It pains me to see the squad's hard work and effort over the last couple of years go down the drain after a rather subdued performance today against a fairly average, though effective, English side who had Edwards, Collyer and Shaw (originally) on the sideline.

Some interesting tactics could have been played when the English side submitted their team selection before the toss was taken. An error made by the English management had Nicki Shaw named as 12th man, when in fact, unknown to us, she actually took the field of play due to Laura Harper sustaining a knee injury earlier this morning. Had Shaw bowled one ball, we could have appealed, earned two points and won the match. Unfortunately, Lady Luck was not on our side, and the eagle-eyed match referee spotted their mistake and called upon the English captain to explain. All a bit confusing and, unfortunately for us, the game went on without any further glitches.

Having won the toss four times now and, ironically calling "Queen" today, we put ourselves under enormous pressure with the top five bats scoring a mere 40 runs between them. Our middle order have never had to go and face the opening attack so early and this cascades down the late order who did relatively well in the circumstances.

I am sure that my fellow squaddies would agree that we played poorly, and certainly not up to the required international standard today. Having said that a couple of individuals recorded good performances, particularly Izzy Joyce who, going in number nine, batted with conviction and style scoring 26 runs before being lbw. Cath O'Neill (the Pro) scored 25 runs before being run out, and perhaps bowled a bit looser than normal recording figures of 27 off 6 overs. Saibh "Goldfinger" Young also contributed with a quick 11 and bowled quite tightly too.

It remains to be seen whether or not I can make my way into the side for the fifth match vs. India on Monday 11th. Team selection has so far been in favour of using the reserve keeper to bolster the batting. Unfortunately this hasn't gone to plan and, in my opinion, the selectors may need to rethink our strategy against the cunning and guile of the "shabash, shabash Sheilas"! We wait with bated breath.

Mood in the camp is perhaps a tad quiet tonight - it doesn't take a genius to work out that it'll take another four years blood, sweat and tears before we can have another crack at the 'old enemy'; it also remains to be seen how many of us will be around to enjoy that sweet moment...... To those of you who'll be up for it, do it for the Elder Lemons!

Enough of this idle banter - no doubt we'll rally around and give Mrs O's a look later on for our allotted two units of cheeky white Montana Reserve. A day-off tomorrow will hopefully rejuvenate the troops and, for those of us yet to play, provide even more time to get used to this beautiful country.

Compared to my manic London lifestyle, with overcrowded streets, the sardine-packed tube and smelly air, I could quite easily live here, play a bit of club cricket and generally enjoy the easygoing pace and friendly, chatty nature of our Kiwi hosts. In fact, why not? To be discussed with 'Big Yachtie Totty' upon my return.....!

Watch this space for more Irish insights. Alive, alive oh.......

Sandra Dawson uses and recommends Gunn & Moore exclusively

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