Olly Stone commits to Warwickshire after winter with England

Warwickshire and England fast bowler Olly Stone has cemented his Bears future by signing a new deal that runs until at least the end of the 2022 domestic season.

Stone, 25, had a stellar 2018 averaging a wicket every 21 balls in all formats, resulting in selection to the Test and ODI squad for England’s 2018 tour of Sri Lanka and the Test squad for this month’s tour of the West Indies.

In total, Stone has accumulated 72 wickets from just 29 appearances.

“I’m delighted to have signed a new deal,” said Stone.

“I love the club, it has so much history and I’m really excited about the future.

“The lads are great, I’ve settled in here really well and I can’t wait for the upcoming season where hopefully we can continue our excellent performance from last year.”

Stone joined the club from Northamptonshire in 2016, but had to wait for his Bears debut as he completed 12 months rehab following a major knee operation.

The Norwich-born paceman played seven T20 Vitality Blast fixtures that season including the quarter-final, semi-final and final for the Birmingham Bears, before making his mark in 2018.

Stone started the County Championship with staggering figures of 8-80 against Sussex in the season opener at Edgbaston before adding a further 35 first-class wickets during the promotion winning campaign.

“Having arrived at Edgbaston with a career threatening injury, Olly has shown courage, determination and skill to get himself back to full fitness and show what a valuable player he is to Warwickshire and Birmingham Bears,” added first-team coach, Jim Troughton.

“His selection for England is truly deserved and we’re very glad he has committed his future to the Bears.”