Ian Westwood

A diminutive opening batsman - Shane Warne once asked an umpire if his dismissal should only count as half a wicket - Ian Westwood progressed through all stages of the Warwickshire youth system and was eventually named club captain ahead of the 2009 season. While not blessed with the widest range of strokes, Westwood impressed with his temperament and produced many stubborn innings at the top of the order. Wearied by the demands of captaincy and no longer guaranteed a place in Warwickshire's first choice team, he stepped down at the end of the 2010 season having already been replaced in the limited-overs team that won the CB40 final. He continued to contribute in the longer-form, though no longer assured of his place in a full-strength side, and played a valuable role in the championship-winning side of 2012. Warwickshire rewarded his loyalty by awarding him a benefit season for 2015. He retired midway through the 2017 season. George Dobell Nov 2014