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!

Andy wrote:

Yes, fairly strong Lions squad too.

Will miss the first 4 Blast matches.

More, if he's also in the 50 over squad.

cjav1874 wrote:

On the topic of strange social media usage, the club clearly teased a new signing to be announced on April 30th, but nothing has been posted on any channel or the club site.

Frankly bizarre considering the post is still up.

https://x.com/WarwickshireCCC/status/2049194435200663890?s=20

If I was a betting man, I'd put money on it being Corey Rocchiccioli - either as an addition soon, or a replacement for Webster, when he goes in July. Possibly now, as I can't believe they'd make an announcement, 2 months in advance. I agree with EB, that it's probably Visa issues that have delayed the announcement.

If it is Rocky, that is to be welcomed, we desperately need a front line spinner.

Inside-edge wrote:

Essex have won the toss and elected to bowl.

Davies+
Yates
Mousley
Hain
Malik
Barnard*
Webster
Thompson
Barker
Bamber
Gilchrist

VERY interesting, that Smith & Woakes have made way for Malik & Barker (it was always likely that Gilchist would rotate with Booth). That implies a 'new broom' (James Thomas finally stamping his mark?!) in team selection, the awareness that we need something different from extensive right arm seam, with Barker coming in (and possibly, we'll see, Webster with his off spin 'hat' on?) and another specialist batsmen, in place of Kai. I think it was no surprise that CW would be 'rested' (or replaced, given his lack of success in the first 2 games) and perhaps the 'advantage' (uncertain?!) of Davies' hand injury clearing up enough for him to take the gloves again?

Another century for Malik yesterday - that's his second in a week, together with a couple of 50's in other pre-season Friendlies. Putting pressure on First team regulars.

Mikkyk wrote:

We were the only team in Div 1 to elect to bat

I spotted that. It seems an absolutely crazy decision, no idea why we chose that, at this stage of the season, with so much damp in the ground and humidity in the air. Barnard or Westwood must have seen something in the state of the wicket, perhaps likely to break up later?

Andy wrote:

I wouldn't be surprised to see him back at some point.

The fact that it's on the Club website, makes me think, you could be right, Andy. We know Beau W (our first choice spinner?), is on his bike at the end of July and there will be an Overseas slot (indeed, 2), so CR is the obvious replacement. With a decent record in red and white ball, no likely International call ups this Summer, I am quite hopeful we'll get him back.

The_Lickey_Banker wrote:

A great couple of days cricket at Portland Road:-

Worcester put us in, good scores yesterday from Arjun Nahal, opening (52), another ton from Zen Malik, (107), a ton from Taz Ali (104), 66 from Che Simmons and 30's from Vansh Jani & Olly Dandy. We got to 458.

Bowling today, the stand out performers have been Che (10-2-48-2), Michael Booth (13-3-37-2), spin from Thilan Walallawita (8-2-17-2) & Taz (19-2-63-2) and a decent bit of left arm seam from 23 year old, James Trodd (9-2-39-1). We've picked him up, after a couple of pretty successful seasons with Hampshire & Gloucester 2nd's, following a serious elbow injury in 2021. Worcester, nearly at the end of the day, are 258 for 9, with Gibbon holding us up on 62NO.

Thanks LB, nicely set up for the remaining 2 days.
Trodd is an interesting addition, we need a decent left arm seamer in reserve. Presumably, at Hampshire, he would have been under Pop Welch's tutelage (and perhaps learned a thing or two about left arm bowling from Keith B). No doubt, Pop's knowledge of his potential, is why we've given him a chance to prove himself, now.
And I'm pleased Walallawita is back this season. His left arm spin showed great promise last year and with Middlesex cutting their staff in 2024, he came to us and did well. His First team experience at Lords could prove valuable.

GerryShedd wrote:

Perhaps a good move for him.

Yes, given the number of seamers we've signed and the (quite rapid) dip in form for Olly in the second half of last season, it is probably the best option for him. For me (!), I would rather it not be the Pears though - I get such grief from Worcester 'friends', when an ex-Bear performs for them (Brookes last season was hard!).