Welcome to NZ, boys

Last time I sat to type we were 2-2 in a 5 match series against the Aussies; that's a while ago now. No apologies, I've just been really busy. The series stayed level after a wash out in Brisbane, a match I think we would have won seven out of ten times from that position. The T20 a couple of days later we lost, too many dot balls marred our batting innings from a position of strength to one of desperation. We couldn't quite get over the line, a very disappointing way to finish a close series, one that we could have won and taken the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy back across the Tasman.

Now I sit here in Christchurch with the dreams of warmer climates in my head. The tour to Australia was a warm one, most days there around and above 30C. It's 14C today, not warm enough for me, and really not warm enough for our opponents. Oh well, poor them; welcome to NZ boys! I actually passed most of them in the street yesterday, rugged up, I bet they can't casually walk along the street at home. They must be loving it, apart from the weather, that is.

I am looking forward to tomorrow night’s Twenty20. Huge interest over here - this is the big tour here of the summer. The series against the Windies was weather-marred, hopefully we get full opportunity to play these games in some great weather on some great decks, although if the cold weather helps us make the visitors feel uncomfortable, I'll take every advantage we can get.

Since getting back from Australia I've missed one Twenty20 for Wellington, a rest after the tour, and been back for the two remaining matches. Had a couple of great days out at a special place called Castle Point, great beaches and just an amazing place!

One washout and the second one, up in the lovely Mt Manguanui at Bay Park, on a lovely day where we, Wellington, had a one-sided win. I was only needed for two overs at the start of the innings, was coming back for a third in the 20th over except we bowled them out in the 19th. Graham Napier finished off a great season for Wellington by picking up a couple of cheap wickets in his four overs before he headed off to join the England 'A' team on their tour of NZ. Nap's has been great over here for Wellington; his season has been brilliant for both himself and us. He's bowled with pace, energy and smarts the whole time and I look forward to seeing him in the IPL and in the English domestic season. Great job mate, catch ya soon, hopefully in a county match over there!

Right then, till Thurs, where I'll be blogging the Twenty20 match v the Indians, that'll do for now. Enjoy.