Very frustrating as I feel that less time lost to rain/bad light over the first 3 days we might have got the win.
I look at that as a win lost to weather. We didn’t capitalise on a strong position as we should have earlier, however, I still feel 4 full days of cricket and we win that.

With it sleeting now, I’m going to assume no more play today. Big first session tomorrow, got to get them out as low as possible, because there’s rain forecast towards the end of the day.
Could be very exciting.

I think this just confirms what we all had worked out that due to the conditions it’s not easy to bat out there. Early on everyone is vulnerable to a ball that seems to be doing more off the pitch than through the air.

My question is, what’s changed from the pitches against Notts and Durham that seemed like roads, to this one. Is it just the rain and the overheads or because it’s a different part of the square?

Had a feeling that an early wicket was going to come this morning. There’s only so many times you can stop and start an innings before a batsman gets one with his name on it.
If we could get a 50-75 run lead I think that would put us in a great position, but I’m concerned the weather over the next couple of days is going to rob us of a chance to push for the win.

This is the problem with set players not going on in April. Batting’s not easy and it takes longer to get in, until that point you’re vulnerable. Rhodes, Hain and Burgess are the sort of wickets you expect, misjudgements trying to get set in tough conditions.
But Sibley and Yates were in, they were set and both failed to capitalise. A decent half century from each of them and it looks very different. Both sides innings show that early on it’s tough. The difference so far is that Reece and Critchley went on to get 60 odd each.

Bit disappointing from Yates, don’t think batting is particularly easy out there at the moment, so once you get in you need to buckle down and score big, he gave it away with a bit of a waft.
Credit to their bowlers though, being very disciplined for the most part, just line and length and knowing the conditions will help them tremendously.

I’d feel rather unlucky if I’m Rhodes tonight. Not sure how the umpire thought that was straightening enough from over the wicket.
Even worse when you look at 2 of the ones we had turned down earlier on.
Overall though, a really good day, time to pile on the runs tomorrow.

The ECB have said no to Stone for this week. They want to limit his matches. He’ll most likely play next week though.

It’s Miles and Mousley to drop out for me.

Is Vihari in the UK. Because surely he’ll have to quarantine too if not.
Apparently on the Malan issue, and Farbs mentioned it when referring to “routes”, is that even though he can’t get a visa currently, if he eventually does, flying via South Africa would mean an extended quarantine. So the club were trying to find a way he could fly via 2 other countries, to lower the quarantine time. Fly from SA, a red status country, to lesser risk country outside the EU, to the EU, then into the UK. Meaning he could do 5 days and 2 negative tests, rather than the full 10 days.

I’ve always thought for a batsman at least, less than half a season is pointless.
3 games is far too short. That’s maximum 6 innings to make an impact. Assume he takes a couple to get used to the conditions and the club, throw in a bad umpiring decision, suddenly you’ve got 3 innings. A nice green top or a few days rain and suddenly, you’ve hardly contributed anything.

I suspect it very well might end up like the Big Bash, where the governing body will tell you what a financial and marketing success it is, quote viewing figures etc. But can’t provide evidence or prove any tangible improvement to the standard of Australian amateur or professional cricket.

So with 1 day left of the last preseason match, the question must be what will be the first team of the season vs Derbyshire. For me the questions are, will Malan arrive in time to play, will they play a spinner, and 6 batsmen or 7? Assuming all are fit, but with Malan still not arriving my side would be:
Sibley
Rhodes
Yates
Hain
Lamb
Burgess
Bresnan
Briggs
Norwell
Stone
OHD

Whatever it is, it’s different. A few paces at a jog, then almost stops, walks a couple of paces and then I think it is indeed leg spin. Could be a very useful tool if he can refine it. Especially places where pitches do something’s take spin like Essex and Notts.

Seen rumblings on Twitter that Malan is having visa issues. That’s why he hasn’t arrived yet. Which if not sorted in the next few days would mean he couldn’t play in the first match due to quarantining.
Seems a real oversight by the club if that is the case.

I wonder if it’s a case of looking after them both. As a pair they’re pretty injury prone.
Interesting it’s Hose that drops out for Sibley. I’m guessing that leaves, a competition between Yates and Mousley for who stays when Malan arrives.

BluenoseBear wrote:

BristolBear wrote:

Does anyone know what happened in the second match today? Hoping some runs for Mousley and Burgess and some wickets for OHD.

Match Drawn:

Bears 225/5

Pollock - 81
Mousley - 49
Burgess - 5
Bethell - 24
E Brookes - 8
Chakrapani - 10
Bolaji - 4
Lintott - 26

Nottingham 121/7

OHD - 3 Wickets
Johal - 2 Wickets
Garrett - 1 Wicket
E Brookes - 1 Wicket

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m076ea020-392f-45b8-b98b-29c2019eed8a
That’s from Tuesday unfortunately. They played today as well according to OHD. So was wondering who did well.

Does anyone know what happened in the second match today? Hoping some runs for Mousley and Burgess and some wickets for OHD.

Really nice piece. Think that sums it up rather nicely. I think you’re right, and don’t believe anyone can deny the potential and talent in the squad now, but it’s about the maturity and consistency that comes with experience. And that is what wins trophies. This season might be too early for many of them. But believe it’s going to be a good step forward.

Interesting it’s a 2 month loan and not a whole season. Suggests they want him for the white ball.

The interesting name that jumps out to me is Mousley in the majority 2nd team; from last weeks batsmen is he the one that gives way for Malan? OHD and Burgess are there too but I assume because realistically Robinson already knows they’re going to be in that first team, injuries aside, come the 8th.