Slater fails to evade a fast one from Akhtar

To say we were pumped is something of an understatement.

Not only were we excited for our fellow countrymen, but we also knew that there is no longer any chance of the tiring banter coming from the drunken mouths of sectors of the crowds we are playing in front of.

For weeks we have been taunted with cries of 'you might win the cricket, but at least we will win the rugby.'

And, 'just watch our Lions whip your convict Wallabies'.

It has become like a broken record, so now we just have to smile at any clown in the crowd who wants to hear his own voice.

For this we will be forever indebted to the mighty Wallabies.

On the cricket field, and a long rain delay didn't dampen the swing-bowling prowess of Damien Fleming.

Conspiracy theory?

His six-wicket haul has us set up nicely to win this practice game against Somerset.

A highly respected player within the team, 'Flemo' has had to bide his time in making the first eleven.

Although he is an outstanding performer he is up against the deadly trio of McGrath, Gillespie and Lee.

He knows that all he can do is take wickets when the opportunity presents itself, and today he achieved this task perfectly.

Swinging the ball both ways he looked dangerous in all three of his spells, and his figures reflected an excellent day's work for the team's jokester.

With two days remaining in this contest, the prospect of facing more Akthar fireballs, has the blood running through the veins like a Linford Christie sprint.

Although Michael Slater had a precautionary X-ray on his wrist, he looks certain to be fit for the second Test starting at Lords on Thursday.

Thanks to a fierce bouncer by Akthar in the first innings, our dynamo opener was lucky not to have had the bones in his left arm smashed into a thousand pieces.

Maybe this is the reason for Akthar's appearance in this game.

He might be a hired hit man to see how many Australian batsmen he can knock out of action before the next Test?

From Taunton, Somerset.

JL