RLODC Preview: Warwickshire v Yorkshire

RLODC Preview: Warwickshire v Yorkshire

Picture courtesy of Youtube, with thanks.

Yorkshire come into this 50 over clash on the back of a dominant performance in beating Leicestershire on Wednesday. For Warwickshire, this is their first match in the competition.

To the more pessimistic amongst their fans, Warwickshire this season are beginning to resemble an old man setting out in a leaky rowing boat to cross the Atlantic and sinking before leaving the harbour.

The departure of key players such as Jonathan Trott, Keith Barker, Josh Poysden and Chris Wright plus a series of injuries to key players including Ian Bell and Olly Stone – not to mention a thorough thrashing at the hands of Kent in their first Championship match – have had many fans flying distress flags and sending out MAYDAY calls.

More optimistic supporters, as well as those whose idea of maritime adventure stretches no further than a day out at Weston-super-Mare, will take the view that such analogies are both premature and inappropriate.

To be sure, this match against Yorkshire offers the Bears an opportunity to set that Championship defeat behind them. And it is true there is still plenty of talent in the squad. Sam Hain averaged over 100 in the competition last year, Chris Woakes can turn a match with both bat and ball and Jeetan Patel seldom bowls ten over without reward.

There is no doubt, however, that Yorkshire are formidable opponents. They look to be a powerful all round outfit, well suited to the 50 over format. Gary Ballance is in awesome form. His stunning 156 against Leicestershire was his third hundred in consecutive games.

Yorkshire also have an impressive squad of pace bowlers to choose from and, unusually, not just one but two leg-spinners in Adil Rashid and ex-Bear Josh Poysden.

Whilst there should be some excellent cricket played, Yorkshire will undoubtedly go into the match with confidence high. They reached the semi-finals of the Royal London last year and, given an average amount of luck and freedom from injuries, could go at least that far this season.

Key Men

Henry Brookes and Harry Brook share confusingly similar names and also an exciting amount of cricketing potential.

The Warwickshire Henry (Brookes) is a 19-year-old all-rounder who bowls at a high pace and also scores valuable lower order runs. He has recovered from a stress fracture of the back incurred last season. His workload will need to be managed but the ten overs needed in the Royal London should suit him well.

Yorkshire’s Harry Brook, aged 20, is a talented right-hand bat who shared a partnership of 211 with Ballance against Leicestershire. His batting has a calmness and assurance that belies his youthfulness.

Team News

For Warwickshire, the return of Chris Woakes will be greatly welcomed but Ian Bell and Olly Stone are at least a couple of months away from fitness. Liam Norwell joined the Bears from Gloucestershire in the winter. He has been unfit since last July and has yet to make his debut for his new club.

Warwickshire Squad: Jeetan Patel (c), Tim Ambrose (wk), Liam Banks, Henry Brookes, Sam Hain, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, Matt Lamb, George Panayi, Ed Pollock, Will Rhodes, Dom Sibley, Alex Thomson, Chris Woakes

Yorkshire are unlikely to stray too far from the team that beat Leicestershire. Joe Root is not available.

Yorkshire Squad: Steven Patterson (c), Gary Balance, Tim Bresnan, Harry Brook, Adam Lyth, Duanne Olivier, Mat Pillans, Josh Poysden, Adil Rashid, Jonathan Tattersall (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Matthew Waite, David Willey

Weather and Conditions

A gentle breeze, sunshine and a temperature of about 22 degrees – summer has arrived! The pitch should offer plenty of runs so everything is set for an enjoyable day in the sun.

Date: 19 April 2019
Time: 11.00 am
Ground: Stadium Edgbaston
Odds (SkyBet): Warwickshire 11/10; Yorkshire 4/6

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