Very good recovery by Smith and Booth. 232/6. Smith on 59 not out.

157/6. What was Barnard doing with that one day swipe at the ball? He skied it for an easy catch. Completely reckless shot. We'll be lucky to get 200.

Hopefully we can scrape enough runs to avoid the follow on. Oh wait, as I type Hain has gone so 150/5. How I wish Tom Latham hadn't got injured!
This season is mirroring last year. At 234/7 Durham piled on a further 153 runs for the last 3 wickets - they should've got no more than 280. But, with so many bowlers out, we can't seem to polish teams off. This is shaping up to be a relegation struggle.

The Bears main problem is a raft of injuries and unavailability in the bowling attack. Rushworth barely played last season., but is injured yet again The absence of OHD is also a major blow. Not being able to call on Woakes is frustrating at this almost crisis time is a similar scenario to 12 months ago. I understand that Hasan Ali won't be joining the squad until the the end of May?
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The only positive about this match has been the glorious sunshine!

A couple of scares including Bamber being dropped in the slips, pity Rob Yates got out as he looked good. A worry that Fernando looked mediocre yesterday. The Bowling looks threadbare with so many out or unavailable.
Oh, Bamber just got out caught off Robinson. Poor shot choice.

Didn't he pull out last season through injury? If so, our overseas recruitment is so poor. We always seem to start a season under strength. I understand Rushworth is out with a calf injury? I think he missed most of last season with a similar injury, particularly at the start of the season.

I thought Hassan had signed for this season as he's no longer centrally contracted to Pakistan? If so, where is he today?

A dry sunny day, why elect to bowl first? The bowling attack looks weak. Bamber looks the best. No OHD, Rushworth, Woakes, Bethell and where is Hassan Ali?

We could really do with Chris Woakes playing at the start of this season. Surely he needs some matches to build up his fitness? Or are the ECB going to deny him playing for us yet again??

Unbelievable that Tom is injured without even starting the season! Hopefully he'll be back in May as suggested. He'll miss some crucial early CC games. We seem to have no luck with overseas signings!

Lancashire 30/4. Worcestershire's bowlers are doing the Bears a big favour! Interestingly, the commentators mentioned how well Ethan Brookes has done for Worcs this season. 600 plus runs at 34 average and also chipped in with several wickets. Great decision by our hierarchy.

Notts are hammering Warwickshire's attack. Bowling is poor. Why is Woakes missing this important game?

I think Moeen would be okay for a couple of CC games. It would give the bowling a boost as he's a decent spin option. Also, he can be very useful with the bat!

When Moeen signed his white ball contract, I thought he said he would be open to some red ball cricket, if required? If so, as England have dropped him he could solve the spinner role?

242/9 Aldridge is farming the strike for Somerset. Frustrating this last wicket stand. We have a lead of 105. Rae has bowled poorly without much threat. Give it to Rushworth or OHD to get this last wicket.

Poor shot by Mousley to get out playing a loose shot. Similar shot selection by Davies earlier. Some of the players are simply not patient enough - too many white ball type shots. This stand between Bethell and Burgess is crucial now. Annoying that Hain isn't available, and where is Hassan Ali? No explanation by the club. This overseas signing has been a waste of time this season.

Terrific batting from Ed Barnard. He's a class act, great signing.

Very good win, a close call in the end! Dare I ask where Moeen Ali is? He's barely played for the Bears at all !

They've been very unlucky with injuries to Rushworth, Norwell, Hassan Ali and others. It's down to the bare bones with bowlers - the batsmen have set up a couple of winning positions but insufficient firepower with the bowlers is the main problem.