Wonderful stuff; thanks so much for posting it. I think MCC have always ignored the ICC's alcohol rules, and for once I think they've got it right: I dislike truly "boozed up" crowds, like the ones you (used to?) get on the Western Terrace at Headingley, but from afar I thought the Lord's atmosphere was fantastic. I don't think the members have ever joined in a Mexican wave at Lord's -- and there have been more than you might imagine over the years. The booing is pantomime stuff, but curiously amusing even so.

Test cricket dead? Piffle!

I'm so pleased by this; I did worry a bit during the SL series, but there I suppose the combination of the weather, poor scheduling (Cardiff is the wettest Test ground in Britain in May!) and a weakened opposition didn't help. England has a reputation now for being a country where Test cricket still thrives, and I'd hate to see that disappear.

I'd love to attend the Day Five's play at the Oval

Good luck with that! I have an outside chance of getting to the final day at Edgbaston, which would be nice as I've never actually been to a Test in the flesh, but it really is only an outside chance. Forgive me if I don't join in your last two sentences, though. =;P