They seem to have parachuted Nick Knight into the mix for this test at least. I am an irrascible sort, I know, but he does my head in. I don’t believe you need a great test career to be in the box – David Lloyd didn’t – but we remember this guy’s failings all to readily and commentary now is more about the “technical” issues and less about the game itself. Obviously some people want that, but I am not sure what I want from a commentary team so maybe I’m the problem. Atherton, Benaud, Lloyd are all OK with me, but the old blood pressure rises when Sir Ian Hindsight, Nasser Insane, True Blue Aussie Mark Nicholas and Poor Man’s Sir Ian Hindsight Allott take to the mic.

Knight has just called Bopara “a special talent”. Based on what? A flawed, somewhat fortunate century against West Indies on what was seen as a good surface? Sure, I won’t knock Bopara’s achievement, and I’m chuffed to bits he did it, but don’t overdo it. And that’s Knight, another hyperbole addict.

Gloomy day in London thus far today and the potential visit to The Oval tomorrow looks in jeopardy…