It started on a sombre note and ended with everyone desperate to escape the mind-numbing tedium of a Jonathan Trott one day innings. England wrapped up the series on an emotional day at the Oval.
The crowd came out in numbers to see one of the great limited overs openers bashing the ball to all parts. And that’s exactly what they got.
And so begins a one-day jamboree. Strap in.
In Australian cricket an annus horribilis has been replaced by annus rebuildus. So we failed Latin. On reflection, that’s probably one reason why we ended up writing for a cricket website.
The latest in our long line of winter report cards turns puts South Africa in the firing line, ahead of their trip to England this summer. A series we’re so excited about we agreed to stay off the gin for its entirety because we don’t want to miss any.
The West Indies had a fairly quiet winter, with only a series against Australia to show for their efforts since our last report.
You have to be pretty good to be that rubbish over the winter and still be the best team in the world.
They may be rubbish, but at least Zimbabwe are playing.
In which we write about the best all-rounder in the world, and ten others.