Interesting that Andy Umeed is getting a chance with Worcestershire:
https://wccc.co.uk/andy-umeed-named-in-seconds-squad-for-barnt-green-encounter/
He undoubtedly has some talent though that hundred against Lancashire during the ill-fated day-night match was exceptionally boring. Anyway, good luck to him, though it looks like he may be spending a fair time waiting for play to begin.

Streetly_Bear wrote:

Well, it’s a new day and a new opportunity.

We have shown a lot of character over the past couple of matches so I am hoping to see the same today. It’s not going to be straightforward as the weather looks mixed in Durham today.

If we can bowl them out today with a lead not too excessive that would be a good effort. There is a lot of time left in this match, we need to keep our heads up.

I admire your optimism. I hope it is justified but I fear that for it to happen, we would need to see not just clouds but pigs flying over the Riverside.

I agree that every team has bad days, though there can't have been many worse than this.

I must have a word with the person who wrote in the Deep Extra Cover preview that batting conditions would be good.
Oh, hang on, it was me!

A bad sign that play isn't starting on time and the umpires are wearing gloves!

Here's my preview of the game:
https://deepextracover.com/2021/04/lvcc-match-preview-durham-v-warwickshire/

Spectators are to be allowed back for the Notts game at the end of May:
https://edgbaston.com/news/crowds-to-return-to-edgbaston-for-red-ball-fixture-against-nottinghamshire/

BristolBear wrote:

GerryShedd wrote:

I agree that we can't complain; but I suspect that it won't be too long before someone on here rises to the challenge!

It’s been refreshing to see the optimism on here. Though I did see a comment on Facebook under Will Rhodes interview complimenting the side on the final innings chase saying “you only scored 11”. It’s a shame people feel the need to say such things.

I come from a whole family of sporting pessimists. I think it's a West Midlands tradition, based on the assumption that if you expect the worst, you won't be disappointed if it happens and if things turn out well, you can be pleasantly surprised.

I agree that we can't complain; but I suspect that it won't be too long before someone on here rises to the challenge!

I missed the whole day's play because I was visiting my grandchildren - the right decision but I wish I could have done both!
I'm sure that there will be low points at some stage because that is the nature of sport; but we should for the moment just enjoy two great victories by a team that is showing great character and resilience.

Saying that Norwell is somewhat injury prone is like saying that the Pope has slight leanings towards Catholicism. It's frustrating because he obviously has a lot of ability.

Preview from the Essex perspective:
https://www.essexcricket.org.uk/2021/04/21/match-preview-warwickshire-v-essex-3/

Confirmation that Jonathan Trott is back in the coaching set up at Edgbaston:
https://edgbaston.com/news/warwickshire-confirm-trotts-return-to-edgbaston-in-consultant-role/

If you didn't see it at the time, it's worth taking a look at Stuart Broad's spell on the final day when he gave Sam Hain a real going over. Credit to Broad for giving his all for his county; and credit to Sam and to Matt Lamb for surviving:
https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2021/april/watch-stuart-broads-fearsome-spell-v-warks.html

I was also impressed that, if need be, he was prepared to come out and bat in the second innings against Notts.

And apart from anything else, what a great advert for four day cricket. I hope that lots of people watched it on the live feed.

Good to see Danny Briggs getting four wickets yesterday. Based on his bowling at Edgbaston last week, I wouldn't have backed him to get four wickets in the whole of the Championship season.

My devotion to Peaky Blinders is well known. So I am particularly sad today to hear of the death of Helen McCrory who so brilliantly played Polly Gray:
https://www.tyla.com/news/news-breaking-helen-mccrory-dies-aged-52-20210416

Good to see that Dom Sibley is one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year.

Good to see Stone back.