Warwickshire Vitality CC Div 1 at Trent Bridge Draw 14 pts

 

Day 4

GAME 

PETERS OUT 

INTO A TAME DRAW

But it's business as usual for Sam Hain

As expected the last game of the season petered out into a tame draw. When bad light ended the season at 15:47 Warwickshire stood at 373-7 off 110 overs, still 114 runs behind Notts’ first innings total. Sam Hain continued his love affair against the Notts attack ending on an undefeated 153 (off 309 balls, 14x4). In 11 first-class matches against Notts he has scored 729 runs @48.60 (2x100, 5x50). In 16 T20 games he has 697 runs @87.12 (1x100, 5x50) and in 4 List A games he has 187 runs @46.75 (2x50).

Notts failed to take a wicket in the morning session as Warwickshire resumed on 143-4. Hutton (Pavilion End) and Duffy opened the bowled under dark clouds but the overnight pair made slow and steady progress. James replaced Duffy from the Radcliffe Road End for the 56th over and in his second over of his spell James conceded 10 runs including two consecutive boundaries for Barnard.

Lord came on for Hutton in the 59th over and in 61st over, Barnard hit him for successive fours. Farhan replaced James from the 62nd over. A four through point by Barnard of Lord saw him to 50 off 108 balls. After Lord conceded 22 runs in three overs, McCann replaced him for the 65th over. A quick single by Hain off McCann saw him to three figures of 202 balls in the 71st over. Warwickshire 248 for 4 off 75 overs at lunch time with Hain on 104 and Barnard on 77.

In the third over after the interval, Barnard (81 off 148 balls, 11x4) was caught top edging a sweep off Farhan straight to substitute King at long leg, 255 for 5 in the 78th over. The fifth wicket had added 150 in 47 overs. The sun had made an unexpected appearance and overhead conditions through most of the second session were much brighter.

Burgess took McCann for 14 runs in the 81st over including a six over mid-wicket. The new ball was taken by Hutton and Farhan with Warwickshire 280 for 5 off 82 overs but it did not bring any early joy for Notts. In the 88th over, Burgess swept Farhan for 6 over square leg to bring up the Warwickshire 300. The game was dead as a contest as the sparse crowd seemed to get more joy watching an errant squirrel making several circuits of the outfield.

Duffy replaced Hutton for the 91st over. In the 94th over, Burgess hit Farhan for six over mid-wicket. Burgess reached his 50 off 65 balls. Duffy conceded 11 runs in the 97th over with Burgess finding the ropes of consecutive deliveries. James therefore replaced him for the 99th over. Burgess (56 off 71 balls, 6x4, 4x6) hitting his second delivery for a straight six but James removed him fours balls later caught by Hutton at deep mid-on, 354 for 6. Lord returned for the 100th over. Briggs departed for a 7 ball duck caught at point by substitute Hayes off Lord, 355 for 7 in the 102nd over. Hain reached his 150 off 299 balls with a single off James in the 105th over. Warwickshire 361 for 7 off 106 overs at tea with Hain on 151 and Booth on 1.

The clouds rolled over once more during the second intermission. Slater came on straight after tea in partnership with Farhan in order for Lord to switch ends for the 109th over but it is clear that the end was nigh. Farhan (3-102) bowled the 110th over and his fourth ball was swept to the square leg ropes by Booth (11 not out). Two dots balls followed. The umpires conferred and deemed the light from the Pavilion End for Rob Lord to bowl was inadequate. The teams shook hands and the 2024 season was finally at end after a record 177 day (25 weeks 2 days) duration. It certainly was not a memorable one, poor weather, a championship points structure not fit for purpose with too many points for a draw and a disappointing on the field performance from Notts. Supporters though can have great optimism around both Farhan and McCann who along with Verreynne lit up the final month of the season. McCann the first Notts batsman to score two hundreds in his first two innings at Trent Bridge.

