Having arrived in London, I can tell you the change in temperature is about as extreme as the Fosters Light Ice commercials. Only yesterday I was walking along a beautiful Antiguan beach wearing running shorts, bare feet and singlet. Today, in stark contrast, I enjoyed my first Middlesex training session in two pair of tracksuit bottoms, thermal underwear, t-shirt, cricket shirt, two sweaters, a wet jacket, a beanie and cap, and my best friend the mandatory hand warmers.

After rekindling friendships with my family (a magic moment!) it was back to Lords and the Middlesex County Cricket Club. Although it seems strange that I am due to kick off another new cricket season, I am looking forward to the challenge of another County season. Only two days ago I was wearing my beloved baggy green cap, playing in one of the most important Test matches of my life and now I am wearing my royal blue Middlesex cap, preparing for a brand new English summer (if you can call it that).

This is one of the joys of being a full-time professional cricketer. It is now a year-round occupation playing in one country or another with different team-mates, in varying conditions. Luckily I love playing the game as I couldn't think of any better way to earn my living.

Arriving back at Lords was a fantastic pleasure. The spirit of my English home ground almost embraces you like an old friend as you walk through the magnificent Long Room. I simply love Lords, the true Mecca of the game of cricket. The ground itself, the old grandpa pavilion, the portraits of the great players in the Long Room, the tradition, the memorabilia, the massive silver shower heads in the changing room, the unbelievably delicious lunches and afternoon teas, the spacious, warm home changing room, the old security men, and the Lords balcony (where I eat my breakfast every morning). Lords has it all and from a cricketer's point of view there is no place in the world that you could prefer to have your home ground. I am very lucky.

Although it is freezing cold at present I feel very happy to be back with my family. The West Indies was an awesome tour, tough but very satisfying, and although I am going to miss being with my Aussie team-mates I will enjoy watching them playing the one-day games in the Windies and of course here during the World Cup. If the good guys can maintain their energy and enthusiasm for the next two months I believe they can win the World Cup. I know they are all very pumped up about the prospect of becoming the world champion one-day playing nation and I feel that it could be this determination that allows them to achieve this. I for one am going to immensely enjoy what promises to be one of the biggest, most-celebrated, events in the history of the game.

From London

Freezing Cold!

JL