Warwickshire Bears 2026 T20 Blast Cricket Draft Preview
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Overview
Warwickshire has been the model of consistency in T20 cricket, successfully progressing from the group stages every year since 2021. Despite this, they have been haunted by five consecutive quarter-final exits and will be desperate to break that streak and reach Finals Day this time around. In 2025, they secured eight wins to edge into the knockouts, only to suffer more heartbreak when Somerset chased down 191 with just one ball remaining.
The squad sees two major departures this year in Danny Briggs and Moeen Ali. To help fill the gap, Jordan Thompson arrives to provide a robust seam-bowling option and dangerous late-order hitting. By sticking to a largely winning formula and keeping the core squad together, the Bears will be hoping that a touch of luck finally helps them advance past the last eight.
Key Picks: Banker, Wildcard, Young Gun & England Watch
Banker: Richard Gleeson (BWL)
Despite being limited to just six appearances last term, Gleeson was clinical whenever he took the field. He claimed 10 wickets at a sharp average of 16.90 while maintaining a solid economy of 7.68. He arrives with the benefit of a full winter of franchise cricket, including an impressive stint in the Pakistan Super League. If he can maintain full fitness, he is poised to be the spearhead of the Bears' attack.
Wildcard: George Garton (ALR)
Garton was an ever-present figure last summer, playing all 15 matches. He bowled 34 overs (joint-third most for the team) and featured in 13 innings with the bat, offering high match involvement and consistent point-scoring potential. While his 10 wickets at an average of 30.50 were perhaps below his personal best, his ability to provide a new-ball threat and float throughout the batting order makes him a versatile draft asset.
Young Gun: Tazeem Ali (BWL)
The 19-year-old is yet to make his T20 debut but has already shown his quality in red-ball cricket and the One Day Cup. Following Danny Briggs’ departure to Sussex, a vacancy has opened for a spinner to partner Jake Lintott when conditions favor turn. As an England Under-19 international, Ali is the frontrunner to seize that opportunity.
England Watch: Dan Mousley (ALR)
Having already earned four T20 international caps, Mousley is focused on reclaiming his place in the England setup. He offers elite match involvement, batting high in the order and serving as the team's primary off-spinner. In 2025, he proved his worth by taking 12 wickets and scoring 354 runs at an impressive average of 32.18, including three half-centuries.
Potential Strongest Starting XI
No | Player | Role |
1 | Alex Davies | WKT |
2 | Rob Yates | BAT |
3 | Dan Mousley | ALR |
4 | Jacob Bethell | ALR |
5 | Sam Hain | BAT |
6 | Beau Webster | ALR |
7 | Ed Barnard | ALR |
8 | Jordan Thompson | ALR |
9 | George Garton/Chris Woakes | ALR |
10 | Richard Gleeson | BWL |
11 | Jake Lintott | BWL |
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