England v South Africa: third Test, day one delayed by rain – reside! | England v South Africa 2022

Which pub for cricket in Paris? We have solutions for Martyn Fairbrother. Here’s Paris Bob Wilson: “The most guaranteed place I knew was the downstairs bar/lobby of St Christopher’s Inns at 159 rue de Crimée just by the lovely lock on the canal de la villette. You can get Newky Brown there too. Used to be all Aussie backpackers and the occasional bewildered American. Worth calling to check that there’s still all day cricket. Nice grub in that neighbourhood too and delightfully old-world crack-dealers.”

Another choice, tweeted in by Charl Engela, is the Frog and British Library. That’s endorsed by common OBO emailer Nick Toovey, who has watched video games there.

The boundary-to-boundary covers on now. Because, do you know, the sq. goes allllll the way in which throughout right here at The Oval. Nobody ever talks about that.

The new ECB chair, Richard Thompson, is aware of this floor higher than most given his former gig as Surrey chair. He’s been doing the media rounds so it’s price studying what he has to say given the affect he now enjoys. Simon Burnton has the story.

So a lot for that inspection, by the way in which. We’re heading into that territory the place one extra massive dump – and this rain isn’t that, by the way in which – is likely to be sufficient to get the day known as off. On the opposite hand, I’m certain the powers-that-be will give themselves each likelihood to get on for 15 overs in order that they don’t need to dish out full refunds.

“Hello Adam and Hello Robert Wilson.” Martyn Fairbrother, welcome to the OBO. “Where’s the place to watch the cricket in Paris? Last time out, in the bar where I was watching, we lost a bit of the Test before lunch to Southampton-Man U and the last wicket to another match. They were threatening to put the Formula 1 on if it had lasted until Sunday.”

Bob, over to you with that one. The French Women’s workforce have been visiting on a tour of England lately – they’ve been busy enjoying quite a lot of fixtures this summer season.

Covers on. Sorry. Big ones coming now too… and yep, it’s raining.

Tim Connolly despatched this 22 minutes in the past. “Raining in Chobham, so it’ll be raining at the Oval in an hour.” So, about half-hour after the following inspection. Saaake.

“Hi Adam.” Hello, Jeremy Boyce. “I used to live near The Oval many years ago, went one Sunday afternoon to watch Aussies v Surrey, we lost an hour to Lord’s day observance, but the Baggy Greens rattled up over 300 in the day nevertheless. Anyway, am I seriously the first person to point out that, given the recent history of early finishes for matches involving BazBallCC, half a day lost today just means we might actually make it into the fourth, even fifth, day?”

Good shout. The early BazBall efforts made it to day 5 as a result of New Zealand madeloads when batting first. But I’m not sure South Africa have a prime six that’s able to batting for 4/5 classes for the time being. And they’re batting first.

“What happens to tomorrow’s day’s play if the Queen dies this evening?” asks Michael Cameron-Mowat. “Do they suspend the game or do they play the test but with a marker of the event (like the equivalent of a footballer’s black armband)? Hope it’s not a callous question but I was just wondering what happens.”

No callous in any respect, Michael – completely cheap within the circumstances. The reality is, we don’t know. Our expectation, from earlier reporting, is that play can be suspended on the day itself. But past then, it’s unclear. The ECB informed us earlier right this moment that there can be a board assembly instantly to decide.

For what it’s price, I used to be on air at Lord’s final 12 months when the Duke of Edinburgh died and we weren’t fairly certain how it will play out and the spherical was almost suspended. But as an alternative, after respects have been paid on the sphere, the sport cracked on as regular. But I recognize, after all, that that is very (very) totally different.

Along these traces, a thought I had earlier. There’s a risk that play will start this afternoon just for there to be additional (and grave) data introduced by the Palace earlier than stumps. In that occasion, nationwide anthems would have been performed earlier than the match begins, which is the customized earlier than each Test today. In flip, it may be one of the final public renditions of God Save the Queen that we ever hear.

