Andy wrote:

Charlie Taylor in, Lintott out. Malik still in the 13...

Very interesting. I guess that means it will be the end of Jake's career with us.

Bald_Reynard wrote:

Andy wrote:

As predicted when we saw the squad yesterday, we are desperately short of a seam bowler or 2 at the moment.

Yes, hence the late addition of Garlick to the 1st team squad. Booth is definitely still injured and it looks like Gilchrist is as well.

With a lack of any extra seamer (unless Gilchrist just has a 'niggle' - he played for the 2nds last week), the only way they can reinforce a decidedly depleted bowling lineup for Notts on Thursday, is to bring Lintott in - probably for Garton.

No Booth and (probably, at the moment) no Gilchrist, is a huge loss. And we haven't had any updates on the injuries of Barker & Simmons, or how long they might be out (the club website, although improved, is seriously lacking with information on such things - though I suppose, if Management don't tell them anything, what can they do!).

Andy wrote:

As predicted when we saw the squad yesterday, we are desperately short of a seam bowler or 2 at the moment.

Yes, hence the late addition of Garlick to the 1st team squad. Booth is definitely still injured and it looks like Gilchrist is as well.

With a lack of any extra seamer (unless Gilchrist just has a 'niggle' - he played for the 2nds last week), the only way they can reinforce a decidedly depleted bowling lineup for Notts on Thursday, is to bring Lintott in - probably for Garton.

Possible replacements?
What's Bell doing these days - is he still working with England?

GerryShedd wrote:

According to George Dobell, Jonathan Trott is on the short-list for the vacant England head coach of the Test team role. He is spending two weeks with Ireland as they prepare for an ODI series against Afghanistan.

A few reports have said JT could be in the frame - but only as a second choice, with Andy Flower having first dibs. Mind you, many of those reports feel that Flower will turn the job down, he's got two very well paid positions already (with the IPL & the Hundread) and has probably already had enough c**p from the ECB, to last a lifetime!

Andy wrote:

So Northants and Gloucs have played each other twice in the groups and now face each other in the quarters?!

What are people's thoughts on the 3 groups of 6 format by the way?

I'm happy with the 3 groups of 6 (they need a regular - random, seasonal - mix up though, not just going on regional lines), but it shouldn't be a full draw for the Quarters, they should always ensure clubs don't play others from their group again.

Andy wrote:

Apparently we're in for a spinner and he's on the radar.

King of Spain highlighted him as one of a group of players out of contract we might be interested in. I said a top class spinner was a priority and he, Hartley and Zafar Gohar should be seriously considered. Strangely, looking at County lineups this season, P-W is the one I thought the least likely of the 3 - he's been Notts' first choice spinner, Hartley & Gohar have been in and out.
Good news if its confirmed.

Andy wrote:

Keeping situation is clearly a proper conundrum for us. Kai is, currently, a below average gloveman. Davies is a very serviceable gloveman but cannot buy a run right now. What do we do? I feel keeping for hundred odd overs then opening is something Davies cannot cope with, understandably so. He may do better at 6?

Vansh or Shaikh should be smashing Westwood’s door wanting to open, imo.

I agree about Davies at 6, he's a pure Keeper now. As for replacement opener, I'd seriously consider Kai (in other words, a straight swap of roles with Davies) - he often opens for the 2nds and has done pretty well. He'd come in for Malik, who's having a dire time atm. Shaikh is nowhere near good enough for the 1st team, on his form this season.

Team unchanged at Taunton. Obviously, Management feel it can't be improved on, atm!

We won the toss (yay!) and chose to bowl.

GerryShedd wrote:

Preview here:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bears-v-notts-outlaws-at-trent-bridge-preview/
14 man squad, Dan Mousley and Richard Gleeson coming in, and Hamza Shaikh missing out.

Can't believe Mousley has been released by England for our two games this weekend, the first 2 Lions ODI's (isn't he Captain?!) are on the same time!

Mousley will be unavailable for all Bears matches until 12 June (ie the next two T20 games), he is still in the England Lions squad for the 3 ODI games against South Africa A. 12 June is the restart of the County Championship.

Highveld wrote:

Surely Mousley would come in as an opener? He's played at 3 most of the season, which requires a very similar skill set anyway.

Kai Smith could be moved up to 6.

If he was available I'd have Mousley and Bethell opening the innings.

