Warwickshire sign Middlesex paceman Bamber

Ethan Bamber's parents and grandparents are all actors

Warwickshire have made their first signing for the 2025 season - by arranging to bring in Middlesex fast bowler Ethan Bamber on a three-year contract.

Bamber, 25, has 191 first-class wickets to his name and took 9-91 in the match when Middlesex won at Edgbaston last summer.

"We've kept a close eye on Ethan's developments over the past few years," said Warwickshire performance director Gavin Larsen. "So it was no surprise to see his excellent performance against us last season.

"He was highly courted around the game. We're thrilled he's chosen to call Edgbaston home for the future."

Bamber has taken 25 County Championship wickets this summer for Middlesex, who sit second in Division Two and in line for an immediate return to the top flight.

"Warwickshire is a fantastic opportunity for me," said Bamber. "I can't wait to be a Bear. Talking to staff at the club, I believe Edgbaston is the perfect place for me to continue my cricketing journey."

The Bears, who allowed Henry Brookes to go the other way and join Middlesex last winter, have had a far from settled pace attack this summer - which accounts for winless Warwickshire's lowly place in the Division One table.

England's Chris Woakes has only featured in their two most recent Championship games, while international calls have restricted Pakistan's Hasan Ali to just three matches.

Chris Rushworth has been out injured since the opening two games of the season, while Craig Miles, who began the season on loan with Glamorgan, has played in only four of their nine matches and Liam Norwell has not played since September 2022.

Norwell did make a return for Warwickshire's Second XI late last month in a three-day game against Worcestershire at Portland Road, sending down 24 overs to take four wickets - but he suffered a setback and did not complete the match.