Liam Norwell, the former Warwickshire seamer who played a pivotal role in saving the club from relegation in 2022, has been forced to retire on medical grounds. The 32-year-old has been battling a series of long-standing injuries that have prevented him from regaining full fitness.
Norwell’s heroics on the final day of the 2022 County Championship season will be etched in Warwickshire’s history. His career-best figures of 9 for 62 against Hampshire at Edgbaston secured a thrilling five-run victory and kept the Bears in the top flight at the expense of Yorkshire.
In recognition of his efforts, Norwell was rewarded with a two-year contract extension in March 2023. However, a back injury in pre-season ruled him out of the entire campaign. He made a brief return to action in four second XI games in June 2024, but a torn pectoral muscle in the last of those against Worcestershire ended his hopes of a full comeback.
After undergoing another operation, Norwell’s contract with Warwickshire was terminated by mutual consent. Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen expressed his disappointment at the time, saying, “I’m gutted for Liam because I know how hard he’s tried and trained to get back to full fitness.”
Norwell’s career has been marked by both success and setbacks. He has taken a total of 347 first-class wickets, including 94 for Warwickshire. In 2021, he claimed 49 wickets at an average of 18.21, earning him a place on the England Lions tour of Australia. He was also named as a stand-by for England’s Test tour of the Caribbean the following spring, but a family illness prevented him from answering the call.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Norwell remains grateful for his time at Warwickshire. “I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Bear since joining and have shared in some great team successes and memories,” he said. “My focus now is on getting fit and healthy again, and working out what is next for my family and I.”