Mousley will be unavailable for all Bears matches until 12 June (ie the next two T20 games), he is still in the England Lions squad for the 3 ODI games against South Africa A. 12 June is the restart of the County Championship.

Inside-edge wrote:

Meanwhile Lintott has 3 Surrey wickets for 19 off his 4 overs.

I just logged in to post that very same thought - you beat me to it!

And how our current spin bowlers doing in this T20 season?! Of course, its all to do with welcoming wickets in Kent's group?!

Andy wrote:

Bald_Reynard wrote:

Andy wrote:

Not really sure what the answer is.

There's 2 or 3 or so guys in the XI right who probably shouldn't be. We all know more or less who they are.

Not having Mousley, Gleeson and even Garton is hurting is. Westwoods hands are tied here to be fair.

Not sure any of the others who are not in the side but currently available make a huge difference to be honest.

I like Ethan Bamber but he only played 7 t20 games for Middlesex who are historically the worst team ever in the comp so im genuinely curious as to why people think he'd turn our fortunes around. What are they seeing?

Booth is still registered as overseas right?

If Mousley was available he'd be batting 3 and Webster would be at 6 which I think would suit him much better.

Should we put Hain or Barney up to open in order to get Kai Smith (not pulling up many trees in the 2nd XI? Could be wrong?) into the side? Davies a much better keeper but can't buy a run right now. Or do you back our highest runscorer in the comp last season to rediscover his form?

We are probably missing Garton. And ive been critical of him in the past, id never have signed him I admit. However he could get us a wicket in the PP, make a difference in the field (bullet arm) and get us some runs down the order. In Usman and OHD we've got 2 complete statues in the field here and neither of them bat. GG is actually an upgrade on OHD here. OHD has been credible though with the ball though in fairness.

I sometimes think Gleeson gets a little underrated by our fanbase. Genuine pace and can bowl at any stage of the innings, always gets wickets. Such a miss right now.

Yeah you could probably put Zen in for Jani, but you'd rather Mousley. Could stick Bamber in there, but you'd rather Gleeson.

I really do think Westwood’s hands are tied right now. That's not to say the odd tweak couldnt be tried though.

My call for Bamber, was simply because he is having a big impact in 2nds T20 games. In his last match for them against Somerset (just a day before the 1sts Pears game) he bowled his 4 overs for 23 runs and took 4 wickets, including great 'at the death' bowling, getting the wickets of Coleman & Vukusic (who were cruising, putting on 60 in 5 overs and looking to easily win the game). In that match, he also hit 16 NO off 7 balls. In the previous day's game v Gloucester, he took 3 wickets and scored 23 NO off 10 balls.

Booth became a home registered player in 2025.

I agree about Mousley & Gleeson, but they were not available for the Worcester game and will not be for the Northants game tomorrow, so why mention them? Given the HUGE impact Malik (73 off 40 balls & 80 off 33 balls) & Bamber had in those 2nd's matches, just days before the 1st team game, Westwood is culpable for leaving them out.

Think Mousley and Gleeson would have a far, far bigger positive impact on the team than totally untested options in Malik and Bamber. Its an odd flex to be slating Westwood over team selection after 3 out of the 12 games when you factor in that some players who would definitely be starting are unavailable through no fault of his own. Pretty relevant to the debate id have thought.

Andy, I think we're at cross purposes here. My support for Malik & Bamber, was aimed at their inclusion in the two weekend matches on now - just days after their success in two 2nds T20 games - as Bears in form. I'm not denying Mousley & Gleeson would (probably) be more effective and should play when they're available - ie in the latter stages of the competition. Though of course, if Malik & Bamber played now (which clearly, Westwood would have to wear sackcloth and ashes to agree to!) and were successful, DM & RG might have to come in for others!

Andy wrote:

Not really sure what the answer is.

There's 2 or 3 or so guys in the XI right who probably shouldn't be. We all know more or less who they are.

Not having Mousley, Gleeson and even Garton is hurting is. Westwoods hands are tied here to be fair.

Not sure any of the others who are not in the side but currently available make a huge difference to be honest.

I like Ethan Bamber but he only played 7 t20 games for Middlesex who are historically the worst team ever in the comp so im genuinely curious as to why people think he'd turn our fortunes around. What are they seeing?

Booth is still registered as overseas right?

If Mousley was available he'd be batting 3 and Webster would be at 6 which I think would suit him much better.

