The goldfinches

Most of the goldfinches have fluttered off to other areas now that food is plentiful in high summer but we still have a loyal three of four who come to the feeders most days with their lovely warbling, which sounds just like chuckling, and gorgeous bright plumage.

We love them all but our particular favourite is the one which, no matter how much he/she eats, always remains pencil slim. Greenfinches are usually nicely-shaped, not rotund by any means, but sort of pear-shaped but this one is resolutely skinny. We call him "Pencil Billy".

To the very first ball after lunch, Nixon plays forward to Carter, misses a straight one and his off-stump falls back.

Leicestershire 78 for 3 (30 overs). Ackerman 26, Allenby 0.