Giles leads by example as Warwickshire fight back
by Steve Williams, 20th April 2003

Spirited batting by the tail order, gave the visitors a chance of victory at a cool and blustery Trent Bridge today.

Starting the day just 35 runs ahead, Warwickshire soon lost Ostler for 58 and an early finish looked possible. But in came captain Ashley Giles to join Dougie Brown in a dogged 7th wicket partnership. In contrast to the first day's bowling, only Greg Smith bowled with any threat and coupled with the attacking field, the pair added 129 before Brown played on to Smith for 52. When Giles fell 6 short of his century, Melvyn Betts struck out and he was just 2 short of a career-best when the last wicket fell.

However, the total of 390 set Notts 264 to win - a target that seemed unlikely at start of play. Only Smith with 5-98 bowled with any distinction.

Notts replied with the only cautious batting spell of the match and despite the early loss of Gallian, Bicknell and Afzaal steadily built the score. But shortly before the close, both Afzaal and night watchman Elworthy fell, to leave the game nicely poised. With a further 141 needed with 7 wickets in hand, Notts should just be favourites.