England beat Australia

No, it's not a typing error! England have beaten Australia in the "Legends" Twenty20 match under the WACA lights in Perth on Tuesday night. As many as 17,141 spectators bought tickets to watch the has-beens in action, Mike Gatting's side romping to an seven-wicket victory with six balls to spare after being set 172.

The only disappointment for Gatting was that he made a second-ball duck, nicking an outswinger in the first over from who else but Dennis Lillee. Graham Thorpe then joined Robin Smith, however, to put on a match-winning 119 in 13 overs for the second wicket. Smith rolled back the years with a hard-hit 32-ball fifty while Thorpe, hitting the ball into gaps with all his old skill, finished with 72 off 49 deliveries. Nineteen were wanted off the last two overs, but then Ian Healy came on and Adam Hollioake settled the issue with three massive sixes.

Topscorer for Australia was Ryan Campbell, one of six West Australians in the side, who thrashed 68 off 33 balls. His cameo included six sixes, four of them off the hapless Gus Fraser. John Emburey, England's oldest bowler, was also the most successful, taking three for 20 off his four overs. Alec Stewart made a couple of stumpings as well as running out Kim Hughes, the Australia captain.

Between the innings, the crowd were treated to an amplified rendition by Billy Cooper, the Barmy Army's trumpeter who was banned form playing his instrument at the first and second Tests. The more liberal-minded WACA have already stated that Cooper, a professional musician and good egg, will be allowed to play during the third Test. Common sense has at last prevailed.