2nd Test : 30 mins to go - Freddie casts a shadow over task at hand

Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy
F. Scott Fitzgerald

We haven't won an Ashes test at Lord's since 1934 but Freddie's decision to retire from Test cricket has dominated pre-match talk. I am one of Fred's biggest fans and defenders but I shall wait until the end of the summer to write my tribute to the finest cricketing character of his generation. Let's focus on the task at hand and leave eulogies until the conclusion of this series. The timing of this decision is an unfortunate one. We do not want this Ashes battle to become Fred's farewell tour. His legacy will be a long one, whatever his performances in the next four test matches, but this conflict is about much more than one man.

The mistakes of Cardiff need to be corrected at The Home of Cricket.

Each member of the team must deliver. No more dress rehearsals, please.