One-Day Cup important for development - Barnard

Ed Barnard was also leading run scorer in the 2023 One-Day Cup

The One-Day Cup remains an important part of the domestic cricket schedule despite it being played alongside The Hundred, according to Warwickshire captain Ed Barnard.

All-rounder Barnard took three wickets and hit 152 not out as the Bears beat Gloucestershire on Sunday to make it five wins out of five.

It was his second century and he is the leading scorer in this year's competition, with 347 runs at an average of 115.66.

"You've got The Hundred going on and that has lights and cameras and all that sort of stuff, but this has some really important cricket being played," he told BBC WM Sport.

"For the future of English cricket, it's a great chance for some of these youngsters to come through and play some proper first-team cricket."

With senior players away at The Hundred, a number of counties have taken the opportunity to give young talent a chance in the 50-over competition, several of them still teenagers.

Warwickshire had Hamza Shaikh and Tazeem Ali, both 18, and 19-year-old Kai Smith in their side against Gloucestershire.

"The main aim in any comp is to win it but we wanted to get some young lads in. Hamza has batted at four for the whole comp," Barnard added.

"Young Taz and Jake (Lintott) bowled really well as two leg-spinners, one right, one left. Taz especially to the short boundary, I thought he did brilliantly."

Barnard has a List A batting average of almost 45 and has taken 450 wickets in all formats in his career but is still waiting for a chance at senior international level.

On his own form, the 28-year-old former Worcestershire player said he felt his game was "in as good a place as it's ever been".

"I've got to a point now where I know my game really well so I can go out there and just worry about executing, rather than - when you're younger - a lot of the stuff you just cloud your head with," he added.

"I'm sure there'll be a dip in form at some point and I'm going to have to remember these days. They're obviously nice to look back on and have those achievements.

"When I'm batting I forget that I'm captain, really. Obviously, when you're in the field, it's a bit busier in your head, juggling bowlers but I've really enjoyed it."

Warwickshire have, meanwhile, given a two-year contract to South Asian Cricket Academy batter Zen Malik.

"He's the best uncontracted player I've seen since my arrival at Edgbaston and he deserves his opportunity in professional cricket - he's an exciting addition to our squad," said performance director Gavin Larsen.

The 26-year-old has made 624 Second XI Championship runs for Glamorgan this season, including scores of 134 and 164 against Warwickshire in May.

"I've worked hard over the last few years, knocking on the door of professional cricket, and for that to be rewarded at a club like Warwickshire is incredible," Malik added.

"I guess 26 is quite late to come into professional cricket. There are a lot of quality cricketers out there in minor counties cricket or club cricket. My message to them is to keep pursuing your dreams and never give up."