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.

That's very sad to find out about.

I agree that in the end it was a win for the weather.
I hope that, in time, Danny Briggs will be a suitable four day replacement for Jeetan but I think he has some way to go. It's impossible to imagine that Jeetan would have not been called on to bowl in the second innings today or yesterday.

I agree about the catching being outstanding. I thought that Norwell bowled exceptionally well. Let's hope he can stay fit.

Not sure about Stone. I would have thought England would have wanted him to get some overs under his belt.

Definitely looked like leg spin from Lamb today.

That looks a pretty strong line-up.
You mention two wicket keepers - presumably Kumar and Deryck Murray. But in fact, the great Rohan Kanhai started his Test career as a wicket keeper. He kept in three Tests in England in 1957.
I'm not sure who he could displace; but can I put in a word for New Zealander Martin Donnelly? He played for Warwickshire just after the war and was an unbelievably talented left hand bat who averaged over 50 in his short Test career. He also played rugby for England, making him an unusual double international.
Maybe we can have a squad to choose from, depending on the format and pitch conditions.

I don't want to generate too much excitement but I thought I should let everyone know that, for the outlay of a mere £45, your children/grandchildren/nephews/nieces can advertise a leading brand of popcorn:
https://edgbastonshop.com/product/birmingham-phoenix-junior-shirt/