Bears welcome Twenty20 windfall

Warwickshire's commercial director James McLaughlin has said the interest in Twenty20 cricket is vital for the sport's financial prosperity.

McLaughlin believes the popular version of the game will help give counties who are struggling a financial lifeline.

"Interest in Twenty20 is booming and sales at Edgbaston are up 60%," McLaughlin said.

"The explosion can only be good for raising the profile of cricket and we can only foresee a sizeable growth."

After five games away from home, Warwickshire complete the second part of their Twenty20 campaign with five pool matches at Edgbaston.

They begin on Friday 20 June with a game against local rivals Worcestershire.

And McLaughlin says interest in the fixture has been massive: "The demand for our local derby has exceeded expectations.

"Not only is Twenty20 really appealing to a wider family audience, it is attracting a whole raft of new sponsors."