For me, summer officially starts when the first ball of the First Test is sent down. It’s been 400 odd days since Australia lost The Ashes to English and it’s going to be a long time before they get them back again.

Dad’s Army are doing nicely at lunch on 109/1, but have England shown their hand early by selecting Jones as their keeper and leaving out Monty – who was only termed by Coach Fletcher as the best finger spinner in world. Apparently that’s not the case, and by that reckoning, Ashley Giles is now the best. Now, try and tell that to anyone who knows a thing or two about cricket and they’ll call you an idiot.

Speaking of poor selection, does anyone remember how David Gower was left out of the squad in 1993? Can you say the word “oops”?

Langer pulls to leg – Photo: Tom Shaw Getty Images

Anyway, Harmison has opened up his pie factory with Langer eating up every flavour in the first session. It took Freddie Flintoff to take the first wicket and boy did he enjoy it. And rightfully so, it’s going to be a long summer, so it’s important to savour those moments that won’t be overly forthcoming over the months ahead.