27-04-2019, 15:38
And so to the biggest match of our season so far: the first Bears-Pears derby of 2019 at New Road on Sunday. It's getting on for two years since the Bears last got the better of Worcestershire in any format, and three years since they did it in the One-Day Cup; nor is recent form on their side, as they're winless in the competition so far, and effectively eliminated with just one point on the board. However, that may just take the pressure off them and allow them to produce a better showing tomorrow.
It's surprising to see Warwickshire struggle so much, less than twelve months after last year's all-or-nothing, champions-or-bust derby in the final group game which the Pears only snatched at the death. Lack of runs seems to be a massive problem, with Tim Ambrose their top scorer and the likes of Hain and Sibley having a pitiful competition so far; all in all, not a single Bears batsman has contributed a century to the cause yet. With the ball, Jeetan Patel is leading the wicket stakes with 9, while young Henry Brookes follows with 7; if he's cleared to play, Chris Woakes will obviously be a major threat too.
For Worcestershire, having delivered an exemplary bowling performance at Wantage Road, the team simply needs to settle down and play sensibly with the bat, whether chasing or setting a score. There are too many collapses going on, and if we're going to go all the way this year, we need more of a backbone to the batting order.
The weather's set for light cloud and moderate breezes, with the sun breaking through in the afternoon; perhaps a day for chasing, if we win the toss.
Probable Worcestershire XI: Wessels, Rutherford, Fell, Mitchell, D'Oliveira, Cox, Whiteley, Barnard, Parnell, Tongue, Morris
"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley