WARWICKSHIRE CCC have appointed Ed Barnard as the club’s new captain across all formats after skipper Alex Davies stepped down from the role.
Davies became Bears captain in 2024 but will now pass on the armband to Barnard who already captains the club’s One-Day Cup side.
Barnard will now also skipper War
ickshire’s County Championship and T20 Blast teams, stepping up from his role of vice-captain.
Barnard said: “I’m very proud and honoured to be offered the chance to captain Warwickshire.
“I’m very aware of following in the footsteps of some great cricketers and people, and it’s humbling to be added to the list.
“I’ve really enjoyed working under Davo and hope to continue the progress the group has made over recent seasons.
“We have built an impressive squad, and with further additions made this winter, the competition for places is greater than ever.
“I know the group feels we can push very hard for silverware this season.”
The 30-year-old joined Warwickshire from rivals Worcestershire in 2023 and returned a career-best run tally of 922 runs in the County Championship last season.
He also added 29 wickets and finished with a total of 1,615 runs in all competitions which included four centuries.
Former captain Davies topped the County Championship batting averages for the Bears in his first year as skipper.
He guided the Bears to an improved County Championship performance and topped the T20 Blast North Group twice.
Davies added: “Captaining the Bears has been undoubtedly the proudest few years of my career to date.
“To be part of moulding and building a squad capable of winning trophies has been a real privilege.
“In order for that to happen, I believe I need to be firing on all cylinders with the bat and gloves, which is why I’ll be stepping down from the captaincy duties ahead of the 2026 season.
“I couldn’t be passing the Bears on to a better person in Ed.
“When asking him to be my vice captain two years ago, it was clear to me that one day he was going to be a great captain, and it’s his time now.
“I look forward to being there for him every step of the way should he ever need.
“I’d like to say thanks to all the players and staff for their unwavering support throughout my tenure, and look forward to still giving my all to the bears moving forward.”
Bears head coach, Ian Westwood said: “I’d firstly like to thank Davo for his commitment to the captaincy role over the last couple of years.
“He has poured his heart and soul into leading the group. Even though he won’t continue in the role, we will benefit from having his experience and leadership qualities around the squad.
“Barney is a natural successor, and we are delighted he’s accepted the offer to become our next captain.
“He already has captaincy experience from leading the boys in 50-over cricket and is perfectly placed to take on the mantle in the County Championship and Vitality Blast.
“He is not the loudest in the dressing room, but has the enviable quality of demanding respect through the way he conducts himself and offers his opinions in the right way.
“We’ve got a group who are growing in confidence from the pre-season tour to South Africa, and we’re raring to go with Barney at the helm.”