Covers again off. Just the hessian for now, with – that newest information once more – the formal inspection coming at 4pm.

“*sings softly to self*” begins Josh Cooper. “…he bowls to the leeeft, he bowls to the riiiiiiiiiiiight….” Yes, I used to be there mate. I used to be there. “Can’t include a ‘tormentor’ who has a song that instantly brings a smile to my face. Though admittedly 2013/14 has been surgically removed from my hippocampus. Rain is rubbish, isn’t it? Can we all wish the Gnomads CC the best for their tour around the Hope Valley this weekend? In Derbyshire, where it never rains? Enjoy your afternoon.”

Yikes, a nasty weekend of climate for a tour! Hope you’ve got good digs/pubs. In reality, for those who’re in Derbyshire the latter gained’t be a difficulty – love protecting video games there.

More Johnson-adjecent corro, this from Simon Thomas. “Rather than Johnson ending Carberry’s career, it was very much the selectors who decided that, for whatever reason, his face didn’t fit and that was that. He certainly wasn’t disastrous that Ashes series. If he was playing now, he’d have had a much longer run in the team. I’m off to the Oval tomorrow too – having seen Hayden/Langer and Ponting in 2001 ; Amla/Smith/Kallis in 2012 and Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan in 2016, I’ve had enough of tormentors.”

Couldn’t agree extra with Carberry. He left Australia, as I keep in mind it anyway (earlier than I moved into journalism, simply trucking alongside as regular) together with his status enhanced. Certainly within the eyes of Australians, he little unsuitable. Got a BBL deal, too.

BBC reporting that seven members of the Royal Household are shortly arriving at Aberdeen shortly. This isn’t a weblog on these developments, yow will discover that over right here, however it will be disingenuous to disregard important developments elsewhere.

Back to our matter, Peter Hanes. “Thanks as always for your coverage. Regarding tormentors, while Warne was so often such a presence with ball and mind, spare a thought for Murali (112 wickets at 20 against England).”

With 16 of them right here at The Oval in Sri Lanka’s well-known 1998 victory. That was the definition of endurance and sticking to a plan: Murali all day, each day.

They announce the 4pm inspection to the group and so they aren’t completely happy. Plenty of boos and a loud “GET ON WITH IT” booms across the Vauxhall End of the bottom.

Further inspection 4pm. Urgh.

“Hello my lovely.” Robert Wilson, I miss you. “I’ve been covering the Nice attack trial at the Palais de Justice all week so I could really do with some bleeding cricket. Did no one mention Ladysmith Black Mambazo for the rain-praising playlist? What is wrong with you people? Also, Warne was quite obviously the torturer par excellence. He clearly enjoyed that bit more than getting the actual wicket. I bet he used to follow batsmen into the toilets and just stare at them from the corner.”

Well, possibly cricket? The rope goes across the outfield – that’s normally a very good signal that the intense mopping up work is completed with solely the floor water left.

“I think most of England’s 1986 West Indies tour squad would consider Patrick Patterson worthy of inclusion,” emails Ewan Glenton. Damn straight – what a drive he was. “If pure, ice-cold fear factor were to be a key factor, I’d perhaps have him opening the bowling with either Mitch or Thommo.”

Wondering what ever occurred to Patterson? My pricey good friend and colleague Bharat Sundaresan discovered him a number of years in the past. Brilliant piece of journalism.

A plug whereas we await an replace. I wrote The Spin column this week, specializing in Zimbabwe and their relationship (or lack thereof, today) with England. In brief: it’s been a protracted whereas, lots has occurred, time for them to get again on the sphere collectively – tough as which may now be with the circus of a world schedule.

The inspection is happening. The covers are on so the umpires are strolling round the remainder of the (huge) sq., getting a way of how a lot water is on there. They’re in deep dialog with the top groundsman, by the seems. Some sad followers sitting close to me – “get on with it!” one roars. Another boos. Now the umps depart.

