Merrick there's a blast from the past. I remember watching him bowl one late night v Hampshire in around the mid late 80s. We had them 2 or 3 down in no time before stumps and I could barely see the ball coming out of his hand. Unbelievably fast.
Troughton: Update from Abu Dhabi
A two-day internal practice match in Abu Dhabi has given 1st team coach Jim Troughton "a lot of food for thought" as he ponders how Warwickshire's team might look when it begins the season against Surrey at The Oval on April 7.
The two-day game was structured to supply maximum practice with all the batsmen getting time at the crease and the bowlers delivering a decent number of overs in their first full-scale outdoor practice of the year.
It was an opportunity for those players to make the right impression on Troughton as the 2017 season draws close. And the game was of great value to the 1st team coach and sport director Ashley Giles who is also out in the UAE the Bears' 13-day trip.
"It was a very good couple of days for us," Troughton said. "I have an idea of the 11 that we will pick against Surrey at The Oval but there are places not nailed down and this was a real chance for guys to shine and put their hands up for selection. Some took it, some not so much.
"The batters batted in partnerships for 21 overs at a time and, though the bowlers bowled well at them, it was not a wicketfest and they looked very good considering it was their first time this year in the middle.
"All the seamers bowled ten overs, two spells of five, each day, so they got good overs in their legs. The spinners had no limit on their overs because they can just bowl and bowl.
"It was a great chance for myself and Ash to have a good look at all the players, contracted and not-contracted, and gave us a lot of food for thought."
Among those to impress was 17-year-old academy product Henry Brookes, fresh from making a big impression with the England Under 19s team in India.
"It was very interesting to see Henry in action after the winter he's had and he did well," Troughton said. "We are not getting giddy about him because he has a long way to go yet, but his potential is clear."
Next up for the Bears is a two-day red-ball friendly against Worcestershire on Saturday and Sunday before the emphasis will switch to white-ball cricket during the second week of their stay in the UAE.
Sad article that.
If anyone fancies their chances, this is up and running again: https://fantasycricket.telegraph.co.uk/
PGW - it might have helped for you to include his name there!How daft of me....Silly Willie
It's Grant Elliott btw.
We can. Vettori? McCallum?? Twose????
Haven't we also bought the Kiwi Colin de Grandhomme who has (or had) the highest strike rate in World T20s?
Preview: Oxford MCCU v Warwickshire
Brian Halford @brainhaldorf
First-team coach Jim Troughton wants his Warwickshire team to be "clinical" in their cricket when their face Oxford MCCU at The Parks in their final pre-season friendly starting tomorrow.
The three-day game against the students provides the Bears' last warm-up before they begin their Specsavers County Championship Division One campaign, against Surrey at The Oval next Friday.
With pre-season preparations reaching the fine-tuning stage, Warwickshire will field a strong side in The Parks. All the senior squad are back in Birmingham apart from Jeetan Patel, who will arrive from New Zealand on Tuesday, and Chris Woakes who has departed to join Kolkata Knight Riders for the Indian Premier League.
And the first-team coach wants his players to extract every drop of practice value from the three days in Oxford.
"When we played the two-dayer against Northamptonshire and in all our practice games, while we understand they are not the real thing, the guys applied themselves and used the games to get in the right habits," Troughton said. "It will be no different at Oxford. First of all we have got to start well and do all the things we talked about in pre-season and be clinical.
"We will go down there and take the game very seriously and put in as good a performance as we can. We will select as close a team as we can to the one we are thinking of picking for the game The Oval."
To the players' relief, the weather forecast for the next three days is not only largely dry but relatively mild. The tree-ringed Parks, which first hosted first-class cricket in 1881, is a lovely venue especially when the sun-shining but is bitterly-cold when the wind blows, as many fielders and spectators can testify.
"Yes, it can be bracing," said Troughton. "I've still got a bone-bruise in my hand from a blow I took there on a cold day in 2005! It can get pretty challenging but the forecast is not too bad and anyway the guys have got a lot of nice new kit so would get a chance to use it."
Warwickshire Squad
Ian Bell (Captain)
Tim Ambrose (Wicket-Keeper)
Keith Barker
Rikki Clarke
Sam Hain
Oliver Hannon-Dalby
Ateeq Javid
Alex Mellor (Wicket-Keeper
William Porterfield
Sunny Singh
Mitchell Spencer
Grant Thornton
Jonathan Trott
Ian Westwood
Chris Wright
Warwickshire CCC (http://warwickshireccc.com/news/preview-oxford-mccu-v-warwickshire/)QuotePreview: Oxford MCCU v Warwickshire
Brian Halford @brainhaldorf
First-team coach Jim Troughton wants his Warwickshire team to be "clinical" in their cricket when their face Oxford MCCU at The Parks in their final pre-season friendly starting tomorrow.
The three-day game against the students provides the Bears' last warm-up before they begin their Specsavers County Championship Division One campaign, against Surrey at The Oval next Friday.
With pre-season preparations reaching the fine-tuning stage, Warwickshire will field a strong side in The Parks. All the senior squad are back in Birmingham apart from Jeetan Patel, who will arrive from New Zealand on Tuesday, and Chris Woakes who has departed to join Kolkata Knight Riders for the Indian Premier League.
And the first-team coach wants his players to extract every drop of practice value from the three days in Oxford.
"When we played the two-dayer against Northamptonshire and in all our practice games, while we understand they are not the real thing, the guys applied themselves and used the games to get in the right habits," Troughton said. "It will be no different at Oxford. First of all we have got to start well and do all the things we talked about in pre-season and be clinical.
"We will go down there and take the game very seriously and put in as good a performance as we can. We will select as close a team as we can to the one we are thinking of picking for the game The Oval."
To the players' relief, the weather forecast for the next three days is not only largely dry but relatively mild. The tree-ringed Parks, which first hosted first-class cricket in 1881, is a lovely venue especially when the sun-shining but is bitterly-cold when the wind blows, as many fielders and spectators can testify.
"Yes, it can be bracing," said Troughton. "I've still got a bone-bruise in my hand from a blow I took there on a cold day in 2005! It can get pretty challenging but the forecast is not too bad and anyway the guys have got a lot of nice new kit so would get a chance to use it."
Warwickshire Squad
Ian Bell (Captain)
Tim Ambrose (Wicket-Keeper)
Keith Barker
Rikki Clarke
Sam Hain
Oliver Hannon-Dalby
Ateeq Javid
Alex Mellor (Wicket-Keeper
William Porterfield
Sunny Singh
Mitchell Spencer
Grant Thornton
Jonathan Trott
Ian Westwood
Chris Wright
Ian Bell also signed a 3 year extension to his contract up to 2020. He'll be 37 at the end of it.
IPL starts today i hope all Bears supporting KKR with 2 bears in their ranks, Chris Woakes and Colin de Grandhomme. Their first game is Friday
afternoon. This tournament will help us see what we are getting for our money.
Other Div 1 scores as Surrey move to 79/0 13th boundary
Lancs 50/2 15.3 v Essex
Yorks 591/ 15.3 v Hants
There was no toss. Away teams can always choose to bowl without a toss if they so choose. If we had wanted to bat, there would have been a coin toss.
It does look a foolish decision, regardless.
Never judge a first innings score until both teams have batted...
Utter shameful disgrace. They have some making up to do after this shite.
Utter shameful disgrace. They have some making up to do after this shite.
Batting was a weakness last season. We've now lost Chopra and Evans. A top class opener should've been recruited. Not sure Mellor and Porterfield are the answer?
Reports around that Moeen may return!What's the point . Will be away with England and when he does play he will likely hold back our young
Utter shameful disgrace. They have some making up to do after this shite.
Cricket is a team game played by individuals. From what I've seen and read Footit bowled an inspirational spell so you have to give huge credit to him for that. Clearly not the start to the season that we wanted but (coughs) we go again.
I traveled down for the Surrey game and stayed at my sister's flat in Muswell Hill.These are very worrying words....suppose see for myself tomorrow.
