Probably a minor point, but I've noticed that the concrete walling to the new Pavilion is looking rather shabby and discoloured to the pitch perimeter in particular. Needs some form of paint or over cladding to smarten it up.

Hopefully, one day, DRS will be introduced into the County game. Looked a dubious dismissal for Malan.
Anyone know the official decision as to why Chris Woakes was prevented from playing today? He must be getting out of practice and fitness. I just don't see the sense in this at all.

I wouldn't bank on Woakes playing. The ECB always seem to find an excuse for him not to play. Surely he needs the practice and fitness?

BristolBear wrote:

I think at the start of the season if we’d have been offered a win and a draw against Essex we’d have run off without looking back.
For me missing out on a win against Derby because of the rain is a major annoyance. That extra 8 points makes the table look very different.
Also, the new 8 points for a draw rule is pretty rubbish. Worcestershire and Essex should both be a place or 2 back, it’s rewarding time lost to rain or very flat pitches.

Trouble is the batting points are so low at only 7 in total. If we could bat longer in the first innings this could be up to 14 or 15 to help matters.

It's obvious that the Captain's responsibility is weighing heavily on Will Rhodes, particularly with his batting. It's difficult to see any alternatives? Perhaps Tim Bresnan...?

Ridiculous to have 8 points for a draw! I wonder which idiot thought that was a good idea?

When the quarantine period is over, will Chris Woakes be allowed to play for the Bears? He's barely played since last Summer. Surely some match practice would benefit both the Bears and England?

Poor dismissals for Malan, Hain & Lamb. I really don't know what Hain's improvised short sweep was meant to be? Absolutely no need to play that sort of shot at this stage. Rob Yates is showing good discipline....

I wonder how Chris Woakes contract with Warwickshire is set up? He never seems to play many games at all for the Bears. Even when there's been opportunities particularly towards the end of the season the ECB have rested him due to Test appearances. A frustrating situation; so many formats and the IPL doesn't benefit the Bears.

The Crucible looks at full capacity today for the Snooker final?? INDOOR ARENA??

The Crucible looks pretty full for the Snooker in an INDOOR Arena! Why are Cricket stadiums empty? Surely 3 to 4,000 could be allowed in to Edgbaston? Especially as it's open air sport!

Pity Olly Stone or Chris Woakes didn't play in this one. The latter plays so few games for the Bears. Is he playing in the IPL?

7/1 already! Rhodes gone cheaply. I do think we've had bad luck with Sibley's injury and Malan's Visa delay. Those two in the top order would certainly have given us a solid base with technique and experience. Still, it's a good start overall despite what can only be hoped is a blip in the current game after 4 matches. I think it'll be an innings defeat. Hope I'm wrong.

We might end up with zero bowling points the way Durham are going at 183/0! Only hope is if it rains!

110/0 after 58 overs. How can we be so comprehensively outplayed by an average Durham team? I hope we at least get some bowling points!

Yes, a very poor day. Bowling looks average although Norwell looks threatening. Could really do with Stone!

The wicket is rubbish. The ball is keeping low quite often with an unpredictable bounce. Somewhat of a recovery by Miles and Norwell!

25/6 now. Awful start!

What's happened to Henry Brookes? Such an exciting prospect getting knocked out of the park by Notts seconds! I hope this is only a temporary blip?

I do think the experienced head of Tim Bresnan has had an impact. He's a fighter and a winner which is the sort of mentality you need to influence the team, especially the youngsters.