Latest news with #BirminghamBears
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Bears need experienced players back
Birmingham Bears first-team coach Ian Westwood has said having their more experienced players available in the coming days will help support some of the squad who are "learning on the job" in the early stages of the T20 Bears have lost both their opening group games in this year's competition - at Nottinghamshire by seven wickets, and at home to Durham by three all-rounder Beau Webster's involvement in the Blast ended by his call up by Australia and Pakistan seamer Hasan Ali's arrival delayed by his international commitments, the Bears opted not to bring in any short-term did sign trialist fast bowler Adam Sylvester until the end of the season, but he has struggled so far, returning figures of 0-50 from three overs against the Outlaws, with his only over against Durham going for 21."It's been a bit of a baptism for him, in terms of his figures," Westwood told BBC Radio WM."He hasn't had much luck and I think when you get someone who is inexperienced I think the opposition target that, which I think's happened."We've got a couple of guys trying to learn on the job which is never ideal in pressure games, which all these group games are." Sylvester, 25, earned his deal after several impressive T20 performances for the Bears' second XI and Westwood says the former Derbyshire quick has been a bit unlucky."It's fine margins - he's had a few nicked over slips and keeper and he's got a few wrong himself so it's fine lines," he said."He's learning on the job but he'll keep trying his heart out." Westwood also said they are yet to work out "the right role" for another of their fast bowlers, George former Sussex left-armer's two overs against Nottinghamshire cost 36 runs and he did not bowl against DurhamWestwood said that was down to the player carrying a slight hamstring issue."He was there if needed in the middle overs but we wanted him in there for his fielding - he's a good all-round package so we need to make sure we get him in the best place possible."We're going to try to see how best to use George. He's got so much quality with ball, bat and in the field, it's just finding the right role for him." The Bears are back in action on Friday against Yorkshire at Edgbaston (19:00 BST) and could have seamer Richard Gleeson available following his stint in the Indian Premier Ali arrives back in Birmingham on Friday, while Westwood is hoping all-rounder Dan Mousley might be made available by England Lions, having hit a century in their drawn first unofficial 'Test' against India A."We've got guys slowly coming back in over the next few games and are looking forward to getting some experience back," Westwood said."We've lost 12 banker overs there [with Gleeson, Ali and Mousley] but it's not an excuse, we've got a squad for a reason and we were confident of getting something from these two games."
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Durham sign Somerset's Aldridge for T20 Blast
Durham have signed Somerset all-rounder Kasey Aldridge on loan for the T20 Blast. Aldridge will be available for the first eight group games to cover for Durham's extensive injury list in their bowling attack. The 24-year-old was part of the Somerset side that won the competition in 2023 and took 13 wickets last season as they again reached the final. Durham, who have never won the T20 Blast, begin their campaign away to Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston on Saturday.
BBC News
03-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Durham sign New Zealand seamer Foulkes for T20 Blast
Durham have signed New Zealand international seamer Zak Foulkes for the group stages of the T20 22-year-old, who played for Birmingham Bears last summer, has taken nine wickets in seven T20 international appearances for the Black Caps."It was important we brought in a player who will provide us with a clear point of difference within our bowling attack and that is exactly what Zak brings," director of cricket Marcus North told the club website., external"At only 22, Zak has already shown across the international and domestic game how much of a dynamic and well-rounded player he is in the T20 format."
BBC News
24-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Moeen to miss Hundred & play T20 before retiring
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali is to retire from county cricket this summer after playing for Birmingham Bears in the T20 37-year-old's current deal at Warwickshire expires in July and although he will be available for the Blast, he hopes to do so in a player-coach has also decided not to turn out for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred this ended his international career last year after playing 68 Tests, 138 ODIs and 92 T20 internationals. "This is a big decision for me and not one I've taken lightly," he said. "I still have passion for the game and I love being in a team environment. I also enjoy talking to players about cricket, the tactics, and I think that'll help me move smoothly into coaching after my playing days are over."I'll be available to play throughout the Blast group games, and would love to be involved as a player-coach." This year's Blast begins on 29 May, with the group stage running until 18 Day will take place at Edgbaston on 13 September and should the Bears - winners in 2014 - qualify for the knockout stages, Moeen and the club will have to decide whether he should be involved."Moeen is an icon of cricket and a local hero who has inspired children from all walks of life across our region to pick up a bat and ball," said Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain."So it's great that he's finishing his domestic career as a Bear and will continue to help us through 2025 as he starts his transition to life as a coach."Birmingham-born Moeen began his career with the Bears before switching to neighbours Worcestershire, who he led to the T20 Blast trophy in returned to Edgbaston on a three-year white-ball deal in 2022 and last summer scored 205 runs - including a dazzling innings of 103 off 59 balls against Leicestershire - and took five wickets in six T20 appearances.
