Notts bat through day for maximum batting points

With more than 300 overs lost on the first three days, Nottinghamshire just used the final day of their match against Warwickshire for some batting practice and to pick up some valuable bonus points.

Darren Bicknell and Greg Blewett began the day with the score on 41--1 and the pair were still together at lunch, having extended the total to 159--1, with the Australian on 80 not out and his partner safely past his own half-century.

The Warwickshire bowlers toiled away in search of success but were surprised at the manner in which they eventually got it. Blewett, who had again batted superbly, had reached 99 before trying to cut a widish delivery from Mo Sheikh and bottom--edged it on to his off stump. Notts' second-wicket partnership had been worth 173.

Bicknell though, made sure of his hundred by turning Alan Richardson for a single (219 balls 15x4s). The Bears were again rocked by another sizeable stand as Usman Afzaal began to demonstrate his touch and timing.

Afzaal had a slight scare when a mistimed hook off Sheikh landed between the fielders but there were no further alarms as he progressed to a very fluent 50 (95 balls 8x4s). His stand with Bicknell was worth 151 but a tired--looking drive cost Afzaal his wicket, spooning the ball to Nick Knight in the covers off Neil Smith's right arm off--spin.

Paul Johnson only made six before he also fell to Smith, superbly caught at mid-wicket by the tumbling Michael Powell. Bicknell though, was not to be denied. A straight six off Smith and 19 boundaries took him to his 150 as Notts pushed on towards maximum batting points.

Kevin Pietersen made a quickfire eleven but became Smith's third victim with a sliced slog which flew to Mel Betts at deep backward point.

Bicknell's highest score for Notts had been his 180 not out at Edgbaston last season and he was within 13 runs of equalling it when he fell to Vasbert Drakes. Warwickshire took the new ball at 100 overs and Drakes bowled a no--ball with his first attempt but the next delivery took an outside edge and flashed to second slip where Dominic Ostler took a good catch above his head.

With three overs of the day's play remaining Notts reached their 400 target for the maximum batting points. As the players trooped off, thoughts turned to the two forthcoming matches between the sides, Sunday in the National League and on Wednesday in the B&H quarter-finals.