Blighty vs The Bangles: huzzah for Test cricket! Print E-mail
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Written by Luke Tagg   
Wednesday, 26 May 2010 23:34
The first man, woman or child to accuse me of being a T20 denialist will - co-incidentally - be the first corpse found rotting in the rushes on the banks of the Nile, the horn of a unicorn driven through their festering occiput.

Far be it from me to get morbidly broody on a Thursday morning, but truth be told I'm in a ripping mood. I'm as cheerful as a man who has been sitting uneasily for 20 minutes - feeling at a loss - before suddenly remembering he smokes.

Damn me if that ain't the finest dawning realisation of all.

Test cricket is back and even though it's between Paleface and Bravo at least it's international and spread over three days.

England versus Bangladesh isn't necessarily always the most mouthwatering of occasions, but the Bangles are good for a laff. Someone always gets up to some crazy shit, there's usually a bit of a flutter, Shakib tries to save the day and the commentators do their best to pretend it's an equal contest.

Then reality sets in and golfing appointments are hastily arranged for shortly after tea on Day 3.

At least everyone dresses in sensible clothing and the toffs climb down from their lofty perches high above the T20 world and settle ever-so-easily into the commentating booth once more.

I'd like to see one of two things happen in this fair English summer: either a surprisingly hard-fought Test match or two, or complete obliteration. The only satisfaction I can take from anyone beating Bangladesh is if they do so without mercy - what's the point otherwise?

Obviously the jackpot would be a Bangladesh win or even just a draw, as unlikely a concept as that may be. That's first prize. The money shot.

If they're not going to do that they might as well get crucified. I'm not in this for my health, you know. I demand top Test cricketing action.

If you're not in front of a telly and can't abide the constant refreshing of a Cricinfo scorecard, you might want to try listening in to the live commentary provided by Test Match Sofa. I've added a live feed to the side of my blog - you'll find it near the bottom.

It's casual cricket commentary punctuated by humour, unsavoury language and a pleasant bonhomie. You can almost hear the crackle of the log fire in the background, which helps if you're in Cape Town and staring into the eye of the oncoming winter storms.

The commentary begins 15 minutes before the match starts, at noon South African time (airs live on SuperSport 7).

Being a wild-and-crazy sort of guy I'll stake a few cents on a bet that England will take the first Test. I'm just feeling it.

Finally, regarding the white elephant in the room - the "huzzah!" in the title of this article - I solemnly swear never to use it ever again. A momentary rush of Jesus - it's hard to explain. But fair enough, I see your point - no more. Got it.
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