'Soft' Bears are back in the mire.

Byline: Brian Halford

ASHLEY Giles lamented the "soft" first-innings batting by Warwickshire which sentenced them to Championship defeat at Durham and reeled them back into the First Division relegation battle.

While Jonathan Trott was increasing his fan club by several million with a debut Test century, his colleagues back in the Bears side were suffering an eight-wicket hammering up at the Riverside.

The good news was Jim Troughton's return to form with a second-innings century.

But Troughton's 111 was doomed to be in a losing cause after the Bears' collapse to 135 first time round doomed them to defeat.

As they approach a vital tussle with Yorkshire at Scarborough starting on Wednesday, Warwickshire know they desperately need to bat well in the first innings to impose pressure rather than suffer it.

The early-season run-fests are fading from memory. In their last three first innings the Bears have mustered just 261 against Somerset, 219 (from 66 for six) against Nottinghamshire and 135 at Durham.

"Our first-innings batting at Durham was soft," admitted director of cricket Giles. "There was no lack of effort but against a top team we had to be on our mettle. Our top order had to pull their weight. But we messed it up.

"That is something we must remedy as a batting unit because in the last two first innings we have left ourselves battling uphill for the rest of the match.

"At least we showed grit and determination in the second innings at the Riverside which was pleasing.

"I was very happy for Jim that he got a century because he has been through a really tough time and hopefully that will kick-start him.

"Ateeq Javed came in and showed he is a very good player and it was valuable experience for him to bat against such a good bowling attack."

Javed will step down at Scarborough if, as is hoped, Ian Bell is freed to return from England duty. Boyd Rankin, who has a groin strain, will be absent so Neil Carter is set to return.

Trott, meanwhile, won't see much more county action this season after his sensational arrival in Test cricket.

There's not much dignity in saying "I told you so" but, ah well, here goes. Mail readers were advised on March 13: "Don't back against Jonathan Trott playing for England in the Ashes this summer."

CAPTION(S):

Back in form: Jim Troughton.