CANTERBURY was a long way to go to face three balls and I have to admit I'm stuck in probably the worst Championship rut I've ever known in 17 years in the game.
I've never been one to question selection but I'm quite surprised not to be involved in the Pro40 League set-up.
Twenty20 and one-dayers are a totally different proposition from Championship cricket and the shorter form of the game has gone reasonab
ly well for me this season.
Instead of being at Blackpool this week, I was in Newcastle skippering the second XI against Durham. I'll miss Stanley Park because I always look forward to visiting the place.
No professional likes being dropped for any fixture but you have to knuckle down in the appropriate manner and produce the form that makes it difficult to be overlooked for too long.
Turning out for the seconds gives me the chance to find some form and set myself up for a big finish to the season.
I'm back in the Fylde on Sunday as part of my benefit year for a twenty20 game between Lancashire and a Palace Shield XI at Garstang Cricket Club, who have always done Lancashire beneficiaries proud.
The start is 3pm and the riverside provides no better setting to watch cricket.
The day begins with a primary schools tournament in the morning and continues with the Palace Shield under-15s playing Garstang under-16s. I'll be managing one team and Mark Chilton the other.
Charity benefits too, so I'm hoping the weather is right to attract loads of people.
Tickets can be bought in advance priced £8 and £4 concessions, rising to £10 and £5 on the day. Under-eights are free.
Lancs XI: Loye, Chilton, Cross, Horton, Parry, Hogg, Vincent, Smith, Hegg, Keedy, Croft.
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