Warwickshire’s hopes of salvaging a draw against Nottinghamshire were boosted on the third day of their Vitality Championship clash at Edgbaston, as rain washed out the first two sessions and limited play to just 35 overs.
Resuming on 71 for 3, Warwickshire advanced their first innings to 175 for 5, with Ed Barnard anchoring the innings with a studious 69 (142 balls). The former Worcestershire player reached his half-century in 100 balls and shared a crucial 84-run partnership with Jake Bethell (38 not out).
Nottinghamshire’s bowlers, led by Dillon Pennington (3 for 40), toiled hard on a placid pitch that offered little assistance. However, Barnard’s resolute batting and Bethell’s newfound patience frustrated their efforts to force a result.
The visitors had earlier posted a formidable 400 all out, thanks to a brilliant double-century from Ben Duckett (218). Despite the excellent bowling conditions on the second afternoon, Warwickshire’s bowlers were unable to replicate their success on the third day, as the cloud cover lifted and the pitch behaved well.
With the follow-on target set at 251, Warwickshire need just 76 more runs to reach safety on the final morning. If they can achieve that, a draw, which has always been the most likely outcome, will become a certainty.
However, Nottinghamshire still harbor a glimmer of hope. If their seamers can make early inroads tomorrow, they could put the home side under pressure and potentially force a result.
