Lords last week showed a promising start for the slightly new-look England side, defeating the West Indies within 3 days with a strong performance. Yes, it was a shame for all those that had tickets for a Saturday but we often have Wednesday starts these days with all the international cricket that need to be fitted in so I’m not bothered (especially as I saw the best day live!).

There were good performances in particular with the bat from Ravi Bop and Swann, whilst Swann also performed with the ball, as did newcomer, Graham Onions. I was questioning who might be our final bowler the other week and Onions has made it difficult for anyone else to jump in there by showing some good pace and getting the all important wickets. Bresnan didn’t really have a chance in the whole test, which makes you wonder the wisdom of a five man attack when Freddie isn’t around. That’s probably why they’ve bought Bell back into the squad for the next test, it gives them the option of using four bowlers then if they need them, Ravi and Colly can turn their arm over. It’s probably the way I’d go without a standout replacement out there.

The other thing the early finish to the match gave us was Sky Sports re-showing the 2005 Ashes series highlights, brilliant viewing for any England fan and the thing that came across most was that Shane Warne was by far and away the most threatening players the Aussies had back then, even with the likes of McGrath and Lee in the side. Now, with no decent spinner to talk of, I’m feeling more confident that we can do a number on them and claim back those Ashes this summer. Foolhardy thinking maybe but I’m going with it for the moment!!