The Bell

Sitting here at Molineux waiting for 22 footballers to commence kicking a bag of wind about for an hour and a half (plus stoppage time) I find myself lamenting the absence at Edgbaston last season of the pavilion bell. There is something timeless and charming about the lovely resonant clang of a bell to signal that, in 300 seconds time, there will be cricket.

I know the pavilion is in a state of flux at the moment - well, just in a state, really - but the dear old bell is still there in a box. Let's have it back up and in action for next April.

A.Giles' priority list for this winter should read.
1. Get the bell back.
2. Overseas fast bowler.
3. Other matters.