The Final Score Warwickshire 2012

A highly entertaining match ended in stalemate, as the very slow pitch was the eventual winner. Notts took the new ball with 10 overs remaining with the visitors eight wickets down, but none of 59 deliveries that were bowled with a new cherry beat the bat, summing up not only this match but all the matches at TB this season. The pitches are far too flat on days 3 and 4 doing nobody any favours, Mr Birks get more life and pace in them for 2013 please.

Notts batted for a further four overs this morning adding 25 runs as the ninth wicket partnership had raised 81 runs with Franks  86 not out and Fletcher 42 not out. The Bears required 421 off 90 overs, a very stiff target.

An outstanding spell into the wind by Luke Fletcher gave Notts hope. Chopra after being dropped on six by Mullaney at slip off Phillips added a further two runs before edging to Read. Sixteen runs later, Maddy departed in identical fashion; 30 for two. Troughton lasted nine balls before becoming the third Bear to be dismissed c Read b Fletcher; 32 for three. As well as Notts were bowling the pitch was as flat as a pancake and extremely slow; furthermore the strong wind negated any swing. Westwood and Clarke added 46 in 12 overs, as it was now clear that Warwick had no interest in chasing the distant target. Franks produced a fine delivery that kept low and demolished Clarke’s (31) stumps; 78 for four. Blackwell joined Westwood and it took 18 overs to take another wicket, when the preserving White got Westwood (46) to edge one to Mullaney at slip; 135 for five, and Notts now had a chance.

Blackwell and Woakes though batted stubbornly without giving a chance until on the stroke of tea Wessels was introduced bowling off spin. The ball before tea was hit by Woakes to Franks mid on who picked up the ball late and failed to hold the chance. Wessels denied his second ever wicket for Notts.

The ball was bouncing lower and lower and Franks came on at the Radcliffe Road and had a golden spell of three wickets in nine balls. With Read standing up to the stumps, Blackwell on 44 fell to superlative catch by Mullaney in the gulley. Next ball Johnson departed for a golden duck plumb leg before. The third victim was Woakes who fell for 80 to fine catch by Edwards at short extra. Edwards was as expected released from the club earlier in the day after three years of massive underachievement. Warwick were now 235 for eight with 13 overs remaining. But despite great efforts from the bowlers, the ninth wicket pair of Barker and Wright easily survived. Warwick closed on 290 for eight as the season ended at 1746 with Franks finishing with four for 47 and Fletcher three for 58. The figures being displayed on the old scoreboard which will be shortly demolished. 

Without a win since May, Notts finished fifth in the table. The bowling had over-reliance on Adams, and the injured Pattinson was sorely missed. The choice of an overseas batter at number six was misguided when an overseas bowler seemed a much more logical choice. Read, Adams and Lumb had outstanding seasons. Wessels looks an excellent player in the making and Hales came good late on. Fletcher after his three month sabbatical bowled well in the last month and if he gets his fitness sorted would a fine asset to the club, Carter developed as a player and bowled a few magical spells but is very much work in progress.  Gurney and Phillips were useful support bowlers. Franks apart from this match, Edgbaston and Taunton was disappointing with the ball but is still a fine clubman and has a lot to offer to the club. Patel had a poor championship season as did Voges. Mullaney should have been given more opportunities. Titch Taylor must have a much better 2013 and he was fortunate to get his Test cap based on his championship form. White must improve his batting prowess. 2013 will see Kelsall and Wood given a chance to prove themselves. Rumour has it that Harris may join his old mate Gillespie at Yorkshire, maybe Notts may take a punt with Jack Brooks. 2012 will be remembered most for the appalling weather. See you next season and let’s hope for much better season both on the pitch and up in the skies. MAG