Cricket is a funny game. Some people think it is very gentle, played politely with much decorum and finesse.

The games I play in seem to feel much more like a war zone with incredible determination, bravery and the emergence of the odd hero.

This week has been a mixture.

On Tuesday evening I kept wicket for the first time in many years. Result, a massive nose bleed following being smacked on the nose by a rising ball off my gloves. Secondly, thighs that ached for two days. Not good. Lots of pain.

Saturday, chasing a huge target, with a weakened side we won in the last over. I kept wicket again, bent some fingers but ………. I scored 92 in a 175 opening partnership. Result, a great feeling and could hardly feel the pain.

The power of positive thought.