Moin's delaying tactics did not pay off

It does not have to be like this, of course.

The new laws, which were supposed to have been implemented on 1 October, deal with time-wasting by awarding five-run penalties to the opposition and, even, allowing an umpire to remove a bowler from the attack.

That these laws have not yet been introduced to Test cricket is an absolute nonsense.

Graham Thorpe's innings was outstanding - it was just as well that he was still in at the end because his eyes were used to the light - but I was especially pleased for Graeme Hick.

He is so often the butt of jokes, and his place in the team seems to constantly questioned, but his knock of 40, in a partnership of 91 with Thorpe, was crucial.

Hick: Did his bit when it was most needed

It might, even, award him a stay of execution and a tour of Sri Lanka, after all.

This completes England's third consecutive triumph of the year - having beaten Zimbabwe and West Indies. Of the three, this is the least expected and surely, therefore, the most gratifying.

England came here with precious little experience of playing spin bowling, and with two unproven spinners of their own.

The pitches were deliberately prepared to help the home team, although whether they did, or not, is a moot point.

The emergence of Ashley Giles is probably the most important development of the tour - he is now fully established as England's leading spinner.

That, and the continued growth in the confidence of the team as a whole which truly believes it can compete with anybody.

There will be a change, or two, in the make-up of the Sri Lankan party and I have heard strong rumours that Robert Croft might return at the expense of Ian Salisbury.

But, for the majority, attention now switches to the treat of a rare Christmas at home. Raise a glass to them: they deserve it!