Barnard's Five-for Gives Warwickshire Edge Over Somerset

Barnard’s Five-for Gives Warwickshire Edge Over Somerset

Warwickshire’s Ed Barnard starred with a five-wicket haul as they gained the upper hand against Somerset on day two of their Vitality County Championship clash at Edgbaston.

Resuming on 277 for six, Warwickshire added 60 for four in ten overs, with Michael Burgess (69) and Jake Bethell (64) extending their partnership to 122 before both fell in quick succession. The tail-enders then wagged aggressively, with Michael Rae contributing 28 from 22, to push the home side’s total to 337.

Somerset’s reply got off to a disastrous start as they slumped to nought for two, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Andy Umeed dismissed cheaply. Barnard then struck twice to remove Tom Abell and Tom Banton, leaving the visitors reeling at 65 for five.

Kasey Aldridge (84) and James Rew (49) provided some resistance, adding 87 for the sixth wicket. However, Barnard continued to chip away, dismissing Rew and Josh Davey in quick succession. He then had Jack Leach caught at second slip to complete his five-for, with Somerset eventually bowled out for 239.

Warwickshire lost Rob Yates early in their second innings, but Alex Davies and Will Rhodes saw them through to the close on 27 for one, giving them a lead of 125 runs.

Warwickshire Fight Back with Bethell-Burgess Partnership

Warwickshire Fight Back with Bethell-Burgess Partnership

Warwickshire’s resilience shone through on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship clash against Somerset at Edgbaston. Despite Somerset’s early dominance, the home side fought back valiantly to reach a respectable 277 for 6, thanks to a crucial partnership between Jacob Bethell and Michael Burgess.

Somerset, seeking a victory to keep pace with Division One leaders Surrey, opted to bowl first. Their seamers initially put Warwickshire on the back foot, reducing them to 165 for 6. However, Bethell and Burgess stepped up to the plate, adding an unbroken 112 in 30 overs to bail out their team.

Bethell, with his explosive batting style, smashed a 15-ball T20 half-century earlier this year. However, on this occasion, he displayed remarkable technique, concentration, and selectivity to guide Warwickshire out of trouble. The 20-year-old reached his fifth first-class half-century from 107 balls, providing a solid foundation for Burgess to attack at the other end.

Burgess, who had scored a century against Somerset at Taunton seven weeks ago, continued his impressive form. He lifted Jack Leach for six over long on and cleared the ropes twice more in an over off the spinner to reach his half-century from just 66 balls.

The seventh-wicket pair’s resilience and determination left Somerset frustrated. Craig Overton and Josh Davey both took two wickets, but Somerset’s bowlers struggled to maintain consistent pressure, mixing good balls with too many loose offerings.

Warwickshire, who are battling relegation, will be grateful for the contributions of Bethell and Burgess. The duo’s partnership has given them a platform to build on and push for their first Championship victory of the season.

Warwickshire Edge Surrey by Three Runs in Metro Bank One-Day Cup Thriller

Warwickshire Edge Surrey by Three Runs in Metro Bank One-Day Cup Thriller

Warwickshire’s unbeaten run in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup continued as they edged out a depleted Surrey side by a thrilling three runs at Rugby School.

Chris Benjamin’s fluent 75 and Michael Burgess’ classy 60 propelled Warwickshire to a competitive 311 for 9. James Taylor and Cameron Steel led the Surrey bowling attack, which was missing 15 players due to England and Hundred commitments.

Surrey’s response fell just short at 308 for 9, despite a brilliant 149 from Dom Sibley against his former team. Sibley’s innings featured 12 fours and four sixes, but only Ben Geddes (62) provided significant support.

Warwickshire’s innings got off to a shaky start as Ed Barnard was dismissed early by Taylor. However, Rob Yates and Will Rhodes steadied the ship with a 58-run partnership. Yates departed after pulling a Geddes delivery to deep square leg, while Rhodes was bowled by Steel.

Hamza Shaikh provided some entertainment with a six over midwicket, but he soon fell to Conor McKerr at long-on. Benjamin and Burgess then took control of the innings, adding 117 runs in 14 overs. Benjamin struck the ball with power and precision, reaching his half-century in just 38 balls. Burgess followed suit with his eighth List A half-century.

Benjamin’s innings came to an end when he was caught at mid-off, but Kai Smith’s cameo of 26 lifted Warwickshire’s total over 300.

Surrey’s reply began brightly as Sibley and Ryan Patel put on a 50-run opening partnership. However, Patel’s dismissal triggered a collapse as Surrey lost four wickets in quick succession. Geddes, Rory Burns, Ben Foakes, and Steel all departed, leaving Sibley stranded on 124.

Josh Blake’s lively 26 gave Surrey hope, but he was dismissed by Oliver Hannon-Dalby. Sibley reached his century, but his hopes of guiding Surrey to victory were dashed when he edged Hannon-Dalby to Burgess.

With 39 runs needed from three overs, Nathan Barnwell and Taylor gave it their all, but they fell just short in a thrilling finish.

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