He's had awful treatment this year from England's management. They constantly prevent him playing for the Bears deeming protection and not overloading his schedule. To me this is detrimental as he's so short of match fitness and picks up injuries on the back of this lack of involvement.

Solbear wrote:

As I understand it, Chris is still on a rookie contract until the end of the summer. His performances are bound to start attracting interest from other counties - I hope we swiftly move to sign him up to a full time contract before he's lured elsewhere!

Yes, the Warwickshire management need to tie him down to a proper contract asap! Don't let the grass grow!

Chris Woakes absences are never really clear.

Well done to the guys for showing true grit and determination. However, what's happened to all our first choice bowlers? I know Olly is out for a long spell, Chris Woakes? Still injured?

Still a terrible collapse - last 6 wickets for 11 runs?

I presume the Bears have first option on Chris Benjamin? If so, a permanent contract is a certainly! Terrific innings tonight for Birmingham Phoenix!

Good win again today. I noticed Woakes was missing again? Not sure of the reason, Covid isolation? It seems the ECB have done their utmost this season to keep Woakes from playing for the Bears!

Too many senior players missing, especially bowlers and made worse with Carlos Brathwaite isolating. But, the batting is a real concern. About time the club went after at least two top class players, especially the overseas signing.

Terrible performance by the Bears. I went to watch last night, but it was painful to watch; not what you'd call 'entertainment'! Too many poor shot selections by our batsmen.

Yes, really pleased that Henry has signed for another 3 years. Still young with huge potential. He probably needs to bulk up a bit more in the gym. With a bit more added power he could easily be a consistent 90mph + bowler, hopefully for England one day.

Key could be getting Hales out cheaply. His ton the other night virtually won it for them.

Another poor display. This T20 Blast campaign is fizzling out. The batting is abysmal. Surely the innings needs to be better paced?

Henry should be offered a new contract. Huge ability and potential. It'd be criminal to let him go. I was never happy when Moeen Ali left to go to Worcestershire.

A bit worrying that this is not the first time it's happened to Olly. Fast bowler with a dodgy back doesn't look good longterm. Hopefully he can overcome the problem, but it's a big dent in our pace attack as he's out for the rest of the season.

Good win, Malan finally in the runs! Slightly annoying their last wicket stand having been 80/9.

Highveld wrote:

I'm sure Malan will prove to be a good signing. what we don't know is the size of the positive effect he has on the squad, with Bell, Trott, Ambrose and Patel retirng over the last few seasons, there's not a lot of experience in the changing room. something Malan was signed to provide.

He was surely signed to score runs? His scores have been abysmal. Vihari did better.

Winning without playing well is a good sign - the better performances will follow. Where did we get Malan from? When you consider Glamorgan got Marnus Labuschagne as their overseas batsman, why can't we sign a top player like him?

Well done you Bears!! Very good bowling throughout both innings..... Just need more consistency now with the batting, particularly the top order.

Sam Hain, another solid start scoring 46, but just threw his wicket away offering no shot. Poor judgement. Now 107/5. 260 lead.

Solbear wrote:

Should have made them follow on, the ball is clearly doing a lot today!

Mainly poor application and technique I feel. The batting is so brittle.