Ashes Diary: England to face Pattinson part II

Lest we forget, English cricket was in the doldrums just two-and-a-half short years ago. That summer South Africa were the victorious tourists and the English management turned to a swing bowler by the name of Darren Pattinson, a Grimsby-born former roofer who was impressing for Nottinghamshire but had grown up in Melbourne. But why does that matter now? Well, Darren had a younger brother – James, 20 – and yesterday it was announced that he'll be facing England next Monday after being called up for the Prime Minister's XI.

Even 'Army' feel sorry for Aussies

Nice observation from Christian Nicolussi in the Sydney Daily Telegraph: "To understand how low Australia have truly sunk, you need to sit in the middle of the Barmy Army decked out in canary yellow cricket attire... they don't even notice you are there. Worse, they seem to take pity."

Johnson still manages a laugh – at himself

Perhaps Mitchell Johnson is not such a bad bloke. Given a mock ovation having been hit for 13 off one over, he responded with self-mockery, going down on one knee and mimicking a slog-sweep. Cue loud cheers.