Alex Davies has decided to stand down as Warwickshire’s club captain after two seasons in charge, with all-rounder Ed Barnard confirmed as his successor across red and white-ball cricket.
Davies, 31, accepted the armband ahead of the 2024 campaign and responded with a prolific first summer, topping the County Championship averages with 1,115 runs at 50.68 and registering four centuries. Results, though steady, fell short of silverware: seventh and then fifth in Division One, plus two North Group titles in the Vitality Blast that still ended at the quarter-final stage.
“Captaining the Bears has been undoubtedly the proudest few years of my career to date,” Davies said. “To be part of moulding and building a squad capable of winning trophies has been a real privilege. In order for that to happen, I believe I need to be firing on all cylinders with the bat and gloves which is why I’ll be stepping down from the captaincy duties ahead of the 2026 season.”
Barnard, 30, joined from Worcestershire in 2023 and already leads Warwickshire’s 50-over side. Over the last two seasons he acted as Davies’ deputy in both the Championship and Blast, making the promotion a fairly seamless one. “I couldn’t be passing the Bears on to a better person in Ed,” Davies added. “When asking him to be my vice-captain two years ago it was clear to me that one day he was going to be a great captain, and it’s his time now.”
The new skipper has form with the bat and ball to back up his appointment. Last summer he posted a career-best 922 Championship runs and 29 wickets, feats recognised by selection as captain of the PCA Men’s Team of the Year 2025. “I’m very proud and honoured to be offered the chance to captain Warwickshire,” Barnard said. “I’m very aware of following in the footsteps of some great cricketers and people, and it’s humbling to be added to the list. I’ve really enjoyed working under Davo and hope to continue the progress the group has made over recent seasons.”
Head coach Ian Westwood underlined the continuity angle. “I’d firstly like to thank Davo for his commitment to the Captaincy role over the last couple of years. He has poured his heart and soul into leading the group. Even though he won’t continue in the role, we will benefit from having his experience and leadership qualities around the squad,” he noted, before adding: “Barney is a natural successor and we are delighted he’s accepted the offer to become our next captain… He is not the loudest in the dressing room but has the enviable quality of demanding respect through the way he conducts himself.”
Why the change now? Those close to the squad suggest Davies has long felt dual duty with bat and gloves is taxing enough without the extra admin of captaincy. His desire to maximise output at the top of the order is understandable in a side still eyeing a first Championship title since 2021. Meanwhile Barnard’s measured style—less showy, more relentless—fits a group said to be “growing in confidence” after a productive pre-season in South Africa.
Warwickshire open their 2026 Championship campaign next month. Davies, now free from tactical burdens, is expected to resume his role behind the stumps and at the top of the order. Barnard takes charge of selection calls, bowling changes and everything else that comes with the captain’s blazer. Both insist the handover is amicable. The challenge, as ever, is turning harmony into trophies.
