And already one down... Davies out for 4 off 2 balls.

That wasn't to do with the conditions, either it spat up off the surface or Davies played it badly, can't tell which one from the stream

Johal in the squad!

Any realistic title hopes disappear here with anything less than a big points win

Mitchell was the big wicket, and will be in the second innings too.

The fact that Briggs is on - and has a wicket - in the second session of first day suggests this pitch will take turn?

Hopefully their young spinner doesn't have a big impact 4th innings.

I believe for CC games it's the same on the door as online - £15 either way I think as an adult

Think I would've brought Briggs in still, but kept Brookes in and dropped Barnard.

Hoping Barnard proves me wrong!

How frustrating!

We haven't lost as many as previous years, you're right.

However there is still chance for other players to be called in - Miles for example was called up to the hundred half way through it when someone else got injured, so I would expect one or two more may go.

I think that's correct - I make it 9 first teamers have been picked in the Hundred. Frustrating in particular for Bethell to be picked when I think the ODC could be great experience for him.

Norwell also not picked, but I think we can assume he won't play any part in the ODC.

The 9 you've mentioned don't make a bad team though, although would Rushworth be rested?

If we assume yes, take the above 8 plus two batsmen and a bowler - perhaps an overseas that can play and rest of championship?

Yeah, I think a quality fast bowler is the difference between us being contenders and genuine title challengers.

Hassan Ali leaves a dearth of seamers with a difference.

I have no confidence we'll see Norwell again. Brookes did well in this game and if he does turn out to be the answer fantastic but it's his consistency in past which has let him down.

My question then is where do you pluck a top class fast bowler from at this stage in a season?

Yeah my thoughts too, 10 balls away from a perfect set of results.

Kudos to Lancs for going for it but would've suited us if they'd played for a draw!

Them and Middlesex in our next two. We must be favourites against Middlesex but the Lancs game becomes a massive one! Hopefully their confidence is dented after today.

paulbear wrote:

That Maxwell bloke can score pretty quickly can't he.

I wonder if he'll be able to do it in the T20's...

Yep, they're one of if not the weakest side in the division, especially with a few players missing.

So we need to up the scoring rate when we do get to bat a) for bonus points but b) to move the game on faster given the weather state

What a session, is this where our CC season is reginited?

Have to say that 6th wicket decision looked poor. At the very least hit him outside the line.

We do have deficiencies in the team/squad and the batting lineup has been too reliant on Hain, and then Yates. We need two more batsmen to be a top team (and Benjamin despite early promise is not of those). And winning the group did mask that.

However we did win the group and I agree with the above post that there should be an advantage. I'd have top playing second IPL style and loser playing winner of 3rd v 4th. Still have a finals day. Because it isn't fair we've finished top two last two years and not made two finals days.

That being said, Maxwell has been a compete failure and a waste of money, and Hassan Ali was a huge loss as predicted.

Although we've lost today and above posts have referenced it was comfortable for Essex, they had a hell of a lot of luck with the bat. I counted nearly double figures of genuine edges that went for four for them.

Decent day for Woakes taking three and having a couple of drops.

But excellent from Wood, definitely that extra bit of pace the attack had been so clearly missing in the first two tests.

Woakes and Ali confirmed as in the England team!

Potentially England will keep Lawrence as a concussion sub.

LeicesterExile wrote:

Sky TV are showing the Bears game on Thursday. Does anyone know if that will prevent You Tube showing it?

I don't know for sure but the Somerset v Kent game on Sunday was on Youtube, on the Sky Sports Cricket Youtube channel, for free.

kevandmac wrote:

ExiledBrummie wrote:

Mikkyk wrote:

Ah I didn't realise that was a rule but makes sense.

Also worth noting that Lawrence, who got 58 off 33 in their final group game win, is in the England squad for Thursday. Don't think him or Woakes will be in England line up so presumably him and Woakes play on Thursday, or neither?

Hmmm, you just know Lawrence will be released but not our man!

I can't see Pope being fit for England- is there any other batting cover in the squad other than Lawrence?

Yeah Lawrence is the only batting cover. Pope has now been ruled out so presumably Lawrence plays comes in for him.

Ah I didn't realise that was a rule but makes sense.

Also worth noting that Lawrence, who got 58 off 33 in their final group game win, is in the England squad for Thursday. Don't think him or Woakes will be in England line up so presumably him and Woakes play on Thursday, or neither?

Young because everyone else is either injured or due to be involved with the first team!

Five lads in that team (Shaikh, A Khan, Maddy, Simmons, Johal) who I would expect could have some first team involvement come the RL50, which is less than a month away now so playing for places in that in some ways