Warwickshire first team coach, Mark Robinson, said the team is ‘still alive’ after multiple rain delays resulted in little cricket played in day two of their relegation battle against Hampshire.
The Warks must win this game if they are to remain in County Championship Division One next season.
“We are chasing a game, because of the situation where we are this season, we need to win,” said Robinson.
“We have been helped out a little bit at the moment by Gloucester, who has denied Yorkshire a bonus point.
“So, it means we just need to win the game now. We get one batting point if we win the game and Yorkshire lose, and we have probably managed to get six snookers to stay up, but we have not been helped by the weather.
“It has been dreadfully frustrating not to play at times when the sun is out, but that goes with playing in late September.”
Only 32.1 overs were played on Tuesday. Both lunch and tea intervals were taken whilst dry, but the final session of the day was cut short due to bad light.
The Bears declared on 272 runs for four wickets, and the game will resume tomorrow, with improved conditions on the forecast.
Speaking on how his players have handled the conditions today, Robinson said: “They have been really good. I think there was a moment yesterday where you remind them of why we play, and to be excited about playing because of the long the winter, and to make sure that we are ready for when we have to go out.
“That is the hard bit, making sure that you are switched on and making sure you are not getting caught short.
“They are excited at the moment because they have a sea of chance.
“Last season we were trying to win the championship, and every day we kept saying that we were still alive.”
Warwickshire won the county cricket championship last season for the eighth time in club history, their first since 2012.
Speaking on how much a win to stay up would mean in comparison to a title win, Robinson said: “Nearly as much, you can not beat winning. It is only the eighth time the club has ever won a championship, so what the club did last year, and what the team did was special.
“We have not been dealt very good cards the past month, but to do it against the odds would be special.”
Comments