Paul Edwards reports on Day Two of Warwickshire v Essex

The locals on the 45 bus from Station Street were not at their most chipper this morning. “It looks like a very good toss to win,” said one as he reflected on the Bears’ overnight 113 for seven. “It should be an excellent batting wicket…tomorrow,” added his mate gloomily and went on to sketch out the grim prospect of Essex needing to bat once before leaving Warwickshire with around four sessions to save the game in their second innings. 

It said something that not even the blossom on the trees in Calthorpe Park seemed able to cheer them. One saw their point, of course, but cricket’s gentle mockery is not reserved for the hopeful.  And the players are doomed if they give way to the dark humours of defeat.