SCOREBOARD

Age, nickname and number of seasons in county championship?

23, Benno or Vicar, which came about because I only used to play Sunday league games, and this is my third season

TITLE WINNER

Your favourite domestic competition?

Probably the Twenty20. I love the longer form of the game but I’ve got a passion for the limited-overs stuff because of the atmosphere and crowds

FATHER TIME

The championship – relevant or relic?

Incredibly relevant. It’s only the diehard fans who come to watch it, but it develops our players mentally and physically for Test cricket

OUT ON A LIMB

Should players not eligible for England be limited

I understand it’s a bit complicated but if it was easy to do then, yes, they should be limited. It’s not great to see some counties fielding four or five blokes who can’t actually play for England

TWENTY20 VISION

A success, but are we heading for overkill?

There is a huge danger that they could overdo it. I hope people don’t get bored of it and that it’s always something to look forward to

BIG APPEAL

Crowds – does size matter?

I always try the same but it’s nice when a crowd is in and you can show what you can do. The buzz can help you raise your game sometimes, although it doesn’t determine what you’re trying to achieve

PITCH INSPECTION

It’s raining . . . do you reach for the iPod, sports pages or book?

Poker, although there’s been limited opportunity this year because it hasn’t rained much

SILLY POINTS

Pre-match superstitions and favourite lads’ mag?

I get ready about 30 minutes before anyone else and I lay my kit out in a certain order. The mag is FHM

IN A SPIN

Why are we not producing more quality spin bowlers?

It’s hard because in the early part of the season the pitches favour seam. Also, spinners mature at an older age. The second half of the season always offers more opportunities because of the drier weather, but the talent has to be there. There are only a handful of world-class spinners around because it’s such a difficult art to perfect

BURNING QUESTION

Will England retain the Ashes?

A lot will depend on the injuries but I’m remaining positive, so, yes

12th MAN

Pick an England player of the future

Ravi Bopara

CHAIRMAN OF SELECTORS

It’s fantasy cricket: Flintoff or Botham?

I’m picking Fred because the performances last summer stand out for me and he’s such a character on and off the pitch. His persona gives a huge amount to the team

MOVING TRACKS

Favourite music of the moment?

The Kooks and The Foo Fighters