In a new series for this year's Vitality Blast, an expert eye will provide a deep dive into each of The Blaze and Notts Outlaws' Trent Bridge opponents.
First, commentator and host of The County Cricket Podcast - and long-time Bears fan - Aaron Viles takes us through Bears Men.
Secure your seats to the opening double-header on Friday 30 May here.
How do you think Bears Men are shaping up ahead of the start of the 2025 Vitality Blast?
"The squad still looks incredibly strong on paper despite the departure of Chris Benjamin to Kent and the potential lack of Jacob Bethell, Beau Webster and Hassan Ali due to international commitments.
"We have a fearsome spin trio of Danny Briggs, Jake Lintott and Dan Mousley, supplemented by electrifying fast bowling options such as Richard Gleeson and George Garton.
"Add to that an intimidating batting line-up, featuring the likes of Sam Hain, Moeen Ali, Dan Mousley, Alex Davies, Tom Latham and Rob Yates, to name but a few, we should fare extremely well yet again in the North Group this season."
Who are the key players that fans should be aware of?
"Sam Hain is one of the finest batting talents that we’ve seen in the modern era of county cricket, having cemented his place at the top spot of the club’s all-time leading T20 run scoring charts and finishing last year’s tournament as the second-leading run scorer with 569 runs at an average of 63.
"As for the bowling attack, it’s difficult to look past Danny Briggs. The tricky left arm finger spinner, who can quickly control the narrative of an innings with his unrelenting consistency, has more wickets than any other bowler in the history of the competition.
"If Briggs gets into a similar rhythm this season, it’ll be difficult to see him finish anywhere outside of the top three wicket-takers come the conclusion of the competition."
Who is the young gun worth keeping an eye on?
"Dan Mousley. Having made his T20 debut for the Bears in 2020, Mousley is no stranger to the Blast at this point, but many people seem to forget that he’s still only 23 years old.
"Possessing a plethora of destructive shots in his batting arsenal, a venomous arm ball at his disposal in the bowling department, and the ability to shape matches with his phenomenal fielding efforts, 2025 is set to be another immensely exciting season, providing that the Nether Whitacre CC product comes to the party."
What do you think should be the target for Bears Men in 2025?
"It has to be to bring home the trophy. Topping the North Group for three consecutive seasons is a commendable feat for any side, but a squad of this calibre should be competing for the trophy itself.
"Whilst the counter-argument from the detractors prior to the season will undoubtedly be the quartet of Quarter Final exits since 2021, the demons of years gone by can easily be exorcised with another strong Group Stage campaign and a victory in the knockout stages.
"Providing that the Bears can overcome that hurdle, I back us to be able to win the tournament again."
