DURING these cold, dark, winter months we all look for something to cheer our spirits, and brighten up the gloom prior to the arrival of spring with lighter and warmer days.

We do of course, have Christmas with its annual reminder of our saviour entering the world as a baby — a lovely time, spent with family and friends.

There is also in my case, that national institution known as 'cricket' — I was employed in the game for 33 years and it is deeply ingrained in my soul!

Those of us fortunate to have Sky TV love our winter cricket, especially when England play Australia for the Ashes after promising so much after last summer when we won 3-0.

It has been an utter disaster from start to finish. A totally spineless performance which has seen us lose four test matches by huge margins, and then finally a 5-0 drubbing.

This shameful effort has been a disgrace and many heads should roll. A light at the end of our winter tunnel? — certainly not with out hapless cricketers.

Tony Smith

Lydford