Harmy has the X-factor but we love it at Lord’s

Alot has been said after the dramatic conclusion to the first test at Cardiff. We were obviously disappointed not to win the game but we were extremely happy with our performance as a team and go into the second test at lord’s full of confidence.

England look like they will make some changes to their bowling attack, depending of course on the fitness of Andrew Flintoff. And while losing him would be a big blow for England, it was interesting to see they have brought in Steve Harmison as cover. We don’t know whether Harmison could play even if Flintoff is passed fit, as Graham Onions has bowled well and justifiably gets his place in the squad.

But, as I said last week, we were surprised Harmison was left out at Cardiff. He bowled really well for the lions in our final warm-up game and at six-foot whatever-he-is, can generate bounce – which batsmen find difficult. that’s why I don’t think selecting him would be a negative step for England, as some people have suggested. Indeed, he is a bowler with that X-factor which every side needs. saying that, I don’t think conditions were great for England’s bowlers and looking at the wicket, maybe their batsmen should have got 500 after winning that toss.

But we were absolutely delighted with our bowlers. they put in an outstanding performance and while some of England’s batsmen will be disappointed with the way they got out, credit has to go to our guys for the way they went about their jobs. Looking at lord’s, we know England don’t have a great record there and also that Australia haven’t lost an ashes test at the ground since 1934. But that doesn’t really affect us. But there’s no doubt as an overseas player lord’s brings the very best out of you. speaking personally the history of the place inspires me and there is something about lord’s which brings out that extra two or three per cent in you.

You look at the names on the honors board and there’s no doubt it inspires you to go and put your own name alongside the legends. I have played one test there – in 2005 – and didn’t manage a century. this time, especially after getting to three figures in Cardiff, it would be great

to achieve that.

Finally, when we arrived in London on Monday we were greeted at our hotel by the Barmy army trumpeter playing the Great escape. I thought that was great and just shows how much the fans love their cricket. this an ashes series, it’s special and it’s great for Cricket.