Bears Aim To Stop Essex And Boost Survival Bid

EDGBASTON plays host to a crunch clash next week – that will have huge ramifications at both ends of the County Championship table.

- Charlie Talbot-Smith

Table toppers Essex arrive in pole position for a second title in three years while hosts Warwickshire are fighting for their lives at the other end of the table.

Indeed, were it not for Nottinghamshire’s red-ball woes this year – Warwickshire would be red-hot favourites for an immediate return to Division Two.

The Bears have won just twice in four-day cricket all summer, and not once since June.

But all-rounder Will Rhodes insists this young Bears side under Paul Farbrace have a perfect template for success to examine when Essex arrive next week.

“Essex are a top side, the depth in their batting is pretty frightening. They have players who can hurt you from No.1 to No.8,” said Rhodes, who went on loan to Essex from former club Yorkshire back in 2016.