Nottinghamshire recover before rain forces early tea

Nottinghamshire, having been asked to bat first had reached 133-3 when heavy rain forced an early tea to be taken on the first day of their Division Two match against Warwickshire.

There was a dramatic start to the afternoon session when Allan Donald who had taken both of the morning's wickets, went round the wicket to bowl tot he left-handed Afzaal. Immediately upon release the South African fell to the ground clutching his left instep. He bowled another delivery but was clearly in pain and limped off in his stockinged feet. The over, the 30th of the innings, was completed by Ashley Giles.

With the NatWest semi's less than two weeks away Warwickshire's supporters will have been heartened to see their spearhead return to the field after an absence of half an hour. He visibly signalled to team-mates that strapping had been applied to the injury.

Ed Giddins didn't have much success when he played on this ground in the last match against Zimbabwe but he bowled a tidy line after lunch and was rewarded in the seventh over of his spell with the wicket of Gallian. As often happens - circumstance played a big part in the dismissal. The bowler was warned rather pointedly about running on the pitch during his follow through. Giddins, clearly anxious not to offend again, fell away in his delivery stride and as a result bowled a long-hop.

Gallian couldn't have hit the ball sweeter but was distraught to witness Dougie Brown dive to his right at square leg and take a stunning catch. The Nottinghamshire captain had played well for his 31 and had helped put on 89 for the 3rd wicket. His partner in that stand, Usman Afzaal, should have fallen in Giddins next over but David Hemp dropped a straightforward chance at second slip.

Afzaal then promptly drove Giles for his seventh four to bring up his half century off 97 balls, to go with the 2 x 100's and three other fifties he's scored in the last five Championship matches.

A heavy downpour held up play for 30 minutes but on the resumption only eight deliveries were permitted before another sharp shower sent the players scurrying from the field for an early tea.