England have done it tough since the heady days of summer, when they reclaimed the Ashes after a cricketing eternity. At a time when England may have laid claims to being the unofficial champions of the world, they needed success in the series that followed the Ashes. An emphatic win against India, to square the series 1-1 ended a six Test streak without a win.

England could not have had it harder since the Ashes. Two three test series, both on the sub-continent. They lost 2-0 against a resurgent Pakistan. To say, that they have had injury problems severely understates the situation. For the match just ended, they had Vaughan, Trescothick, Jones and Harmison all in sick bay. Freddie Flintoff found him captain of England (and a fine candidate too, in my opinion). Flintoff bowled well all series and finished the series with four consecutive half centuries.

Yesterday, India were demolished on the final day to be all out for 100. Mumbai was the scene of Australia’s famous collapse in 2004 (all out for 90 something chasing 108 for victory). Yesterday, the boot was on the other foot as Shaun Udal, of all people cleaned the Indians up with 4-14. It was an excellent win by an English team with their backs against the wall and showed a lot of character.

Australia and South Africa are at it again tomorrow. The tip is for a fast, bouncy track – it doesn’t even look like South Africa are going to bother playing the old three card trick (Groundsman: “Ricky, I’d definitely play two spinners” (don’t pay any attention to the sprinkler that’s been running constantly for 48 hours)). Warne reckons it will be over in 3 days but I don’t know about that. Warne should be quiet and try and take some wickets. Pollock is back and that will level the equation somewhat.