Both will return to their contracted clubs after featuring in two games for the Bears.

Lancashire’s Toby Lester and Leicestershire’s Ben Mike have had their four week loans terminated after being recalled by their parent clubs.

“It was good to contribute and help the guys get a good result in the end.

Ben Mike

Lester, a left-arm seamer, took first-class career best of figures of 4/41 on debut and finished with a total of five wickets from the Bears away fixtures at Surrey and Kent.

All-rounder Mike also impressed with career best figures with the bat, firing 45* at Canterbury before adding a resolute 72 to help Warwickshire earn a valuable draw on day four at the Ageas Bowl.

“I received a call from Nico [Paul Nixon] saying that Warwickshire CCC had been in contact because they had a few injuries to their bowlers, and they were wondering whether I wanted to go out on loan with them,” Mike said explaining the move.

“So, I said that I would love to if that meant playing first-class cricket, but obviously as long as it was alright with him and the club, and he said that it would be good for me.

“A short while later I got a call from Paul Farbrace asking me to get the coach for the trip down to Kent. It was a whirlwind experience, but it was good.”

“It was quite strange at first being in a different dressing room, but as soon as I got there the lads made me feel so welcome and got me involved.

“I was a bit apprehensive at the start playing in Division One, and I noticed the difference straight away.

“If you take Hampshire game for example, they had three international players in their team, and you could tell that the calibre of player in Division One, especially in their skill and execution. It was a good challenge and I thoroughly enjoyed it there.

“It was amazing [to score 72]. All of the lads were clapping me off the pitch and were happy for me.

“It was good to contribute and help the guys get a good result in the end. It was just nice to score some runs and get my first fifty – it was really good.”

Foxes Head Coach Paul Nixon added: “I am delighted for him.

“Paul Farbrace had an injury-stricken Warwickshire squad and Benny [Ben Mike] was delighted that he could get some first team experience. It has worked out well for both clubs.

“He has had two tough wickets to play on and has learned what Division One cricket and good players are about, which is great for him.”

Both leave Warwickshire CCC with our very best wishes and we thank them for their contributions.

Once a Bear, always a Bear!