Morning all,

In addition to writing words and doing things here at Ruckingball, I co-own a TV Casting and Talent business in the West End. My role there really tends to be behind the scenes and dealing with the business stuff. It’s rare that I’d ever venture to put myself forward for a part (I’m terrified of the camera and the camera is not my friend in any way at all).

However, those that know me are aware that my passion for all things sporting (cricket in particular!) knows no bounds, and you can imagine what happened when Sky Sports sent in the brief for their new test Cricket Idents.

A cricketer playing shots and strokes? To be featured in the title sequence? “That’ll be my good self’ I said! Last night, as I watched the opening day of the Sri Lanka Test I screamed across the lounge in delight “It’s me! It’s me!” I bellowed, as an animated figure smashed another cover drive to the boundary!

I really enjoyed the day immensely, especially as the other featured artists were my good mates Richard Stemp (ex England and Yorkshire spinner) Dave Burton (Middlesex fast bowler) and Dave Pashley, (not only the Staffordshire wicketkeeper, but voted the best dressed man in Manchester by GQ in 1999! or was that 1979?). We went to the famous Centroid studios (our blogger Jamie Roberts knows this house of pain well I believe), we were trussed up in lazer light suits and got paid to play cricket for a day…manna from heaven.

So, whenever you see a right handed batter in the Sky Test sequence, that’ll be me.

However, you’ll note that the sequence is an animation based upon my movement and you can’t see my ugly mug. I’m glad. I said the camera doesn’t like me!!

James.