“Afternoon Collins, afternoon everybody.” And to you, Josh Robinson. “So for me the key question when it comes to tormentors is that of respite. For me, his performances in 2010-11 (and indeed 2009) mean that however devastating Johnson was in 2013-14, he doesn’t make the cut. Whereas Graeme Smith, Steve Waugh seemed to occupy the crease for years at a time. That said, Greenidge’s 214* at Lord’s in 1984 would arguably be enough for inclusion on its own, even if he hadn’t averaged over 50 against England.”

Johnson is advanced. As you say, performed his half for England in 2009 (though, he was nowhere close to as unhealthy as individuals keep in mind it) and, after all, 2010-11 was messy. But everyone knows what occurs in 2013-14; one of the nice cricket redemption arcs.

“Any shout out for the tormentors in a losing cause against England?” asks Tom Barrington. “If so I think Blundell and Mitchell deserve a mention for their heroics this summer.”

If ignoring each different sequence he performed in opposition to them, I suppose Shane Warne’s 2005 Ashes would meet that standards. Also, I ponder if Mitchell earn himself a Wisden Almanack Cricketer of the Year gong subsequent 12 months? In different phrases, will likely be be seen as one of the 5 finest cricketers of the summer season of 2022 (who hasn’t gained it earlier than)?

The covers are again on. I’m not fairly certain why, although? I’m sat exterior, albeit beneath cowl, and I don’t detect any rain. But it’s darker now, so possibly the bottom workers are seeing what we’re on the radar – extra rain more likely to hit in a short time. Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless meant to be an umpire’s inspection shortly.

In relation to the Queen’s well being. The solely phrase we’ve had from the ECB up to now is that they aren’t mandated to do something by way of the Test. But the board will meet, within the occasion that there’s one other growth, to determine the plan of action.

Anyhow that’s me; thanks all on your firm and feedback. Here’s Adam Collins to assuage you thru what’s going to hopefully be some precise cricket, and right here’s our rain playlist.

Oh, and right here’s Tom King on exactly that time: “I think we’re not leaving nearly enough room for the surprising tormentors – how about Eddo Brandes, the Zimbabwean chicken farmer who ran through England in 1997 (including a hat-trick) and gave the greatest response to a Glenn McGrath sledge of all time?”

Yes, I keep in mind it effectively – and on that time, right here’s some DK Morrison enjoyable from 1997.

And right here’s Ewan Glenton together with his favorite tormentors: “Mitchell Johnson – 37 wickets at 13.97 in five tests, ending the test careers of KP, Trott, Carberry, Prior and getting Root dropped for the only time – was absolutely sensationally tormentative. Given the plethora of bowlers mentioned so far, I think for this England Tormentors team thing to work, it’d have to be at least a three-match series, different pace attack every time, there are so many. Rodney Hogg was pretty tormentuous too in the 78-79 ashes: 41 wickets, including that of Boycott cheaply four times.”

Hmmm, I’d argue that KP’s England profession was ended primarily by KP himself, together with Alastair Cook, however sure, the purpose nonetheless stands – and you may kind of add Graeme Swann to the listing. Tangentially, I’m now eager about randoms who’ve tormented England too – Greg Blewett, Vinod Kambli, Rajesh Chauhan, Venkatapathy Raju, Scott Boland and so forth.

More distress from John Robinson: “Day 1 at the Oval, 2011. Only 25 overs before lunch, because expletives in the hospitality boxes in the OCS stand kept moving behind the bowler’s arm. Rain after lunch, and we traipsed back to Loughborough Junction. When the rain stopped at about 5pm I hopped on the bus back to the Oval, and was approaching the gate to hear the announcement over the tannoy that play had been abandoned for the day. If we’d gone the next day we’d have seen Bell and Pietersen put on 350 in glorious sunshine. One ball less and we’d have had some money back, too.”

