Regulation win

South Africa A 136 all out
v England 414-6 declared
South Africa A 187 all out
England win by an Innings and 91 runs

Tuesday 22 December 2015

Pietermaritzburg Oval

44 South African Beer Ticks

Twitter @ball_sup

Well, in a way, you can't do better than that. Strong South Africa A Team (on paper). Mullered ‘em. Regulation Plan A win. It helped that the pitch looked green to me. Initially barely indistinguishable from the rest of the square. Some of the weather was overcast & leaden. Win the toss. Stick them in. Skittle them. Bat deep, quick, long. Seamers break through. The off spinner hoovers up.

I was square on. There were some rash shots. Don't know if he was turning it. But, fair play. Moeen has got the numbers. 6 for 77.

I thoroughly enjoyed that. Lovely ground. If a little frayed at the edges. Free to get in. Plenty of space. Bit of a ball ache that they searched my cool box for Beer every morning. Lots of nice Saffers busy Saffering. Every class & ethnic group.

The cricket ebbed a bit. But, I leave with renewed optimism for England's chances. I wish Hales all the luck. I've said time & time again I'd have Compton opening & Ballance at three. But, I'll cheer Hales to the rafters. Although I gave him some right gyp when he dropped that catch on the boundary today.

I hope they go with Finn. I'd be happy enough with Woakes. But, I'd be unsure if it was Footitt. Concentrate. Do the simple things well. Most of all don't play rash shots & bowl patiently when you have to. When you get a chance to take it away from them, DO SO. Root, Bairstow & particularly Stokes are programmed to do that.

Nice relaxing drink after that neat win.

Harfield, Buchanan Road, English IPA from a bottle at 5.5%. That has grown on me as I've got down it. At first it seemed too sweet. But, later on there's a nice deep bitter orange coming through.

Harfield, Tredgold, Golden Ale from a bottle at 5.5%. Nice Beer. Good sweet vs bitter balance. Flavours are gentle.

252/518