Events on Friday confirmed what I have been arguing on here for quite a while, which is that our seam attack is sub-standard unless conditions are favourable. Barker is arguably the best swing bowler in the country, and several county players have stated this. Wright is very effective when there is movement off the seam. On a flat surface, the enforcers were Rankin, who is mostly injured, and Clarke who has now decided he is a seamer when he most definitely is not.
To complete the scenario, Patel is now playing throughout the year which will not be good for us, in my estimation.
After watching on Friday, I decided to give Saturday a miss, which at least proved my instincts were correct, and I am glad that I spent the time better with my family. I went back on Sunday, and it was gratifying to see decent decent knocks from Trott, Bell and Barker, but this was a massacre. Don't forget how many times the tail dug us out of a hole last season.
In the CC at least, we are going to be struggling again this season. We need two of the promising young seamers to come through, and Poysden will have to come on in spectacular fashion. Trott and Bell will always be able to turn it on when they are in the mood, but they are both very moody.
39/1 10.4
Porterfield Ct Ballance b Coad
Live on Youtube.com/watch? v=7wRhhL1ejYY
We need to start a 'Plot the Bears' Escape From Relegation ' thread.I think you're right...now progressed...if that's the right word to 97/7 36.3
we could do with Bell and Hain finding some form as well, the latter is starting to worry me a little now, he looked superb a couple of years ago and seemed sure to be a England regular but he's fallen apart since then.I agree, however to a certain extent I find Bell's form more puzzling. This guy should be pummelling pretty much every county attack. It makes me wonder if he still has the hunger?
That was my concern when he was struggling for England before he got dropped, there was nothing fundamentally wrong with his game then and I doubt there is now. He's gone through phases like this before but when he was in his 20s there was always another England series to drag him out of his funk. Now that door is seemingly closed I'm not so sure what will happen.we could do with Bell and Hain finding some form as well, the latter is starting to worry me a little now, he looked superb a couple of years ago and seemed sure to be a England regular but he's fallen apart since then.I agree, however to a certain extent I find Bell's form more puzzling. This guy should be pummelling pretty much every county attack. It makes me wonder if he still has the hunger?
During the post-match presentation, Kohli revealed the reason behind his frustration. He complained that the sight screen was very small. "One guy got up as the bowler was charging towards me. It distracted me and that's the reason I got out,' he divulged.
Root and Bairstow have contributed the grand total of 18 runs in the current Yorkshire match whilst Ballance has a century in both innings.
Might go on Monday for the game against Durham, depends if the weather is looking okay or not.
Might go on Monday for the game against Durham, depends if the weather is looking okay or not.
PM me if you go, and I will buy you a pint.
Start delayed, further inspection at noon.Might go on Monday for the game against Durham, depends if the weather is looking okay or not.
PM me if you go, and I will buy you a pint.
Didn't get up in time!
Not the best of starts... Durham 102 without loss after 15.2 overs.
Yorkshire v Lancashire (in a particularly garish lime strip) is the telly game, not sure if Chris Jameson has Sky.
Turned out to be quite a comfortable win in the end for Yorkshire.And Durham!!!
Might go on Monday for the game against Durham, depends if the weather is looking okay or not.
PM me if you go, and I will buy you a pint.
Didn't get up in time!
328/4 46.2
Pettini Ct Hain b Barker 159 (136)
Wells 51
Hill in
A slaughter of the not so innocents
George Dobell has written that Warks have made an approach to Tom Kohler Cadmore.Can't see Pears letting him go...is his contract up soon?
I tend to listen to what George Dobell says so possibly an element of truth to it.George Dobell has written that Warks have made an approach to Tom Kohler Cadmore.Can't see Pears letting him go...is his contract up soon?
I tend to listen to what George Dobell says so possibly an element of truth to it.George Dobell has written that Warks have made an approach to Tom Kohler Cadmore.Can't see Pears letting him go...is his contract up soon?
George Dobell has written that Warks have made an approach to Tom Kohler Cadmore.Can't see Pears letting him go...is his contract up soon?
Chris Woakes 3/18 off 4 in KKR's latest game.
Still lost mind.
He's now the second highest wicket taker this year. This guys turnaround in his career has been a joy to watch. And by all accounts a genuinely nice guy.
I have just noticed today's game is live via the website.
When did this start happening?
Pears are going for it at the mo. Great batting in the three one-dayers. Could they make a Finals day at last?
We are an absolutely dreadful team at present.
To think we thrashed Surrey to win this cup only 8 months ago. Absolute shambles! I was expecting big things with the return of Gilo!
We are the new Villa.
Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northants, what a roll call.
Bomb squad required. I'll start with OHD.
But we have Tim Ambrose coming in at 4 and Rikki Clarke at 5. A heck of a lot is riding on Hain, Bell and Trott. Even last the year our long tail bailed us out time after time.We are the new Villa.
Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northants, what a roll call.
Bomb squad required. I'll start with OHD.
In fairness the bowling attack is missing Woakes, Wright, Rankin and the new signing. When you factor in that is no real surprise that three out of those four aren't playing then some serious questions have to be asked.
But we have Tim Ambrose coming in at 4 and Rikki Clarke at 5. A heck of a lot is riding on Hain, Bell and Trott. Even last the year our long tail bailed us out time after time.We are the new Villa.
Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northants, what a roll call.
Bomb squad required. I'll start with OHD.
In fairness the bowling attack is missing Woakes, Wright, Rankin and the new signing. When you factor in that is no real surprise that three out of those four aren't playing then some serious questions have to be asked.
I was listening to the commentary the other day and they said sometimes you have to get relegated in order to rebuild. They were already resigned to the fact that this was going to happen.
Photo finish at New Road. If Hastings stays in you'd think the Pears will see it home.
Preview: Somerset v Warwickshire, Specsavers County Championship 2017
Brian Halford @brainhaldorf
Brian is Warwickshire's Club Journalist and has reported on the Bears since 2000.
Warwickshire face Somerset in a vital Specsavers County Championship game at Taunton tomorrow aiming to keep up the momentum from an impressive Royal London Cup victory over Yorkshire last Sunday.
The five-wicket win over the White Rose came far too late to salvage a disappointing 50-over campaign for the Bears.
But to beat a team containing a handful of England players including Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow was a morale-boosting springboard for the return to championship action.
"It was a disappointing 50-over campaign but we stuck together as a group, which is really good, and finished on a high against a very good Yorkshire Vikings side so we will take that confidence down to Somerset," said captain Ian Bell.
"Taunton is a tough place to go. I think we know what we are going to get, we've have seen the kind of wickets they produce over the last couple of years now, so it should be no shock to anyone that it's going to spin. But we'll go there in a good frame of mind after the win over Yorkshire and think about that game and nothing else."
Even this early in the season this is a game which either side can barely afford to lose. Somerset are bottom of Division One, having lost their first two matches, while the Bears are directly above them after taking three points from their first two games before a much-improved performance saw them draw at home to Surrey.
"It has been a hugely damaging start for us, but in a way I think that takes a little bit of pressure off us. The pressure is on other people who might be expecting to beat us after the start we've had.
"We need individuals to stand up and perform and we saw it a little bit in the game at home to Surrey. Ian Westwood played particularly well and we shaped up and started to look like our old selves.
"We know where we are as a group and it's going to take a little bit of time. So we need the supporters to be patient and stick with us and I will make sure that every time we go out there we have got 11 guys scrapping for Warwickshire. We will be giving absolutely everything we've got down at Taunton and hopefully the Yorkshire game last Sunday was a kick-start for us.
"Over the last ten years this club has won more trophies than any other county but it's not always going to be like that.
"When everything's easy, anyone can play the game, but you have to take the rough sometimes and then you start to see the character of people. I want to see people who want to put a Bear on their shirt and go out and fight for Warwickshire."
Bell will at least head to the crease at Taunton in excellent personal form having rounded off the 50-over group with scores of 93, 104 and 98.
