Have to stick with Bethell and Yates as spinners long term. If/when they become consistent threats, whilst already being good top order batters, it completely transforms our side and allows us to play an extra batter or extra seamer. There will be growing pains along the way but we have to think long term on this. This is the way to go.

This specialist spinner business is nonsense when, with all due to respect to the lad, Danny Briggs is that specialist spinner.

Horrible, slow, tacky pitch. Not a minefield as such but not easy to get in on. Weather looks as though it might have a big say. We bowled well.

Matt Lamb, double ton for Derbyshire. Good player, great lad.

Him?

Great little knock from Bethell under the circumstances.

This XI has to perform well here as some people are missing out when they probably don't deserve to.

All of a sudden in a situation where whichever one of the seamers misses out can consider themselves a bit unlucky.

Away again.

Jack Morley recalled for Lancs, no Lyon maybe?

The way Gavin Larsen was talking a couple of weeks ago Woakes would/should be available now?

I'm not sure what difference Danny Briggs would have made here to be honest.

And yes, Simmons on Critchley looked out.

Quite a few leading edges didn't go to hand either. Ultimately we're 70 short.

Need a 'bang bang' with the new ball.

Yep, don't know what the umpire was playing at there, the moment he went to confer with the square leg umpire the batter knew he could get away with it.

He got hit on the head and spent time off the field.

Mousley, talented lad though he is, has some really soft dismissals.

Yeah bit surprised, particularly with a 230 lead. Guess they didn't want to leave any risk of Essex going in and making 400 and have Harmer spin us out on day 4, Chelmsford can break up a bit sometimes.

Just nice to see a bit of pace in our attack for once. It makes a difference. Rae looks legitimately rapid and Simmons is sharp and was right on the money from word go.

Rae looks quick

Blimey he'd be sweared out if he played half his games at Edgbaston.

There is an article from the Edgbaston site about him taking on the vice captaincy. Within this article is a picture of him at Taunton holding a cap with the white Bear on it. Article dated 4th April 2024. No idea how to link stuff on here.

I thought he was capped at Somerset away last year? I'm probably mistaken.