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.

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?

I understand he was having personal, non cricket related, issues around that time which very much meant things were up in the air for him.

I meant is as a rhetorical question - letting Barker go has to be one of the worst decisions the club has ever made in cricketing terms.

He’s been pretty vocal about how it was a case of the club didn’t consider him a high priority in terms of offering a contract before the negotiating window.
Hampshire came in, were very obvious on their desire to sign him.
When Warwickshire did eventually offer him a contract, he decided he wanted to go where he was most wanted.
Poor man management unfortunately.
Annoyingly it seems to haunt us every time we play against him.

Absolutely right that Barker had personal reasons for wanting to move to the South coast.

Absolutely right that Barker had personal reasons for wanting to move to the South coast.

It’s much easier to blame the batting when you’re 50 behind. But considering they won the toss and batted, it’s hardly the worst outcome.
Was definitely harder work batting today than yesterday too.
I think the big question should be how we managed to let them get to 119-1. Looks like a repeat performance in this innings too.

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.

white-lightning wrote:

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.

Norwell is playing in the 2nd XI game.

Wicket for Mousley, getting rid of Middleton. I'm hoping we can bowl them out for around 230, leaving us 275 to chase.

Yes, he takes a wicket then he doesn't bowl the last over.

As for the Barker issue, if he wanted to go South, then it might not have made any difference what he was offered here anyway. It was badly handled though, I was at his last game and it was still unclear at lunch, if he was leaving or not. Can't say I ever warmed to him during any time he was here but not every player who plays for us has to be liked, as long as they can do their job.

Barker one of my favourite players, so mixed emotions seeing him turn the game against us. Such a skilful bowler.

My report on yesterday's play:
https://deepextracover.com/2024/06/vitality-county-championship-warwickshire-v-hampshire-day-two/

Is Mousley injured? He has only bowled one over so far in this innings. We need to get Vince and Dawson out soon or else we'll be chasing a big total.

He doesn't bowl much in first class games, his style from T20 is unlikely to work in the longer format.

Highveld wrote:

He doesn't bowl much in first class games, his style from T20 is unlikely to work in the longer format.

He doesn't, but seeing as he got a wicket in his only over yesterday i thought Davies might have gambled on bowling him early doors this morning. Hants lead now 302, really need to break this partnership. OHD & Briggs for the next few overs?

Woakes and OHD have been very wayward with the new ball.
Think OHD bowled one over where every ball was on leg stump or further down.
It’s clearly flattened out, no doubt they’ve had the best of the batting conditions in this match.
The issue now will be after a day in the dirt in this heat, we all know the negative effect this has on batters concentration levels and decision making skills. Going to have to be a really good batting performance to get a draw.

100% a defeat from here on in sadly. Barker will swing the ball all over the place when we bat again.