thats pretty much how i see it tiptoes. im not really on about politics just having a good old moan about losing two of our players for the 1st day of a game after they've just missed the last 4.

but i do feel strongly that there is a lack of respect and integrity at the heart of the matter both from Downing St and the ECB. like i said there would be no chance of footballers missing scheduled games. plus if monday is the only available day then the ECB should have sent the players who weren't playing.

anyway, like i say, im just having a moan. todays defeat hasnt helped the mood either

My last para was in jest - just looking for a bite 

but i do feel strongly that there is a lack of respect and integrity at the heart of the matter both from Downing St and the ECB. like i said there would be no chance of footballers missing scheduled games. plus if monday is the only available day then the ECB should have sent the players who weren't playing.

anyway, like i say, im just having a moan. todays defeat hasnt helped the mood either

All this showboating started with Blair and that f***ing "cool brittania" and has been copied by Brown and Cameron, none of whom have any interest in cricket unlike John Major where players would know the reception was meaningful.

Anyway, you lot shouldn't be talking politics should you, so no more posts on this please.

take Tredwell from kent. Kent played Scotland on Saturday and play Durham at Riverside tomorrow. So it is likely Kent will have stayed up north. So tredwell has to make a return trip to the Riverside. madness

Surely a much more sensible option would have been for Cameron to pop down to Lords during the 1st test this week and to shake a few hands and say well done to Andy Flower and squad. Or for the members of the squad who were availabe to pop over to Downing street during one of the evenings.

no problem with the players getting the recognition. england womens team had a reception last year and im sure it will be a great experience.

but imagine if this was football and the reception was planned to be held on a saturday afternoon depriving some of the premiership clubs of their players. it just would never happen.

plus mixing politics and sport is just one big media spin-doctoring propaganda type event, used by politicians to look good by association.  shane warne had it right about the MBEs the 2005 Ashes winning side all got. he reckoned Collingwood should hand his back as he only played one test and got diddly-sqwat runs. this current england side has just won the only ever world one-day tournament so should they now get MBEs?

bombshell dropped - robbo has been told that Yards and Luke must attend a reception at downing street on Monday, which is 1st day of Worcs game. therefore we will have to field 2 substitutes on Monday.

absolutely ridiculous

Isn't it a bit early to be on the rum TC?

Following the Gloucestershire match is stressful...I only drink to steady myself...sometimes I get so steady I dont move for days.