"Last year was a little bit frustrating at times because I made starts without really going on," he said. "But I feel like I'm starting to move nicely and play well and now I want to kick on again with my batting. I want to lead as a captain but also as a batsman - that's so important to me."
Warwickshire Squad
Ian Bell (Captain)
Tim Ambrose (Wicket-Keeper)
Keith Barker
Rikki Clarke
Sam Hain
Oliver Hannon-Dalby
Ateeq Javid
Jeetan Patel
Josh Poysden
Sunny Singh
Grant Thornton
Jonathan Trott
Andy Umeed
Ian Westwood
| Day 1 Current time 10:56 local, 09:56 GMT | Match begins in: 0:04 | ||
| ||
|
Warwickshire won the toss and elected to bat
Min overs remaining 96
Day 1 Current time 10:56 local, 09:56 GMT | Match begins in: 0:04
Somerset Team ME Trescothick (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/21585.html), D Elgar (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/230852.html), TB Abell (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/462727.html)*, JC Hildreth (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/15348.html), SM Davies (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/12450.html)†, PD Trego (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/21577.html), RE van der Merwe (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/47850.html), C Overton (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/464626.html), J Overton (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/510530.html), DM Bess (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/646847.html), MJ Leach (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/455524.html)
Warwickshire Team IJ Westwood (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/23457.html), ARI Umeed (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/470772.html), IJL Trott (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/47623.html), IR Bell (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/9062.html)*, SR Hain (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/555850.html), TR Ambrose (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/8845.html)†, R Clarke (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/11724.html), KHD Barker (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/354441.html), JS Patel (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/38141.html), GT Thornton (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/891415.html), Sukhjit Singh (http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/766623.html)
Well done Pears! 3 in a row....great effort to finish before 3pm on day 4 with over 120 overs lost to rain
George Dobell has written that Warks have made an approach to Tom Kohler Cadmore.Can't see Pears letting him go...is his contract up soon?
Presume he is up at end of season, everything there to be a v good county batsman, hasn't yet pushed through consistently like Joe Clarke has.
Most of those Kolpaks are long-term signings, they've signed 2-3 year contracts and given up on playing for South Africa so there's no reason they won't extend those contracts either.
Unbelievable that a club our size, which has had the amount of investment in the ground and facilities it has over the last few years, abandoned the playing side and would just accept relegation.
Most of those Kolpaks are long-term signings, they've signed 2-3 year contracts and given up on playing for South Africa so there's no reason they won't extend those contracts either.
Unbelievable that a club our size, which has had the amount of investment in the ground and facilities it has over the last few years, abandoned the playing side and would just accept relegation.
Brilliant finish at Taunton, Yorkshire beat Somerset by 3 runs. Couldn't find commentary but kept refreshing the page, looked like Somerset were going to manage it but Sidebottom took three quick wickets and Lyth the final one.
Well that's the likely outcome. 20-3 will become 44-7, will become 89 all out. We'll bat resolutely int he nd innings and reach a promising 189-2, but the fall of the 3rd wicket will see us all out for 224.
The sixth wicket will fall at about 4pm, they'll declare on 550, leaving them just enough of the day left to take three Bears wickets before we reach twenty runs.Spooky.
Was a good season for Worcs. Until June started.
Was a good season for Worcs. Until June started.
Seemed to go wrong at time of Kohler-Cadmore issue, think at that time Fell needed to be taken out of the team but all of a sudden batting order was two short. We'll see what today brings, will it be a collapse, bat out the day or go for it?
Was a good season for Worcs. Until June started.
Seemed to go wrong at time of Kohler-Cadmore issue, think at that time Fell needed to be taken out of the team but all of a sudden batting order was two short. We'll see what today brings, will it be a collapse, bat out the day or go for it?
Positive start. Long way to go.
The Bears will be relegated, shambolic!
The Bears will be relegated, shambolic!
Shambolic indeed. Fast approaching the time to put Jim out of his misery and install Giles back as coach?
Was a good season for Worcs. Until June started.
Seemed to go wrong at time of Kohler-Cadmore issue, think at that time Fell needed to be taken out of the team but all of a sudden batting order was two short. We'll see what today brings, will it be a collapse, bat out the day or go for it?
Positive start. Long way to go.
Great result. Promotion push back on.
The Bears will be relegated, shambolic!
Shambolic indeed. Fast approaching the time to put Jim out of his misery and install Giles back as coach?
I don't think that the coaching is the issue, it's the players who are having a collective cluster-fuck of a season. I think there will be a few seasons before we see much improvement. I back Giles to turn it around but it will take time.
The Bears will be relegated, shambolic!
Shambolic indeed. Fast approaching the time to put Jim out of his misery and install Giles back as coach?
I don't think that the coaching is the issue, it's the players who are having a collective cluster-fuck of a season. I think there will be a few seasons before we see much improvement. I back Giles to turn it around but it will take time.
I don't even think many players are having that bad a season (Bell aside).
It's just that the likes of Umeed, Westwood, Hannon-Dalby, wouldn't even get a game at somewhere like Leicestershire.
We have a steady-eddie like Clarke opening the bowling when he should be about 2nd change. No genuine pace in the attack whatsoever, and only 2 batsmen good enough to bat in the first 6 in Division 1.
I don't even think many players are having that bad a season (Bell aside).
It's just that the likes of Umeed, Westwood, Hannon-Dalby, wouldn't even get a game at somewhere like Leicestershire.
We have a steady-eddie like Clarke opening the bowling when he should be about 2nd change. No genuine pace in the attack whatsoever, and only 2 batsmen good enough to bat in the first 6 in Division 1.
Didn't replace Chopra at opener (though Westwood is having a decent season) and suffered injuries with bowlers but a side that contains a spine on of Porterfield, Trott, Bell, Hain, Ambrose, Barker, Clark and Patel should not be struggling as badly as they are.
Westwood has retired as of today.Pretty much sums up the mess we currently find ourselves in.
Westwood has retired as of today.Pretty much sums up the mess we currently find ourselves in.
Westwood has retired as of today.Pretty much sums up the mess we currently find ourselves in.
We are 161/5 with a run run rate of 2.09 Umeed has scored 58 from 238 balls.
I am here, but there are not many others.
We are 161/5 with a run run rate of 2.09 Umeed has scored 58 from 238 balls.
I am here, but there are not many others.
Surely at this time of year, it doesn't get dark enough for the lights to take full effect? Surely they could have had the round of day nighters in April/May
Warwickshire County Cricket Club has signed Yorkshire all-rounder and former England Under 19s captain Will Rhodes on a two-year contract, starting at the end of the current playing season.
Rhodes (22) has played 19 First Class games and was part of Yorkshire’s County Championship-winning team in 2015. He has also made 21 List A and 18 T20 appearances and has been part of the professional ranks at Yorkshire for four years.
[Ashley Giles"]Will is a genuine all-rounder and very exciting cricketer, who has the versatility to bat anywhere from one to seven in the batting order whilst also being a strong addition to our seam bowling attack.
Pleased with the signing of Rhodes, could be the next Tim Bresnan.
Though I could see it being dampened slightly if Clarke's departure is announced shortly.
Pleased with the signing of Rhodes, could be the next Tim Bresnan.
Though I could see it being dampened slightly if Clarke's departure is announced shortly.
Will surely signal the end for Clark? An opening batsman and bowler next please Ash.
Sounds like Olly Stone is close to playing for the 1st team - will probably make his debut in the T20. Him, at 23, and Rhodes, 22 are the future. Thornton also looks a good prospect - why didn't he play against Lancs, injury?
Bears 108/3. Young Matt Lamb has scored 3 runs from 35 balls. Trott is on 40.
Where is Ian Bell today?
Where is Ian Bell today?
Sore elbow, hoping to be fit for the T20 on Friday though so nothing long term.
Where is Ian Bell today?
Sore elbow, hoping to be fit for the T20 on Friday though so nothing long term.
Thanks. Weakening our batting further which we could ill afford, wickets tumbling now at 141-5 :(
I'd concentrate on getting the 350 in the next 14-15 overs first and then go from there, we need all the bonus points we can get.
