Remembering Graham Thorpe...

My first visit to the Oval since Yorkshire spoiled my birthday, for the first session of day one of Surrey versus Lancashire. Before the start of play both teams lined up to observe a minutes silence in memory of Graham Thorpe, who tragically took his own life at the age of 55. He was a hugely talented batsman, for both Surrey and England, and went on to become a much loved and respected coach in both domestic and international cricket.

When play got under way Surrey had the better of things, with the visitors losing three wickets for 98 runs, but the morning was brightened by a brisk 32 not out by 16 year old Rocky Flintoff on his Lancashire debut. Son of the great Lancs and England all-rounder Freddie, the youngster clearly has a bright future, and as the extra shot shows he's already an imposing figure