The Bears are pressing ahead in search of their second overseas player for the 2020 campaign.

Jim Troughton’s Vitality Blast preparations are in full flow.

The highly anticipated 2020 edition will take place in May, June and July, a slightly earlier slot than previous years which ensures more pre-planning.

The guys are excited about playing.

Jim Troughton

The fixtures were confirmed at 7 am this morning and the First Team Coach admits the staff and players are excited about another exciting T20 campaign.

“When you get the fixtures the first thing you do is look at the key ones, particularly Friday night against the Worcestershire Rapids at Edgbaston,” said Troughton.

“It’ll be a tantalising fixture for the fans and the players.

“I don’t know,” Troughton added when asked if the earlier start will affect anything.

“The weather’s obviously going to play a big part, but whether it’s in May or a bit later the guys are excited about playing.”

The recent weather in the Midlands is a far cry from the warm summer fixtures at Edgbaston, but discussions with overseas targets have already taken place.

The Bears, who partnered Ashton Agar and Chris Green following Agar’s injury with Jeetan Patel, are hoping to name their prime target sooner rather than later.

“With three or four Championship games dotted within the tournament it makes it much harder for teams to nail their overseas options,” Troughton concluded.

“We’ve been doing that, looking at different options, and for me it’s critical we try and get someone for all the competition, which isn’t an easy task with all the international cricket that’s around.

“Hopefully we’re getting close to doing that and we have that continuity throughout the tournament.”