I'd concentrate on getting the 350 in the next 14-15 overs first and then go from there, we need all the bonus points we can get.
Agree Paul. Need to start recording wins.
I'd tell them to try and whack a quick seventy after tea and the declare. The weather doesn't look fantastic tomorrow and there is no point in not risking defeat for a potential victory when you're in as shit a position in the table as we are.
They are in the driving seat even though O would have taken their closing score when their innings opened.
God knows why Trott brought Patel and Rankin on for the closing overs. Barker and Clarke were getting some decent swing.
I would say that it is illuminating to see at which stage both sides have introduced spin. In passing, Trott bowled the same number of overs as our young seamer George P. in the first innings: 7. Expect Rankin to finish the game with an economy rate close to 6.
They are in the driving seat even though O would have taken their closing score when their innings opened.
God knows why Trott brought Patel and Rankin on for the closing overs. Barker and Clarke were getting some decent swing.
I would say that it is illuminating to see at which stage both sides have introduced spin. In passing, Trott bowled the same number of overs as our young seamer George P. in the first innings: 7. Expect Rankin to finish the game with an economy rate close to 6.
I think he was just trying to mix it up to buy a cheap wicket but it just didn't pay off.
By the way, who was sitting a few feet away from me today in the Sky Line East but one Trevor Francis.
By the way, who was sitting a few feet away from me today in the Sky Line East but one Trevor Francis.
He is a member and used to play cricket until banned by Blues management after sustaining an injury in close season. A genuinely good chap going through some hard personal issues, having lost his wife and father recently.
Will be resuming his TV career with BT after the hiatus.
That's gotta be the final nail in the coffin now
That's gotta be the final nail in the coffin now
Hopefully this will be the year that Pears make it to finals day, last few years much like the RLC this year we have peaked in group stages - never making finals day is boring now :-)
Bears have won the toss and put Pears in:Grant Elliott the missing name
Bell, Ambrose, Clarke, de Grandhomme, Hain, Porterfield, OHD, Stone, Patel, Thomason ...on Cricinfo only named 10...perhaps we're feeling confident
Pears:
Mitchell, Clarke, D'Oliveira, Santner, Cox, Leach, Whiteley, Hastings, Barnard,Rhodes, Shantry
Looking like game might be abandoned, which would be fair enough as the players are doubtlessly affected
The Bears win with the final ball of their innings. Hope Fletche is OK.
I liked the look of Stone on Fri, considering how long he's been out. They did say he had a minor injury on Sat though which kept him out of the squad v Notts, so I really hope he's not going to miss any more cricket this season.
Fletcher won't play for the rest of the season, he's got off lightly could have been so much worse.
Saw a bit of the Hampshire and Sussex match tonight and one of the Sussex bowlers and the umpire almost suffered a similar fate.
Saw a bit of the Hampshire and Sussex match tonight and one of the Sussex bowlers and the umpire almost suffered a similar fate.
They were saying on the previously discussed 5Live show that the authorities need to be proactive about the issue and not just wait until there is a tragedy.
Saw a bit of the Hampshire and Sussex match tonight and one of the Sussex bowlers and the umpire almost suffered a similar fate.
They were saying on the previously discussed 5Live show that the authorities need to be proactive about the issue and not just wait until there is a tragedy.
It's a difficult one really because what can you do which gives protection but isn't cumbersome to wear in the field and downright limiting for bowlers? Imagine seeing a quickie sprinting in with a helmet and chest guard and it becomes clear that you can't solve this with existing equipment.
Saw a bit of the Hampshire and Sussex match tonight and one of the Sussex bowlers and the umpire almost suffered a similar fate.
They were saying on the previously discussed 5Live show that the authorities need to be proactive about the issue and not just wait until there is a tragedy.
It's a difficult one really because what can you do which gives protection but isn't cumbersome to wear in the field and downright limiting for bowlers? Imagine seeing a quickie sprinting in with a helmet and chest guard and it becomes clear that you can't solve this with existing equipment.
One option they were saying was a rugby style scrum cap.
Rob Key is good on Sky. His 'dabbing' impression the other day had me in stitches. Although Corky is up his own arse, he's also one of the better ones.
Another defeat to Yorkshire. This T20 campaign is going pear shaped. OHD hammered for 35 off only 2 overs.....rubbish
Bears seem to have stumbled upon a better formula for T20 recently with excellent bowling from Rankin Patel and Elliott backing up more aggressive batting.
Yes big weekend coming up - 2 tough games v Yorks and Lancs. Need minimum 1 win to keep us in the mix for qualification.
I still think Clarke has something to offer when fit, OHD is the worst bowler I've ever seen play for the club.
Yes big weekend coming up - 2 tough games v Yorks and Lancs. Need minimum 1 win to keep us in the mix for qualification.
I still think Clarke has something to offer when fit, OHD is the worst bowler I've ever seen play for the club.
Apart from one producing one of the best spells I have seen at Lords last September, I'd agree that OHD is a definite weak link. I honestly think he would go around the park in the Birmingham League.
Yes big weekend coming up - 2 tough games v Yorks and Lancs. Need minimum 1 win to keep us in the mix for qualification.
I still think Clarke has something to offer when fit, OHD is the worst bowler I've ever seen play for the club.
Apart from one producing one of the best spells I have seen at Lords last September, I'd agree that OHD is a definite weak link. I honestly think he would go around the park in the Birmingham League.
It actually really annoys me that he gets a game regularly for Warwicks. He'd be very, very lucky to even get a game somewhere like Derby or Leicester. How can a 6 foot 7 bloke send down that dibbly-dobbly shite at a speed somewhere between slow and static?
Yes big weekend coming up - 2 tough games v Yorks and Lancs. Need minimum 1 win to keep us in the mix for qualification.
I still think Clarke has something to offer when fit, OHD is the worst bowler I've ever seen play for the club.
Apart from one producing one of the best spells I have seen at Lords last September, I'd agree that OHD is a definite weak link. I honestly think he would go around the park in the Birmingham League.
Is it OHD who has the horrible bowling action?
Is it OHD who has the horrible bowling action?
Yes big weekend coming up - 2 tough games v Yorks and Lancs. Need minimum 1 win to keep us in the mix for qualification.
I still think Clarke has something to offer when fit, OHD is the worst bowler I've ever seen play for the club.
Apart from one producing one of the best spells I have seen at Lords last September, I'd agree that OHD is a definite weak link. I honestly think he would go around the park in the Birmingham League.
It actually really annoys me that he gets a game regularly for Warwicks. He'd be very, very lucky to even get a game somewhere like Derby or Leicester. How can a 6 foot 7 bloke send down that dibbly-dobbly shite at a speed somewhere between slow and static?
There are a few in the Warwickshire squad who are borderline county standard. Thomason is another one who has got hammered to all parts pretty much every time I've seen him bowl.
Is it OHD who has the horrible bowling action?
We signed him from Yorkshire. You can have him back, I will drive him to Headingley myself.
Is it OHD who has the horrible bowling action?
We signed him from Yorkshire. You can have him back, I will drive him to Headingley myself.
Yes big weekend coming up - 2 tough games v Yorks and Lancs. Need minimum 1 win to keep us in the mix for qualification.
I still think Clarke has something to offer when fit, OHD is the worst bowler I've ever seen play for the club.
Apart from one producing one of the best spells I have seen at Lords last September, I'd agree that OHD is a definite weak link. I honestly think he would go around the park in the Birmingham League.
It actually really annoys me that he gets a game regularly for Warwicks. He'd be very, very lucky to even get a game somewhere like Derby or Leicester. How can a 6 foot 7 bloke send down that dibbly-dobbly shite at a speed somewhere between slow and static?
There are a few in the Warwickshire squad who are borderline county standard. Thomason is another one who has got hammered to all parts pretty much every time I've seen him bowl.
The difference is that Thomason is 20 and a long way from his peak. OHD should be at his best and he still looks well short of the required standard.