Oh that’s superb.

“I saw England play out a draw at Lord’s in June 1997 against Taylor’s all-conquering Aussies when England were savouring a rare 1-0 series lead,” says Malcolm McAdam. “They later converted it into a 3-2 series defeat with the usual suspects doing the damage. The last day before I began my first job after graduation.

That does indeed sound painful, and on the subkect of England tormentors, he says: “Allan Border (56 avg v. Eng) would give Smith good competition as bat and capt, but I think Sobers tops them both as an allrounder and with a 60 avg. Lara (62 avg), Viv Richards (63 avg), Warne and Steve Waugh would also make my XI.”

Bright sunshee-ine, inspection at 3.10pm

“Family party of four drove to Headingley for the 1980 West Indies Test,” remembers David Bartram, “weather fine, bought tickets on the gate (easily done then); got in, weather still fine; paid the transfer to behind the bowler’s arm (you could do that then). Sat down. Promptly started raining solidly and maliciously; play called-off; no refunds then. Didn’t let it put us off though and returned for the Saturday of the ‘81 Headingley Ashes Test, which duly banished the bad memory.”

Aw I really like a cheerful ending.

“Apropos of ‘the thing’, “ emails Pete Salmon, “thought this might be of interest: the last time a monarch passed, 71 years ago, there was a rest day declared in the India v England Madras test, which turned out to be India’s first victory. Vinoo Mankad 8-55 and 4-53, Polly Umrigar 130 not out, Pankaj Roy 111. And Lala Amarnath played, which means the Queen has been Queen since when Mohinder Amarnath’s dad was playing…”

The clean-up has began, report Cricinfo. Oooh yeah – I’m shocked they will print that pre-watershed.

“I was lured to Australia for the 2017-18 Ashes,” says Kat Petersen, “mostly with promises of a beautiful sunny Australian summer. By the time I landed we’d already lost even the mathematical possibility of winning the series and I got rained on in all three Test grounds I went to. Thanks Australia!”

In 10-11, the climate was regarded as a purpose England gained so convincingly. I’d recommend the presence of Michael Beer, Doug Bollinger, Xavier Doherty, Ben Hilfenhaus … and, er, Mitchell Johnson … was simply as important. On which level, can we have now an England tormentors XI with out Mitch?

“Was it only 714 runs?” wonders Matt Dony of the 03 sequence. “It actually seems like that should be higher. My only real memory is that Smith appeared to always be on show. He’d bat for two days, spend a day captaining in the field, then straight back to batting. And there didn’t seem to be anything England could do about it. It must have been mentally exhausting. I’d have had to sleep for a month after that tour.”

I keep in mind considering he appeared like a cartoon – an enormous bloke with a tiny bat, as within the beneath.

The covers are coming off!

“Here’s a first, entirely subjective stab at an England tormentors XI, off the top of my
head,” returns Josh Robinson.

“Greenidge
Smith (c)
Bradman
Lara
Waugh
Sobers
Gilchrist
Warne
Hadlee
Marshall
Donald

I’m sure there’s plenty of scope to improve it (I’m most sad that I
couldn’t make room for any of Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar or Wasim from the
1992 tour), but it seems a good enough place to start.”

I don’t assume I can agree with the omission of Alderman, however that could be a stable outfit.

“My first and so far only experience of Test cricket was the 4^th Test of the England v Pakistan series in 2010 (yes, that Test),” says Matt Cast. “I hung about in the rain all day before seeing 12.3 overs with England limping unconvincingly to 39-1. If I’d gone on the second day I would have seen nearly 100 overs and a Stuart Broad century. Ah well. Lords was pretty amazing to see though.”

I used to be on vacation on the time, so shifted my tickets on your day to a mate, having already lozzed the following day to some randoms off Gumtree. I felt responsible about that.

The umpires are out, brollies up