Notts eighth in the standings only winning two championship games and those against the two teams that finished below them in the standings. A two place drop from 2023 when Notts won four games, although like 2024 all four victories were against teams below them in the table. Peter Moores’ record in his four first division seasons with the Green and Golds reads played 56 won 10 lost 26 drawn 20. Notts overall playing record in 2024 was played 36 won 9 lost 17 drawn 8 no result 2.

Let’s hope for a much better all round 2025! MAG

Freddie McCann innings updated

Chris O'Brien has been checking the Nottinghamshire record books:

 McCann is 2nd Notts player to score two centuries in his first-class debut season.

First was Freddie Stocks in 1946. His 2nd century in his 14th match. Age 28.

MCann in 5th match. Age 19.

McCann first to score 100 and 150 on first-class debut season.

UPDATE

One player scored a century in his only innings at Trent Bridge in a year: JR Wileman in 1992, which was his Nottinghamshire debut year. But he only scored 43 in his next innings at Trent Bridge, in 1995.

No-one scored a century at Trent Bridge in a season while having at least one innings at Trent Bridge that year and never having had an innings at Trent Bridge in a previous year.

So I conclude that McCann is the only one to have scored two centuries in his first two innings at Trent Bridge.

Day 3

VERREYNNE EXTENDS NOTTS ADVANTAGE

as Lancashire are relegated, whilst their rivals Yorkshire are promoted

On a low key third day at sunny Trent Bridge, Warwickshire finished 344 runs behind with six first innings wickets still standing. The big news was Lancashire's failure to secure any batting bonus points which meant they have been relegated to the Second Division.

Before play. a large crowd had gathered in front of the Pavilion to witness a special presentation to club legend Luke Fletcher who is leaving Trent Bridge after 17 seasons on the staff. A very good send off to the Bulwell Bomber.

Hannon-Dalby (Radcliffe Road End) and Barnard opened the bowling with overnight pair Verreynne and Lord making steady progress. In the 90th over a four through mid-wicket by Lord off Barnard (Pavilion End) brought up the Notts 350. Booth replaced Barnard for the 92nd over. Hannon-Dalby picked up his 50th wicket of the season having Lord lbw for 31, 358 for 7 in the 93rd over. The 7th wicket had raised 75 off 19 overs.

Verreynne top edged Booth for 4 and then off the following ball hit him for six over mid-wicket. A four through square leg by Verreynne off Booth took him to his well-made ton off 119 balls in the 98th over. Hutton hit consecutive fours off Barnard taking Notts passed 400 in the 101st over. Miles returned from the Pavilion End from the 102nd over. Yates replaced Briggs from the Radcliffe Road and with his first delivery had Hutton stumped for 29, 416 for 8 in the 107th over. The 8th wicket had added 58 in 14 overs.

Briggs immediately switched to the Pavilion End. Notts 425 for 8 off 110 overs and had gathered four batting points. Farhan (10) was caught at backward point by Davies. Lunch was immediately taken. Notts 440 for 9 off 114.5 overs at the interval with Verreynne on 130 not out.

Verreynne hit Yates for 6 over mid-wicket in the 117th over. Verreynne and Duffy had added 47 off 11 overs when Mousley came on and had Duffy (29) stumped with his third delivery. Notts 487 all out off 125.3 overs with Verreynne undefeated on a classy 148 off 167 balls (19x4, 2x6). Eight Warwickshire bowlers had taken a wicket, a very unusual occurrence.

Occurences of eight bowlers taking a wicket in an innings

Off the sixth delivery of the opening over of Warwickshire reply, Yates was caught at second slip by McCann diving to his left off Hutton for a duck, 0 for 1. Hutton looking a lot fitter than in recent appearances. Davies (5) attempting to shoulder arms played onto Duffy and lost his off stump, 6 for 2 in the 6th over. Notts nemesis Sam Hain joined Rhodes, in his last game for The Bears prior to his move to Durham, in the middle and they added 99 in 24 overs for the third wicket.

