Leave it, we've had a drink

South Africa A 136 all out
v England 414-6 declared
South Africa A 35-2
close on Day 2

Monday 21 December 2015

Pietermaritzburg Oval

42 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

Leave it, we've all had a drink. Details of my drink at the bottom. But I need to start with Hales leave. Second time on the tour. Left one. Bowled. After he'd done the hard yards and looked fluent at times.

But, you know, he got past 50. Good good day again for England. Albeit made easier by the Saffers only rattling up a low ‘un. Centuries for Cook & Root. Root’s at nearly a run a ball.

I was a bit disappointed Stokes got out. One of a very select band of England players who can take the game away from you. A long way. And quickly. But still 66 off 47.

And then 2 wickets in the gathering gloom. Who knows. But this looks an experienced A Team on paper. No mugs.

Root is now the clear leader in the England Look After The Ball squad. Have a look if you see him in the Test Series on the tele. He wears a long sleeve shirt. Pulls one sleeve right down over his wrist & hands. Using his other hand, he very vigorously & deliberately rubs the ball on his shirt over his wrist.

And, it's a peculiar rub. Sort of cleaning motion. I Spy A Theory. Is he shining the shiny side? Is he drying the dry side? Is he roughing the rough side. All totally legal I'm sure.

Four bottle jobs from Copperlake Brewing Co.

Light Lager at 4%. Pale & refreshing. Sweet finish.

India Pale Ale at a whopping 6%. A bit of a Hop Bomb. But a little too sweet.

English Ale at 4.5%. Spicy aroma. Thin mouthfeel. Toffee sweetness in the finish.

Dark Lager at 5%. Smoke in the aroma. Initial sweetness gives way to some bitter chocolate

251/516