Somerset's Ian Blackwell has enjoyed mixed fortunes in the three warm up matches ahead of the start of the One Day International series that gets underway on Friday when England meet Australia in Sydney.

In the match against New South Wales the Cidermen's all rounder scored an impressive unbeaten 29, against Australia A he was run out for 5 but bowled 10 overs and took one wicket for 24 and was then dismissed cheaply and didn't get to bowl earlier today.

Shortly after this morning's defeat `Blackie' told me: "This was another disappointing day and another defeat this time against the Prime Ministers XI."

He went on: " Today was a typical early May day in England, around 13 degrees after a night of rain, a delayed start and a dodgy wicket to say the least. After winning the toss in a shortened 42 over game we were soon in trouble. Before you knew it we were four wickets down with fifty runs on the board and I was in but unfortunately I just couldn't make an impact."

Even though he conceded that England had not scored enough runs the former Derbyshire man didn't feel that his side were out of it.

He told me: "Only making 152 was disappointing but we thought we may have a chance on the wicket and with the conditions etc, but things weren't to be and we lost by four wickets."

Looking ahead to the end of the week and the opener against Australia which is bound to be a tough match he said: " Lets hope that Friday the 13th isn't bad luck for England and that we surprise a few and win!"

Regarding his inclusion in the initial squad for the 2003 World Cup that will take place in South Africa in the spring he told me: "Its a great honour to be involved and I hope immensely that I make the final selection for the world cup after the one day series in Australia."

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