Yes big weekend coming up - 2 tough games v Yorks and Lancs. Need minimum 1 win to keep us in the mix for qualification.
I still think Clarke has something to offer when fit, OHD is the worst bowler I've ever seen play for the club.
Apart from one producing one of the best spells I have seen at Lords last September, I'd agree that OHD is a definite weak link. I honestly think he would go around the park in the Birmingham League.
It actually really annoys me that he gets a game regularly for Warwicks. He'd be very, very lucky to even get a game somewhere like Derby or Leicester. How can a 6 foot 7 bloke send down that dibbly-dobbly shite at a speed somewhere between slow and static?
There are a few in the Warwickshire squad who are borderline county standard. Thomason is another one who has got hammered to all parts pretty much every time I've seen him bowl.
The difference is that Thomason is 20 and a long way from his peak. OHD should be at his best and he still looks well short of the required standard.
True Paul and I accept that I haven't seen every game he has played, but every time I have seen him bowl he gets absolutely smashed.
Adam Hose looks a good prospect. What's happened to Olly Stone? He's played in one T20 game I think. I have faith longterm in Gilo.
He's been playing second XI cricket.
Could have done with 'the big man' sticking around for a few more overs really.
Could have done with 'the big man' sticking around for a few more overs really.
Indeed, good knock from him though which took us from looking at 155-155 to more like 170-180.
Really poor from Thomason to follow up though, no need to try the run there.
Great over from Jeets.
What is wrong I'm Boyder's brain tank?
Poor captaincy from Bell. Patel should've been allowed to carry on...
I've criticised Thomason on here before, but he really held his nerve there especially after going for six. Friday should be a good one now!
I've criticised Thomason on here before, but he really held his nerve there especially after going for six. Friday should be a good one now!
Yep, the last delivery in particular took some real balls after getting a similar one hit for 6 a few balls before. Oddly him messing up the run out in the 18th is probably what won us the game, I can't imagine Kleinveldt would have been as toothless as the young kid was for them.
I've criticised Thomason on here before, but he really held his nerve there especially after going for six. Friday should be a good one now!
Yep, the last delivery in particular took some real balls after getting a similar one hit for 6 a few balls before. Oddly him messing up the run out in the 18th is probably what won us the game, I can't imagine Kleinveldt would have been as toothless as the young kid was for them.
Victory snatched from the jaws of defeat. A good win which was underpinned by Barker, Elliott & Patel going for around 7 an over which helped ease the damage that Rankin's bowling inflicted on us, 3 overs for 40!
You Bears!
Victory snatched from the jaws of defeat. A good win which was underpinned by Barker, Elliott & Patel going for around 7 an over which helped ease the damage that Rankin's bowling inflicted on us, 3 overs for 40!
You Bears!
As above really and Boyd's bowling was at times, awful. Nice to see CdG get some runs and Jeet was class as usual.
Hose looks a real handful.
COYB!
As above really and Boyd's bowling was at times, awful. Nice to see CdG get some runs and Jeet was class as usual.
Hose looks a real handful.
COYB!
With hose, Elliott and CDG we look like we've got some real power hitting in the team now. There's still work to do but if you take out the horrors of Rankin the bowling performance was very good, the batting was promising and we look strong in the field. We have the makings of a very good team here.
Well done Aaron Thomason for that fantastic last over.
Well done Aaron Thomason for that fantastic last over.
And Rob Key's reaction to Thomason's accent was great too (he loved it, favourite accent).
From the Beeb
Surrey batsman Dom Sibley will join Warwickshire at the end of the season after rejecting a three-year contract.
Sibley, who came through Surrey's academy, was offered a new deal at the start of the season but has chosen to move to Edgbaston.
The 21-year-old has featured regularly in all three formats this season.
"He told me the reason he's leaving is that he feels his opportunities at Warwickshire would be greater," said director of cricket Alec Stewart.
Warwickshire sport director Ashley Giles added: "Dominic is an outstanding cricketer with England potential.
"He has a big role to play for the club across all forms of the game and we're delighted that he has chosen to take this great opportunity to be part of this exciting young squad that we are building."
Sibley, who has scored four fifties in seven County Championship games this season, follows Adam Hose and Will Rhodes in choosing to join Warwickshire this summer.
The former England Under-19 batsman has scored 1,533 runs in 30 first-class games at an average of 34, with two hundreds.
"We've had numerous conversations with Dom and his advisors over the past 11 months and I'm comfortable in knowing that we could not have done any more in showing how much we wanted him to be a big part of this club," Stewart continued.
"We believe we were moving Dom in the right direction and are bitterly disappointed he has chosen to leave us at this stage of his career."
Well done Aaron Thomason for that fantastic last over.
And Rob Key's reaction to Thomason's accent was great too (he loved it, favourite accent).
Rob Key is one of my favourite cricket commentators. I'd like to hear him do some TMS, where he'd have more time to talk
Sibley is joining straight away on loan and is available for tonight's game against the Pears. Clarke has gone on loan to Surrey ahead of his move there.
I always liked Clarke, he served the Bears well but I felt that this was a season too far for him. Surrey must be furious, losing a 21 year old with a lot of potential and signing a 35 year old whose best days are behind him!
Giles is making progress with the squad, I just hope it's not too much of a gamble along the lines of the Lambert/Lerner experiment with the young players from lower divisions.
I think you are making some good signings, they might not be enough to keep you in Div 1 but they will be bedded down to allow you to do as Notts have done this season and stroll back up.
My only hope is that there aren't glances down the M5 at Clarke, Tongue & Cox - they aren't for sale :-)
I think you are making some good signings, they might not be enough to keep you in Div 1 but they will be bedded down to allow you to do as Notts have done this season and stroll back up.
My only hope is that there aren't glances down the M5 at Clarke, Tongue & Cox - they aren't for sale :-)
I think you are making some good signings, they might not be enough to keep you in Div 1 but they will be bedded down to allow you to do as Notts have done this season and stroll back up.
My only hope is that there aren't glances down the M5 at Clarke, Tongue & Cox - they aren't for sale :-)
I'm sure that they'd rather be Bears than Pears!
I think you are making some good signings, they might not be enough to keep you in Div 1 but they will be bedded down to allow you to do as Notts have done this season and stroll back up.
My only hope is that there aren't glances down the M5 at Clarke, Tongue & Cox - they aren't for sale :-)
I'm sure that they'd rather be Bears than Pears!
That's an alien concept :-)
Sibley is joining straight away on loan and is available for tonight's game against the Pears. Clarke has gone on loan to Surrey ahead of his move there.
I always liked Clarke, he served the Bears well but I felt that this was a season too far for him. Surrey must be furious, losing a 21 year old with a lot of potential and signing a 35 year old whose best days are behind him!
Giles is making progress with the squad, I just hope it's not too much of a gamble along the lines of the Lambert/Lerner experiment with the young players from lower divisions.
I think you are making some good signings, they might not be enough to keep you in Div 1 but they will be bedded down to allow you to do as Notts have done this season and stroll back up.
My only hope is that there aren't glances down the M5 at Clarke, Tongue & Cox - they aren't for sale :-)
Sibley is joining straight away on loan and is available for tonight's game against the Pears. Clarke has gone on loan to Surrey ahead of his move there.
I always liked Clarke, he served the Bears well but I felt that this was a season too far for him. Surrey must be furious, losing a 21 year old with a lot of potential and signing a 35 year old whose best days are behind him!
Giles is making progress with the squad, I just hope it's not too much of a gamble along the lines of the Lambert/Lerner experiment with the young players from lower divisions.
Looking at his averages, you may well be right (18 with the bat and 41 with the ball in the CC this season).
We really need to get Stone fit as some of the other seamers are knocking on as well and have regular fitness issues (Wright, Rankin, etc).
I think you are making some good signings, they might not be enough to keep you in Div 1 but they will be bedded down to allow you to do as Notts have done this season and stroll back up.
My only hope is that there aren't glances down the M5 at Clarke, Tongue & Cox - they aren't for sale :-)
I'm sure that they'd rather be Bears than Pears!
