Somerset all rounder Ian Blackwell who made such an impact against India in the ICC Trophy at the end of September is currently out in Australia where he is spending time with the England Academy in Adelaide, before joining the full international squad for the triangular series later in the year.

Now into his second full week with the Academy he told me earlier today: "Things have really started well, and the weather has been perfect, up until the last few days, with the temperature in the mid twenties- just perfect weather for golf which we played on Sunday afternoon just as light relief !"

He continued: "The training is quite tiring and the days are long, with everyday starting at 6.30am with either a beach run or a swim. The days are pretty full with a variety of fitness training activities including sessions with `Crouchy' who is a retired boxer who takes us for hard gym sessions and tough boxing drills that certainly get the blood going!"

`Blackie' is also devoting time to basic drills in batting and bowling which are videoed and analysed, weight lifting, speed training , yoga, relaxing and stretching sessions, Pilates, Swiss ball and Core stability work and of course net practice."

He concluded: "Our programme out here is pretty varied from the really strenuous to light relaxation sessions. All in all the programme is a good and balanced one which so far has been hard work but really enjoyable."

One thing that 'Blackie' was keen to know was when he would be playing against his former county Derbyshire.

He won't have very long to wait because the Cidermen travel to Derby for a four day game on April 30th, but before then all of his supporters back at home will be hoping that 'Blackie' can establish himself as a regular member of the England side.

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