Ryan Sidebottom is hoping the weather will hold for England's opening ODI clash with the Aussies.
Good to be back in an England shirt, now to hold on to it
It was a frustrating time for both teams up at Old Trafford as we attempted to play the two Twenty20 Internationals.
In the first match we were very upbeat when we came off the field having bowled and fielded pretty well, restricting Australia to what we felt was an achievable total. Unfortunately the weather then intervened and the match was called off.
We were desperate to get a result in the second match but the game was called off without a ball being bowled. This must have been terribly disappointing to the fans, as well as us players in the dressing room, but I guess you can't help the weather.
At least I got the chance to get back on the park in an England shirt in that first T20 game. I've been really pleased with my bowling for Notts this summer and managed to force my way back into the squad during the Ashes.
Frustrating
It was nice to be a part of it all but frustrating because, from a selfish perspective, you just want to get out there and play. But I've got some really good friends in the team and was chuffed to pieces for the likes of Graeme Swann and Jimmy Anderson - in fact the whole team. It was a top effort at the Oval and sets us up brilliantly for this one-day series.
We play seven one-day internationals now in the space of 16 days so its going to be a full-on series! There are a few new faces in the squad and it feels fresh and new to be around. Andrew Strauss said in an interview today that guys have a fantastic opportunity to stake their claim for tour parties this winter and I know they will be busting a gut to do well for England.
I really feel for Joe Denly, who injured a knee during warm ups today. We were having a game of football when he went down and while it's very unfortunate for him - these things do happen from time to time. He's going for a scan and, fingers crossed he will make a swift recovery and play a part in the series.
Mentally ready
We practised hard at the Oval today, preparing for tomorrow's opening game. It was very much back to basics, with us working hard on our game and getting mentally ready for tomorrow's fixture. Having had a quick look at the pitch, it looks quite similar to the one we played the final Ashes Test match on. It's straw coloured and quite dry so we may even end up playing a couple of spinners.
The first couple of games in this series will be crucial and if we can get the upper hand, it will give us some great momentum as we travel around the country. Winning the Ashes was superb and it would be brilliant if we can take the one-day series as well and send the Australians home without winning anything. I know that would please the fans as well as the players and we'll be doing everything we can to ensure the fans get plenty to cheer about.
Cheers, Ryan.