That's an alien concept :-)
We are continually linked with Moeen too. Whilst I don't see the logic of signing a centrally contracted player, on the plus side he would give us a link into the local Asian community. For a club with so many thriving largely Asian clubs on our doorstep we are missing out on a potential rich seam of talent.
I'd sign Ali for the 'prestige'. England pay his wages as he's on a central contract, and we'd have him for a handful of County and One-Day games as well as big games like Semi-Finals.
I did a double take when I read this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/40825768
Giles has been very busy and I like what he's doing with the squad.
I'd sign Ali for the 'prestige'. England pay his wages as he's on a central contract, and we'd have him for a handful of County and One-Day games as well as big games like Semi-Finals.
Just got in pissed as fuck. CDG's over was one of the worst I've ever seen. Looking forward to seeing the new side in proper cricket.
Bears fighting back. Maybe our score wasn't so bad...
Bears fighting back. Maybe our score wasn't so bad...
Will Middlesex be getting a points deduction, or does that rule only apply to us?
Quote from: cdbullyweefan on Today at 07:14:52 PM
Will Middlesex be getting a points deduction, or does that rule only apply to us?
Depends if Bumpy Rhodes has phoned the pitch inspectors........
Interesting that Gilo has picked up Ryan Sidebottom from Berkswell (not the Yorkshire version) he's apparently a fast bowler who's taken a lot of wickets for them. 4 wickets today - the last 3 all clean bowled! He's from Australia, as I assume their overseas player? Two wickets for Woakes as well. 20 wickets fell today? Bears 12/0 in the 2nd innings....
The Bears got to 109-4 at lunch, a lead of 74.Bell got an unplayable ball that kept low and trapped him LBW. Was not a lot he could do.
Bell got a two ball duck and for a player who claims to still to have England ambitions he's had two very poor seasons with the bat. I'm starting to question whether he staill has the hunger and wonder if he will either be moved on at the end of the season or will retire. At 35 he's not getting any younger.
139/5 Ambrose Ct Simpson b Murtagh 16
Lead 104
I doubt Bell will ever be let go by Warwickshire and at 35 he is not exactly over the hill by any means. He's still a player with a lot of class and has a tremendous lot to offer. He's had a poor season, but his experience is invaluable. If/when we are relegated, he's the one to bring us back up, leading the quality young lads Gilo is recruiting.
Next year I could see -
Umeed/Hain/Rhodes
Sibley
Hose
Trotty
Bell
Hain
Ambrose
Barker
Patel
Wright
Stone
Plus Lamb, Poysden, Brooks, Sidebottom (?), Thomason and a couple more signings.
Good recovery by the Bears! Do I sense our first win of the season on the horizon??
Great recovery from The Bears.
Great win for Essex within two days against the Yorkies. It's looking good for our first title in 25 odd years.
Weather forecast for the London area looks grim today and tomorrow. Just when a win looks promising, it looks likely to ruin our chances!
Weather forecast for the London area looks grim today and tomorrow. Just when a win looks promising, it looks likely to ruin our chances!
At least they're playing although it's anyone's guess how long they will be out there for.
Lead is now 274.
334-8, lead 299.
We need to take a chance of a declaration as Tom points out.
Surely even we can't mess it up from here?
Was 88 for 9, match has now disappeared from Bet365... have we won?
Are we allowed to delay tea, now that they're nine down, or does that rule only apply to lunch breaks?
VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great win, waited a long time for that!
Sounds a strong bowling unit: Barker, Woakesy, Patel and the new Ryan Sidebottom.
Great win, waited a long time for that!
Sounds a strong bowling unit: Barker, Woakesy, Patel and the new Ryan Sidebottom.
Obviously he will want to be back in the England fold as soon as possible, but I want to be a bit selfish and hope England ask Woakesy to get a few more county championship games under is belt before he is recalled.
5 games left to go now isn't it?
Not looking good.
Talk that Morne Morkel is looking to play county cricket next year as a Kolpak and that the the Bears are interested.
Talk that Morne Morkel is looking to play county cricket next year as a Kolpak and that the the Bears are interested.
Yes please.
Talk that Morne Morkel is looking to play county cricket next year as a Kolpak and that the the Bears are interested.
Yes please.
Pretty, pretty please. Can we get AD to have a word on our behalf.
Good win today up at Durham restricting them to 145/8 then knocking them off with 31 balls to spare.
50's for both Pollock and Sibley and a 34 blast from de Grandhomme.
Back in with a shout...must win at Old Trafford realistically to qualify.
Notts also won at New Rd
We've had a very decent T20 campaign. Looks like it will all come down to Friday night against Lancy Lancy now, hopefully they're out by then.
We've had a very decent T20 campaign. Looks like it will all come down to Friday night against Lancy Lancy now, hopefully they're out by then.
Those first few overs in the home game against Worcester could turn out to be very costly. Had we won that game we would have been in a stronger position now.
That's a stupid system.
That's a stupid system.
What's your thoughts on the team names though - Durham's a bit boring isn't it?
Did you prefer Warwickshire or Birmingham?
That's a stupid system.
What's your thoughts on the team names though - Durham's a bit boring isn't it?
Did you prefer Warwickshire or Birmingham?
I still think of them as The Bears, always have, always will.
It will be interesting to see what the new regional team will be called when that competition launches.
That's a stupid system.
What's your thoughts on the team names though - Durham's a bit boring isn't it?
Did you prefer Warwickshire or Birmingham?
That's a stupid system.
What's your thoughts on the team names though - Durham's a bit boring isn't it?
Did you prefer Warwickshire or Birmingham?
You seem to be struggling with the concept. I don't mind teams being named after where they come from. I get bored by tedious, generic, names like "City", "United" or "Town".
"Bears" isn't employed by any other county and reflects the county emblem so makes sense. If we were called "Birmingham United" or, shudder, "Birmingham City", that would obviously be rubbish.
I prefer Warwickshire.
I expect it will just be a team for each test ground, with Durham now excluded. It's all about big cities so they aren't going to care about the likes of Worcestershire or Somerset.
I reckon they'll have two Londons, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Cardiff and Southampton.
I can't say I'm looking forward to it, wish they had just revamped the existing Twenty20 Cup.
Can I just say, from a totally neutral and unbiased observer's point of view, how much I loathe the jizz-fest over The Point and other associated red monstrosities whenever Sky are at Lancashire's ground. It's a carbuncle and the ground looks like an industrial site.
Doesn't help that they have a full roster of ex-Lancashire shills on the payroll.
Can I just say, from a totally neutral and unbiased observer's point of view, how much I loathe the jizz-fest over The Point and other associated red monstrosities whenever Sky are at Lancashire's ground. It's a carbuncle and the ground looks like an industrial site.
Doesn't help that they have a full roster of ex-Lancashire shills on the payroll.
Flintoff is the cricket equivalent of Savage.
Will Woakes be allowed to play tomorrow if England haven't picked him?
I think the mods should change your username to "Chris Jameson loves Twenty20".
Anyway, at least the Yorkshire result means it's in our own hands. As expected, those yokels from New Road did us no favours the other night, so it's win and go through, lose and go out. A tie/no result would probably be enough, and the Manchester weather looks pretty poor tomorrow so we might get away with that!
We get a home QF if we win and Derby fail to do so... but as Worcester will doubtless roll over for them, I won't get my hopes up about that prospect.
Butler wasn't in the squad (13) chosen by England I guess.
Birmingham Bears booked their place in the NatWestT20Blast quarter-finals with a thrilling two-wicket victory over Lancashire Lightning at Emirates Old Trafford in their final group game.
Put in, the Lightning totalled 163 for four as Jos Buttler struck 58 to follow his 80 in the clash between the teams at Edgbaston last month. Josh Poysden and Olly Stone shared the bowling honours with two wickets apiece.
