By Neil Simpson

Shown the ropes: Warwickshire’s Alex Thomson is attending a spin-bowling programme in New Zealand

THE joy from a surprise Christmas present has usually started to fade by mid-February, but Alex Thomson is still making the most of the one that landed his way three days before the big day last year.
As the festivities approached, Warwickshire spin-bowling allrounder Thomson was preparing for the holiday period in the expectation that then he would be back at Edgbaston for the rest of the winter in the indoor centre and gym.
But then out of a blue came a call inviting ...