I did promise to mention when B&N / Nook had Cross & Poppy. Consider it mentioned.

In materially unrelated news, we at Bapton Books - having seen the social media meme w/r/t ‘ten books that have “stayed with” one’ - decided that was inadequate, and have been recommending numerous books in very many categories. It may be of some utility to those ( Read more... )

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... Nunc dimittis.

That’s tripe. When I were lad, cricketers took those chances in field, lad, beginning wi’ coin-toss. I know we’ve just now won toss, but I don’t see how England can win from here. Loocky t’ get draw. Happen we take wicket on first ball of every over, England may, joost may, mind you, manage draw, but I don’t see it, not if we don’t bowl nobbut dot ( Read more... )

- and if you’re not, you’re a bloody fool - here is a quiz. How many Test cricketers for England or Australia can you name whose surnames are related to food, provender, drink, the kitchen, or the table?

For example, had either Arkell been capped for England in a Test match, that should count (Boddingtons, likewise. The Wadsworths don’t: ( Read more... )

Click to view

For whatever reason, I cannot make the poll function to work.

Be therefore so good as to list your choices in order in comments, with a Twelfth Man, and designating who shall captain.  Do feel free to add anything else you feel wants saying.

Don’t mention the Ashes.

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You know, there can be little doubt that one is resolutely in the provinces when the headlines - the headlines, mind you, for the Beeb’s regional coverage page - for one’s county run to, ‘Neighbour hears smoke alarm sound’, and, ‘Girl refuses man’s offer of lift’.  Not that there’s not the ( Read more... )

Note icon.

Via Tottyland, bless, I can at least present a pre-misery, I'm sorry, I meant to say, pre-match, bit of artwork from the npower lot that somewhat palliates the current agony.  Pietersen K in what is not, sadly, the new kit:


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Oh, well played.

Now. ON TO THE OVAL.

What a finish. What a match. Good Lord.