���˿���

Warwickshire have doubts over the fitness of fast bowlers Ed Barnard and Liam Norwell with three months to go to the start of the 2024 domestic season.

Barnard has had a shoulder operation which may cause him to miss the opening game against his former club Worcestershire.

And the Bears also have a doubt over Norwell, who missed the entire 2023 season with his ongoing back injury.

"We're not quite sure where Liam Norwell is," said coach Mark Robinson.

"He's pain-free at the moment. but we're obviously not sure how that injury will work out."

Norwell, who turned 32 over Christmas, signed a new deal last April tying him to Edgbaston"until at least 2025".

He did send down 10 overs in one pre-season friendly against Worcestershire at Edgbaston last March and a further six overs in July in a 50-over friendly against the South Asian Cricket Academy at Portland Road.

But he has not bowled in a first-class match since his amazing 9-62 on the final day of the 2022 County Championship season which kept the seemingly doomed Bears in Division One.

As for Barnard, the 28-year-old former Pears and England Lions all-rounder is still recovering from surgery.

"Ed Barnard has had quite a serious operation," said Robinson. "A bit more than a minor op.

"Ideally we would like to have done that sooner. But hopefully he will be fully fit for the start of the season.

"There is a danger that he might not be able to bowl at the beginning. He'll do some light batting in January and then do some light bowling to build him up. And he'll be touch and go for the first game of the season."

The Bears are also waiting on how 20-year-old all-rounder Jacob Bethell's back injury responds.

"Him missing so much cricket last year with his back was a disappointment," said Robinson. "But we forget he's only a baby.

"He's not only a great prospect with the bat but an exciting prospect with the ball as well."

Zimbabwe-born seamer Michael Booth is also on the recovery list after a groin operation.

The season opening County Championship game against promoted Worcestershire at Edgbaston starts on Friday, 5 April.

Warwickshire are still to choose a new captain to succeed Will Rhodes, who stood down two months ago after four years at the helm.