Super-speedy Jason Gillespie

While fielding at bat pad has become common place for me, the injuries and blows are starting to outnumber the catches received in the position.

During a Test match there is few better positions to field, as you are always in the game and have the best seat in the house to see how the opposition batsman is feeling under the fire of the contest.

Unfortunately my fancy for the box seat is quickly losing its charm as my body is starting to feel more like a Lennox Lewis punching bag than a contributor to the success of the team.

With the guys wrapping up the match just after tea, my celebrations for the first victory on the Ashes leg of this tour were reduced to 20-minute sessions with ice packs and bandages.

Where my touch typing skills have improved over the years, this has also been affected tonight as I am back to one-handed typing. What a frustration!

Essex challenge

This frustration will be multiplied a thousand fold if my arm pulls up too sore in the morning.

With the final practice match starting at Chelmsford on Friday, they will have to cut off my arm to keep me out of the contest, because match practice is crucial at this stage of our Test match lead up.

It is not as if I have had a mountain of time in the middle since arriving in the UK, so Friday's three-day game against Essex is going to provide another opportunity to stake a claim for a spot in the first XI for the first Test match.

Sore arm or no sore arm!

From Chelmsford,
JL

PS Jason Gillespie bowled very, very fast today, while at the other end Damien Fleming swung the ball like Bob Massie at Lords.

Shane Warne was very impressive and Colin Miller helped himself to seven wickets for the game. All looks good for the start of the Test series.