Well I'm moving to Oslo in Jan so I'll be happy just to be playing any cricket over there tbh.
Keepingwise I hate wearing a lid, it's more about reactions up to quicks anyway, really should but dont, stupid really. Apparently lead tape/rolled up grip at the top of the handle works as a counterbalance to make the bat pick up lighter, there should be a big topic about it on here somewhere. Just got into the habit of it, never had a problem with it so did it to all my bats