While I’m not quite at the stage of thinking that England may have a chance of becoming the first overseas side to beat Australia in a ODI series in Australia since who knows when it’s good to enjoy success for a moment or two. I may write to John Buchanan pointing out that the inadequacy of the Australian bowling attack is interfering with England’s World Cup preparations, but then again we all know ODI cricket is not that significant in the great scheme of things.

What I am enjoying are the performances of Collingwood. Successive centuries, some excellent take the pace off the ball bowling and his athleticism in the field make him a fine cricketer, far more than a useful one-day player.

I’m also pleased for him because he’s been blamed in some quarters in southern England for losing the Ashes, for his obdurate 22 n.o. at Adelaide and for making Shane Warne angry with his sledging. ( His detractors also seem to forget his double-century in the first innings at Adelaide.) It’s largely been down to his gritty excellence that England are now in the position they are. And suddenly, overnight, very discreetly the prospects for the next few months are considerably brighter.