LeicesterExile wrote:

I would guess they were aiming at a tea declaration the way they were hitting out rather than carrying on a slower rate. Now to go on and get a few wickets tonight.
An impressive scorecard regarding Warks innings.

Definitely I’ve enjoyed Barnard’s captaincy!

I think I've recovered from the shock of Warwickshire having a decent opening partnership :-)
It does make life easier for the batters that follow, and allows the bowlers more rest time, so they are stronger for bowling in the second innings.
Great to see the ton by Dan M, he justified his selection in the side, and hopefully continues to make good contributions for the rest of the season.
Overall the game is in an interesting position, early wickets tomorrow could lead to a very positive result.

I told myself I would be happy with 3 wickets tonight seeing as it is still a good pitch and even if they score 100-2 in the first session tomorrow, that is still only 50 odd ahead with half the side out. A really good lead and I hope this situation isn't too much for our bowlers even though they should be fresh but they won't be 100% match-fit just yet. A good day though and yes, bloody cold, more layers tomorrow I think, come on lads let's get off to the best start ever, v Surrey with a max points win.

Woakes on Lawrence with about 20mins to go looked plumb, cant understand what umpires see, or don't see, sometimes. Could be significant. We bowled well again in that final session, there is a hint of up and down too, must bowl very straight.

paulbear wrote:

I told myself I would be happy with 3 wickets tonight seeing as it is still a good pitch and even if they score 100-2 in the first session tomorrow, that is still only 50 odd ahead with half the side out. A really good lead and I hope this situation isn't too much for our bowlers even though they should be fresh but they won't be 100% match-fit just yet. A good day though and yes, bloody cold, more layers tomorrow I think, come on lads let's get off to the best start ever, v Surrey with a max points win.

Not sure I’d fancy them having five wickets left and being fifty ahead. I’m hoping for at least three wickets for us in the first session tomorrow!

I am not hoping they score 100-2 during the first session, just pointing out that they would be in a vulnerable position. Their tail is quite long if Foakes doesn't fire again. I still think we are slight favourites.

We'll bowl worse and get wickets...Lawrence 2 lives already today, frustrating.

Costly drop there by Lintott one he should've taken he owes Thompson a Tetley or three

My only criticism of us thus far in this game, the catching. Smith x2, Hain x2, Barnard and Lintott (sub) off the top of my head.

The new ball in 6 overs is the only glimmer of hope, even then a draw is almost certain.

I left at 3, not a big fan of watching my teams being 'Milked' about but nice that I didn't have to have my coat on. The catches dropped, have been disappointing as has watching one go past the only slip we had, before lunch, not sure why just one slip when we needed wickets. Another batting strip that never changed throughout the 4 days, hope we have some with a bit more in them for the rest of the season.

Well at least we got plenty of batting and bowling in during the match, that should stand us in good stead for the Sussex fixture. The missed catches were disappointing, and i do wonder if playing 6 seamers is one too many? I do think Westwood will rotate so Booth will probably be in on Friday, and maybe Lintott should be considered as well?

It could have been worse. According to BBC, we're second with 16 points, big haul for a draw against a strong side. Interestingly I see BBC has Sussex on 10pts despite their win. Are they carrying a points deduction from last season? I didn't see enough to conclusively assess it but thought the bowlers all brought something different, despite the fact it was six right arm seamers below express pace. I too think there will be one change for Sussex, though I guess they assess pitch before deciding if it's a spinner or not.

I think we should get a spinner in just for variation and being early season, so many batsmen will not have any real form so facing a spinner will be as difficult as facing pace bowler. Mason Crane got 8 wickets for Glamorgan against Yorkshire so why don't we just try it.

paulbear wrote:

I think we should get a spinner in just for variation and being early season, so many batsmen will not have any real form so facing a spinner will be as difficult as facing pace bowler. Mason Crane got 8 wickets for Glamorgan against Yorkshire so why don't we just try it.

i'd whack taz Ali in there. but then my answer to most cricketing problems on the bowling side involves more (wrist) spin

Reckon Lintott was in squad last week ahead of Taz, so no reason why he shouldn’t be this week and so if a spinner plays it’ll be more than likely him. Here to be proved wrong. We definitely missed variety in that second innings and maybe in the first a bit. Depends a bit on the forecast I suppose.

Tayls79 wrote:

It could have been worse. According to BBC, we're second with 16 points, big haul for a draw against a strong side. Interestingly I see BBC has Sussex on 10pts despite their win. Are they carrying a points deduction from last season? I didn't see enough to conclusively assess it but thought the bowlers all brought something different, despite the fact it was six right arm seamers below express pace. I too think there will be one change for Sussex, though I guess they assess pitch before deciding if it's a spinner or not.

Sussex in deep financial woe and 12 point penalty. Farbrace to leave at the end of the season.

Its crazy to think two leggies (Crane and Critchley) got 5fers in round 1.

Think there's a chance Booth comes in down the hill at Hove. Was impressed with Bamber, Woakes and Thompson. Thompson looks pretty sharp and has an action which suggests he could get it reversing. Barnard bowled a good spell after lunch yesterday.

Honestly last weekend could have been all so different had we held our catches.

I do wonder if they might decide to rotate Woakes now and again, in view of his age and injuries he's had over the last few years - like England have done with Mark Wood in recent times?

I have wondered that. I wouldn't be keen on flogging him too much on unresponsive surfaces. At the same time though you like to pick yer strongest XI and he is undoubtedly part of that.

When you think of how long he hasn't played for and the injury he had last year, he bowled remarkably well the weekend and could have had a few more poles with better catching/umpiring.