I made it to a couple of county matches in London last week. Surrey v Essex in SE11 and Middlesex v Sussex at NW8. There were some pretty big names knocking about the Oval : Amla (last time I saw him at the Oval he posted a handy triple century), Burns, Pope, even the currently hot ODI property Reece Topley was strolling about. Will Jacks (not to be confused with the clothing brand) went from 100* to 150* very quickly putting Surrey past Essex’s total. I hung around to watch the great Sir Alistair Cook. He stroked a handy 4 off his legs but was then caught behind. A great day with Harry.

The match North of the River was not as close, Sussex having posted 500+ in the first innings. Malan nicked one past the keeper to score a 50, and it was sweet to see Steve Finn bowling. I briefly sat up in one of the new stands.

I love going to the MCC library. There are some real nuggets there, and it is time to get reading some decent Cricket Literature again. This particular one has a great title.

Sitting down on a sofa in a bar called ‘The Score’ in Chiang Mai with Chris, we ordered some brewskis and watched Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow make the hundred plus runs needed on the morning of the Fifth Day look a breeze. Bravo. Sweet as a macadamia.

Onwards to the ODI series. A total balls-up at the Oval, Jasprit Bumrah causing the damage, but England bowler Rees Topley taking 6-24 at Lords yesterday in the heat made 247 a sufficient total.

It is a good series and India are a great team. The decider in a few days is eagerly anticipated.