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.

We've certainly missed Rushworth and Hassan Ali in the Championship. Woakes is clearly out of form, you could argue Miles would've been a better option - at least he was taking some wickets. I suppose not playing again in the Championship until 22nd August (Somerset at home!) is a good thing as it gives chance to reset and hopefully our injured bowlers are fit to return.

Yes, agree. We need to push on now to get a lead of around 350. This is the best opportunity for a while to get a win. It would be useful to put Somerset in to face 5 or 6 overs tonight.

Somerset bowled out for 284. OH-D finished with 6 wickets! The guy is so reliable, an inspiration to all. So the Bears have a healthy 128 run lead. Dare we dream of a first win in this competition this season?

Andy wrote:

Why does it always rain, or be forecast to rain, when we're getting on top!

Agree, look at the Lancashire game!

Awful shot by Rhodes, so unnecessary having recovered from 40/4. Now Bethell gone cheaply. Barnard 52 not out. 157/6, so another poor batting display. Hopefully Burgess can be resilient again.....

Was Norwell unfit for this game? And, where on earth is Rushworth? Robinson originally said it was only a minor calf injury around 2 months ago.

250/9 now. Miles bowled for 14. I don't understand why Burgess isn't facing the majority of the bowling as the more accomplished batsman?

LeicesterExile wrote:

Why did we let Barker go?

According to the commentators, Warwickshire dithered on a new contract and Hampshire nipped in. A terrible decision by the club.

Shame that Bethell swept at wide ball and got out on 69, he looked well set for a maiden first class century. Similar shot by Woakes going cheaply for 6....again to nemesis Barker - now with 6 wickets!

Very good performance and result. Good to see Danny Briggs back in form.

Sorry to hear that news. Hope Chris is back soon.