I'M sure I would have been playing for England today but for my back problem.

The word was that I was going to start against the Aussies at Trent Bridge.

It would have been my first 'home'Test match.

I was netting really well on Tuesday and Wednesday. I was bowling quickly and the ball was going in the right areas.

Then, after the last two balls of my final spell in the nets, I felt my back twinge again.

I was really disappointed as I knew I was close to selection. The frustrating thing is that I can do everything but bowl. Its the whip in my back as I deliver the ball that's the problem.

The England physio, Dean Conway, had a look at it and I went off to the Parks Hospital in Nottingham, where the England doctor, Mark Batt, works.

X-rays showed there was no stress on my ribs or vertebrae so the problem is more to do with muscles and ligaments.

England coach Duncan Fletcher asked me if I was fit enough to last a five-day Test match without breaking down.

I had to be honest - there was a lot at stake - and I could not declare myself fit.

It is so frustrating. Every time I get close to playing for England in this country something ridiculous like this happens but there is no point in moping or crying over spilt milk. It's just a question of getting behind the rest of the England boys.

Yesterday was a great day for the fans with over 300 runs scored and 17 wickets taken.

I got on as 12th man briefly twice for my county colleagues Darren Gough and 'Chalkie' White and the atmosphere was fantastic.

It's what it is all about at the top level.

Glenn McGrath bowled superbly for Australia, but our boys came back with a bang as Goughie, Alex Tudor and Andy Caddick all put it in the right spot and bowled well.

It was fairly taxing conditions for the batsmen with the ball seaming a bit and the pitch exaggerating the movement, so Marcus Trescothick's 69 was a great effort.

I've kept in touch with events at Headingley where Yorkshire have a lot to do against Surrey. But we had a great win over Lancashire in the Roses match and hopefully I'll be ready to bowl in the return match at Old Trafford next week.

Darren Lehmann's double century at Headingley against them was something else. He is in a class of his own. He makes batting just look so easy.

The fact that he can't get into the current Ashes squad just shows how much strength in depth the Aussies have.

Fingers crossed, I'll be back in action next week.