ENGLAND have made a dream start to the summer by crushing the West Indians giving hope for a fruitful time ahead.

Andy Flower has shown his intent as coach in selecting those players he deems to have the necessary qualities to succeed at the highest level.

His selection policy has sent a loud statement to all those players who strive to play for England.

His selection of Onions, Bresnan and Bopara were ia warning bell to those with ECB central contracts not to rest on their laurels. Bell and Sidebottom have been added to the squad in Durham this week, although I would pick the same team.

But whatever team is selected it will be some way from the one that is needed to regain the Ashes later in the summer – it will need a fully fit and functioning Harmison, Panesar and Flintoff to spearhead the attack.

Gloucestershire now have back to back championship victories and two more wins in the FPT – surely a quarter finals place beckons?

Not to be outdone, Frocester had a great victory against Glastonbury with a magnificent ton by Mark Hardinges, I’m sure the first of many to come.