Andy wrote:

If RCB make the final he'll play that then line up for England in the 1st Test four days later.

Archer is being 'rested' for the first test due to playing in the IPL. That's a separate conversation but I'm surprised Bethell is a shoo-in given the scenario.

Andy wrote:

Mikkyk wrote:

Could Zak Crawley be a long term solution for us at the top of the order?

Seems to have lost his way at Kent after England and might want a change of scenery and/or division one cricket. That would solve the Davies problem and allow him to bat lower down the order.

Banter?

No. Hameed lost his form after being dropped by England, moved counties and is now flourishing

Could Zak Crawley be a long term solution for us at the top of the order?

Seems to have lost his way at Kent after England and might want a change of scenery and/or division one cricket. That would solve the Davies problem and allow him to bat lower down the order.

After the Essex game I (greedily) asked for an emphatic victory for once and boy did they deliver. I'm gonna greedily ask for me while the team must be high of confidence, and if a couple of batsmen can find form we'll be a complete outfit.

Notts will overtake us and Surrey will be just behind but this is a fantastic position to be in at this stage given we've already played both of them.

Let's hope the weather holds for next week's game and if we win that then we are serious title contenders.

No Booth in the field this morning. It did look concerning when he limped off so really hope it's nothing too serious.

It has just started to hammer it down. Let's hope the forecast is correct and it stops around 11. I doubt we'll start on time but hopefully should be able to start not too long after, and in very favourable bowling conditions!

GerryShedd wrote:

In his report, George Dobell points out that Warwickshire's highest margin of victory, in terms of runs, is 378 which they inflicted upon Northants at Edgbaston in 1927.

I googled this earlier when I was at the ground and the AI mode told me it was a game Vs Worcestershire in 2022, which I couldn't remember. I said I'd look it up when home.

Now the same Google AI mode is saying the Northamptonshire game, perhaps picking it up from George's report.

I've looked for the Worcestershire game from 2022 and Warwickshire didn't even play them in the CC that year!

I understand why the declaration was when it was. They obviously felt the wicket was very good while batting, we've seen how it can flatten out on day 4 and Brook/Bairstow have the potential to chase quickly. Quite close up until tea they would still have been chasing at less than 4 an over.

Also just watched the Revis edge delivery back and very much looks like a nick. Both these two should be out

What an all round disaster. Dropped Brook and two fielders off injured. Could be a crucial moment we look back on at the end of the game

Surely even with his ego he can accept that he's struggling big time right now and that dropping down the order is better than being dropped completely?

There has to be a question of why Yates & Mousley haven't developed as expected. Both, in their own distinct ways, clearly have talent.

Gilchrist bowled 20 overs in the seconds with figures of 0-102. Given he's not really pulled up any trees in the first XI it seems he's being left out on form. The other two you would suspect have to be fitness related omissions.

I expect Simmons to be the one to miss out.

Forecast is getting worse for tomorrow each time I look at it

Is leaving Warwickshire, open letter by sent via email today:

I am writing to you to express my gratitude for the support and love you’ve given to me over the last seven seasons as my time with the Bears comes to an end.

Playing for this club has been an absolute honour. As a kid, all I ever wanted to do was play professional cricket. This club had faith in me when no one else did. They gave me the opportunity to fulfil my dreams. The last seven seasons have been some of the best years of my life and for that I will always be grateful.

Edgbaston is a special place. I will miss playing in front of you all and I want to thank you all for the support you have given me during my time at the club.

I want to thank all of the coaches and staff I have worked with at the club, it’s been a lot of fun and your support never went unnoticed. Lastly, I want to thank my team mates. It’s a special dressing room to be a part of and I have been lucky to have such a great bunch of team mates across the years.

I am obviously gutted that we never made it to a Finals Day and didn’t get a white ball trophy. However, I have absolutely no doubt that this team will achieve special things in all formats in the coming years and it would make nobody happier than me, to see this club lift silverware in the near future.

They say all good things must come to an end. I am extremely sad to be saying goodbye to you all, but the time is right to move on and I am excited for whatever comes next.

Unclear whether retiring from professional cricket or moving to a new county

They're a very good side, especially with Fergus O'Neill in there who seems to be taking wickets every time he plays (and can bat a bit). I'd be happy with a draw.

Jude Bellingham has bought a stake in Birmingham Phoenix

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/jude-bellingham-buys-minority-stake-in-birmingham-phoenix-1533043

Got there in the end! It seems all our victories the last couple of seasons are very tight games.

It's a great knack to have to win the close games but it would also be nice to get a convincing win on the cards.

Huge wicket to get Benkenstein! We have to close this out from here now.

The recovery last week came from Woakes and Smith. Neither are playing today!