Ed Pollock then launched the chase spectacular fashion by smashing 49 from 24 balls. That was the perfect springboard which Dominic Sibley (53, 38 balls) and Adam Hose (49, 35 balls) exploited skilfully before a drastic late collapse left ninth-wicket pair Jeetan Patel and Stone needing to find four runs from the final over. Stone settled the matter with a towering straight six with three balls to spare.
The Lightning started strongly with an opening stand of 51 in 39 balls between Jordan Clark and Liam Livingstone (39, 28 balls) before both fell in the space of four balls from Poysden. The leg-spinner had Clark pouched by Jeetan Patel at deep square leg then trapped the dangerous Livingstone lbw with a beautifully-flighted delivery.
Poysden bowled an excellent spell of 4-0-28-2 and fellow spinner Dom Sibley bowled his four overs for just 29 but Buttler (58, 42 balls) and Dane Vilas (30, 27 balls) built another good partnership – 86 in ten overs – before Stone uprooted Vilas’s middle-stump.
Buttler was caught by Colin de Grandhomme at long on off Stone’s final ball as the former Northants paceman finished with two for 35.
Pollock and Sibley then launched the Bears reply with an opening stand of 61 in 33 ball with Pollock smacking five fours and four sixes, two off successive balls from Ryan MacLaren before the 22-year-old lifted the next ball to point.
Sibley and Hose kept the tempo high with some blistering shots interspersed with superb running between the wickets. They added 84 in 59 balls before Hose was stumped on the brink of a brilliant half-century.
Sibley advanced to his second successive T20 half-century before his departure sparked that collapse. Just six runs were needed from the last two overs and, amid rising tension, nine of the 12 balls were needed before Stone sealed victory with the tenth six of the innings.
Bell has resigned as skipper from all forms.Not before time. Never captain material. Hopefully he can regain some semblance of form.
The thinking is he wasn't too happy at being dropped unexpectedly from the Lanky game, mind you he's struggled this year.
I hope he doesn't leave. He's too good a batsman with masses of experience to offer and he's only mid-30's.The guy is a legend to me i truly hope he doesn't leave. Personally i can't see it.
Bat at 4 next year and get bags of runs please Ian.
I almost delayed my weekend away by 24 hours to go to this game. Thank God I didn't.
I almost delayed my weekend away by 24 hours to go to this game. Thank God I didn't.
It's always good winning against Surrey; great performance from Elliot, CdG (I've criticised him this season, mainly for his bowling) and Hose. Jeet came back well from a mauling early on.
Swap OHD for Woakes and or Barker and we've a chance next week.
Ps I'm at a sodding wedding next Saturday!
A second wicket for Barker, so we will only lose by 8 wickets.
Good times!
A second wicket for Barker, so we will only lose by 8 wickets.
Good times!
The rain didn't save us in the end. That's pretty much sealed relegation now hasn't it?
The Oval arrow story
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/41103549
Come on you Bears!
Time to salvage something from this clusterfuck of a season.
Come on you Bears!
Time to salvage something from this clusterfuck of a season.
I have just had a horrible deja vu moment as those were pretty much my thought heading down to Wembley for the FA Cup Final a couple of years back.
Rudolph wicket the key
Brilliant from Thomason
Can you change the team for the final? Just wondering.
Notts are a strong side, but I thought Broad was supposed to be playing?
I think Freddie was a fair winnerWith added gymnastics.
Disaster. Samit Patel should be ashamed of his figure as a pro athlete.
The outfield is rapid, keep it on the ground and hit it hard, we can get there.
Looking bleak now.No worries our name is on the trophy😆
He should have many, many England caps.Disaster. Samit Patel should be ashamed of his figure as a pro athlete.
Pollock just got run out to him! How ashamed should he be!
My idea of hell would be having to spend all day at the finals day sat with all the bonkers loonies in fancy dress. They're right 'characters'.I agree, great fun watching from home, but a real nightmare if you're there.
Sounds like someone is watching Twenty20 again...
I thought Freddie was off the booze......Earlier today he looked quite jovial.
I blame Bruce for this😟
I watched some of it on Sky, listened in on the radio and can safely say that the bell ends are not confined to the Hollies. Who the fuck wants to see hear Bumble or Dagnall singing or "banterman" in chief Flintoff on a bunjee ride?
The cricket is great but the enforced "fun" is horrific.
I watched some of it on Sky, listened in on the radio and can safely say that the bell ends are not confined to the Hollies. Who the fuck wants to see hear Bumble or Dagnall singing or "banterman" in chief Flintoff on a bunjee ride?
The cricket is great but the enforced "fun" is horrific.
I watched some of it on Sky, listened in on the radio and can safely say that the bell ends are not confined to the Hollies. Who the fuck wants to see hear Bumble or Dagnall singing or "banterman" in chief Flintoff on a bunjee ride?
The cricket is great but the enforced "fun" is horrific.
Maybe horrific to you but the people at the ground seemed to enjoy it and get involved in the singing.
Watching the final (as a neutral) you wonder why all the fuss about franchise T20 there's nowt wrong with it how it is
Watching the final (as a neutral) you wonder why all the fuss about franchise T20 there's nowt wrong with it how it is
I just think it is a bit too bloated as it is, but having it in defined blocks this season has definitely been better.
Then the other alternative would be to play all the group games over 2/3 weeks where everyone plays Fri night / Sat afternoon or evening & Sun evening with a Sunday night game free to air! So over 3 weekends everyone plays 9 of their 14 games, so there are 5 games each to play on the other 8 free evenings during the window - 2 more days for qtr finals then finals day.
It's the schedule to spread everything out that dilutes the competition - short, sharp get it done.
Though as a Worcester fan who haven't had a sniff of finals day ever I would say that :-)
Then the other alternative would be to play all the group games over 2/3 weeks where everyone plays Fri night / Sat afternoon or evening & Sun evening with a Sunday night game free to air! So over 3 weekends everyone plays 9 of their 14 games, so there are 5 games each to play on the other 8 free evenings during the window - 2 more days for qtr finals then finals day.
It's the schedule to spread everything out that dilutes the competition - short, sharp get it done.
Though as a Worcester fan who haven't had a sniff of finals day ever I would say that :-)
Agree about the need to have it in a short block Gareth. Having it in a short window and scheduled at the right time of the year should ensure that top international players are able to come over and play as well.
Three games in a weekend might be too much though, especially as there would be two home games some weeks. Two games over a weekend (Fri or Sat night and Sunday afternoon perhaps) with one home and one away game might work though.
Then the other alternative would be to play all the group games over 2/3 weeks where everyone plays Fri night / Sat afternoon or evening & Sun evening with a Sunday night game free to air! So over 3 weekends everyone plays 9 of their 14 games, so there are 5 games each to play on the other 8 free evenings during the window - 2 more days for qtr finals then finals day.
It's the schedule to spread everything out that dilutes the competition - short, sharp get it done.
Though as a Worcester fan who haven't had a sniff of finals day ever I would say that :-)
Agree about the need to have it in a short block Gareth. Having it in a short window and scheduled at the right time of the year should ensure that top international players are able to come over and play as well.
Three games in a weekend might be too much though, especially as there would be two home games some weeks. Two games over a weekend (Fri or Sat night and Sunday afternoon perhaps) with one home and one away game might work though.
If you have 5 team groups and everyone plays home and away you set it to 10 matchdays per group, schedule it well and you get a televised game every evening and potentially 4 games over the weekends. Start on a friday and finish on the saturday 3 weeks later and you've got plenty of time to work with. It also means you can televise 40 of the 80 group games (which is where the money comes from so is a key requirement). You could then have the QFs mon-thur and finals day on the Saturday and obviously all of that is televised as well.
Then the other alternative would be to play all the group games over 2/3 weeks where everyone plays Fri night / Sat afternoon or evening & Sun evening with a Sunday night game free to air! So over 3 weekends everyone plays 9 of their 14 games, so there are 5 games each to play on the other 8 free evenings during the window - 2 more days for qtr finals then finals day.
It's the schedule to spread everything out that dilutes the competition - short, sharp get it done.
