SC_Bear wrote:

We're actually now at the same place we were in in 2002 before T20 arrived. 4 competitions squeezed into a 5 month window. But the 100 and T20 have traction whilst the RLODC and CC have been hollowed out. Something has to give.

We've been members since 1990.We took the refund in 2020 and didn't bother this year. There's little in this interview that gives us much hope we'll be back any time soon especially as we've filled the cricket hole with other stuff - primarily golf.

We keep being told to take the positives - the 100's great, the Blast is vibrant, the RLODC showcases the youngsters etc. But seeing the CC denuded of importance and relegated to to bookend the season is heartbreaking. The 2 division CC helped propel England to number 1 in the test rankings 11 years ago. Players like IJL Trott eased into test cricket effortlessy from the grounding they received at county level. The current CC is a husk by comparison - witness the hapless re-selection of 33 year old Dawid Malan this week and the talking up of James Vince as an Ashes prospect.

I guess at age 58 and 61 respectively we're just attritional, collateral damage - the Hundred money and test match receipts mean that clubs like Warwickshire can probably wave us off with little regret. We're sad to be walking away but at the moment there's little to keep us hanging on.

I agree that Neil Snowball is pretty good at putting a positive gloss on things. I still take his assurances about the continued role of the 18 counties as important.
As for what he says about the various competitions, I hear echoes of George Orwell: "All competitions are equal - but some are more equal than others."

As promised, the Pears are fielding a strong side in the match starting tomorrow:
https://wccc.co.uk/county-fielding-powerful-side-for-second-eleven-derby-at-new-road/

This is an interesting interview with our old friend Neil Snowball on the future of county cricket:
https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/news/how_to_solve_problem_like_english_summer_schedule_neil_snowball_interview.html
I like most of what he has to say, especially his strong endorsement of the value of having 18 counties. I think he has a pretty impossible job of keeping everyone happy so it will be interesting to see how things pan out over the next couple of years.

Looks like he is becoming a short-format man for hire:
https://edgbaston.com/news/jake-lintott-to-play-in-cpl/

Sibley dropped by England and sent back to Warwickshire.
He might find himself playing in the second team fixture against Worcestershire next week, which would be a bit of a comedown.

That sounds like the match. Having to bat on a drying pitch with Derek Underwood in the opposition was a guarantee of problems.

Looks like this would be a long day out:
https://edgbaston.com/news/coach-travel-to-canterbury-confirmed-for-vitality-blast-quarter-final/
I've realised that it's 50 years since the Club organised a flight from Birmingham to see a Gillette Cup semi-final at Canterbury. We flew to Manston Airport (now closed). The day was slightly spoilt by the fact that it rained so that the match wasn't finished. Also, Kent demolished Warwickshire on the second day after we had all come home. But still an event to remember!

Chris Woakes update - Chris Silverwood hasn't a clue.
According to Cricinfo, "Woakes also remains a doubt for Headingley after sustaining a foot injury prior to the series, with Silverwood admitting he "didn't have an answer" about his prospects of a return."

It looks as though Worcestershire are going to play their full strength first team side in this second team game. Maybe the Bears will do the same, though they have that T20 quarter final coming up so presumably won't want to turn their focus fully back to red ball cricket until after that.
https://wccc.co.uk/first-team-squad-in-action-at-new-road-in-second-team-derby-with-bears/

I agree that Sibley may well benefit from a break away from England, not just to regain some confidence but also to work on his technique which seems to me to be all over the place. The basics of batting don't change much and the fact that players like Sibley and Burns can occasionally succeed despite their flawed methods shouldn't detract from the need for them to go back to those basics.
I'm not sure who should do the coaching but a few minutes of straight talking from Geoffrey Boycott wouldn't go amiss.

I agree with pretty well all of the above.
Yesterday was an excellent contest with eventually the right result but with the outcome in doubt until the end.
I also agree that there needs to be a special shout-out for groundsman Gary Barwell and the excellent pitches that he and his staff produce time after time. With the number of matches played at Edgbaston and all the extremes of weather, that must be quite a challenge·

Looks like Norwell is fit and back in the mix:
https://edgbaston.com/fixtures/first-xi/warwickshire-v-somerset-12-august-2021/

Preview from the Somerset perspective.
https://www.somersetcountycc.co.uk/news/first-xi/royal-london-cup-preview-warwickshire-v-somerset/
They can (just about) qualify, depending on other results/
There's quite a few unfamiliar names in their squad.

By the way, here's the letter in full:
https://tickets.edgbaston.com/resources/samp/EDG/EDG_Member_Email_10_8_dN8ZQDjnaisLlstfgnbNguOh7o%3D.html

FuerteventuraBear wrote:

At times it has been Tyrrellble to witness

Would you like to get your coat?

I had to check who Tim David was. I think that, with that innings, his List A batting average after a dozen games is about 80.

I guess it could turn quite ugly at the Hundred games if supplies of Butterkist Popcorn ran out or there was panic buying of the doubly unhealthy Sweet & Salty range.

As a member, just had an email from Stuart Cain about member behaviour in which he says:
"Since returning, the majority of Members and spectators have been excellent in supporting the Bears, but there have been issues regarding some people’s conduct, particularly in the lounges."
Anyone seen any signs of this? It isn't entirely clear whether this refers to behaviour during The Hundred matches or Bears matches, though the implication is that it is the latter.

Highveld wrote:

Great to hear Jeremy Coney on the commentary. A wonderful voice and great knowledge of the game.

A great delivery to get Pollock, but a good opening partnership.
I agree about Jeremy Coney - so knowledgeable and such a strong, warm personality. I think he is much under-used.

Yes, Brad Hogg was the last (and only previous?) Bear to bowl left arm wrist spin.