Good Bank Holiday crowd heralds Trent Bridge start
by Steve Williams, 18th April 2003

Glorious sunshine and a good Bank Holiday crowd heralded the start of the County Championship season against Warwickshire at Trent Bridge.

Warwickshire, after winning the toss, lost Nick Knight for 1 to Greg Smith's first delivery, but moved to 125-3 at lunch. Franks and Elworthy bowled well after the break, the latter having Wagh caught behind for a fine 73. Charlie Shreck, on his Championship debut, then bowled a hostile spell to end with figures of 4-33 , as the visitors slipped to 222 all out.

Notts, however, made a disastrous start in reply. Gallian, Afzaal and Pietersen (first ball) were all dismissed with just 15 on the board. Bicknell was then joined by Chris Cairns and both hit some excellent shots. But with Cairns looking set for a big score, he played the wrong line to Richardson and was bowled for 44, all but 2 of his runs coming in boundaries.

Bicknell followed soon after for 61 to leave Notts in a precarious position of 121-5. But some good hitting by Shafayat and Read took them to within 34 runs of the Warwickshire total by the close.

An entertaining day's play was enjoyed by the sun-kissed crowd, as Notts ended with slightly the upper hand.