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.

The top order start is following a familiar pattern. No foundation really being set, again. Just as I type 18/3 Yates gone cheaply, although I'm not overly criticising him after his batting so far this season.

Highveld wrote:

It was an excellent catch by the keeper, and better batsmen than him have been strangled down the legside before.

Even with a few low scores, he looks more secure than Vihari ever did.

But Malan had zero patience from the off. Bagged a pair in this match! I'd rather Dan Mousley replaced him.

BristolBear wrote:

white-lightning wrote:

Rhodes gone cheaply. Malan will soon follow the way he's going after the ball so early. Play yourself in!!!

It’s difficult to watch isn’t it. 3 or 4 big wafts at balls well outside off. Doesn’t inspire confidence that’s for sure.

Didn't last long did he? What a waste of money he is. He should be dropped for the next match. Just reckless batting for a supposed experienced batsman!

Rhodes gone cheaply. Malan will soon follow the way he's going after the ball so early. Play yourself in!!!

coolerking wrote:

I don't think the major problem is the overseas players. Okay, they've not delivered in the few matches they've played but our own lads have not delivered over significantly longer periods.

Trouble is, the top order are not setting a solid platform for the innings. Constantly relying on the middle/lower order to get the score up to a decent total. The batting points total is poor.

I see Keith Barker is still doing the business for Hampshire: 4 wickets for 4 runs vs Somerset!

Another failure by Malan. Out for 0. I'd rather play Mousley.