Dan Mousley has played three One-Day internationals and four T20 internationals for England. Warwickshire all-rounder Dan Mousley said he felt "a lot of relief" after scoring his first century for the Bears and that his side's performance in their draw with Surrey in the opening County Championship match of the new season was a "good sign" for the campaign ahead.

The Bears take on Sussex at Hove in the second round of red-ball games, starting on Friday, and travel to the coast off the back of a determined draw with the Brown Caps. Mousley's 144 helped Warwickshire to 544 as they responded in style to Surrey's first innings 328 at Edgbaston. The visitors then ended on 447-4 in their second innings as the game ground towards an inevitable draw on the final afternoon.

Mousley's previous best for the Bears was 94 against Kent in April 2023 and he said finally reaching three figures was special. "There's a lot of relief, if I'm being honest," he told BBC Radio WM. "Obviously, I love the Bears, being here since I was eight years old. So, to finally get over the line and get that first 100 meant a hell of a lot."

Really positive start to the season - Barnard Bamber wants to become all-format option for Bears. Warwickshire ready to win silverware - Barnard Club-by-club guide to the 2026 County Championship.

Nuneaton-born Mousley, 24, had previously scored a century for England Lions last year and can now add a second first-class ton to his tally. "There's been times where you think, 'Oh, am I ever going to get one?' Obviously, I've been close before, but to finally get over the line was really pleasing."

Under new captain Ed Barnard, Warwickshire have built a side with strong options in all departments, particularly the bowling attack. With Chris Woakes now fully available after his England retirement and all-rounder Keith Barker back at Edgbaston alongside the likes of Ethan Bamber, Michael Booth and others, off-spinner Mousley says they are in a good place.

"It's a really strong group - a really strong squad," he said. "There's a lot of players who aren't playing at the minute, who are champing at the bit to play. Obviously, OHD's [Olly Hannon-Dalby] gone out on loan and Michael Booth missed out [against Surrey], same with Barks [Barker], Che Simmons, Zen Malik's another one who missed out, who were all fighting in contention to play.

"It's a really good sign. Everyone looks in really good touch and it's passed on into the first game of the season which is really pleasing."