The summer can be at times one big blur and certainly the last 4 weeks have blended in to one mass of cricket matches, coaching and administration. Apologies for not blogging to all CricketEurope readers... just been flat out!

Flimsy excuses aside, it is now very much tournament season. We start tomorrow in European Division 2 against Gibraltar at the KGV but almost typically after six weeks with no rain, today we’ve had plenty. All of the grounds look in unbelievably good condition. The KGV wickets have pace and bounce and combined with a lightening outfield there should be some high scores there this week.

Our squad has been hit by the late withdrawal of Will Petefield with a tear in his patella tendon of his right knee. A real shame for Will but it provides an opportunity for another youngster David Hooper. The 19 year old got a call up under similar circumstances in 2009 for WCL7 but didn’t make a final starting 11. With a number of strong performances behind him already this summer David should be hopeful of getting a look in this week.

As to our chances of winning some people have us as favourites and that is not surprising based on the world rankings. However, sport is not something that cares for what should happen or form. We have a huge amount of respect for the teams here and recognise a number of very dangerous individuals within a number of sides. With 3 of the 6 teams competing for the final places in WCL8 in Kuwait we expect teams to be well up for all games and come at us hard. I’m sure the tournament will be keenly fought and I am envisaging a fascinating last day of fixtures on Monday 19th. That said of course we are just concentrating on tomorrow!