So.
2006, Sri Lanka come to England and are deeply unfancied. They hang on for a draw in the first Test, with randoms such as Kulasekara contributing to one of the best rearguards I can remember. They go on to draw the test series, and then proceed to spank England so comprehensively in the one-dayers that some players never properly recovered (Alex "Doosra" Loudon, I'm looking in your direction).
2007, India come to England. They hang on for a draw in the first Test, with MS Dhoni of all people digging in at the close, go on to win the Test series, and take England to the wire in the one-dayers.
2008, the Kiwis. The English weather plus England's limpness contribute to a draw in the first test. The second test, the Kiwis put on 381 in their first innings.
Surely not again?
This series may actually turn out to be very interesting, people. Things of note that have happened today: Ross Taylor scored a rather gorgeous 154 not out. The dude gives pretty good interview too, I thought. England were Not Very Good in the field, to the extent that when Ian Bell took the last catch he threw the ball into the ground in disgust, I like to think at himself.Sidebottom can feel rather hard done by (again - and just when he thought he might get better support, with Matt Prior having been dropped). The lowlight was probably Stuart Broad fumbling a catch by not being far out enough at the boundary, and somehow (despite having several grasps of it) spooning it over for a six. Ryan was then sent in as nightwatchman, and provided further evidence for the "Nightwatchman Is So Last Season" theory by lasting seven balls. According to Athers, Jacob "Perfect Boyfriend" Oram is the most economical bowler in world cricket at the moment.A large inflatable jelly bean drifted onto the pitch and Jeetan Patel made a complete hash of collecting it. In case you were marvelling at Jeetan Patel being on the field of play at all, and have also happened to have missed all cricket news for the last 24 hours - he is substitute fielder for poor little Daniel Flynn who took an absolute ripper straight in the mouth from James Anderson yesterday, losing blood, teeth and dignity and having to retire hurt. He was unable to bat again today. No, I didn't realise the English bowlers were so potent either. <p align="justify">At close of play on day two The England were on 152 - 4, and Kevin Pietersen is lucky not to have been out already after what looked like a pretty stone-cold lbw shout from Thinking Woman's Crumpet Daniel Vettori. I'll be doing my best to watch tomorrow, around other activities, so stay tuned.
Now with new proper english lady blogger.
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