The ECB's director of cricket operations, Alan Fordham, whose remit covers umpires, insists it was all mere coincidence. We're all spectacularly depressed by this turn of events, and it's another one of our grievances against Tony Blair. One would assume that the fact that the forthcoming Ashes hostilities will be the first not to be screened by the dear old Beeb would be a source of profound irritation or even regret to Greg Dyke. One might also assume that the corporation's head honcho is a little miffed that, thanks to the three-year extension signed last week by Channel 4, he cannot get his mitts on Test rights until at least 2006. On the other hand, perhaps not.
Nobody watches it.
The surreal air was compounded by a chap in a dark green blazer keeping order in the Edrich Stand. At least the stewards are getting younger. Wood lbw b Kerr.