We've certainly missed Rushworth and Hassan Ali in the Championship. Woakes is clearly out of form, you could argue Miles would've been a better option - at least he was taking some wickets. I suppose not playing again in the Championship until 22nd August (Somerset at home!) is a good thing as it gives chance to reset and hopefully our injured bowlers are fit to return.

Yes, agree. We need to push on now to get a lead of around 350. This is the best opportunity for a while to get a win. It would be useful to put Somerset in to face 5 or 6 overs tonight.

Somerset bowled out for 284. OH-D finished with 6 wickets! The guy is so reliable, an inspiration to all. So the Bears have a healthy 128 run lead. Dare we dream of a first win in this competition this season?

Andy wrote:

Why does it always rain, or be forecast to rain, when we're getting on top!

Agree, look at the Lancashire game!

Awful shot by Rhodes, so unnecessary having recovered from 40/4. Now Bethell gone cheaply. Barnard 52 not out. 157/6, so another poor batting display. Hopefully Burgess can be resilient again.....

Was Norwell unfit for this game? And, where on earth is Rushworth? Robinson originally said it was only a minor calf injury around 2 months ago.

250/9 now. Miles bowled for 14. I don't understand why Burgess isn't facing the majority of the bowling as the more accomplished batsman?

LeicesterExile wrote:

Why did we let Barker go?

According to the commentators, Warwickshire dithered on a new contract and Hampshire nipped in. A terrible decision by the club.

Shame that Bethell swept at wide ball and got out on 69, he looked well set for a maiden first class century. Similar shot by Woakes going cheaply for 6....again to nemesis Barker - now with 6 wickets!

Very good performance and result. Good to see Danny Briggs back in form.

Sorry to hear that news. Hope Chris is back soon.

Why the silence over this situation with Chris Woakes? If he's injured then tell us! But no updates for weeks now. England's treatment of him over the years is appalling.

Another injury, this time to a batsman Hain. 88/9. Lead 323. Can't help but think we've let them back into his game.

Is Hain okay? Hopefully he bats tomorrow...

Well done to Barnard and Burgess! An excellent 7th wicket stand. Barnard has proved a great signing.

A crazy situation with so many seam bowlers injured or unavailable. Once again the club fails to give any information on likely timescales for players to return. I can see a relegation scrap unfortunately.

So, bowler situation:
Woakes, unavailable at the IPL and not being selected.
Hasan Ali: unavailable and not being selected by Pakistan.
Norwell: Injured pectoral muscle and out for several weeks.
Rushworth: Injured calf and out for several weeks.
Michael Booth: (remember him?) Injured and out for several weeks
Craig Miles: Injured, not sure at length of absence?
Have I missed anyone??

GerryShedd wrote:

white-lightning wrote:

Will we see a bowling attack of Hasan Ali, Chris Woakes, Rushworth and Norwell this season? That is some line-up if it happens!

If you're looking for a line-up that involves Norwell, best to check the queue outside the physio's room.

Surely Rushworth and Norwell must be close to fitness? The calf injury to Rushworth wasn't supposed to be too serious, and, Norwell has a pectoral strain which happened over a month ago. We'd certainly give Surrey a stern test if they faced that fully fit bowling attack. Amazing that none of them are available!

Will we see a bowling attack of Hasan Ali, Chris Woakes, Rushworth and Norwell this season? That is some line-up if it happens!

Ed Barnard proving a very good acquisition, hopefully he gets a ton tomorrow. Can someone enlighten me on the Woakes situation? Is he back from the IPL? Every early season he seems not to play for us. Given the lack of our top class bowlers not being available this is frustrating. Annoying that other England players are getting practice in with their respective Counties.