Four players of colour

England 303 all out
v South Africa 214 all out
England 326 all out
South Africa 174 all out
England win by 241 runs

Wednesday 30 December 2015

Kingsmead, Durban

65 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

Mullered ‘em. The tendency is to look their way not ours. Older players retiring. Lack of form. Injuries. But, that was a great, simple performance all round by England.

Sure, there are issues. The openers aren't firing. Hales needs runs. The middle order are finding ways to get out. Not converting into centuries. Bairstow will have question marks over his keeping. Anderson’s injuries/age & who is the fourth seamer.

But, they got the job done. We can now play Series Cricket. Not defensive. But nice & calm. We don't have to chase things for a bit. Keep them in the field. Knacker them.

South Africa are juggling possible changes. I want to give my wholehearted support for their one arm tied behind the back approach. I'm sure it is very difficult for the players & fans. But, I'm convinced they should keep the so called quota system.

I was never here during Apartheid. It's my eighth visit to the country. It'd be pompous to say I've seen changes. But, Apartheid was such an extraordinarily extreme set up. You have to make choices to get somewhere new.

I'm ignorant of the reality. But, affirmative action, fast track, quotas. Call it what you will. If they think it's a good idea, I'll stand behind it & cut slack.

But, of course, it gives them headaches when they might have to make changes because they've been Mullered.

On the way back after the early finish, we popped in to watch a few overs at the delightful Northwood Crusaders Cricket Club. MCC are out on a tour which shadows part of the Test Series. Owais Shah made a fifty while we watched.

I need a quick beer round up. Many of the beers I've drunk on this Durban leg were sourced from Hillcrest TOPS. A superb offie. Even beats The Grove TOPS in Nelspruit. Rack after rack after shelf after shelf of SA Beers. And very helpful staff.

Long Beach Brewery, Green Room IPA from a bottle at 6%.

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co., Laughing Donkey from a bottle at 5.5%.

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co., Flat Tail Ale from a bottle at 8%. Thick chewy. Nice n bitter. Balanced sweetness.

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co., Blackdog Bitter from a bottle at 6%. Bordering on Stout. Sweet Red Fruit. Chocolate. Spice.

Porcupine Quill Brewing Co Karoo Red from a bottle at 5.5%.

257/526