BristolBear wrote:

Harmer showing Bess and Lintott how it’s done.
It’s a pitch made for him, and he’s using it.

Am still curious as to how the ECB think it’s fair to hold Woakes out completely knowing he won’t play at all. But let Lawrence play Essex’s first innings score a huge hundred and then substitute him, even though again they know he won’t be playing.

It's not at all fair of course, we will still lose this game but there's a definite bias towards and against certain players and counties.

I think we will lose this!

Certainly an interesting side with 9 bowling options I make it.

GerryShedd wrote:

Sam Hain said on commentary that he hopes/expects to be back for the Trent Bridge game, which is good news - ahead of schedule.

Hain for Barnard? If the latter isn't bowling and bats low down might as well play the extra batter, and rely on the many spin options.

Andy wrote:

Quarter finals coincide with the 3rd Test at Headingley. I think.

They do, but it would be nice if Woakes can still play as doubt he will be picked by England. As for a Hassan replacement how about someone like Adam Milne who knows Edgbaston well.

Excellent win, Dan M is going to be a big star.

Mikkyk wrote:

What do we do/where does Brookes go from here?

Leicestershire?

Phew! No more Brookes though please, the guy is a liability. Surprised Barnard wasn't given a go.

Bowling well so far though.

Same team I assume as no changes to the 14 man squad. My local game too - well 40 minutes away - so I'm expecting a Maxwell long overdue masterclass.

To add though I think we need to win as have a horrible feeling Surrey will pull off their miracle run chase.

We're still looking good, a lot depends on the new ball in the morning I reckon.

Surprised no Woakes when he seems a lot less likely to start for England next Friday than Moeen.

Maybe we need a different coach for one dayers as our 4 day form under Robinson has been good!?

For me the most disappointing of the 3 losses in a row. Should have defended that score comfortably. I don't worry about the batters in this format but maybe some of our successful Championship bowlers need to have a chance now.

Brookes is so out of form, I'd rather OHD or Barnard if we are going with 3 non spinners.

Good recovery, Hain again of course and Woakes is pure gold in limited overs. What's happened to Maxwell and Benjamin though!?

Line up looks a lot better and more balanced. Plus we are finally going to bat first!

If he's got any sense he'll say no. And what about his contract with us, the captaincy etc, not sure it says much about him if he buggers off so quickly to play for England.

paulbear wrote:

Moeen Ali seems to be in Grant Elliott mode, "Oo, pitch looks good, nice blue sky and ideal for batting. Aaaah, we'll have a bowl". Madness. If we don't end up in a great state in this group, the management need to come up with a better plan. We have made 200+ on so many occasions whilst batting first last season and this and yet you wonder if Moeen has actually done any homework on this and looked at stats. Stats do not tell the whole story of a team but some stats stare you in the face and I am afraid this whole T20 group could get out of hand if we do not realise our strengths and the captain must know this or is not much use as a captain.

Spot on!