Andy wrote:

So Smith has the gloves again?!

Re my earlier post perhaps Davies should have a bowl - he does everything else!!

Seriously though - that has been an excellent morning - just 3 wickets to go. Hopefully the rain will not spoil the party.

50 partnership - perhaps give Yates a couple of overs before lunch

Just the start we wanted.

Any short rain breaks will be to Warks advantage - bowlers get a chance to rest while the batsmen have their concentration interrupted. 3 wickets minimum before lunch needed.

Given the weather forecast for tomorrow do you think we should declare now we have a lead over 250 ?

I do think there are good reasons for playing so many players. It removes the oft quoted criticism that out of form players keep getting picked. Another good reason is that when a player is out of form or injured his replacement is more likely able to step up and perform.
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Good morning so far with some good takes behind the wicket

Didn't this drinks thing start in test matches so that Channel 4, or was it Sky, could have a lengthy advert break every hour? Since then it seems to have been introduced in all sports - even my local amateur rugby team has the drinks rushed on every time there's a score or a player down injured. "In our day" it was a slice of orange at half time!

At least Webster looked plumb - looking a bit difficult now.

That looked a bit high to give out for me. Hain looked as though he was going to get a decent score today.

Ye of little faith!!

Amazed we have decided to stay out in the field. I thought they would have a bat while 9 of them put their feet up!

Be interesting to know if his father has ever been in the same film/play as David Troughton.

Unfortunately I have seen very little cricket until this morning I was able to watch after the first hour. I thought Malik played an excellent innings calm and patient and such a shame it didn't result in a 50no. When Yates fell it could easily have pressed the panic button but I thought he kept his head well. Great start to the season.

That elusive 50 from OHD would be nice

Will cricketers ever realise they are, in effect, a part of the entertainment industry.
Other sports play around what the spectator wants with, unfortunately, providing schedules that fit the TV industry who in return are merely providing a service to get as many viewers.
Football play their games when most people are not working - weekends and evenings and at public holidays.

What a win - and what a hero Fernando holding out at the end. When Barnard went it looked almost all over but....................

GerryShedd wrote:

5000 watching on the live stream. A great game of cricket whoever wins.

Yes. 4 day cricket is a boring format !! Heading for a great end with all 4 resuts possible.

What a load of rubbish Doggett bowled to get Barnard's wicket. It's a cruel game.
I think Barnard and Smith should move higher up the order.

The wrong sort of Rain(e) could ruin our day. As has been said - Smith looks a good future

I do think Bosworth Bear and AJones should have put the word Work in inverted commas!!

Enjoy the day both of you.