Somerset all rounder Ian Blackwell has spent the last few days at Melbourne Cricket Ground where he saw England eventually lose the fourth Ashes Test.

However the Aussies didn't have it all their way. Before they scored the winning runs `Blackwell's west country county colleague Andy Caddick reminded his critics just what a class act he is by taking three wickets, including two in one over to raise everyone's spirits.

The former Derbyshire player who has made a considerable impact for England in the triangular one day series told me: "There was a fantastic atmosphere at Melbourne with over 72000 people inside the ground on Boxing Day. I was there to help to swell the Barmy Army and chant for England!"

With Craig White joining England's walking wounded `Blackie' has been suggested by many informed observers as the likely replacement so I asked him how he read the situation.

He told me: " As for Sydney, I'm in the frame but I had a precautionary scan on my left knee where it turns out I have aggravated a sheath which runs alongside the knee tendon, a form of tendonitis. Hopefully a few days rest should help but I'm not sure what the hierarchy will say. Your guess is as good as mine at the moment, so it's fingers crossed!".

He continued: "They may want me to rest for the one dayers that start again on January 13th and then the World Cup coming up with the squad announced on the 31st which I hope to be included in."

`Blackie' concluded: "I would like to wish everybody back at home in the west country a very Happy New Year."

© SOMERSET