Tim pleased to see young Bears shine

TIM Ambrose is pleased by his strong start to the season but admits he is also “excited” to have seen such excellent contributions from Warwickshire’s younger players in the opening two matches.

Ambrose (pictured) has formed the batting linchpin in those matches, with 81 against Sussex and 103 against Northamptonshire. His wicketkeeping has also been top-drawer as illustrated by his taking of six catches in an innings against Sussex.

But alongside the experienced keeper’s good work in a promising start for the team has been valuable input from more recent additions to the squad – Olly Stone, Ryan Sidebottom, Henry Brookes, Will Rhodes and Matt Lamb.

“The younger guys have come in and put their hands up and that augurs really well for this season and beyond,” Ambrose said. “That’s brilliant to see and it’s exciting for us older players to see younger guys coming in and performing like that.

“They have played a huge part in our good start. It is great to have that positivity back that comes from playing good cricket, which we have in the first two games.

“Against a good Sussex side we scrapped our way to a solid draw and then we put in a very convincing performance against Northamptonshire where the bowlers did a fantastic job.

“It’s been a good start for me personally, especially when a few weeks ago, when there were a few complications with my hip, I wasn’t even sure I’d be getting back out there.

“I have got the numbers, in terms of runs, but I wouldn’t have done without the bowlers getting stuck in with the bat at the other end in both games.”

Having sat out the last round of fixtures, Warwickshire return to Specsavers County Championship Division Two action on Thursday (May 3) for the start of a four-day match at home to Derbyshire.

Stone and Keith Barker could be fit after being sidelined against Northants.