 to make a game-shaping contribution. Tim Wigmore wrote of that one: ' '; the tourists certainly didn't hang about in their chase, they knocked those off with 26 balls unused. Absolutely no reason that England cannot hit back today though and the odds are that we see a high quality and competitive contest. There has been a nice sub plot around this series with the appearance of Andrew Flintoff, who had an awful accident while filming Top Gear, teaming up with the England squad for a bit of general coaching and mentoring. Liam Livingstone is one who enjoyed it. 'It's incredible to have him,' Livingstone said. 'He's obviously been one of my heroes growing up. To have someone of his experience lingering around the dressing room is great for all the lads. 'When you see someone like Fred around, it's always good to chat. Especially while you're batting: there's three and a half hours to pick the brains of someone who's been there and done it. 'He's probably a national hero, everybody loves that Fred's joining us and I'm sure he'll enjoy it as much himself. Over the next week or so, I'm sure he'll have plenty of laughs inside there.' More on Freddie as we have it and also we will have the toss and team news as soon as we can. Jason Roy has got some back troubles and looks like to miss out, Adil Rashid has had some issues with cramp but not sure if he will play or not.){kind=link}
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“It’s still drizzling at the Ageas Bowl, so the wait to have the toss continues. When we do get it it will be fascinating to see the England team: Dawid Malan’s wife gave birth yesterday so he won’t be involved. Jason Roy – who could do with a score to make sure of his own World Cup berth – seems likely to be ruled out too, with his return from a back spasm taking longer than hoped. That means that Harry Brook could get another opportunity in his new role as opener.”
it’s absolutely scorchio here in London, but there’s a big splodge of rain from Reading down to Southampton in an oblong shape to the south and west of London. That will move through sooner or later though.
and the start also. Weather updates as I have them.
Weather not very good at all for the next hour or so but better after that.