I don’t think we are bowling badly, but it does seem to be hard work for them. Commentators are saying after the new ball softens it seems to be getting tougher for the bowlers.

So we really need our openers to see off the new ball and then build (once we take the last wicket).

Well Durham have started the season quite well (even if they blew it against Essex) but Alex has yet to feature.

By all accounts the counties have been on at the government to try and get spectators in, it’s just they are not budging. If Lords and the Oval can’t then us in the provinces stand little chance.

I’m sure we will be paying something, even if the Indian board were to subsidise (which I doubt). He has been unfortunate as it could have been very different had Sibley not been injured.

The ideal scenario would have been Sibley and Rhodes both make good starts, seeing off the new ball and getting a decent score on the board. Yates may have been able to get some runs and then Vihari able to come in and take the scoreboard on further.

However, as an overseas the pressure is on and expectations are higher. I guess it was a gamble hoping he could contribute straight away. For three games it was probably not worth the risk.

A good afternoon session there I would say. It will be incredibly tough to chase over 300 but the aim should be to bat out the remaining sessions (once we remove the last wicket obviously).

Pleased to see Briggs take some wickets, hopefully bring about some confidence.

This is why it’s such a big season for Hain as he is actually the longest serving batsman for us despite his relatively young age. He is no longer the young buck in the squad, time to step up.

I liken him to Critchley at Derbyshire, long touted within the club as a player with potential but only showing glimpses, the last two seasons he has stepped up and started to deliver.

Good points Bristol Bear and when you look at it like that you are completely right. Our top order didn’t do enough and the bowlers were not able to keep the score lower.

When I first became a member we had Tim Ambrose, Rikki Clarke, Jeets, Keith Barker and Chris Wright. All of those could (and did) contribute to runs. We miss that so much.

Our batsmen need all the help they can get. But let’s face it, JT has been involved in the team for a lot of our recent history and our batting has consistently been flakey.

An interesting concept, I would be intrigued to see how it was sold to the general public as well as to members and supporters.

If it’s a T20 festival then the branding for our team is Birmingham Bears so I wouldn’t expect that to change. If I’m honest I don’t really care what we are called. I don’t see it as being about representing people from Warwickshire as opposed to Birmingham. I’m not from either but it’s still my local club in the county championship. I would prefer us to just be Warwickshire across all formats but I don’t lose any sleep over being the Birmingham Bears.

The ECB seems to think that to attract new crowds cricket needs to simplify and meddle so imagine they would not be too supportive...especially as Edgbaston is not in the Home Counties.

It’s going to be another long season.

It’s very frustrating.

Another good start, let’s hope we can finish the job and get through the tail.

I didn’t think they would drop Briggs, I hope Stone doesn’t break down but he is a welcome addition. I would imagine Rhodes will have to take on a fair few overs to ensure we rotate the strike.

I wouldn’t expect to see Stone and Bresnan bowling long spells.

How we miss Barker, a golden left arm and the ability to score runs lower down the order!

Highveld wrote:

The best thing people who like cricket can do is just totally ignore the competition.

Whilst I tend to agree, for my shame I am going to two matches with my dad. We are members so got a bit of money off but mainly it’s just a chance to see as much cricket this summer as possible. Even though I do disagree strongly on the need for another competition.

More ‘accessible’ by making unnecessary changes which are not compatible with the existing formats....brilliant. I wonder how much money was spent deciding on that brilliant idea!?

I would think that Yates would be the one to make way, merited or not. It’s a big season for Hain he is no longer the young buck. He has done alright the past couple of seasons without being spectacular (in red ball cricket that is). I’d love for him to kick on and show some of his white ball talents in the longer form of the game.

I think Exiled Bear is right with regards to Stone, I can see Norwell being rested/rotated (whatever word is fashionable right now).

Sibley opening doesn’t indicate too positive an approach

I was surprised that Briggs wasn’t given a bowl, just to try something different.

I do like Critchley as a player though, if he played for a more fashionable county he would be more widely talked about as a spinning all rounder.