Channel 4 started most of the cricket innovations - Sky just stole them when they won the coverage rights. Anyway, after the rumblings around Salford's fixture this weekend I'm going to withdraw from the debate as I doubt I'll be rational when talking about them!

Lancashire choked in yet another semi-final on Saturday. 11 defeats in 12 one day semi-finals since 1999. Can we just go back to the two groups, winner of each goes to the final system, please?!

Think that's a tad harsh. I stand to be corrected, but to the best of my knowledge the production company is largely the same as 4 used, just that they're being paid by someone different now.

I'll hold my hands up on that, then, if it's true. I wasn't aware of that, I just saw Sky introduce hawkeye after 4, I seem to remember it being under a different name at the time as well, although that could be my mind playing tricks on me!

I do think that 4 started a lot of the innovations, Simon Hughes as third man and analyst, explaining things about the game to the masses. I do think Sky's coverage is good, I just don't like the added influence they have over differing sports.

There were two versions of what we all now call Hawkeye that were used in parallel, but once the ICC ratified Hawkeye and not the other one (name escapes me) for DRS purposes, there was only one system that was going to be used.

I agree that 4 started a lot of the things we now take for granted and while you have a point regarding Sky's influence, we're not all evil or hell-bent on world domination!

I'll take your word for that one mate.

I mean that I am, but I'm sure there's someone in the office that doesn't.

Indeed, it was superb, had a great team working on it.

Not so great when he's holding a bat in it mind...

Div 2 promotion race bubbling along nicely. It's entirely possible that Derbyshire - I still remain to be convinced that it's a real county, but hey ho - could spaff this up quite spectacularly.

Meanwhile, it's Bairstow and Woakes for Trott and Finn. Ravi-Bop to bat at 3. So that'll be.... yeah.
Ryan McLaren and Tsotsobe out for the Saffers. Morne back and Justin Ontong added in their stead. England won toss and bat first.

2-ball duck for Ravi...

Surely he's used all his chances now.

If Trott wasn't injured today, I wonder if he'd have got a game. Bairstow, Buttler and others all demanding inclusion.

Ravi not on his own in getting himself out. Poor shots from Bairstow, Morgan and now Cook. Trouble at 99/5.

why isn't Andy Flower present to watch this rubbish ?

Insipid batting performance

this is village green stuff - players actually get paid to produce shots like these ?

The wife and kids can't take themselves to the beach. Would have thought turning up to games was a pretty important part of the job...

thought he may have the decency to turn up and earn his money ?

can't believe the attitude of the guy

Given it's a year-round job, I can't begrudge the guy a day off.

Trouble is that without the gaffer sat watching over them, it's a bit like when my boss is off. Yes I'm in the office, yes I'm [itechnically[/i doing my job, but..... y'know.

I don't begrudge him time off, but why not start your holiday today? It's like Roy Hodgson going away today for a week off.

So he's back in time for the build-up to the World t20?

piffle !

he should be there - end of.

I appreciate there's a need for him to have a break from time-to-time, but I've no idea if they're doing it the right way.


Warwickshire will win the championship today - fairly convinced of that. Five more wickets required.
Kent trying to wangle James Tredwell into their side which Derbyshire are, understandably, not happy about. Glamorgan 5 down v Yorkshire and only five runs in front. Essex holding Hants up, which is nice.

Just spent the first two days of the Championship match at Lord's in the pavillion. Enjoyed it, bloody marvellous setting to watch cricket. Even got to 'perambulate' on the outfield.

Just a pity the cricket itself hasn't exactly gone to plan.

Warwickshire are champions