Adam Voges and the Taunton Turner. Sounds like a missing Enid Blyton novel.

That’s our kind of anecdote.

Under my desk there is a prominent line formed at the dividing edge of two rows of carpet tiles. Recently I’ve become increasingly annoyed as my colleague who sits facing me on the opposite desk to mine repeatedly kicks my feet and stores her spare shoes and/or laptop bag a considerable distance over said line. I’ve been thinking of challenging her on this until this morning. Having gone under the desk to rearrange aforementioned paraphernalia (she’s off on Fridays) I have realised that The Line does not coincide with the divide between our desks – in fact it’s considerably over to her side.

I’ve completely forgotten the point I was trying to make here. Something about Adam Voges and the Taunton Turner I think.

But either way, there still remains the question of where precisely one draws the line.

We’re back on lines again, it seems.

That’s probably fair. But it should also be added that it’s better to err in favour of the bowler since 123 all out plays 140 all out is more entertaining to watch than 580 all out plays 630-3 dec.

“A safe pitch that allows both bowlers and batsmen to bring their skills to bear on the result of the match.”

A batter’s paradise negates the skill of the bowler. A pitch that is a minefield makes the result over-dependent on luck – chance already has a significant sway over results, but being skittled by one that keeps low or caught out by one that spins egregiously means that luck is negating the skills of the batsmen (and indeed the skills of the bowler, if their figures reflect their fortune more than the quality of their deliveries).

I partly blame that ruddy crossbow bolt

Alternatively; Jamaica 1998.

Quit whining about spinning wickets and learn to play spin.