James was introduced from the Radcliffe Road End in the 12th over. Lord came on for the 15th over and was unlucky not to pick a wicket in his four over spell from the Pavilion End. Farhan came on for the 18th over and despite his tender 16 years was Notts' best bowler on show today. Warwickshire at tea 68 for 2 off 21 overs with Rhodes on 19 and Hain on 31.

Duffy and Farhan were bowling straight after tea with Warwickshire adding a further 75 for the loss of two further wickets. The Kiwi bowling with pace but tending to spray too many balls down the leg side. There was a long stoppage as Farhan had receive attention after being hit on his elbow by an errant throw from skipper Hameed. A legside boundary by Rhodes off Duffy brought up the Warwickshire 100 in the 29th over. Farhan got one to turn and removed Rhodes' (37) off stump, 105 for 3 in the 30th over. Mousley went for a 2 ball duck, lbw for a duck, 105 for 4 in the 30th over. Two wickets in three balls for Farhan. Hutton returned from the Pavilion End in the next over. A legside single for Hain off Farhan saw him to 50 off 100 balls in the 36th over. Lord came on for the 43rd over, Barnard cover driving his opening delivery for four. Bad light stopped play at 17:27 with Warwickshire on 143 for 4 off 44 overs with Hain on 59 and Barnard on 21. Verreynne had given another highly efficient display behind the stumps. Play was called off for the day 18 minutes later. MAG

Lancashire relegated Yorkshire promoted

Day 2

THE BOY'S THE REAL McCANN

Fantastic Freddie scores fabulous high-pressure century, easing relegation fears for Notts


A wet outfield this morning and bad light meant despite a sunny day only 69 overs were possible at Trent Bridge today. After starting the day on 33-2, Notts looked in some trouble at 55-3 when Joe Clarke was dismissed. However led by the outstanding Freddie McCann (130 off 223 balls, 19x4) and with fine support from Kyle Verreynne (76* off 91 balls, 12x4) Notts closed the day on a comfortable 324-6 off 82.4 overs.

After continuous overnight rain that stopped around 0700, a wet outfield meant no play this morning and early lunch being taken.

With news coming through that there would no play today at New Road play commenced at 1300 with Barnard and Hannon-Dalby bowling. At biting strong northernly wind meant unless he were sitting in the Radcliffe Road suntrap temperatures were somewhat Baltic in nature.

McCann and Clarke made a circumspect start, indeed overs 21, 22 and 23 were all maidens. In the 24th over a four through point by McCann brought up the Notts 50. Booth replaced Hannon-Dalby for the 25th over and Clarke hit him for four through the covers. However, Booth got his revenge with his next delivery knocking Clarke’s (12) off stump out of the ground; 56 for 3. This was the cue for McCann to open up and he played a magnificent innings caressing the ball to predominantly square on each side of the wicket and mostly along the floor. At nineteen he looks an outstanding prospect.

 Hannon-Dalby switched to the Pavilion End for the 30th over.  McCann taking 11 of the over including two wonderful boundaries through cover point. In the next over, the flashing blade of McCann hit two offside boundaries off Booth.

A three for Haynes off Hannon-Dalby brought up the Notts 100 for the 32nd over. Later in the same over, McCann hit successive boundaries through extra cover and third man to reached his 50 off 87 balls. Blue skies were overhead the slow seaming pitch from 24 hours earlier had been somewhat somnolent.

Miles came on for the 35th over and his opening delivery was hit to mid-wicket ropes by McCann. With Notts 150 for 3 off 39 overs, Briggs came on and Haynes hit his opening delivery for four through backward square leg. The 100 partnership came up in 92 balls with two for Haynes off Briggs. Barnard returned for the 45th over. Haynes (47 off 55 balls, 6x4) was caught at slip by Rhodes diving to his right off Briggs, 182 for 4 in the 46th over. Haynes had once again played another cameo innings but failed push on. He has scored 622 first-class runs @32.73 with a top score of 77. The 4^th wicket partnership between McCann and himself had added a highly entertaining 127 off 21 overs.

A reverse sweep by McCann off Briggs brought his ton off 147 balls and the Notts 200 in the 50th over. Yates came on with his off spin for the 51st over. Notts were 211 for 4 off 52 overs at tea with McCann on 105 and Verreynne on 8.

