So, Somerset are to the UAE to pit their wits against a host of other counties in the Arch Trophy, a competition that should prove better than playing Devon in a bizarre high-scoring friendly at Taunton. I’m never sure about what is best for players at pre-season. I used to believe that it seemed odd to jet off to SA or UAE to play in conditions that would be completely at odds to a typical April afternoon in the West Country.

That, however, has made way for the belief that this is an astute method of ensuring no games are washed out and by playing Sussex and Yorkshire, we’ll be able to have the first indicator how winter preparation has gone. No Andy Caddick just yet and the pessimist in me worries about his comeback from back surgery but fingers crossed for himself and the club/supporters that all goes well in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, England have racked up 291-5 on the first day of the second Test thanks in no small way to 97 from Tim Ambrose. The Warwickshire keeper follows Matt Prior with a promising start with the bat though seasoned observers believe Ambrose to be a better keeper.

We shall see but at such a pivotal position in the team, it does no one any favours to keep chopping around. Having just said that, the mercurial Andrew Strauss is close again to the trap door after seemingly batting with zero confidence. I hope he turns it around but if it’s merely a case of him planting his front foot as Aggers suggests on TMS, surely he can rectify it? The psycho analyst in me thinks it is more deep rooted than this and is symptomatic of the malaise over the whole side. A lack of confidence and swagger. Today’s score lays a foundation but as we know, application over five days wins Tests so tomorrow, it is over to our pace attack….gulp.