Class Is Permanent...

The Tour Selectors have been reviewing the form of the squad chosen for the forthcoming five test series in the Westcountry.

First the good news, there is little chance of any of us being accused of over-training and the chance of pre-tour burn-out is slim.

Stan reports a first ball duck upon his return from his customary big toe injury, "adjudged leg before against Stoke Hammond attempting an Eoin Morgan style sweep", but on a brighter note he has managed an undefeated 1 for Newport Pagnell CC and his first bowling spell in four years yielded impressive figures of 2/0/4/0. Chunks hasn't quite got around to playing for Olney yet but is quoting his usual mantra that "my batting’s a bit rusty and I know I could do with a good period of time at the crease". He estimates a heady total of 20 runs from 3 midweek innings to date so he'll be opening on tour.

As always we can rely upon our youth policy... or can we? Dan-Dan's uni career so far has generated aggregate figures of 5/0/36/0 and scores of 8, 19 not out and a second ball duck. Tom-Tom has been sidelined by exams (cycling proficiency and an eye test), whilst Adam has requested an extra day off as last year "really knackered me out!"

Noursey has been promoted to Old Bradwell 1st XI which would be encouraging if that news had been accompanied by reports of runs or wickets, whilst Robbo tells me that "I've had 2 games this year. Didn’t bat and bowled like a drain both times. My best years must still be ahead of me. The ones up to now have been crap".

Mostyn is his usual happy pre-tour self "Have played one game this year, made an 11 ball duck and I can honestly say I don't miss playing in the slightest - what a waste of an afternoon!!!" Chilts is more optimistic though and expects to be "much like Chris Gayle really, all flash and no substance… but I’ll twat it about if the weather is warm enough..."

Our new tourist, Pete Ashford, has been dashing about for the Cavaliers to some effect with one score reported in excess of 20, making him the leading candidate to open with Chunks. Ron reports that he has now made it to a Wootton CC home game, sadly too late to play but in good time for a beer whilst spectating. Seamo has oiled his bat, polished his balls and anticipates making his season's debut next week for an El Produban XI against the Cavaliers. He will then resume resting until July.

Finally, news about Newbs, our spy within. Newbs reported no games to date but then popped up in last week's ND Journal with a score of 4 for Newton II's. He also reports doing "a fair bit on the coaching front" so that should bring the Newton standard down to ours fairly quickly. There is hope for us yet!