Congratulations to Will Rhodes on this award:
https://www.durhamcricket.co.uk/news-and-media/will-rhodes-wins-mens-pca-metro-bank-one-day-cup-player-of-the-year/

I think Leicestershire have until two days after our game to decide whether or not to appeal against their points deduction so it could be that relegation won’t be decided until the appeal is heard.

If the Bears are still wondering whether or not to sign Ben Cox, he’s giving a strong hint with his performance so far - first five wickets caught by him.

The Sky schedule for the coming week doesn’t show any county cricket- just the England ODIs.

Yes, wish him well.

I have a set of Greek worry beads that I am happy to sell to the highest bidder.

Leicestershire have a big final to play. Let’s hope they win, celebrate to excess and are severely hung over for the rest of the week.

ExiledBrummie wrote:

Are Leics appealing their deduction? Could affect their mindset going into the game if its reversed.

Leicestershire had ten days in which to appeal but I don't think they have done so yet.

A good game for a certain Mr. Davies.

Is the Somerset chap Anthony Gibson?
He is the son of Alan Gibson who was one of the finest writers and broadcasters on the game until alcohol intervened.

Regarding the Leicestershire points deduction, George Dobell suggests that the Bollywood filming at the ground (that Leicestershire partly blame for the poor pitch preparation) could have happened at Edgbaston; but Warwickshire could afford to turn it down, whereas Leicestershire couldn't.

Good news for Essex is that Leicestershire have been deducted a massive 27 points for breaching pitch regulations.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/crkgwyp2287lo
Unless Leicestershire win their current match, they will be relegated. That means that they would have nothing to play for at Edgbaston next week. It could work in the Bears' favour, though Leicestershire would have no incentive to try to set up a result if weather intervenes.

Andy wrote:

Dominic Ostler would like a word...

If Allan Donald is bowling, we shall need at least four slips so we can add in Dominic Ostler and also, from a much earlier generation, Alan Townsend. They can fight over who is where in the cordon. In the Cricketer article, Yates says that he prefers first slip but he "has been stationed at second slip ever since Mark Robinson – the former head coach – told him that this was where the most nicks went."

UrsaMinor wrote:

In fantasy Bears teams, imagine Rob Yates at first slip and Rikki Clarke at second.

Yes, Rob Yates has 1.54 catches per first class match and Rikki Clarke had 1.46.
And while we're at it, we'll have Trevor Penney at backward point and M.J.K.Smith at short leg. I'm afraid that OH-D will have to be at third man at both ends.

Looks like Olly is doing what he does best - blocking in support of his batting partner. Developing into what could be a useful lead.

Interesting article in The Cricketer online about Rob Yates as a slip fielder. It points out that "Yates has taken more slip catches this summer than 11 counties' wicketkeepers, and no one has snaffled more chances in a single Championship campaign for a decade."

I enjoyed playing at WBD.
It took an international bowler to get me out.
PS - it was Dipak Patel who played for New Zealand.
PPS - he was only 13 at the time.
PPPS - it was a slow long hop that I edged to the keeper.

To be fair, the Indian Express almost got it right. The match was in 1895, it was between Leicestershire and Surrey. But it was at Leicester, not the Oval; and Surrey's Tom Hayward took 1-0 off three balls in the first innings and 2-0 off another three balls in the second innings.

Highveld wrote:

Wasn't it claimed when he first joined us that due to hand injuries he was not able to keep in red ball games.

So either he's had a miracules recovery of he has been selfishly playing when he know he was not fit enough to perform the full demands of the rol, and harming the team, and the development of other players.

Also most of his dismissals, this year, if not longer have not needed an umpires decision they are so obviously out.

You are right on both counts, Highveld. My comments about the umpire's finger were a lame attempt at humour.

That well-known publication, The Indian Express, claims that "Manav Suthar became only the second man in all First-Class history to pick up at least one wicket in both innings of a match without conceding a single run."
They rather spoil their credibility by claiming that he equalled the record of "English pioneer Tom Hayward, who effected three dismissals in six deliveries across two innings for Leicestershire against Surrey in 1895 at the Oval."
In fact, Hayward played for Surrey, not Leicestershire; and in the match quoted, he took 0-7 in the first innings and 1-20 in the second. So goodness knows whose record Suthar equalled.