It is always a great pleasure for me to play my annual game for Bunbury’s in my home county of Huntingdonshire and last year was by far my finest, hitting my highest Bunbury score of 98 against the Lashings legends.  This was made even more special as I was given the opportunity to play against many of the top cricketers I grew up watching on television throughout my younger years.  Many thought I was unlucky not to achieve my first Bunbury hundred and that a 3rd umpire was required as I was given out stumped.  Richie Richardson was bowling and he still says I was robbed to this day!!

This was my sixth year playing for Bunbury’s and I have many fond memories from all my games which are always full of fun and a great cause!

Last year was a very special year not only for me nearly hitting my first Bunbury hundred but it was my first year as England Captain.  It was something I’ve dreamt of doing from a young age and was delighted to be given the opportunity after Clare Connor’s retirement.  My first home tour was against India and having toured there the previous winter and having been beaten 4-1, I knew it would be a tough series.

We won the One day series 4-0 with the highlight being a hundred run win at Lords.  We just lost the Test series 1-0 but overall it was a great summer for the team.  We are ultimately judged on our one day cricket so to win 4-0 with a new young side was a huge boost in preparing for this winter’s World Series in February to India.

We are very lucky at the moment that we have some fine young talent, the best I’ve seen in my time as an England Cricketer.  Players like Holly Colvin, Sarah Taylor and Jenny Gunn are great players which mean we have a bright future ahead for the women’s game.  We have an exciting couple of years ahead of us with New Zealand over this summer, an Ashes tour in January 2008 and the World Cup in 2009.  I’m really looking forward to all these challenges and leading the team to more success!!

Good luck to all Bunbury’s for 2007.

Best wishes