A world of radio: This Ashes series is already one of the best in the past 20 years and we cricket fanatics are ruining relationships as we attempt to catch every breath of the coverage.
This is a major problem in Ireland, or if you’re abroad on holidays, where it can be complicated to access the BBC broadcast: internet radio is only as reliable as your WiFi signal, mobile phones don’t pick up medium wave broadcasts, and digital radio here doesn’t do cricket. That leaves a short-wave receiver as the only option. Sony’s basic analogue set is the ICF704L (€28.15, www.powercity.ie), which picks up long- and short-wave, as well as FM and MW. It has the all-important earphone jack, should you need to keep your addiction quiet, or tune out the rest of the family because Ricky Ponting has stepped up to the crease. Runs off four AA batteries or a wall socket.
* Made of magnesium, titanium, rubber-coated and with a lifetime warranty. No, not Shane Warne’s hairpiece – a set of Leica Ultravid 8x42 binoculars (€1,899, www.connscameras.ie). Leicas are the Rolls Royce of lenses – virtually indestructible, and unbelievably expensive. Perfect for spying Golden Eagles in Kerry, or golden ducks at Edgbaston.
* Your nearest redhead will confirm that it’s possible to get sunburned through light T-shirts. It’s hardly an issue in Ireland, but the SPF50 rating of the Spotty Otter range of kids’ clothes (€25.50 each for shorts and shirt, www.littletrekkers.co.uk) might be useful in a stronger sort of sunshine. The nylon shirts and shorts are hard-wearing with loads of useful pockets, and they look tough enough to survive everything demanded by waist-high versions of Bear Grylls.