Lots of international cricket being played at the moment;  

England’s men playing a series of ODIs in South Africa – currently 2-0 down in the series, though the matches were closely fought (and with the third match being played on 1st February); and England’s women playing in the final of the inaugural Under 19s tournament.

England were on sparkling form as they progressed to the final, with an incredible 3-run win against Australia in the semi-final.   The team led by Grace Scrivens hoped to follow in the footsteps of the England teams led by Rachael Heyhoe Flint, which won the very first Women’s World Cup in 1973, and Charlotte Edwards, who led them to glory in the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009.   It was disappointing that they couldn’t maintain that marvellous form for one more match.   But while the performance was disappointing, the result and the tournament as a whole – the first of its kind in the women’s game – generates real excitement for the future of the sport.   The domestic season is just around the corner and there is a full programme of international cricket, including both men’s and women’s Ashes against Australia.