Warwickshire: Bears plan to 'stay in the moment', says Ian Westwood

Warwickshire first team coach Ian Westwood says his title-chasing Bears plan to "stay in the moment" going into this week's final round of fixtures.

Last week's County Championship twist has now put Warwickshire in pole position to claim a first title since the post-Covid curtailed season of 2021.

Defeats for both Somerset and Nottinghamshire, coupled with the Bears' third straight away win, has left the Midlanders 11 points clear of long-time leaders Somerset and a further four in front of Notts.

All three title-chasing teams are at home for their final fixture.

The Bears host relegation-threatened beaten One-Day Cup finalists Leicestershire, Somerset face Surrey and reigning champions Notts play neighbouring Yorkshire.

The weather forecast for Birmingham, Taunton and Nottingham also looks set fair, except for potential rain on the final scheduled day at Edgbaston.

But Westwood, part of the title-winning Bears team in 2012, is remaining calm.

"We don't need to do anything differently to how we have been," he told BBC Radio WM. "We'll try and stay in the moment and play what's in front of us.

"We've got a nice group. A mix of home-grown players who know the history of the club and people who have shown some real pride to come and play for us."

The key selection issue is whether to recall New Zealand Test opener Will Young after his unexpected visa issue - or stick with Zen Malik, who hit a second-innings half-century to help Sam Hain see the Bears home against Essex at Chelmsford.

"For Zen to come back into the team at late notice and play the way he did was really special," Shrewsbury-born Bears skipper Ed Barnard said.

"It shows what this squad is capable of. We've got such strength in depth.

"Sam Hain has been incredible for us for a long time. We're very fortunate to have him. He just gets the job done. In difficult situations and on difficult pitches, he's always the man. He stands up."

As well as the vast experience of ex-England all-rounder Chris Woakes, the Bears also have two bowlers in top form, paceman Ethan Bamber, who has 60 Championship wickets, and India spinner Manav Suthar, who has claimed 15 scalps in three matches.

"Manav is perfect for our squad both on and off the pitch," said former Shropshire and Worcestershire all-rounder Barnard. "He comes with loads of energy and wants to bowl all the time.

"He's that final piece of the puzzle for us, allowing us to control from one end. When we're on a pitch that turns like at Chelmsford, we've got a real attacking threat."

"Ethan Bamber is an exceptional bowler," Westwood added. "But he's also an exceptional person. And nobody sees how much work he puts in behind the scenes.

"He hates the praise. But it's nice to see him reap the rewards."