It is unlikely that adding an all formats international player would actually weaken the side. Someone does not become a successful international player at Jacob's age, Just 21 remember, withoutout having an exceptional level of ability, and being able to perform even when he hasn't played a lot recently.

Do we really want to repeat the mistakes of "Badbatch"? or continue the rewarding of mediocrity of the Robinson era?

If Bethell is available he should play.

Like any workplace, coaches &/or managers like that lead to good people chosing to seek employment elsewhere.

Sadly, we've had a similar situation the last couple of years, and further changes, to remove toxic chaaracters are still needed.

Yes, a very poor coach, with no motivational skills and strange selections.

It was a very frustating time to support the team.

The question though is would Jacob Bethell, an international all rounder, be likely to contribute more to the team than the alternatives?

I remember that in the "Badbatch" era We lost a one day semi final when we omitted Ian Bell, who was a key member of the England test and ODI teams at the time.

Can the team continue their winning streak?

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#maaf759a7-331f-4368-bd2b-7ddb250c3311

Kent 2nd XI
1 H Fulton
2 OH Morgan†
3 OMB Curtiss
34 JA Leaning*
22 CL Flintoff
15 MS Rizvi
7 A Venugopalan
8 TS Birdi
45 MAR Cohen
10 BE Street
11 JA Trodd
64 MR Quinn

Warwickshire 2nd XI
1 OM Burle
23 JB Lintott*
21 TO Wylie
4 AS Nahal
5 OG Dandy†
6 LS Gekis
77 BSM Blakemore
44 AR Sylvester
9 O Khan
27 MG Booth
11 C Taylor
32 TN Walallawita

The Einstein quote about the insanity of expecting differing results from repeating the same actions comes to mind.

The 11th game of the championahip season, and the last with the Kokaburra ball, so also the last game for Rocci'

Hopefully Sam Hain will have returned from dealing with nappies and should be returned to the side, there is also the, small, chance that Jacob Bethell will be allowed to play. Meaning at least one change to the side.

After their performances against worcestershire both Zen Malik and Kai Smith deserve to remain in the side, with Kai retaining the keeper role. Both of these payyers are only going tto gain confidence, improve and become full time team members by being given the opportunity to play.

Looking at the situation logically, and based on recent performances, the player/s to be omitted seems obvious, but sadly unlikely to happen.

Exceelent from Webster and Smith to get through to the total. An excellent game of cricket that was entertaing and competitive all the way.

After today Smith and Malik should be told they are in the championship team for the rest of the season, and we should be trying to get webster to agree to return next season.

However. there are still issues that need to be addressed, and changes made to make the club and team stronger going forwards.

An excellent innings by Zen Malik, a second century in his first season, shows he could become a regualar member of the team.
The 50 over cup will be a big opportunity for him.

Were we not told when Davies was signed that due to multiple injuries his hand no longer allowed him to keep in four day games?

Another wonderful contribution from what some here claim is "the best opening partnership" in the championship :-)

We need two new opening batsmen for next season.

I'm certain Worcestershire would say NO. Even if we added money to the deal.

It may have been an unpleasent short person from Lancashire :-)

compared to some of the criteria used in baseball stats it is very basic. There amount of analysis done of specific performance aspects in baseball is mindblowing. The book, and film, "Moneyball" is based on how the use of data was used by a low budget side to become winners.

In the case of our batsmen, in most cases the lowest score is zero.

That is one method, I prefer the remove the highest score method, but both are valid.

Some of the averages are distorted by having one large innings.

Some of the averages do sugget the player isn't up to the required standard.

@AJ You are suggesting a move that would be considered to be intelligent captaincy.

When have we ever seen that under Davies?

Warwickshire top 4 yesterday 16 runs from 74 balls, the openers zero runs from 31 balls.

that is totally unacceptable, and way below the standard of performance needed for a first class team.

Championship averages https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/averages-batting-bowling-by-team/county-championship-division-one-2025-16856 you need to scroll down to Warwicks

It is unfair to blame Ian Westwood, he was appointed very late, in the off season. Probably too late and has not had the time to implement the much needed changes and all his own ideas.

The captaincy and poor performance by the top order was to blame yet again, but when the captain is, consitantly, getting out to the wrong shot for the game situation, how can you expect the others to perfrom well, especially when mediocrity is rewarded and some players never face the consequences of thier under performance?