Is it me, or does anyone one else think the 2nd XI at Notts is a stronger XI than the team playing Kent? I know it’s only cricket, but I do wonder what’s going on behind the scenes.

We miss Brennan in all forms of the game as much for his off the field motivational skills as his on field experience and determination.

Another poor batting effort from the 'top' order. This is so familiar. Davies is terrible and should've been dropped weeks ago. What are the selectors playing at? We'll probably get a slim lead but likely to lose this game.

I think we're in much the better position. There's no reason why we can't get a 50+lead tomorrow. In the context of the game that could make a huge difference. Kent got most of their runs through some lower order slogging; they're no better a batting side than we are.

I’d argue we’re a better batting side but they’ve made it much more difficult because we’re carrying a couple of senior players as passengers which makes the line up much more fragile.
We’ve got Benjamin and Mousley trying to establish themselves, and every side has a player or 2 like that in their lineup. And they should be supported by 5 senior batsmen.
Hain and Burgess have been superb. Sibley has had his moments. But Davies and Rhodes are total passengers, who won’t be dropped no matter what.

Why on earth is Benjamin batting so high up the order at number 3? He doesn't even feature that high in the order in the white ball format. He's more effective when the ball is that bit older.

A real shock to hear on the way to the ground, that we were bowling. Cannot complain once they were 43-5. Pity we could not have held on 3 down at the close as they were running out of ideas and steam. Even worse as Saidi bowled plenty of rubbish with so many 4 balls, no-balls and innocuous bouncers that when he did get a ball in the right place, it confused the batsman. Would love an 80 lead but it looks way off at the moment.

Apparently, McAndrew wasn't dropped but was ill.

We need to win this game to take the pressure off. A couple of draws should then see us staying up.

Terrible season with far too many players just not performing.

Why is Rhodes coming in at no5 when he was opening previously to reasonable effect? It is exposing Benjamin who himself should be coming in at no5.

Sibley will not be part of our team next year so once we are safe we should put him on gardening leave, put Rhodes in up top so that we have a LH RH opening combo and give Yates or Lamb another run.

Miles looks like a division 2 run of the mill bowler this season and with Norwell injured, Briggs seemingly off the pace and Brooks erratic at best it really does not make for a decent line up at all.

OHD & Hain have carried us with the help of Burgess but after them the rest have been disappointing to say the least.

meashambear - You are right in every respect. It does make more sense to have someone who has opened, to come in at 3 instead of a player who is young and has not found his feet yet. No one fears our bowling with OHD way ahead of the others. Miles concedes too many runs and if he could at least contain for a bit, he could build up some pressure that way.

Agree entirely with Meashambear, Hain, Burgess and OHD aside the team has just not performed in the slightest this season, to frankly embarrassing levels. I would hope a number of them are looking in the mirror and having serious words with themselves, but I imagine so long as the wages are being deposited into their accounts, they'll be happy enough.

Not the best decision making leaving the tail to face most of the bowling! In a low scoring game Hain should be facing the majority of the strike.

I was thinking the same. At the moment, the best that can be said is that OHD is doing a good job of protecting Sam.

the radio comentary said they think Sam is still struggling with his back problems. He's definately not moving freely.

Gutted for Hain but 60 lead could be useful and judging by the number of wickets caught behind just need the bowlers supporting OHD to bowl straight!!

One good partnership for Kent could mean curtains for us in this match.

Miles, Brooks & Rhodes just cannot seem to bowl an over without giving a four ball away. It is too short & too wide.

We should bring Briggs on for a spell to see if that can tie an end down/give them something else to think about rather than only having OHD to turn to.

We need to win this match.

Just after I post OHD takes the 3rd!

Anyone else watch today and wonder why on earth Miles and Brookes are playing when Norwell and Stone have both bowled over 20 overs each in a second XI match?

Some of that bowling was shocking. A couple from Miles sprayed short and wide would be shocking from an amateur, let alone a professional player. Kent went and got Matt Henry back, we’ve done absolutely nothing to improve our bowling.

It’s easy to blame the batting often because it’s more obvious, but I still feel that the bowling is by far the bigger issue in this side.

Yes, I was there today. As I posted yesterday, I think the current 2nd XI would give the first team a run for their money. You’ve mentioned the bowling and I agree, there seems to be a shocking lack of confidence. Also, I’d question why Yates can’t get in the team; why Benjamin is batting at 3; why Davies is opening/playing; why is Sibley playing?

Also, why did Graeme Welsh leave? Do Hampshire really offer him more of an opportunity? Really.

Where’s the leadership? Poor Will Rhodes has been totally deskilled by the current regime. Is Mark Robinson Mr Motivator? Matt Mason didn’t even turn up for the first quarter of the season. It just smells like something is wrong. But I haven’t really got any answers...apart from, ‘let’s get behind them’.

However, let’s hope a bit of inspiration can be installed tonight!

Yes Malc, all of the above adds to the frustration of being there and being annoyed (AGAIN). If we know Sibley is going then we have to ask the question, "Just how much does a player who is going, care about playing out his contract". They messed Chopra about in similar circumstances. A lot was talked about Miles yesterday and he looks well off the pace at this level and his accuracy has been missing all season. A good/bad session for us first thing tomorrow could decide this game. The sort of commitment that Sam showed in his innings should be a lesson to his team mates. He was totally unselfish and put faith in OHD as so many have this season and never thought about his 100 until it got within a single. I had never seen a player get out live for 99 in the 45 years I have been watching this season it happens twice. The pitch has not looked a minefield but a 250+ runchase will be difficult.

If Norwell and Stone had bowled 20 overs each in this match, I feel the situation would look somewhat different tonight! The current bowling, OHD apart, looks toothless.