Last week, playing cricket for the county over 50’s side I tore a hamstring. Whilst I have had many pulled hamstrings, that have hurt and been a nuisance, this tear is in a league of its own. I was running to take a single, nothing too dramatic, when it felt as it I had been kicked hard on the back of the leg. I fell over immediately in a hep of dust and just couldn’t stand. A very painful injury.

Now I’m of cricket for four weeks and popping painkillers on a far too regular basis. A two foot long bruise is evidence enough for anyone in the family who might think i was after the sympathy vote. I can’t believe it.