Our overseas recruitment for red ball cricket was poor last season. Thankfully, we basically won the County Championship trophy without much input from 3 signings. Batsman Pieter Malan had visa issues in early April 2021 resulting in Vihari signed as a temporary replacement. West Indies quick Chemar Holder signed in August but failed to make any real impression. Fast forward to now and, not wishing to write-off Nathan McAndrew yet, but this appears to be another second-tier overseas signing. A top red ball signing would really enhance our line-up. Warwickshire is a big County and should be seriously looking at this position in future. I wonder how much was spent last season on Malan, Vihari and Holder?
McAndrew shouldn't have been selected for this game. Too early. I must admit I'd never heard of him. Maybe it's early days, but a worrying decision as the overseas signing. Perhaps Brookes should've played?
157/1. Batsmen coping easily. Really missing Norwell, not to mention Woakes and Stone.
Not the best bowling so far. A bit expensive on an overcast day. A good decision to field first?
I see Chris Woakes has signed a two year extension to his contract. Hopefully we'll see him play for the Bears a bit more often!
Yes, a convincing win in the end. Looks likely that Davies will continue as an opener? A good combination with Dom Sibley who will play the anchor role I'd imagine? We still have McAndrew to come in yet! A very strong squad!
A good day overall. A slog to get 8 wickets, but we should wrap this up tomorrow.
Hopefully Liam recovers quickly. How does it work with Miles if Liam is fit tomorrow? All in all a great day for the Bears. Burgess - what a great knock! Spectacular hitting!
What's the issue with McAndrew? I notice Australians, Steketee in this match for Essex and Labuschagne for Glamorgan are both playing. Seemingly no problems with obtaining Visa's?
One slight concern is no wickets again for HB. I thought Craig Miles was excellent at the end of last season and should be playing.
Olly has improved so much these last few seasons. An excellent bowler now, so consistent. Well deserved contract extension.
Is Olly likely to be in contention for Essex next week? It will be good to see him back in our attack. Him and Norwell would add real potency with their pace...
I well remember the 40 over matches on a Sunday, especially in the 'golden years' of 1994 & 1995. In that amazing season of '94 you'd regularly get 10 to 12,000 at Edgbaston - mainly to watch Brian Lara! I can recall going to away matches at Grace Road, Trent Bridge and Bristol to watch the Bears. Happy days....
416/9 at lunch. A commendable effort. Burgess 76 not out. COYB skittle them cheaply after lunch!
For me, the season starts too early into April. It used to be towards the end of April. But this has slowly got earlier and earlier due mainly to the white ball formats expanding the season virtually into October. Before long they'll be starting at the end of March!
A probable draw on the cards now. That possibility looked somewhat remote at 16/3 & 41/4......so well done to the middle order.
Yes, well done to Matt Lamb and Sam Hain. Dan Mousley has got off to a solid start.
Why isn't Chris Woakes playing? Surrey have England players Burns, Pope, Foakes and Topley all playing, and also Kemar Roach straight in as their overseas player.
Presume Norwell was left out as a precaution with a back twinge? If so, sensible given the cold conditions. Why is Davies suspended?
Some poor weather forecast for the next 3 days. Currently a 324 run lead. Do we declare tonight and give our bowlers 10 or so overs at a tired looking Lancashire team?