I don't like cricket, no no....

I realise that this is possibly of little interest to many of you, but today marks the start of the First Test in the 2005 Ashes Series between England and Australia at Lords. This is always an exciting day, but it is especially exciting this year because England have improved out of sight over the last few years and are now the number 2 side in the world.... to Australia. Should be good.

For those of you with no idea or little interest in what I'm talking about, I won't bother to try to explain the appeal. I once made the mistake of trying to explain cricket to a Dane, and she couldn't get past the fact that she thought it was unfair that the fielding side had all 11 players on the pitch to the batting side's 2. Needless to say, the explanation didn't get as far as trying to explain the intricacies of the lbw law.

There are 5 tests in the series in all. With the Premiership football season due to start on the afternoon of the 3rd day of the 3rd Test at Old Trafford, let's hope that England are doing well enough by then to have a fighting chance of staying on the back pages, eh?

I'll try not to bore you with this again (unless it gets very exciting).... but I am hereby giving you advance warning that we are going to the Saturday of the 4th Test at Trent Bridge in Fancy Dress, as is our tradition, and I may treat you all to some photos....

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Oh, and the lie was number 10. I was in the choir, but the head chorister was a chap by the name of David Amdor. As I mentioned, Statue John was in the same choir.... I think he still has the robes and ruff tucked away somewhere for special occasions. I know I do.

Congrats to the disappointingly nicknamed Rufus-Fan. The usual prize awaits.... the honour of naming a post on this blog.... apply within for details.

I'll take questions on the rest, if you like.