CRICKET: IAN Bell’s first century for Warwickshire in 13 months was all in vain as the Bears lost against Worcestershire in their latest Royal London One-day Cup match at New Road.
Warwickshire’s fortunes were reversed just 48 hours later though as they defeated Yorkshire by five wickets on Sunday at Edgbaston.
Sunday’s win will have little impact on Bears’ season though as the defending Royal London One-day Cup champions made an early exit from the tournament this year following a poor start to the season.
Bears made the short trip to New Road on Friday where Ian Bell’s side posted a huge 304/5 in a match reduced to 45 overs following a rain interrupted fixture.
Worcestershire were set a revised target of 241 in 34 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
The reduction in overs prompted debate.
Some thought it made Worcestershire’s task easier, others felt seven-an-over was tough.
In reply, Worcestershire were helped by a strong 50 from Joe Clarke and Ben Cox who made 49 from 41 balls.
The Pears chased down their target in 31.5 overs at a run rate of 7.57 per over.
Jim Troughton’s side’s fortunes turned around on Sunday though as Bears defeated high-flying Yorkshire.
The Bears’ defence of the trophy was already over after six successive defeats while the White Rose went into the match top of the group and knowing victory would take them through to the next phase.
Yorkshire built a strong total courtesy of Joe Root who hit a stylish 83 from 98 balls and a strong sixth-wicket stand of 116 in 15.1 overs between Tim Bresnan and Matthew Waite.
Yorkshire’s innings ended at 281/8, but Warwickshire’s were quick to signal their intent to the visiting side as Jonathan Trott hit 70 runs from 69 balls while Sam Hain chipped in with 55 from 64 balls.
Azeem Rafiq’s spin bowling caused the Bears a few problems, however a superb 111 in just 106 balls from Ian Bell guided Warwickshire to win the game by five wickets with support from Rikki Clarke.
