Important that we start solid this morning. Yates has batted so well with patience. There's no need to take any risks with so much time still available.

Not a good start to the second innings with the Bears already 25/3! Terrible judgment by Hain leaving the first ball and out lbw!

Jacob is fielding for RCB. Some action at last. I couldn't help noticing Sooryavanshi for Rajasthan Royals - he only turned 15 about 2 weeks ago and he's just scored 78 off 26 balls!

Jacob is not benefitting at all apart from financially. I don't get it. He's not played for sometime since his brilliant 105 score in the T20 WC semi-final.

Yes, not the best decision to bat first. Up to our skipper now to try and get the score up to a competitive total. But it looks doubtful. Oh, Barnard has just been bowled!!

If you recall, in that last test against India last year, Jacob lacked game time, and looked short of any rhythm. England kept denying him playing for Warwickshire in the championship. He got only limited white ball cricket. I don't get it with how he's treated. At 22 you need to play!

The new ball in 6 overs is the only glimmer of hope, even then a draw is almost certain.

Bethell left on the subs bench again for RCB? I can't help thinking he'll be rusty if and when he gets a chance. Still, he's picking up a nice pay cheque!

Great day, especially for Dan Mousley and his first ton! We can really kick on tomorrow and get a commanding lead. We can win this. The bowlers had a good rest today!

We've let them back into this, 161/6. Hopefully Woakes and Bamber are back to bowl after tea.

A good start by the Bears. Surrey 61/4 at lunch, 3 wickets for Ethan Bamber, who has bowled excellently. Woakes has bowled very well, he's unlucky not to have at least one wicket. Great to have him in our attack!

I'm just watching Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening IPL T20, expecting to see Jacob in action, but he's been left out??

I presume Hasan won't feature this summer? Perhaps the Bears have decided not to sign him, particularly after the numerous disruptions from Pakistan calling him into their squad at short notice??

I'm hoping he plays mainly for the Bears. We need him for bowling and batting.

Is Woakesy playing for the Bears from the first game? I've seen some comments suggesting he's playing franchise cricket in the Pakistan Super League for the first month??

Ed named captain in all formats. Davies has stepped down. Good decision I feel.

Well deserved Jacob! The guy shows maturity beyond his years.....

I wonder how much he'll play in our bowling attack for 2026? Obviously on a 12 month contract with the Bears. I think he can contribute well in the Championship and can play 50 overs and possibly some T20? He's obviously still a useful bowler and handy with the bat. Thoughts?

Streetly_Bear wrote:

I just had a look on the official website at the squad and it has not been updated in a while. Chris Rushworth is still on it for instance. I'm a bit similar to UrsaMinor in not being sure who is around at the different parts of the season. Would be great if the website was ore active with that sort of information.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Chris Woakes is off for some Franchise stuff at some point so I wouldn't be surprised if we don't seem him all that much.

I think Sam Hain will be leading run scorer and I think Bamber may be the leading wicket taker. Nathan Gilchrist seems rated and has been with the Lions squad so he may be one to look out for.

I'm also looking forward to hearing the rave reviews of our openers before/during/after each game from one of the regular posters...

I thought Woakesy said he wanted a couple of seasons with the Bears as he's been touring for many years and wants some time with his family in the UK? We really need him!

No Bethell we think? Perhaps in the first couple of Championship matches? or will the IPL prevent this possibility? The ECB haven't exactly helped the Bears with our international players for many years now....