I didn’t think they would drop Briggs, I hope Stone doesn’t break down but he is a welcome addition. I would imagine Rhodes will have to take on a fair few overs to ensure we rotate the strike.

I wouldn’t expect to see Stone and Bresnan bowling long spells.

How we miss Barker, a golden left arm and the ability to score runs lower down the order!

Highveld wrote:

The best thing people who like cricket can do is just totally ignore the competition.

Whilst I tend to agree, for my shame I am going to two matches with my dad. We are members so got a bit of money off but mainly it’s just a chance to see as much cricket this summer as possible. Even though I do disagree strongly on the need for another competition.

More ‘accessible’ by making unnecessary changes which are not compatible with the existing formats....brilliant. I wonder how much money was spent deciding on that brilliant idea!?

I would think that Yates would be the one to make way, merited or not. It’s a big season for Hain he is no longer the young buck. He has done alright the past couple of seasons without being spectacular (in red ball cricket that is). I’d love for him to kick on and show some of his white ball talents in the longer form of the game.

I think Exiled Bear is right with regards to Stone, I can see Norwell being rested/rotated (whatever word is fashionable right now).

Sibley opening doesn’t indicate too positive an approach

I was surprised that Briggs wasn’t given a bowl, just to try something different.

I do like Critchley as a player though, if he played for a more fashionable county he would be more widely talked about as a spinning all rounder.

This feels similar to matches last year, we get ourselves into a good position but are not able to capitalise. Something to work on for the rest of the season, we need to develop a ruthlessness.

And yet nothing mentioned on the BBC live text stream. I’ve always felt that we get poor coverage on it but today a lot of action has happened and barely even a passing comment.

I’ve quite enjoyed the coverage, I like to listen to the radio broadcasts when I’m at the ground too.

The camera work is better than in previous years with replays and different views which I’m thankful for. Considering it’s not costing anything as well I think it’s a great service to be offering.

I took my dad for his second jab today and was able to watch the stream on my phone whilst sat in the car, it helped the hour pass very quickly!

The batting is not looking particularly assured, which is fairly usual. Yates looked quite fluid but no one else seems to be playing with any confidence.

Looking around at all of the fixtures it’s definitely looking like a great toss to win. Like ajones says, it’s looking like a typical early April fixture.

I’ll be following enthusiastically, how I wish I could be there. I may sit in the garden with a blanket, a thermos and a jolly big coat for an authentic first day of the season feeling.

I wouldn’t be quick to write off Derbyshire, they have an established batting line up and quite an exciting, albeit inexperienced, bowling attack. It should be a good battle I think. I certainly don’t see it as an easy match.

Whatever team we pick they need to be at the races.

I wouldn’t be quick to write off Derbyshire, they have an established batting line up and quite an exciting, albeit inexperienced, bowling attack. It should be a good battle I think. I certainly don’t see it as an easy match.

Whatever team we pick they need to be at the races.

What a glorious couple of days to have watched some cricket....oh well. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that.

I seem to remember last year in the pre season friendly against Worcestershire Yates played well but seemed to struggle to score after that. It is early in his career and I just hope he gets time to work out his game and position in the squad.

I know he didn’t score many but how did Yates look?

I do also have concerns about the bowling, I would love to have Woakes or Stone but I fear they will be on water carrier duty for most of the season.

I haven’t seen enough of Miles to comment, which may be its own point, but Brookes like has been said elsewhere blows hot or cold. He is young but this season I would like to see what kind of role he is being developed into.

It must be tough to develop in a bowling unit that has been going through transition and dealing with numerous injuries.

I can agree that usually I like nothing more than wandering around during the course of a days play. However, with the current circumstances I would imagine the club are putting all these guidelines in place in order to show the ‘powers that be’ that they are taking the risks seriously and are doing what they can in order to get spectators back safely.

I would rather sit in an allocated seat in Edgbaston than be sitting at home watching on my iPad.