His efforts kept Warwickshire in the top flight at the expense of Yorkshire, and he was rewarded with a two-year contract extension in March 2023. However, he missed the entire campaign that year after suffering a back injury in pre-season, and although he returned to action in four second XI matches in June 2024, he tore his pectoral muscle in the last of them against Worcestershire.
After undergoing another operation, his contract with Warwickshire was terminated by mutual agreement. Warwickshire performance director Gavin Larsen said at the time: “I’m gutted for Liam because I know how hard he’s worked and trained to get back to full fitness. “He’s come close to returning on a few occasions but he didn’t make it through. the situation at all.” line.
“After finally getting over the back injury, he was unlucky to break his pectoral just as he seemed to be getting back to his best.”
Truly quick on his day, Norwell took a total of 347 first-class wickets, including 94 for Warwickshire. He took 49 of them at an average of 18.21 in 2021 and was included in the England Lions’ tour of Australia that winter. He was named as a substitute for England’s Test tour of the Caribbean the following spring, but later revealed that a family illness would have prevented him from taking the call.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Bear since joining and have shared some great team successes and memories,” Norwell said in August. “After finding the problem and finally overcoming my back problems over the winter, I was hoping to have a productive season and be able to get back to my best level.
“I have worked incredibly hard, but this significant injury, which required surgery, was very difficult to overcome. My focus is now on getting back to fitness and health, and determining what’s next for my family and I.”
