Really enjoyed watching all 4 days and the fact that we got ourselves out of a bit of a mess on more than one occasion, shows character. One thing that made me happy was the fact that so many of these players have not played together much and some might have struggled to get into the side for their last counties but they seemed such a good, together unit who all appear to back each other up in everything. Reminds me of the bunch we had around 2008, some just coming into the side from the second XI and new team members from other counties who became better players in a new environment and thrived for the next 8-9 years.

Steven Mullaney is a Manchester City fan. Let us hope to add misery to his weekend, tomorrow.

My last post referred to an earlier comment about Woakes not playing in this game.

He has missed so many games over the years being picked for squads and then not picked in the final 11. His first-class appearances over the last 7-8 years are almost non-existent.

A superb day to watch especially as once Bresnan was out, I thought we would be setting 200 and would lose. Great partnership by Burgess and Briggs and tomorrow could be a cracking day. Agree about Notts in the field. Their captain, Mullaney is very mouthy and gives a batman the 'Send-off' off the last ball of an over after being hit for 20+, I have seen him do it at least twice. Fletcher has plenty to say if he is taking wickets but goes hiding if he's wicketless. He likes to think he is popular and a 'Character' but I find him boorish. Amazing how the ball moved when the cloud cover came over, just goes to show that all these know-nothing 'experts' who talk about 'English Greentops', are talking rubbish. The ball did all sorts when it got gloomy overhead and then as soon as the cloud disappeared, we got a different story. Would be nice to get to a 280-300 lead and then we will have an entertaining afternoon - As long as we win.

Even in the last 8 years, Woakes has barely played for us and the amount of cricket he could have been involved in and missed is scandalous. He has continually been picked in Test and O.D.I. squads but been left out of matches but stayed with the squad. Then, when he does finally get a game, he has had no cricket for sometimes 3 weeks and is rusty and people then say how badly he has played. England must know who is playing from game to game yet never allow him to come back to play for us. He was once picked for a O.D.I tournament in New Zealand, did not play a single game and when the season started here, the ECB said he was to rest ahead of upcoming international games. He is still a player with loads to offer and it makes me wonder towards the end of his career, whether he will feel as though he has missed out on playing matches only to have to sit in a dressing room watching others play. Rest is a good thing IF you are playing a lot but playing games is good for fitness and rhythm but at the ECB they seem to have forgotten this.

The whole thong about when we can go and watch is crazy. Having to wait until the end of May is being over cautious and even though I am really looking forward to it, it will be interesting to look back at the end of the season to work out just how much I have been able to go and watch compared to normal.

To get bowled out for 87 is bad enough but by a trundler like Ben Raine. We must have been poor, glad I was at work.

I think we surprised Essex and to have Harmer go wicketless in the 2nd innings after bowling all those overs was a great achievement. I was more confident of us chasing this 256 than last weeks 333. We can't complain so far, a great start to the season may it continue and in front of spectators as well.

It's a good thing I suppose that we are playing Essex after a win. Hopefully that will give us a lift because let's face it, Essex seem to be able to win from anywhere.