The two heroic draws in 09/10 helped disguise the fact that SA are generally much stronger than Eng. They are clearly prone to having bad days and Tahir isnt anything special, so I dont think we're completely out of the series. But I think they've got our measure.

India beaten inside 20 overs by Sri Lanka. Which wouldn't be bad if it was a t20, but it was an ODI. Thisara Perera didn't concede a run until he'd taken three wickets.

Sussex hit 38 in an over against Gloucestershire.

No doubt it will all be Bresnan's fault and the clamour for Finn's inclusion will increase from the southern based media.

Despite the fact he has better Test batting, bowling and strike rate figures than one Oakham School educated former England player's son.

And why were those England players with Home Counties teams released for the T20s but the northern ones not?

The northern ones are all bowlers and are being given a rollocking?

I was thinking more of the delights of Grace Road...



May try and find you on Sunday then, seeing as we've threatened to be in the same place at the same time on a few occasions.



Should be a good game. As long as they don't do the double over us, I'd like to have at least one remaining thing to hold over the Yorkies...

Enjoyable evening at Headingley. Even when the cricket flags you can amuse yourself watching what could be described as "Pointless tasks given to stewards". On one side of the ground they spent the evening trying to stop spectators moving into unoccupied areas. Slowly working their way sideways as the stand became too full. It was like watching a battle being gradually lost.

They also designated one half of the north east stand as a "Family Stand" ie no alcohol. But they only had one tiny sign indicating this fact. Hence groups would take their seats, send one of their number off to the bar, only to be told when he returned with the beer "you cant drink here". Of course by then the side of the stand where drinks are allowed was full of non drinking families.

I'm sure someone is employed by Yorks CCC with the sole task of dreaming up ways of annoying speccies.

Cracking day out at Headingley yesterday. G4S laughably inept and gave up trying to steward the Western Terrace.
Mitchell Starc unavailable for finals day though - Aus got an ODI against Afghanistan.

Think I'm in the North Stand, will PM you when I know for sure.

Bopara out (personal reasons) and James Taylor in for Headingley, so we'll either have a new man to suffer the curse of the England #6 or bring Finn in and go with five bowlers.

Looking at the forecast, draw seems a strong favourite. Can see the refund policy coming into effect and another bath taken by the club.