Teenager secures contract with the Bears
PROMISING Wellesbourne teenager Ben Blakemore has been signed by Warwickshire on a rookie contract for the 2025 season.
The 18-year-old seam bowler – who made two Second XI Championship appearances for the Bears last year – has progressed through the club’s youth system and academy. He also trained at Edgbaston with the senior squad over the winter and was involved in the pre-season tours to Lahore and Abu Dhabi.
Now he’s been given an opportunity to stake his claim for a permanent deal and is set to line up for the Bears Second XI at the start of the season.
“Warwickshire is a club close to my heart,” said Blakemore, who plays Birmingham League Cricket with Kenilworth Wardens.
“I’ve spent almost half my life with Warwickshire’s youth pathway and academy. To land a contract with the Bears has always been the end goal, so to be given that chance is extremely exciting.
“It’s a really special moment for me and my family and I’m looking forward to the summer and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Having spent time with the guys on tour I already feel integrated into the group; they’ve made me feel welcome. I know the hard work starts now for me in terms of my future in cricket. I’m prepared to give it my all.”
Blakemore featured in two Second XI Championship games last September, against Surrey and Somerset, taking three wickets. He also appeared in five u18 County Championship matches in 2024, taking 13 wickets and hitting two half centuries.
Warwickshire’s high performance manager Paul Greetham has known the teenager throughout his time at Edgbaston.
He said: “Ben has had his ups and downs. He suffered a stress-related injury in his back, he’s gone through the mill. But in the last 18 months we’ve seen a lot of determination, drive to work and get stronger, and be more physically robust.
“The whole backroom team will have had contact with him, physios, S&C, coaches obviously, nutritionist … everybody can be proud of what Ben’s done in securing this rookie contract, not least Ben himself.
“Last summer was where we saw a big difference in his game. We saw his bowling speeds increase, a good maturity in his game, his batting has really come on, he’s a genuine all-rounder.
“He’s worked well with our bowling coach Stuart Barnes and shown up really well against the pros on tour. It was a no-brainer to take him on a summer rookie contract.
“Seam bowlers are in demand at the moment, not only at Warwickshire but around the country. He’s earned this opportunity. Now Ben has a real chance to show everyone the promise he has.”
After a number of friendlies, Warwickshire 2nds will start their season in earnest with a number of T20 games starting with a trip to Somerset on Wednesday 21st May. Their first four-day championship match is at home to Durham starting on Monday, 16th June.
