Maddy and Barker shine

Darren Maddy showed no ill-effects from his recent lay-off as he blasted a quickfire half-century on his return for Warwickshire 2nd XI today. On the opening day of a three-day game against MCC Young Cricketers at High Wycombe, Maddy opened the batting when the Bears replied to the home side's 250 and, at the close, was unbeaten on 56 from 71 balls with nine fours and a six. To have Maddy fit again and in form would be a huge boost for Warwickshire whose opening stands in the first two championship games have produced six, nine, eight and eight.

All-rounder Keith Barker also pressed his case for a first-team call-up today. He took seven for 52 including the last three wickets in one over. Maddy, Callum MacLeod and Tom Milnes took a wicket apiece.

The three-day game against the MCCYC will be followed on Thursday by a one-dayer in which Warwickshire will field their full first team in preparation for the start of their 40-over campaign against Kent at Canterbury on Sunday.