Archives for December 2009

This Test match series always promised much - but following the dramatic conclusion to the opening game at Centurion Park the anticipation ahead of this week's match here in Durban could hardly be higher.

It was certainly a nerve-tingling Test match for the TMS team in Centurion with former England captain Michael Vaughan feeling the tension from his new viewpoint.

During his debut TMS Test Vaughan quickly learnt about the infamous commentator's curse. On the third day while Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen were building a useful partnership, Vaughan was in discussion with Gerald De Kock about how impressively the two were batting together.

He then said: "Things are looking good. I just hope I haven't put the kiss of death on them". What happens next ball - KP plays on and Vaughan is crestfallen. "That's it I resign!" exclaimed the Ashes winner whilst Gerald turned to him and said: "Well bowled Michael Vaughan, a wicket to you!"

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So after eight days of preparation in East London, England's cricketers head back to Johannesburg ready for Wednesday's eagerly anticipated opening Test at nearby Centurion Park.

Although the quality of practice in the warm-up games was debatable, playing a moderate South African Invitational side on a slow pitch, to be honest England were probably pleased just to get out on the field following a hugely frustrating period which saw them play only three days cricket in three weeks due to bad weather across the country.

When we arrived on the south coast, the prospects did not look great with a mixed weather forecast and a sodden Buffalo Park. When you looked down the East London Esplanade it looked more like a scene from John Carpenter's "The Fog" than a holiday destination with the sea mist enveloping the hotels by the edge of the beach.

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