Aha, there you are!

India versus South Africa in tests is pretty compelling stuff. Its a shame that very little attention is paid to the tests that start tomorrow, what with all the hubbub about senior-junior divides, IPL scheduling blues and the usual South African selection fiascoes. Because, when these two sides get into the middle, the cricket is hard and competitive, with India not quite being able to put one over South Africa as they do over most touring teams (Cronje's team in 2000 even managed to win the test series, no mean feat). And Indian batsmen rarely manage to rack up the scores against touring South African sides the way they sometimes do against other bowling attacks (indeed South African spinners like Pat Symcox, Paul Adams, Nicky Boje and Paul Harris have never been disgraced in these encounters). Part of the reason is that South African fielding, infected by the need to keep up with Jonty Rhodes' standards has rarely fallen to any level below 'excellent'. On the batting front, South African batsmen, often castigated for stodginess (a not entirely undeserved reputation) have at least managed to show the appropriate patience in dealing with slow Indian pitches and persistent spinners. All in all, while India might be favored at home over the South Africans, they'd be silly to think they are clear favorites. I don't dislike the South Africans as much as some of my Antipodean friends do(I suppose some of this comes from having visited South Africa and enjoyed that country's wonderful hospitality) and am glad to see them show up for what should be a good, tough contest. Its a pity Andre Nel is not here, for his Spinal-Tap theatrics make for good television. But there'll be plenty of edginess out on the field, and hopefully, the pitches will co-operate by not being complete dodos. As usual, the hours are terrible for us folks on the East Coast but watching the post-tea session with an early morning espresso doesn't sound so bad.

Phew, test cricket, I'm glad to see you again.