Cricket News

So KP wins his first Test as captain as England successfully chase 197 to seal victory. But Graeme Smith doesn't care a jot as he lifts the Basil D'Oliveira Trophy after a 2-1 series win.

Sounds like quite a comfortable run chase for England?

Bizarrely, it was.

Really?

Yeah. Strauss and Cook's comfortable opening stand of 123, including half centuries for both, meant that it was unlikely to be a nervy finish for once.

Great. But there must have been some kind of wobble surely?

Well, yes, obviously. When Cook was caught by Smith of Ntini, Strauss (caught by Smith off Harris), Bell (bowled by Ntini) and then Skip Pietersen soon followed in what could be called a mini-collapse, but Colly and Flintoff saw England home, Freddie lamping a six to finish with a flourish.

I bet you Cap'n Kev was gutted not to finish the day...

He certainly was. He looked as though he was going to cry when he was caught off a very happy Harris for just 13. He'd obviously envisaged finishing it off with a left-handed six.

Ah well, you can't have everything can you Kev?

No he can't. But he certainly looked happy by the end, especially when he was awarded England's Man Of The Match and Man Of The Series.

Did he mention his missus by any chance?

No, but the Sky camerman certainly got his fill, with him forgetting to film what was going on the field at one point.

Pervert. Bet you he had his eye on the NPower girls as well.

Yeah, but they weren't as nice. A Gas Mark 6 only I reckon...

Very good. 

Thanks. Moving on, the next Test match isn't until December 11th, so Kev's got a lot of time to turn consolation victories into series wins.

Consolation Kev. That's got a ring to it....

Let's hope it doesn't stick...