Ashes heroes on view

It is always a pleasure to visit Trent Bridge and today's County Championship match between Notts and Warwickshire had added promise as it afforded the rare opportunity to see four of the winter's successful England team in action for their county sides, Broad and Swan for the home side and Trott and Bell for the visitors. Reed's decision to field first on winning the toss made things even better for it meant that Broad would be taking the new ball and in anticipation of early wickets it seemed likely that he would soon be testing Bell and Trott.
At The Riverside last week Phil Mustard gave Somerset first knock and they responded with 645. At what point did the Durham captain consign plan A to that large dustbin marked 'seemed like a good idea at the time'? At Trent Bridge today Reed's decision seemed eminently sensible; the pitch had a greenish tinge and there was heavy cloud cover but Chopra and Porterfield opened up with a partnership of 72 off 16 overs before Chopra drove loosely at Shreck and was well caught by Voges at slip. Shortly after this, rain sent the players from the field and when play resumed at twenty past two only two overs were possible before the rain returned. In a day when thirty seven overs were lost, all the Warwickshire batsmen made solid contributions and Bell was sixty eight not out at the close. Tomorrow's forecast is much better and Bell and Yousuf will hope to extend their stand, already worth 53. With Maddy at number eight the Bears have plenty of batting to come and the two captains will probably feel the game is reasonably balanced but the pre lunch session tomorrow could be critical.
Broad and Swann both ended the day wicketless, indeed Swann's two overs went for fifteen but there can be no question that they will be in Strauss's side at Cardiff next Thursday, as of course will Bell and Trott.
By the time I got back to York the belt of rain had moved away and the evening was fine and sunny.It was of course disappointing to have been there on a day when so much play was lost but I was charged only £8 for my excellent seat and I can strongly recommend the chicken and mushroom pie served at lunch.