Two very good partnerships today considering the start. Watching this on TV am I right in saying it is a very poor crowd. When the camera has featured the main stand (I can't call it a pavillion) or Section 9 there is hardly a sole in sight. Please tell me there were many watching from inside.

Excellent. Obvious to anyone who cares that there is a connection between the fixture list and test match performances. The only piece I would disagree with is the idea of bringing back an 18 team championship. A quarter of the way into the season and most teams have nothing to play for. The 2 divisions of 9 with each team playing each other home and away worked almost perfectly.
I would suggest start the season with a knock-out 50 over competition. Then play the championship throughout the season interspersed with the 20 over slog. Scrap the appalling Hundred.
As well as improving the test team there is a need to give the membership/supporters value for their money

Sundays will never be the same, Terry!!! Will have to wait for the film now.

Sad loss of a larger than life character. I will remember the 2005 Test at Edgbaston when the crowd gave him a round of applause when 100 was scored off his bowling and he had the good humour to take a bow to the crowd.

Seeing Woakes batting in Antigua made me remember the old Unofficial Forum and wondered if it had been re-born. Wow! Well done Exiled Bear and a thank you from me - it has been missed.
Due to travelling to Edgbaston not being as enjoyable (and affordable!) as it used to be sadly I am no longer a member. This forum is just what I need to keep on following THE team and, of course, voicing an opinion.