Warwickshire clinch County Championship title with victory over Leicestershire
Warwickshire secured their ninth County Championship title after defeating Leicestershire by an innings and 79 runs, powered by Ethan Bamber's five-wicket haul.
Warwickshire clinched their ninth County Championship title in style, securing an innings and 79-run victory over Leicestershire. Ethan Bamber delivered the decisive blows with a five-wicket haul, cementing an astonishing individual and team campaign.
The Bears triumphed by coming from behind to pip Somerset and Nottinghamshire to the trophy. Bamber finished the season as Division One's leading wicket-taker with 69 scalps, well supported by Ed Barnard and Olly Hannon-Dalby.
Leicestershire resumed the day needing 247 runs to avoid an innings defeat, but their resistance crumbled against a disciplined bowling attack. Chris Woakes struck early to remove Sol Budinger and Jonny Tattersall, setting the tone in front of 2,500 supporters.
Bamber then tore through the remaining resistance, finishing with figures of five for 52. His final burst included the spectacular dismissal of Ben Green, caught brilliantly by Will Young at third slip.
Ian Holland and Tom Scriven delayed the inevitable until shortly after lunch, before Bamber wrapped up the innings. Warwickshire were subsequently presented with their fourth Championship trophy since 2004.