Though as a Worcester fan who haven't had a sniff of finals day ever I would say that :-)
Agree about the need to have it in a short block Gareth. Having it in a short window and scheduled at the right time of the year should ensure that top international players are able to come over and play as well.
Three games in a weekend might be too much though, especially as there would be two home games some weeks. Two games over a weekend (Fri or Sat night and Sunday afternoon perhaps) with one home and one away game might work though.
If you have 5 team groups and everyone plays home and away you set it to 10 matchdays per group, schedule it well and you get a televised game every evening and potentially 4 games over the weekends. Start on a friday and finish on the saturday 3 weeks later and you've got plenty of time to work with. It also means you can televise 40 of the 80 group games (which is where the money comes from so is a key requirement). You could then have the QFs mon-thur and finals day on the Saturday and obviously all of that is televised as well.
Sounds good to me Paul, but you would probably need 20 teams for groups of five (add Scottish and Irish team perhaps?). You would probably need a week gap between group and OF stages and then again between QF and Finals Day to ensure ticket and travel arrangements could be sorted.
Porterfield and Javid both released by the Bears
Porterfield and Javid both released by the Bears
Javid unlucky. Surely warrants a place more than OHD?
Next year's internationals announced.Tickets go on sale September 11th to members
Bears host a Twenty20 against Australia and a test against India. No Pakistan, but can't complain too much as it's only a two test series and we hosted them on their last visit.
We also have T20 Finals Day again, though moved back to the middle of September which seems optimistic, weather-wise.
Where is Hain today PGW?I honestly don't know. Wasn't aware of any knock on finals day.
Hain was struggling in the final with a calf problem. He nearly needed a runner.Shows how pissed i was...i never noticed.
A collapse for Somerset. The Bears simply have to post a decent 1st innings score for once!That will be difficult i think on this wicket. Spin taking 9 of the Somerset innings.
Avoiding the follow on will be a remarkable achievement.Need 10 more to do that 123/7
Avoiding the follow on will be a remarkable achievement.Need 10 more to do that 123/7
Next Tuesdays home County game v possible champions elect Essex has now been chosen to be
screened live by Sky Sports. So all can see Bears receive the 'coup de grace'.
Next Tuesdays home County game v possible champions elect Essex has now been chosen to be
screened live by Sky Sports. So all can see Bears receive the 'coup de grace'.
They will probably go and beat Essex for the first defeat of the season (hope not). A win for Essex will probably mean the title will be pretty well wrapped up.
5th innings defeat of the season. Fuck a fuck.
5th innings defeat of the season. Fuck a fuck.
Congratulations JD.
Are we down yet?
I do feel for The Bears but I'm very happy with the result for Essex. Nearly there (hopefully it will be today) and still unbeaten.
After Pepsigate, I'm glad to see Worcs managed to get back on an even keel. Batting in the last few games has been excellent.
223/6 now, with Leaning and Bresnan looking settled.Good post A/C ...it worked
The other relegation scores are:Lancs playing Middlesex...didn't mention that.
Lancs 167/8 but Hameed ret. hurt Require a further 54
Somerset 269 & 51/1 Trail Surrey 433 by 113 runs
Are you at the ground PGW?No listening at home
Bell just got a great ball and just nicked it....i imagine Bell was upset as this run of poor form continues.
With Trott , Richard Kettleborough was the umpire who thought long and hard before raising the finger so i
can understand Trotty's frustration but i have to say that this umpire is one of the best about and he did take
his time weighing up his decision.
Commentators including Phil Britt weren't critical of the decision.
186/5 109 ahead
Preview: Warwickshire v Hampshire, Specsavers County Championship 2017
First-team coach Jim Troughton will send Warwickshire into their final game of the season, against Hampshire at Edgbaston, tomorrow intending to "set down some markers" as they prepare for life in the Specsavers County Championship Divison Two.
The Bears will strive to say farewell to the First Division with a belated first home championship win of the season against a Hampshire side which itself was dramatically sucked back into relegation jeopardy when they were beaten by champions Essex last week.
Warwickshire, meanwhile, were narrowly beaten by Yorkshire by two-wickets at Headingley in a match which brought debuts for two more promising young players - opening batsman Liam Banks and spin-bowling all-rounder Alex Thomson.
"The two lads went in and certainly did not look out of place in first-class cricket," said Troughton. "There was cloud cover pretty much all game and Liam opened the batting against a strong Yorkshire seam attack which put him under a lot of pressure and stood up to it really well.
"I was gutted for all the guys that they did not come out with a victory because they played some excellent cricket in the game and forced a winning position, only for Steve Patterson to play a pretty good innings for Yorkshire, albeit when with some luck when he appeared to be caught behind down the leg-side off Jeetan Patel.
"But there was some good cricket from us and I was pleased to see that because it has been a tough season and it is important that we set down some markers as we head into Division Two.
"We are not precious about going down. We know there are some strong teams in Div Two and it will be challenging for us down there, so let's try to finish with this season with a performance that really shows what we can do."
Hampshire will arrive at Edgbaston with work still to do to ensure they do not accompany the Bears down. In a remarkably tight Division One table they sit immediate above the relegation line, 13 points ahead of seventh-placed Somerset going into the final round of matches.
"We have had a few big end-of-season tussles with Hampshire over the years and they've always made it hard for us so let's to the same for them," Troughton said. "They are still in jeopardy and it's been a very strange Division One season. We have had a bad one, Essex have had a very good one and everyone else has been inconsistent. For Surrey to be second in the table having won just two games is bizarre."
Warwickshire Squad
Jonathan Trott (Captain)
Tim Ambrose (Wicket-Keeper)
Liam Banks
Ian Bell
Sam Hain
Oliver Hannon-Dalby
Matthew Lamb
Jeetan Patel
Boyd Rankin
Dominic Sibley
Ryan Sidebottom
Sunny Singh
Alex Thomson
Chris Wright
I like Vic Marks so I'd like them to stay up. I also think if relegated they will spin their way back up quite comfortably, thus harming our chances of an immediate return.
Great minds Gareth!
Edit- realised Northants won't be able to catch us with the 3 bonus points so Notts game irrelevant .
D
Edit- IF we get them all out!
In their relegation season who was worse - Warwickshire or Villa?
Job done :-) top collapsing by Northamptonshire :-)
I think calling this a collapse is harsh, the conditions are quite clearly favouring the bowlers and it looks like it could well be all over in 2 days. With the lead at 142 I'd suspect we're already not far from a competitive target, if we can get it up towards 200 I honestly think that should be enough.
Job done :-) top collapsing by Northamptonshire :-)
Excelent stuff. Hopefully will stay more than the customary one season this time!
Hants started to lose wickets 68/3
Two wickets for Sidebottom and Patel straight after lunch.
Hants desperate for a draw to keep them up. Lose and they are relegated.
Moeen signed a new 5yr contract at Worcestershire. Got to say I’m a little surprised, was convinced he’d go back to Warwickshire, maybe we have benefitted from his golden summer meaning he is more than likely away with England for next couple of years rather than slipping back into County cricket. Just Joe Clarke to sign up now then focus on finding an extra experienced batsman
From BEEB
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes will not coach England at the Under-19 World Cup after the county confirmed he is under investigation.
It has been reported Rhodes delayed telling the county about the arrest of all-rounder Alex Hepburn, who has now been charged with two counts of rape.
Worcestershire have not commented on those reports.
However, chairman Steve Taylor confirmed that Rhodes, 53, is "under investigation but not suspended".
The ECB said his duties with the under-19s will now "not be happening".
The Under-19 World Cup takes place in New Zealand in January and February 2018.
Worcestershire said in a statement: "WCCC can confirm they are currently dealing with a disciplinary matter involving Steve Rhodes and relates solely to his role as director of cricket.
"The matter is ongoing so at this time there will be no further comment".
Former wicketkeeper Rhodes been in charge of Worcestershire since 2006 after playing for the county from 1985 to 2004.
He appeared in 11 Tests for England in 1994 and 1995, and played in nine one-day internationals.