KP. Kevin Pietersen. King Pin. Just over three years ago, who would have thought that in 2008, a tall, brash, arrogant, loud-mouthed South African wearing a hairdo that closely resembled a skunk pelt, would be captain over all of England? Tony Greig must be foaming at the mouth.

KP played his first Test for England against Australia in 2005. There were some doubts about his Test match prospects but they were soon dispelled. The year 2005 was a recent high point for England and the ensuing years have been difficult. And now it is KP’s turn to have a go at being skipper. He started alright, too, scoring a neat 100.

Who knows how long it will last but there could be little doubt that KP will lead from the front, he won’t back down and it is very unlikely that a tearful resignation will ever be forthcoming. The fourth Test (a dead rubber) is fairly evenly poised, with South Africa fighting back after England lead on the first innings by 122 runs.

In the crucial third and deciding Test for India and Sri Lanka, it is Sri Lanka, lead by and unbeaten century from Sangakkara who have the advantage after tow days. Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly continue to unimpress with series averages of 16.2, 16.0 and 15.6.

And an update on the umpire referral system. In India’s first innings, Sri Lanka successfully had two negative lbw appeals over turned. India unsuccessfully referred two lbw dismissals. Batting on the second day, Sri Lanka made six referrals with half of them successful. India made one unsuccessful referral. The umpires seem to initially have got quite a few wrong this Test.