Indeed, it was superb, had a great team working on it.

Not so great when he's holding a bat in it mind...

Div 2 promotion race bubbling along nicely. It's entirely possible that Derbyshire - I still remain to be convinced that it's a real county, but hey ho - could spaff this up quite spectacularly.

Meanwhile, it's Bairstow and Woakes for Trott and Finn. Ravi-Bop to bat at 3. So that'll be.... yeah.
Ryan McLaren and Tsotsobe out for the Saffers. Morne back and Justin Ontong added in their stead. England won toss and bat first.

2-ball duck for Ravi...

Surely he's used all his chances now.

If Trott wasn't injured today, I wonder if he'd have got a game. Bairstow, Buttler and others all demanding inclusion.

Ravi not on his own in getting himself out. Poor shots from Bairstow, Morgan and now Cook. Trouble at 99/5.

why isn't Andy Flower present to watch this rubbish ?

Insipid batting performance

this is village green stuff - players actually get paid to produce shots like these ?

The wife and kids can't take themselves to the beach. Would have thought turning up to games was a pretty important part of the job...

thought he may have the decency to turn up and earn his money ?

can't believe the attitude of the guy

Given it's a year-round job, I can't begrudge the guy a day off.

Trouble is that without the gaffer sat watching over them, it's a bit like when my boss is off. Yes I'm in the office, yes I'm [itechnically[/i doing my job, but..... y'know.

I don't begrudge him time off, but why not start your holiday today? It's like Roy Hodgson going away today for a week off.

So he's back in time for the build-up to the World t20?

piffle !

he should be there - end of.

I appreciate there's a need for him to have a break from time-to-time, but I've no idea if they're doing it the right way.


Warwickshire will win the championship today - fairly convinced of that. Five more wickets required.
Kent trying to wangle James Tredwell into their side which Derbyshire are, understandably, not happy about. Glamorgan 5 down v Yorkshire and only five runs in front. Essex holding Hants up, which is nice.

Just spent the first two days of the Championship match at Lord's in the pavillion. Enjoyed it, bloody marvellous setting to watch cricket. Even got to 'perambulate' on the outfield.

Just a pity the cricket itself hasn't exactly gone to plan.

Warwickshire are champions

They could've at least waited until next week, the boring c*nts.

Varun Chopra for England, surely

Bit swarthy to get into the England side, but if Bopara gets dropped then a space might open up.

Barring Kent making an almighty cobblers of the last 4 sessions it looks like a three-way scrap atop Division 2. Given Kent play Glamorgan last, they appear to be in pole position weather permitting.

Get him a Saffer passport and a gripe about quotas and we're sorted.

While we go to Chelmsfort... Tasty