Hannon-Dalby and Barnard bowled straight after tea. Verreynne was now the dominant scorer with McCann starting to tire. Booth came on from the Pavilion End for the 60th over, Verreynne took two boundaries off Hannon-Dalby in the 61^st over. Briggs returned for the 66th over and a four through mid-wicket by Verreynne took Notts to 250. Two balls later, Verreynne hit the slow left armer through backward point for 4, Booth bowled the following over from the Radcliffe Road End. Briggs went for 12 in the 70^th over, another two boundaries for Verreynne. Rhodes was given a bowl for the 72nd over and Miles returned for the following over and yorked McCann, who departed bowled for 130, 280 for 5. The fifth wicket added 98 in 27 overs. James (2) was caught at first slip by Yates at first slip off Rhodes,  283 for 6 in the 74th over. Rhodes the sixth Bear to take a wicket in the innings. Verreynne reached his 50 off 70 balls with a cover driven boundary over Miles. He hit the following two balls from Miles to the point ropes, the over going for 13. A cover driven boundary by Lord off Miles took Notts to their second batting point in the 77th over. The new ball was taken by Hannon-Dalby and Rhodes with Notts 317 for 6 off 80 overs. The sun dropped below the stand and bad light immediately stopped play at 17:51 with 324 for 6 off 82.4 overs with Verreynne on 76 and Lord on 12. 

A great day for Notts, with relegation fears diminishing, and a most memorable one for Freddie McCann. MAG

Statistical note from Chris O'Brien

McCann is 2nd Notts player to score two centuries in his first-class debut season.

First was Freddie Stocks in 1946. His 2nd century in his 14th match. Age 28.

MCann in 5th match. Age 19.

McCann first to score 100 and 150 on first-class debut season.

UPDATE

One player scored a century in his only innings at Trent Bridge in a year: JR Wileman in 1992, which was his Nottinghamshire debut year. But he only scored 43 in his next innings at Trent Bridge, in 1995.

No-one scored a century at Trent Bridge in a season while having at least one innings at Trent Bridge that year and never having had an innings at Trent Bridge in a previous year.

So I conclude that McCann is the only one to have scored two centuries in his first two innings at Trent Bridge.

Day 1

POOR START BY NOTTS

Only 15.2 overs were bowled at Trent Bridge today in Notts’ crucial last championship fixture versus Warwickshire.

Heavy overnight rain caused a wet outfield and despite the morning sunshine play did not start until 13:10 with 24 overs lost.

Warwickshire won the toss and elected to field on what looked like an easy pace paced pitch. Hutton and Verreynne came in for Fletcher and Schadendorf.

Hannon-Dalby (Radcliffe Road End) and Barnard shared the new ball and got some earlier movement on a surface which had sweated under the covers. Hameed carved the second delivery of Notts’ innings to the point ropes. In the following over, Slater found the third man boundary off Barnard. In the fifth over, Slater cover drove Hannon-Dalby for four. In the following over, Hameed (7) lost his off stump to Barnard, 15 for 1. The tenth time this season that Hameed has been bowled in championship cricket out of 21 dismissals in total - a staggering 47% occurrence rate. Booth replaced Hannon-Dalby for the 9th over. Rain stopped play at 13:53 with Notts 27 for 1 off 10.5 overs with Slater on 10 and McCann on 4.

Play recommenced at 16:13 with 29.1 overs remaining. Booth bowled one dot ball to Slater and then the players trooped off once more with light rain falling. Play recommenced at 16:26 with a further three overs lost. In the 13th over, Slater drove Booth to extra cover ropes. Hannon-Dalby replaced Booth from the Radcliffe Road End for the 15th over and removed Slater (16) caught by Rhodes diving to his right at first slip, 33 for 2. Two balls later bad light terminally stopped play at 16:44 with Notts 33 for 2 off 15.2 overs with McCann on 4 and Clarke on 0. The rain soon followed.

