The end of another frustrating week dominated by the wet spring weather.

The only cricket we have had was a day and half in Derby but even then conditions were marginal with the run-ups and outfield very soggy.

While the players are having to kill some time, spare a thought for the groundsmen around the country who are battling away for hours to get the grounds fit only to have passing showers ruin all their work.

During rain the dressing room becomes a hive of activity and in most cricket autobiographies there will be several stories that have come from a rainy day.

There are card schools, there are readers. There are guys who can't keep still and there are those that just go to sleep. There are those who tidy up a few loose ends, then there's the 'Cat', Phil Tufnell.

Tuffers is great entertainment, passionate about his cricket and enjoys what he's doing. Not renowned for his batting ability or courage at the wicket, he has had me in stitches this week talking about his past performances with the blade and what to expect from him this summer.

It's a nice time to be playing cricket in England.

When I last toured here there was a lot of negativity surrounding the game and in particular the national team.

That was two years ago and it's completely changed.

England have won their last four series and under Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain they have gained direction and, more importantly, confidence.

With Pakistan and Australia touring this summer England will be tested, but as long as they keep believing, we are in for some exciting cricket.

I have spent a bit of time this week locating fellow Kiwi cricketers who have been gliding into the country to play a bit of cricket in the off season.

Mathew Sinclair and Mark Richardson are two internationals who are over here, as well as several first-class players who have taken the chance to play some cricket abroad. Matt is based up in the North while Ritchie will be based close to me in London.

Our next commitment for New Zealand is late July, when we visit Sri Lanka for a couple of weeks. Until then we just sit and wait for a break in the weather and hope we get some luck when the cards are dealt.

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