Sussex aren't messing about - they are 110/1 going at 6.16 an over

an hour and 1 minute into the morning here at Lord's and we've had our first boundary and it received a big cheer. A square drive on the up to the short boundary. SCENES

So here's a quick squizz at what has happened so far. Burns was the first wicket of the day. Olly Stone is bowling well at Taunton. Ben McKinney (England klaxon) was out for 8 from 9. Sussex have got off to a flyer. It's raining at Glamorgan. Middx have raced to 15 for 0 here

Good morning. Happy County championship day

Two bingeable gentle but infinitely enjoyable series I have just watched. The other Bennett sister and A woman of substance.

Right then ladies and gents. Grab your armour. Tomorrow we cricket. County Championship guide: Overseas heavyweights and Test spots available www.thetimes.com/article/6af3...

Every year when I sit down to write a preview of the county championship, I realise how hard it is to write one succinctly yet informatively. Anyway - here's this year's attempt ... www.thetimes.com/sport/cricke...

It was Sussex media day today. They’ve got their challenges because of the financial situation but Hove was looking a picture.

I cannot Coke with twitter yet work wise I still have to use it. But it’s killed my confidence and my social media mojo and I just had a cry. Although I suspect a therapist would tell me I wasn’t actually crying about twitter.

I’ve just seen a man on his bike turn his head to check out an attractive woman looking her up and down and he fell off his bike. Did I laugh? Yes dearest gentle reader, I did.

‘This isn’t football’ — ECB chief defends decision to keep Brendon McCullum www.thetimes.com/article/3dd0...

Sunny hockey

It isn’t enough

The trouble when you mention you have insomnia is that everyone tries to find you a solution. I havent slept properly for 30 years. Believe me, unless you can extract my entire brain, it is unsolvable

There was a distinct air of spring in the park this evening. But the county championship starts in two weeks so don’t get your hopes up.

People ask why I am always tired. This is a normal night for me. This is why …

Spending my Mother’s Day umpiring other people’s kids.

It’s looking gorge in my manor

Win win win

Giving the ECB a seriously disapproving stare on this one www.thetimes.com/sport/cricke...

Ah my annual lose money betting on Cheltenham experience. Never learn.

I am absolutely devastated at the end of call the midwife. A programme that has brought tears and comfort. That has tackled hard storylines, showcased women supporting women. And most of all the overwhelming power of love. I shall miss it so much.

On #iwd, Linda Ammon CBE. The woman who inspired me and even a long time after her death, she still does

Gosh, lots of responses. Differing opinions, but it’s good that people care! Particularly about the test team

Interested in people’s thoughts on whether McCullum should remain as England head coach across all formats ? I think it’s interesting to gauge opinion from supporters because all too often they are the last people to be considered !

no doubt the best thing i've read in recent years

I am often asked if I had to recommend just one cricket book which would it be and I usually say this one amzn.to/4l8SzF5

I hope whoever gets the job can spell better than the people hiring them.

Something on Alyssa Healy who I have always greatly admired and felt a warmness towards. open.substack.com/pub/elizabet... If you are able to subscribe, I would really appreciate the support.

Something on Alyssa Healy who I have always greatly admired and felt a warmness towards. open.substack.com/pub/elizabet... If you are able to subscribe, I would really appreciate the support.

Think it was a bit muddy at my son’s rugby match.

Traffic Jam

Hands up if you’ve binged all the next lot of Bridgerton already. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️

Before the tournament SA were 6/1 to win it. Looking like it would have been a decent bet. Not for me. I don’t bet on cricket. Caesar’s wife and all that.

It turns out a staggering number of people don’t actually know what AM and PM stand for.

Whilst I totally get the reasons they do it. I do wish podcasts would stay as an audio medium. Filming them and clipping them as a visual medium fundamentally changes them.

Interesting debate point is whether a semi final place takes pressure off Key and McCullum.

Being reliant on absolutely impenetrable algorithms is really draining.

Brexiters insisting “Brexit was never properly implemented” are like a guy who got the idea that he was getting an Aston Martin for Christmas, got socks instead, and is now sitting by his dead Christmas tree in March insisting Christmas hasn’t happened because he hasn’t got his Aston Martin yet.

Introducing the world's most single guy

For the love of effing god. The weather.

I feel this may be important reading re the news of Andrew today. Live case etc etc.

Tonight Matthew it’s prawn and chilli linguine except it’s spaghetti because it is.

The IoS update. WTF ?

Them Aussies are in all sorts of bother

Oh look. It’s pissing down again.

All the time. What a film.

New post on how the every five minutes World Cup has livened up a bit open.substack.com/pub/elizabet...

Something on the value of Sam Curran for @thetimes.com www.thetimes.com/sport/cricke...

New post on how the every five minutes World Cup has livened up a bit open.substack.com/pub/elizabet...