After rumblings of discontent at Lord's brought about a vote of no confidence in the Middlesex committee, the players have responded in the best way possible: a strong showing in the Twenty20 Cup (with big-hitting Dawid Malan to the fore) and gutsy performances in the Championship. Only a rearguard action by Gloucestershire's lower order prevented Ed Joyce leading his side to a third win in succession. Worcestershire are hoping to sign Nathan Bracken after Fidel Edwards suffered a knee injury and withdrew from his stint as overseas player. The Aussie paceman is fit again, and would reignite the county's spluttering promotion push. Andrew Shields
