Another Test, another farcical end

Let me begin this post by congratulating South Africa on showing the backbone and technique to grind out their second innings for 167 overs, ensuring that the first Test match ended as a draw. Having made a bit of a mess of their first innings, they showed how hard it will be to shift them throughout the series, especially if the pitch is offering little help.

But what a shame that yet again the Test had to end in farce. I know (but don't really agree) that a Test can be called off as a draw at 5pm if the match is going nowhere, so why was there any need for the umpires to offer the light at 4.35pm, given that the batsmen weren't really in any danger and, frankly, England had given up trying to get them out?

I know that one ball from Paul Collingwood had reared up at Ashwell Prince, but it was one ball - and Colly, the old 75mph trundler - for goodness sake.

Having taken them off, the umpires then decided that the light had got better ten minutes later, so out they came again. This time there were 15 minutes to survive before stumps could be drawn, but Graeme Smith, the cunning blighter, had worked out that if he declared (SA were 47 ahead) then that would eat up ten of those minutes.

Michael Vaughan seemed to agree and so we had the ludicrous situation of first Kevin Pietersen and then Alastair Cook, a man who had bowled 26 overs in his entire first-class career, sending down an over to eat up time before at ten-to-five, Smiff declared and the match was called off.

OK, the game was going nowhere, but surely the only reason you forfeit the final hour is if neither side can win. By declaring 47 runs ahead, hadn't Smith given England a chance of winning? Scoring 47 shouldn't be beyond England in an hour. Of course, Smith's declaration was only made because England had promised not to chase it, but it leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.

Yet again, the spectators are short-changed. Even if the match had nothing riding on it, they had paid to watch six hours of cricket and they should have been given it or at least given a clean ending.

Comments

[Bush Imran]

To be honest and I am a first class cricketer, I do not get the writer's point(s) being made. Further, I am not sure if he succeeded in making any. Do you really think Smith would declare had he not known what might transpire? You should be congratulating Smith, Vaughn and Co. for spearing the spectators another hour of nothingness. Everyone is best served in this instance. If you about economics and utility...the Law of Diminishing Returns was already setting in.

[jonathan]

South Africa were cruising, England struggling. An extra hour of fielding practice would have done them good, pushed all those blisters a bit further along, more recovery time required...........
SA let England off the more pain hook, will the favor be returned?

[Pochard]

Going back to the selection question, I think you're right Innocent. Actually I think Sidebottom should be rested (not dropped obviously!) and Jones or, dare I say it, Harmison brought in. At least for one test, because they need someone fresh after the Lords marathon and Sidebottom's bad back is going to give out soon if he isn't given a break.

There are at least 8 quality pace bowlers available, including those already in the squad, and it's a resource that should be properly managed. Why flog a tired horse when there's a fresh one in the stable?

[Straight Point]

the best way to end farce would be another farce...

eng should have actually chased down the score...technically nobody was stopping them...

[terry]

What actually were the fans short changed over Patrick? Watching KP and Cook trundling away for another hour. Anyone with an ounce of common would have been on the tube or in the pub.

[jrod]

You know who doesn't have a farcical end.

Do you like to fight injustice?

Yes, that is truly an exceptional quality you have.

Please sign our Save Our Bill Lawry petition to keep the Corporate vultures from ending the career of our favourite excitable one.

http://www.petitiononline.com/SOBill/petition.html

Think of the children.

[The Pav]

I agree Homer,

It was match fixing & both captains should be disciplined.

There is a rule against contrived results

[Peter McGuinness]

An odd ending indeed.

But then again, each of these teams has a somewhat odd, nervy outlook. A game is not 'over until it's over', to quote the legendary Yogi Berra.

This really is a different England to '05, having gradually slipped back into traditional 'avoid losing' mentality. Confidence can pulse up and down, even when a team is in good form.

For all their huff and puff, the Proteas generally opt for safety and the familiarity of defense - which is not a criticism, because it is their major strength. Like the English, South Africans get lambasted mercilessly for defeat, but are forgiven for not risking a loss in pursuit of a win.

This philosophical dynamic is an ingrained feature of both nation's sporting psyches. So, this may not be last weird standoff of the English summer.

Draws can be thrilling when both teams - or even one team - are pressing for victory. What strange circumstances, when neither team cares to chance it's arm. Maybe the game should have been concluded at tea by agreement?

[Rob]

Patrick, fair point. I was in the Upper Tavern on Sunday and it was a tough day's cricket, one for the purist. Whilst there were some interesting moments, 2 silly mid off's and 2 silly mid on's and a silly point for Colly (gee's the Americans wouldn't get this sport, eh!), and some farcial fielding (the Strauss moment), if we're honest, it was relatively dull. Personally, now and then, you have to have these days to ensure you really appreciate the good days (day 1,2 & 3 of this test).

The tickets were cheap or free today (£20 adults, £10 OAP, free for under 16's). I don't know what the alternative would be. Suggestions please. I'm glad the England bowlers could put their feet up, since after 3 days in the field, will be tired and the next test starts at the end of this week.

Fair comment, but common sense prevailed (imho).

[Patrick Kidd]

Innocent, interesting points especially about pushing Broad up to six. I wonder... You would have to think that Colly is the one to go as we need four fast bowlers. But SP Jones for Sidey would be very interesting.

[Innocent Abroad]

I think that's a little harsh.

There are four Tests in five weeks and players can get injured in freak accidents at any time.

Now, moving right along, what do you think of England's team for Headingley? Flintoff for Tremlett in the XII doesn't answer any questions (except that they're going to stick with Ambrose).

It seems pretty clear to me we'll not get 20 Sarf Efriken wickets with only four bowlers so it's bad luck on Colly. I'm rather maliciously hoping that His Hairiness is found to be unfit and they call up SP Jones.

Promote Broad to six - we could do with a southpaw in the middle order, and let them sweat on Freddie coming out at eight...

[Homer]

isnt that tantamount to match fixing?