A bad day for Notts, who need 10 points from this fixture to ensure First Division status. The pressure well and truly on now with Worcestershire in dire straits at New Road standing at 119-7 against Notts’ relegation rivals Lancashire. The forecast is much better for Friday and Saturday. MAG

26/09

Inspection at noon. 

11.40

It's like the umpires are waiting for it to rain.

There's been no footballers and I've just seen Lord and Duffy exiting Dixon Gates.

There's been no rain for 2 hours here. They are having lunch at 12 at Worcester. 

Just one presentation today, unless John Pye have got something extra up their sleeve. This one is at the beginning of lunch.

Weather forecasts suggest it will rain at some point , if not all day.

This game is all about point accumilation for both sides, so getting on the field, playing cricket would be useful.

08:40

At Worcester the covers are off, there are patches of blue sky and a few players are kicking a ball about. The groundstaff meanwhile appear to have a bit of mopping up to do.

Pravda says it's overcast but dry at Trent Bridge.

25/09

BBC Previews the last round

The Notts Squad:

Haseeb Hameed

Ben Slater

Freddie McCann

Joe Clarke

Jack Haynes

Lyndon James

Kyle Verreynne

Liam Patterson-White

Brett Hutton

Rob Lord

Farhan Ahmed

Jacob Duffy

Dane Schadendorf

24/09

Preview

The last match of a disappointing season and yet there are a few faint glimmers of hope in the shape of the young lads now being given an opportunity to play.

Lunch on Day 1, we are told, the triumphant Second Eleven will be presented their SEC winners shield. Several of what should be in the announced squad for this game, have made positive impacts during the Seconds' dominant season - Liam Patterson-White, Freddie McCann, Dane Schadendorf, Farhan Ahmed, dare I suggest Sammy King and coach Steven Mullaney wouldn't want Tom Moores to miss out on a mention.

For the players hopefully being allowed to progress into the first eleven, first division survival is imperative, such is the chasm between the two divisions now (or at the least the top four teams in division one and the rest).

If Notts are to be seen to have made any year on year improvements, we have to close that gap as Somerset have done. Our head coach has had eight seasons [this season is his 9th] now to close that gap but we are as far away now as we were when the now Director of Cricket stepped away from team playing matters in 2016. All those hopes of 2016 have been dashed, we've gone backwards on more than one occasion over that time and only thanks to the positive spin of the Trent Bridge propaganda machine have senior staff kept their jobs. The so-called Top Table at Trent Bridge have now become a cosy, so comfortable with eachother, institution and it isn't working for the club on the field as results in 2024 have shown. Bottom of the North Group in the counties' shop window event the T20 Blast, nowhere near qualification for the knock-out stages of the One Day Cup and clinging on in the Championship to our Division 1 status. The success of the second eleven has to be built upon and player development must not be allowed to be stifled anymore by the signing of inadequate stop gap players from other counties, the DoC has so much [too much]history of doing this in his decades at the helm. It is time for long over due CHANGE at Trent Bridge. 

There will be a lot of members that will support the CEO, the DoC and the head coach to the hilt. But, I would suggest to those members that the three people [The Top Table]in question have been in positions so long [too long], and that they can't differentiate their support now between that for the Top Table and that for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.

I don't think I'm alone in believing that the environment created at our club, that of cronyism and nepotism, where conflicts of interest are just ignored, is in anyway good for the future success of our club or for cricket in general within our county borders. It is time for a CHANGE of leadership.

Enough of the soapbox ranting, as nothing will change whilst there's a prospect of huge sums of money heading the Trent Rockets' way. Talk about conflicts of interest...

Can Notts blow a fifteen point cushion? It would require Lancashire to almost probably win, and Notts to lose without gaining any bonus points [something that Notts have managed to do before in Septembers past during the reign of our now DoC]. But, we're better than that now aren't we, and we don't want to be relying on the weather either do we?

A win would push us above Warwickshire, who have had "an underwhelming season", and this has started a lot of media speculation about their own head coach's job security.