How bad was that! Absolutely thrashed at home! All that effort in the group stage wasted.

Any update on Norwell's fitness? I think it was suggested that he might be fit in September for the resumption of the County Championship matches? If so, good news! However, it's worrying that he hasn't bowled a single ball this season. So disappointing after last year's heroics in keeping us in Division 1.

I really can't get enthusiastic about the Hundred. Just a crude slog-fest! A poor show after such a gripping Ashes series.

Too many players missing, particularly the bowling attack which is threadbare. Really miss Norwell who hasn't bowled at all this season. Even our best bowler Rushworth is now out with a hamstring problem. Even so, after all the good work yesterday, the collapse was poor today.

A lot of pressure accommodating the wretched Hundred competition. This also caused the Ashes series being condensed into just over 6 weeks which is downright ridiculous. However, 60 all out is a disgrace.

Good to see Surrey defeated. Hoping Somerset win the final. Fed up of seeing other Counties at Edgbaston and not the Bears on their own ground. Several things have conspired against us: Woakes messed around by England (no surprise there). Our white ball captain Moeen Ali called up late due to Leach's injury. Hassan Ali should've stayed until the end of July as originally contracted, but called back early by Pakistan. They need to ensure that the two group winners automatically qualify for the final, particularly as Somerset and the Bears bossed their groups. A nonsense that they have to play a quarter final.

They must have updated and corrected the website as it now shows Hain as playing. When I looked around 8:00am his name wasn't on the team list.

No mention of Sam Hain? Surely not injured? The squad really looks down to the bare bones.

Bears 104/5 with 14 overs gone. Strange that England released Dan Lawrence for this.....why wasn't Woakes released in the last test?

Good that Dan Mousley is in the squad. It looked serious when he appeared to sustain a finger injury against Durham last Sunday. I suppose at least Ali and Woaksey aren't drinks carriers!

So it's Essex at home on Thursday evening. Is Hassan Ali available? Apparently he signed a 4 month contract until the end of July? Hopefully that is the case. He's been a great signing, pity it's not for the whole season.

Fair play to Henry Brookes. He bowled superbly only conceding 15 runs off 3.5 overs and took 3 wickets. He looked rapid today. Great knock of 28 runs as well. Hopefully that should give him a major confidence boost.

GerryShedd wrote:

BristolBear wrote:

Feel desperately for Olly.
But you start to wonder how mental it is. You start looking for things that other bowlers might ignore. Struggle to bowl through minor issues because you’re scared of the huge injury.
I know there’s those that suspect that might be Norwells problem last year.

To say that Stone and Norwell are just snowflakes who should bowl through the pain is an interesting point of view. But when ignoring an injury could end your career, it's maybe best to listen to your body and to what the physios and the medical experts say.

Pace bowlers are probably never quite 100% fit through a season. It's how you manage it and cope with the strains on your body.

A remarkable victory in view of the first over being 7 for 4! I see Olly Stone only managed to bowl 3 balls before he had to leave the field. I think it was the correct decision to let him go as he's so injury prone. It won't help England's Ashes series either!

Good signing. Is Hassan Ali coming back for any County Championship matches? If not that's a huge blow. Particularly as Norwell looks to be out for the season.

Moronic Just Stop Oil protestors have delayed the game for a few minutes. A great example of how to get the public on your side.....

I'm surprised that Anderson has retained his place - Mark Wood should've got the nod with his extra pace. Woakes gets poor treatment, he should be released for the Bears. You can end up resting players too long that they can end up rusty and at risk of injury from lack of match fitness.

Pretty rubbish 1st innings batting display. Missing Sam Hain to steady things!

A hard day in the sun by the look of it! Is OHD injured? I have serious doubts that we will see Norwell his season........the club aren't giving out any details on his back condition.

Is it a given that Woakes won't be available? I assume it depends on England's selectors - they have a great habit of messing him around.