport.com/cricket/news/ecb-attempting-attract-new-sponsors-ahead-busy-home-summer

I thought that alcohol related partnerships were a bit passé but maybe Naked Wines is an ok sponsor:
https://edgbaston.com/news/cheers-warwickshire-and-naked-wines-toast-new-partnership/

Jake certainly gets around the world!
https://edgbaston.com/news/lintott-its-a-great-opportunity-on-the-big-stage/
There have been rumblings about the T10 tournament around match fixing and players not getting paid but hopefully Jake stayed clear of all that.