People have a spring in their step. When you read that the TV ratings exceeded the final night of Big Brother, you know that you're heading in the right direction.

People have a spring in their step.

Then we had a change halfway through. It hasn't been a subject that has cropped up in my discussions - which have mainly been about support for Michael - or whatever discussions I've had with Duncan when I've made contact with him in India.

Ian Blackwell is a talented player who performed well in the one-day series in Pakistan and this is a terrific opportunity for him to show that he can fulfil his potential against top class opposition.

Jon Lewis and Stuart Broad have both shown fine early-season form for their counties and I'm sure they will be keen to make the most of this opportunity against Sri Lanka.

With Liam Plunkett and James Anderson performing well in Pakistan, and Simon Jones now available for selection again, the selectors feel the priority is for these players to gain as much experience of one-day cricket as possible ahead of the World Cup and as a result Darren misses out.