Had a team chat before the start of play where the players who had done well on Thursday were congratulated
Posted in General on 07. Sep, 2010
Had a team chat before the start of play where the players who had done well on Thursday were congratulated. I’m not a fan of it but we couldn’t get in anywhere else because Nottingham is heaving. Hoggy got me to try some of that sushi stuff but I’m not too impressed.I will sleep better tonight because the game’s taking shape. Once you know what is happening I can prepare myself mentally.FridayENGLAND 229 FOR 4.
He got up to 80mph for a few balls, that’s quicker than Colly (Paul Collingwood).Had a shower, back to the hotel, then out for a meal with KP and Matthew Hoggard We went for a Japanese. It was a shock when Punter (Ricky Ponting) got Vaughny out but he’s a bit better than he looks. How unlucky is that? Cricket’s a strange game, there are so many good balls that could get you out and you get out out like that, bottom edging one on to your boot.At lunch we are 129 for 1 and I now feel brave enough to start watching the cricket We were going well until the rain came along It disrupted our momentum. But every noise wakes me up – I can never tell whether it’s a wicket or runs.Tres (Marcus Trescothick) and Straussy (Andrew Strauss) gave us an excellent start before Straussy got out.
There’s a shop over the road and when I’m here with Glamorgan I go over there for a bite to eat. But the crowds are already gathering around the gate so I stay in the dressing-room.We have to be on the park at 9.0 for warm-ups and when we meet the team is announced. There were times when we gathered that I didn’t know whether I would be in the side. It was horrible, especially when Jimmy (Anderson) was in the squad. We are best mates and we always knew one of us would miss out.We play a little game of American football/rugby to get loose then have a stretch and go through our fielding drills I have a few bowl throughs.I hate the toss I can’t watch it; I get too nervous. I always hope we bat first so that I can put my feet up and chill out all day. I am not a very good watcher and as soon as the game starts I try to fall asleep.
Miss breakfast at the hotel and leave for the ground at about 8 o’clock KP and Ian Bell jump in my car. We all try and avoid talking about the cricket and chat about what we are going to do at the end of the series.Arrive at the ground at 8.15 and have breakfast. There is loads of food on the tables but I ask for a couple of bacon rolls. The nerves are there and it is hard to switch off.ThursdayWake up knackered after a dreadful night’s sleep Set the alarm for 7.30am but I didn’t need it.
I make a couple of phone calls and try to get to sleep but it’s a bloody nightmare. Shane Warne and Michael Clarke are there and we have a quick chat with them but we eat at different tables. The Aussies are a good bunch of lads and we get on well with them.The incident with Matthew Hayden during the one-day series seems a long time ago know, and I had a good chat with him after the Edgbaston Test. We now have a healthy respect for each other.Back to the hotel and into my room at about 9.30pm. He is very positive and talks about how well we have done in the past two Tests, and asks to play with the same attitude over the next week.