David Gower and Micheal Atherton had a bit of fun with Jonny Bairstow, who looked like he was struggling with puzzle in Durham! David Gower and Micheal Atherton had a bit of fun with Jonny Bairstow, who looked like he was struggling with puzzle in Durham!

You'll be pleased to know I've finally finished my Sudoku!

It was that, rather than a crossword, that I was working on at the second Test in Durham when David Gower and Michael Atherton were having a laugh in the commentary box.

We have to hand our phones in at matches because of the anti-corruption regulations and I find puzzles a great way to spend the time.

Some players sleep a fair bit but little brainteasers allow me to stay busy and keep my mind occupied, as well as keep an eye on the game and support my team-mates.

Atmosphere

I was back in Yorkshire colours on Friday night for the Roses game with Lancashire in the NatWest T20 Blast.

The atmosphere was brilliant, as it always is regardless of whether it's a T20, one-day or County Championship game.

Captains Alex Lees and Steven Croft join Ian Ward in the SkyPod after Croft's Lancashire won the T20 Blast match by 26 runs Captains Alex Lees and Steven Croft join Ian Ward in the SkyPod after Croft's Lancashire won the T20 Blast match by 26 runs

I've experienced the Ashes rivalry and while Yorkshire versus Lancashire is obviously different, it is all about heritage and history and stretches back many years.

Lancashire winning wasn't the result we wanted but we have to take it on the chin and get better in a few areas, as well as credit Lightning for the way that they played.

Jos [Buttler] didn't give me any chirp from behind the stumps - we have too much respect for each other for that, plus I think he was just happy to be home after three months in India!

England and Lancashire's Jos Buttler tells Nasser Hussain he would like to move higher up the order in T20 cricket after his experience in the IPL England and Lancashire's Jos Buttler tells Nasser Hussain he would like to move higher up the order in T20 cricket after his experience in the IPL

Being on different sides on Friday night, I didn't get to speak to Jos too much about the IPL, but turning up day in, day out in front of packed crowds and alongside the best players in the world must have been very enjoyable for him.

The success of the IPL always leads to chat about whether changes may be made to the Blast - I'm sure there will be tweaks along the way but matches like Yorkshire against Lancashire and Surrey versus Middlesex produce great cricket and great occasions anyway.

Spine-tingling

I made no secret of the fact that scoring a century at Headingley was on my bucket list - and getting one at Lord's is on it, too, don't you worry!

There is a real buzz the morning before a Lord's Test, and coming through the Long Room to bat is a spine-tingling moment.

I got out for 95 there against South Africa in 2012, which was desperately disappointing - I don't remember too much about it other than that I was bowled by Morne Morkel!

The slope may impact the bowlers but it's not something I am too concerned about as a batsman or a wicketkeeper.

Bairstow is not concerned about keeping with the slope at Lord's

You might have to make minor adjustments, like you do on every surface, but when you fret and overthink too much that's when you get the budgies!

I am pretty pleased with the way I am striking and catching the ball at the minute and long may that continue - hopefully in the one-day game, too.

I am really keen for another chance in England's limited-overs squads but it's not something I am thinking about too much - I am fully focused on Lord's and then moving on from there.

Seeing Cookie pass 10,000 Test runs and Jimmy get past 450 Test wickets was one of those 'I was there' moments. Those records are testament to how long they have played but also the impact they have had on English cricket. Jonny Bairstow

Showman

I have enjoyed a bit of downtime, though, taking in a Coldplay gig, which was amazing - thanks to my sister for getting me tickets!

There was a packed house at The Etihad Stadium and if the opportunity to see them comes up again, I would jump at the chance.

I've got mixed musical tastes really - Calvin Harris was pretty cool live, as were The Script, while I can imagine Robbie Williams would be the ultimate showman.

Am I musical? My answer to that is that I'm much better with a bat in my hand…