MaidstoneFox

Only anecdotal, but the online booking system at our GP seems to be working better now and I've managed to get call-backs, appointments etc, with blood test results back in a few days; it has restoring some confidence that I can go for treatment. Doesn't seem to be in complete melt-down anymore. Similarly, our daughter's wait for her regular prosthetic appointment has gone from 6 months last year down to a few weeks now. To some extent it may be clearing the Covid backlog.

It's Joshua Thomas. Left-arm spinner and batter from Somerset.

Which perhaps makes the case then for picking someone who offers something with the bat and/or more control as Jadeja does.

There was quite a long discussion evaluating Bashir on 'The Analyst' last night. Simon Hughes and Simon Mann concluded that he was having to bowl in conditions that don't offer spin and never in the fourth innings, because England like to chase, furthermore, he is seen as a long term investment for Australia, where his height and bounce will be useful. However, they also pointed out that he offers nothing with the bat, whereas Bethell does and could hold one end up with his spin. Hughes talked about Jack Carson of Sussex, who is a much better batter and quite possibly a better spinner than Bashir.

Just been up there today, great atmosphere as usual in Birmingham. England looked out on their feet, tired shots and bowling lacked zip and preparation. Could have done with Jimmy this morning. Great comeback from India after the first test, though the pitch and lack of sideways movement is suiting them perhaps more than us. Seems a bit like we are removing our home advantage by having such flat pitches.

He would be better as an old-fashioned sweeper or libero (I'm not comparing him to Beckenbauer), but it would match his strengths more, which are bringing the ball from the back, interceptions, passing. He doesn't mark, track, position or head as well, so the freer role would suit him

Not his day. Looks like we have another Surrey player turning out for us - Stuart Van der Merwe. 20 year old right hand bat, only played 2nd XL cricket so far, but perhaps he surplus to requirements at Surrey.

Nearly all over now. At this point they will probably have figured that they will benefit more from a day off tomorrow, as otherwise they would have had only one day off between this four day game and the Blast game starting on Friday. The schedule is ridiculous.

Right arm over, seamer. Similar to his dad. I think he is 17, maybe 18 now or soon.

Dean's lad. We'll have a great bowling line-up in a few years if these kids keep improving.

On a brighter note, Alex Green got three wickets for England Under-19s against India today.

We're allowed one bad day in an incredible season. The players could do with a break, especially considering our thin squad. Normally cricketers get to rest because of rain delays, but it's been so dry that we've hardly missed a day's play all summer.

Any given her fanbase, very astute business from Mr Smith.

Bloody incredible

The Maccabees have been brilliant. Quite odd day on the pyramid stage with Rod's 'cruise ship' show and now Olivia Rodrigo's 'Disney Punk'. I loved English Teacher the other day and Pulp.

Love your optimism about losing most of that lot. If only it was as simple as having a hole in your pocket and they sadly slipped out.

Great to hear Dermot Reeve on the comms, he's been through some tough times recently Anyone who's read Paul Smith's autobiography, will know there were some wild times at Warwickshire in the 90s

There's also no pace in the wicket and the slip fielders were right up. By contrast the outfield is very fast so any edge steaked away. It's all very well having the kookaburra experiment, and the intent as I remember was to encourage faster bowlers and spinners. But coming off the schedule we've just had, a lot of players are on their knees and counties don't want to flog their faster bowlers. Therefore it just becomes something to endure and an opportunity for quite ordinary batters to inflate their averages. Josh de Caires looking great on this, but he only averages 27.

Callum Parkinson playing for Worcestershire today.

Or Kane Williamson. They side looks similarly threadbare. I wonder if some bowlers develop back strains before these Kookaborra games? Poor old Roman Walker has to come in and do a job.

Yeh, probably don't want to bowl tomorrow or Tuesday!

Members forum on Monday. It will be interesting to hear what the post-Jarvis plan is.

Bizarre end to that second XL game. They were on course for a great win and then lost their last 5 wickets for 11 runs, to lose by 14 runs.

This would be Nick Green, who I think I remember reading is an all-rounder and Alex Green's older brother.

I hope not, Headingley was such a good test because it was so close. We don't want walk overs in test cricket. I think their batting will still be very strong and make them difficult to beat, while Yadav looks likely to give their bowling more variety. To be fair, both sets of bowlers looked under-cooked