In terms of one-day cricket I probably haven't played better than that. I grew up watching Warwickshire. I was lucky enough growing up when they were winning a lot of trophies. I feel very lucky to captain Warwickshire, it's something I've wanted to do for a long time - especially to lead the side out at Lord's. 

Ian Bell is overwhelmed at winning the Clydesdale Bank 40 title.



The end of the domestic English cricket season was exciting. Ian Bell, who was in the form of his life when he got injured, is showing that he is still in form. Captain Ian Bell lead the way as Warwickshire chased 200 with 6 balls remaining to win the Clydesdale Bank 40 title. It was a hell of a knock which encouraged ECB to bring Bell back to International cricket. I'm so glad this happened. The series will be more exciting now. Ian Bell is the best against Pakistan. Against Pakistan, he averages 66 in ODIs, 66.80 in Tests, a whooping 93.75 against Pakistan in Tests in England.

Nottinghamshire had to take six wickets if they would fail to reach 400 in a rain marred match against Lancashire. They were 390/9 but Ryan Sidebottom and Darren Pattinson ensured that they reach 400 and thus would have to take 3 wickets, which they did. Ryan Sidebottom and Andre Adams did the miraculous job of taking 3 wickets in 4.4 overs. Nottinghamshire's win was nothing less than a fairytale. Even on the last day, the start was delayed due to rain. Somerset's Trescothick is gutted at being 'trophyless' after being close to winning the trophy in all 3 formats.

Freddie Retires
Andrew Flintoff has bid adieu to all forms of cricket. The last time he played for England, was in the Ashes 2009. At that time, I didn't know we would never see Fred play. I was just thinking that England need him more in Tests than one-dayers and he is retiring from Tests. But I moved on, and so did the England team. England have got a good lot of fast bowlers and Freddie's batting had been declining anyway. But he was still the star, the hero. He gave us some memorable moments. He was exciting to watch, got the love and the attention. He starred in Ashes 2005 and Ashes 2009. England couldn't have done it without him. He didn't play in the only Test England lost in Ashes 2009. He was England's best bowler, unplayable at times. Stats won't tell you that. He performed when needed, when it mattered. His enthusiasm will be missed. A few months ago, I was thinking about whom he would replace in case he comes back for the one-day series against Pakistan. But during this series, I wasn't thinking about him. Last I heard, he was hoping to play Australian domestic cricket in January.