Test cricket is still alive!!

AND they said Test cricket was dead! Roll over Allen Stanford and all the other unbelievers with a concentration span of 10 minutes. An exhilarating Test match ended in its last few moments in the most stunning circumstances as a battered but unbowed visiting captain was beaten by a scything delivery from an exhausted opponent.

After five days of intense and sporting struggle the match was settled with 10 balls to spare. The last hour was an almost unbearable tale of frustrations, overthrows, dropped catches, bowling changes, field changes, appeals, defiance, courage, endeavour and fine players reaching deep into themselves in search of that last drop of energy. At times the drama was tinged with farce. Supporters could hardly bring themselves to watch. It was a tense, thrilling denouement that transfixed two sporting nations. Never mind that the series had been decided. Far from going though the motions two proud teams exchanged cricketing blows until finally one was forced to yield.

It was an extraordinary finish. Storm clouds were gathering over a scarred ground. An increasingly alarmed Australian side was desperately trying to take the last two wickets and secure a much-needed victory. South African tailenders were hanging on for dear life.

Meanwhile all and sundry were watching the rooms wondering whether or not a wounded captain intended to bat. Rumours spread that he had been sighted in white clothes and then swinging a bat but, like the existence of the Loch Ness monster, they remained unconfirmed. Someone said that his plaster cast had been cut off and he was trying to put on his batting gloves. Not until the last instant did anyone outside the rooms realise that Graeme Smith meant to take his turn at the crease. And as he threaded his way through the throng and towards the field so the crowd stood to salute him. Hereafter no teammate will dare to let him down. Everyone rose to the occasion, not just the players. Nationalism was put aside as a brave warrior was given his due. Not that Makhaya Ntini was any less deserving as he too surpassed himself with 75 balls of caution interspersed with sudden shafts of aggression. No one expected him to last but he left the field with his wicket intact.

Throughout these dramas both teams were seen in the best possible light. Twelve months ago the SCG Test reached a similar conclusion but followed an altogether more acrimonious course. Afterwards the hosts were nonplussed to discover that some patriots were unable to share their joy.