Carberry was due to be playing in the Big Bash right now. He's clearly improving his game much more by carrying drinks instead.... But hey, I shouldn't complain. Our limited overs side will already be greatly weaken this coming season. We cannot afford to be without Carberry and Briggs too, due to them playing (and most likely losing) for England instead.
Just seen that it was us who won the toss this morning. Another black mark against Cook's captaincy then, choosing to bat first. Ever since the new fielding regulations came in at the start of last year, I've found it hard to understand why anyone would choose to bat first unless you're very confident that the pitch will get slower and lower, and take spin, as the game progresses. I'd much rather know what damage the opposition batsmen can cause - particularly in the last 10 or 15 overs - with only four men patrolling the boundary, before it's your turn to try and create your own damage.
Jobs for the boys...... Alastair Cook: Ravi Bopara gives support for England captain England all-rounder Ravi Bopara has backed Alastair Cook to continue as the side's captain in both the Test and one-day format of the game. Following the 5-0 Ashes defeat and three successive ODI losses, Cook said he could resign as skipper of the limited-overs team. But Bopara said: "I would love for him to carry on and do both formats. "I do believe that your best player should be your captain and I still believe that he is our best player."
