The fixtures are out!

One of the most frequently asked questions on social media, as the launch of the following seasons cricket fixtures draws near, is 'which game are you most looking forward to?'

Honestly, it doesn't bother me. Perhaps the very first one, the clearest indicator that we have got through the winter (if not yet cold days!) and there is a long and balmy summer to look forward to. That is always the expectation, but so often it comes to naught.

I am most looking forward to seeing how the wickets are at the Incora County Ground. We will know by the end of the opening fixture, against Gloucestershire, whether a new-look side has a chance of 4-day promotion. It seems likely that our second overseas recruit will also be a seam bowler from Pakistan, so I would like to think both he and Mohammad Amir will have some early encouragement to bend their backs. 

My favourite fixture, the away game against Durham, has gone for this season after the latter's promotion to division one of the county championship. Aside from its geographical convenience, I'm not sure why I eagerly awaited it anyway, as we often played pretty poorly at the Riverside. I might see if I can get a day off for the 50-over game there, later in the season, but it would depend on how each squad has been ravaged by the other competition, which holds no interest for me.

Other than that I will need to wait and see. This will be my final cricket season of working, my retirement likely to come four days after the season ends. Trips down here were easier with Mum and Dad around, but with Dad gone and Mum currently in hospital after surgery on a fractured femur, I will need to see if that option, with free accommodation, is still there. 

I have spent the last week on the county border and will head north again at the weekend, with appointments and commitments to honour up there, 

Pleasant thoughts, hopefully realised, of the county cricket season will keep me going on the way home.

Only 128 days to go...