Should we put Hain or Barney up to open in order to get Kai Smith (not pulling up many trees in the 2nd XI? Could be wrong?) into the side? Davies a much better keeper but can't buy a run right now. Or do you back our highest runscorer in the comp last season to rediscover his form?

We are probably missing Garton. And ive been critical of him in the past, id never have signed him I admit. However he could get us a wicket in the PP, make a difference in the field (bullet arm) and get us some runs down the order. In Usman and OHD we've got 2 complete statues in the field here and neither of them bat. GG is actually an upgrade on OHD here. OHD has been credible though with the ball though in fairness.

I sometimes think Gleeson gets a little underrated by our fanbase. Genuine pace and can bowl at any stage of the innings, always gets wickets. Such a miss right now.

Yeah you could probably put Zen in for Jani, but you'd rather Mousley. Could stick Bamber in there, but you'd rather Gleeson.

I really do think Westwood’s hands are tied right now. That's not to say the odd tweak couldnt be tried though.

My call for Bamber, was simply because he is having a big impact in 2nds T20 games. In his last match for them against Somerset (just a day before the 1sts Pears game) he bowled his 4 overs for 23 runs and took 4 wickets, including great 'at the death' bowling, getting the wickets of Coleman & Vukusic (who were cruising, putting on 60 in 5 overs and looking to easily win the game). In that match, he also hit 16 NO off 7 balls. In the previous day's game v Gloucester, he took 3 wickets and scored 23 NO off 10 balls.

Booth became a home registered player in 2025.

I agree about Mousley & Gleeson, but they were not available for the Worcester game and will not be for the Northants game tomorrow, so why mention them? Given the HUGE impact Malik (73 off 40 balls & 80 off 33 balls) & Bamber had in those 2nd's matches, just days before the 1st team game, Westwood is culpable for leaving them out.

ExiledBrummie wrote:

Dan M, Gleeson, Booth, Kai Smith and even Garton would make a difference but fear its too late. The selections Im afraid are on Westwood, its more of a longer format line up currently than a T20 one. No power hitters, no real pace. Dreadful all round unfortunately.

I agree, it's all down to Westwood. Terrible squad selection, terrible team choice. At least 3 of that XI should be nowhere near a start - Davies, Vansh & Thompson. 2 others should be seriously doubted - OHD & a spinner (we can't go with two again). And Webster is, currently, a big let down.

Bamber, Kai Smith & Malik HAVE to come in. Booth, as well, probably. How can a team that hasn't lost in all six of its T20 games (our Seconds) not show the First team the way?!

Inside-edge wrote:

We’ve lost the toss and bat first.

Same team.

Absolutely ridiculous, that Bamber isn't in the squad, Malik isn't playing, Davies is opening and we're playing 2 spinners at New Road!

KingofSpain wrote:

Malik 73 off 40. He has made a case for selection in the first

Also, Bamber, 4 for 23 off his 4 overs, including great 'at the death' bowling, with Coleman's & Vukusic's wickets, when they were cruising at 155 for 5 off 17 overs.

And don't forget Malik's 80 off 33 balls in yesterday's game at Cheltenham.

Him and Bamber must be in for the Blast game!

Jake L - 4 overs, 2 for 25, in his first game for Kent. I think we're going to miss him!

Andy wrote:

Performances like this are more frustrating than Friday in my opinion. Friday was a complete one off which you know just won't happen again. Today though, you play reasonably well but end up not landing a glove on the opposition. Batted well but despite that you did suspect we were still 10 or 15 short.

Bowling wise, I dont want to point to fingers but I do think Barnard just randomly rotates his bowlers and just hopes a wicket comes. I say this because I used to think it in the one day cup too, just letting it drift after the PP. Likewise with the field settings, there was numerous times in the ODC when someone like Lintott would step in and set the fields. Not a knock on the lad, just like to see a bit more conviction and 'up and at em' so to speak from him. If you dont keep taking wickets regularly in white ball cricket you lose, no matter whether you're trying to defend or contain etc

Come on Barney, get a handle on it, son.

James Rew, how do you bowl at him? Looks unreal. The bowling looks about 5mph slower when he's facing. Still feel like the short ball sorts him out and the highest level though.

I still think we can turn it round, no better place to start than New Road...

Jake L - 4 overs, 2 for 25, in his first game for Kent. I think we're going to miss him!