Before a ball was bowled, if you had offered me two wins out of three for the start of our T20 campaign, I’m sure I would have taken it.
But I must admit that there is a tinge of disappointment that we aren’t sitting here with a 100 per cent record.
It’s always a blow to lose a local derby like we did at Worcestershire Rapids on Friday, particularly with the Norman Gifford Trophy on the line.
It was brilliant to play at Edgbaston on Sunday and hopefully the crowds will be back out in force again this weekend.
Grant Elliott
But the fact that we got within five runs of chasing down 193 despite a blip in the middle order shows both the strength and character we have got in the squad.
It’s also pleasing that the two matches we have won – against last year’s champions Notts Outlaws and Yorkshire Vikings – have come with eight wickets and plenty of balls to spare.
It’s given the guys a real confidence boost heading into the remainder of the season.
I’ve been pleased for Henry Brookes who has come into the side and looked a real threat, bowling with pace and aggression.
Brooksey has been taking wickets up front, which is crucial, and it looks like he has got a really bright future.
Partnerships are so important in T20 cricket and, with the bat, Ed Pollock and Ian Bell have really hit it off.
Ed has got us off to a couple of absolutely flying starts. He has a real freedom about the way he plays and getting 33 off the first over against Yorkshire was an astonishing start.
If we can get him to push on for even more of the innings – for maybe 10 overs or so – we should have the platform to post some really big scores.
At the other end, it’s great to see Belly back in the T20 team and playing so well. Some of the shots Ian has played in the first three games have oozed class and he is also going along at a good rate.
We are now looking forward to a few days of hard practice before home games against Leicestershire Foxes on Friday and Durham Jets on Sunday.
It was brilliant to play at Edgbaston on Sunday and hopefully the crowds will be back out in force again this weekend.
Most of the banter in the dressing room this week has been centered around the World Cup.
Will Rhodes is leading the believers who think it will be England’s year and has been pretty vocal on Whatsapp. I even joined in the fun at the toss of our first game by claiming ‘It’s Coming Home’.
It’s fair to say a few of the squad aren’t quite as convinced Harry Kane will be lifting the trophy come Sunday. I won’t name and shame who they are but there are one or two signs of them jumping on the bandwagon!
