GerryShedd
Super Moderator
Ex-Bears Rikki Clarke and Tim Groenewald are both retiring:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57899218
https://www.kentcricket.co.uk/news/groenewald-retires-from-professional-cricket/
This is a disturbing picture of the rest of the season, especially for those of us who are not drawn to The Hundred:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/doubts-grow-over-viability-of-county-competitions-as-clubs-face-difficulty-putting-out-sides-1269618
This isn't an advert - just to say that I got a 10% discount on new glasses because of my WCCC membership. I think this is a benefit that was advertised in the past but I can't see any current reference to it.
My local branch in Bristol, who were very surprised to see me in my Bears Scrivens shirt, checked with their HQ before confirming the discount.
Some interesting results here:
https://www.cricketsupporters.com/news/survey2021/
He has signed a contract extension until 2023:
https://edgbaston.com/news/burgess-extends-bears-contract-until-2023/
He seems to have stepped very effectively into Tim Ambrose's shoes, so I think this is good news.
This is good news for the Club:
https://edgbaston.com/news/edgbaston-awarded-second-pilot-following-test-match-hosting/
Preview of tonight's game - no Chris Woakes.
https://edgbaston.com/fixtures/first-xi/leicestershire-v-birmingham-bears-16-june-2021/
It's available on Sky for those who have access.
A possible signing:
ps://www.espncricinfo.com/story/warwickshire-close-to-signing-che-simmons-17-year-old-dubbed-new-jofra-archer-1266631?ex_cid=OTC-RSS
Interview with the new overseas man:
https://edgbaston.com/news/brathwaite-its-about-leaving-a-bit-of-a-legacy-with-the-club/
There are quite a few items of interest in the minutes of the Community Liaison Group, including car parking plans and the non-progress on the hotel building:
https://edgbaston.com/news/community-liaison-group-meeting-28-april-2021/
The Club is looking for people to put themselves forward for the Members' Committee:
https://edgbaston.com/news/could-you-represent-the-diverse-voice-of-members-at-warwickshire-county-cricket-club/
I am too old, too white, too male and live too far away. But I do think that it would be great if those amongst us who have the interests of the Club and its supporters/members at heart did come forward. We are all critical of the Club when we think they have got it wrong. So here is an opportunity to put in some time and effort to try to make a difference.
I greatly respect the fact that Marina, who used to post occasionally on the old Bearsfans board, did volunteer; and I take as sincere her comments that her views have been heard.
Good news that he has signed a three year contract, though not too much doubt because he seems to be a Bear through and through:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-secure-three-year-contract-with-batsman-yates/
Best wishes to Boyd in his retirement:
https://edgbaston.com/news/boyd-rankin-retires-from-cricket/
Contract extension for Craig Miles:
https://edgbaston.com/news/fast-bowler-miles-signs-two-year-contract-extension/
He must have made some good progress because the season before last, his signing looked like a big mistake.
An interesting interview with Rikki Clarke here:
https://www.ecb.co.uk/video/2137296/county-conversations-episode-4-rikki-clarke?tagNames=LV=
He discusses his time at Warwickshire in the middle section of the interview and is generally very positive, especially about Jim Troughton, who he describes as the best captain he has played under, plus Ashley Giles and Graeme Welch. Also, he says that, before he went to Derbyshire, he was on the brink of joining Warwickshire but then Mark Greatbatch who had recruited him got sacked.
Whatever next? Who would be a bowler?
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/cricket-bat-bamboo-willow-b1844718.html
Apparently he's out of quarantine - but also out of practice! Even so, he is likely to be in the squad for this week's match v Worcestershire.
Interesting that Andy Umeed is getting a chance with Worcestershire:
https://wccc.co.uk/andy-umeed-named-in-seconds-squad-for-barnt-green-encounter/
He undoubtedly has some talent though that hundred against Lancashire during the ill-fated day-night match was exceptionally boring. Anyway, good luck to him, though it looks like he may be spending a fair time waiting for play to begin.
Spectators are to be allowed back for the Notts game at the end of May:
https://edgbaston.com/news/crowds-to-return-to-edgbaston-for-red-ball-fixture-against-nottinghamshire/