Thirty three lucky children were full of anticipation when we set off for Lord’s Cricket Ground and, as events unfolded, their expectations were fully justified.

Andrew Flintoff won the toss and decided that England should bat first. There was a real buzz of excitement around the ground. The sun shone, the players played and boy did the England batsmen put on a treat. Marcus Trescothic, hungry for runs having recently missed England’s tour of India, hit a crisp century (106). Alistair Cook, in his maiden innings for England in England, made an impressive 89, and Kevin Pietersen had scored a measured 52 not out at the close of play. England dominated the opening day finishing on 318 for the loss of just 3 wickets.

The Sri Lankans had little luck, with three LBW decisions rejected, and Pietersen caught off a no ball - so sorry, but Not Out! (We were not to know it, but the next day he went on to make 158 runs.) By the end of the day, the Sri Lankan bowlers were naturally looking weary and their bowling was unthreatening.