England Save The First Test.

If there’s one thing that England Cricket supporters have come to learn from following their team is that win, lose or draw they’re in for a bumpy ride- and on the final day of the first test at Centurion against South Africa the nations cricketers didn’t upset the form-book.

England eventually fought off a late South Africa resurgence to claim a draw in Pretoria, after seeing six middle order wickets fall for just 46 runs in the final session of the test.

The collapse was sparked by a crazy run-out involving Kevin Pietersen, who was cruising towards his 17^th test century before going for a single that partner Jonathan Trott stood motionless for, resulting in the run-out of the South African born player.

Pietersen and Trott’s 146-run partnership had looked as if it would all but seal England a draw in this opening test, with the duo combining solidity and carefully selective stroke play in their match saving innings.

The dismissal of the two will spark discussion for plenty of reasons, Trott’s because of the marvelous catch that brought the wicket, from AB De Villiers, and Pietersen’s because of the softness of the dismissal.

The hosts had seemingly run out of ideas heading into the final session and Pietersen’s run out gave them the initiative and the belief that they could in-fact go on and win the match.

In predictable fashion, the wicket has become the catalyst for some harsh criticism towards the England batsman with his exuberant batting style resulting in him unnecessarily trying to rotate the strike- with dire consequences.

This comment on the BBC Sport Website reflects the majority of the feeling towards the former England skipper.

"What a shambolic waste from KP. A typically senseless way to give up your wicket when the situation needs the exact opposite. Kevin may be a supreme hitter of a cricket ball, but great batsmen are far more shrewd and tactical than KP seems able."

This is a typical comment from one of the many fickle sporting fans this nation accommodates and is something better left for a rant on Radio 5 Live’s 606, or one of Talksport’s numerous discussion forums.

Pietersen’s contribution to England’s cricketing success, however limited it may have been during the last four years, can mainly be attributed to his quality with the bat and his unique match winning ability.

The odd mistake from him should not be scrutinized to the extent that he’s been made the scapegoat for England’s batting collapse.

I did mention his dismissal opened the floodgates for England’s collapse but it didn’t mean England’s batsman were suddenly obligated to give their wickets away, five wickets fell after his remember.

The circumstances surrounding the collapse did highlight how much work England have to do if they are to turn there fortunes around after a match in which they never had control of their own destiny.

From the instant Andrew Strauss sent South Africa into bat on the first morning of the test, England shattered any chance of drawing first blood in this test, and they failed from then on to wrestle the onue away from Graeme Smith’s side throughout the five rain-free days in Pretoria.

The fact that we saw five full days of cricket and the team batting fourth was still over 100 runs from parity proves how flat and lifeless the Centurion pitch was.

We’re expecting a bit more grass on the pitch for the Boxing Day test at Durban, and both teams’ selection policy is sure to different from this opening test for contrasting reasons.

The hosts have the luxury of being able to welcome back Dale Steyn into their bowling attack, and with Jacques Kallis also set to be able to bowl at 100% Smith can be confident ahead of the second test.

England on the other hand have to decide the worth of playing a sixth batsman, and whether they are willing to put any faith in Matt Prior batting higher up the order.

The hosts showed a depth and quality in their bowling attack that England couldn’t match, so a natural all-rounder, either Luke Wright or Liam Plunkett will have to be brought in to even up the England attack.

Frankly I’d be tempted to go with Ryan Sidebottom as the fifth bowler, given that both Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann make up for there not being an out and out all-rounder.

The selectors are however uneasy with the idea of Broad batting at No. 7, and therefore I expect to see Liam Plunkett given a chance to make his first test appearance since 2007.

Elsewhere in the team I’m worried about the form of Alastair Cook, who after averaging just 24.22 during the Ashes series made pitiful scores of 15 and 12 in this test and it highlights an area of concern in the England team- but one that won’t be delved into in the middle of a test series.

My final point surrounds the thrilling ending we saw to this test, and it was true testament that only test cricket could have seen an ending as exciting as what we saw today.

Even it’s biggest detractors, such as West Indies captain Chris Gayle for example couldn’t have argued that today’s climax to the game wasn’t electrifying, and rarely in other forms of the game could a game swing with such vigor as it did in the final session of the test match.

James Anderson’s tweet sums up the feeling behind test cricket, and Gayle apart, most of the players seem to be huge fans of the notion.

JimmyAnderson9: We are single handedly trying to keep test cricket alive!

Let’s hope for the future of the form of the game that he’s not the only one, otherwise we’ll be seeing decreasingly less of the types of finishes that we saw unfold this weekend.

British Swimming Set for Duel in the Pool

Great Britain’s everlasting memories from last year’s Olympic Games in Beijing, excluding our cyclists, was of our swimming team who while in the Water Cube in Beijing won six medals, which included two gold’s for Rebecca Adlington.

Seven further medals were picked up at the world championships in Rome earlier this year with Liam Tancock and Gemma Spofforth this time the heroes.

For the years climax to the swimming calendar a concept called ‘Duel in the Pool’ something largely only used in America, has been revamped to incorporate more countries to create a Europe vs. America a model based on Golf’s own Ryder Cup.

A team from Great Britain will be joined by their German and Italian counterparts as they take on the might of the USA, which will of course include Michael Phelps.

The USA have consistently held the upper hand at previous world championships, Olympic games and earlier Duel in the Pool competitions, but never have they had to face three countries at once.

A points system has be introduced to score each of the top three finishers in each race, with five points available for first place, three for second and one for third.

The event is to take place in Manchester over this weekend and is sure to further boost the profile and awareness of British swimming in this country and beyond.

The biggest draw of the weekend is sure to be the American Phelps whose seen controversy and loss of form trouble him since his Olympic heroics, and during his first trip to the UK he’ll be looking to make up for those mishaps

Whether the same ability to become a team player will occur like it does for Tiger Woods in Ryder Cups is difficult to say, but either way he’s sure to be a big draw for the crowd and the other competitors.

Phelps will be unable to compete in more than six events over the two days, but expect him to dominate the events he is involved in.

It will be a chance for Britain’s golden girl Adlington to re-assert herself as the world’s No.1 800m swimmer with Jo Jackson set to miss out, and the double Olympic Champions year has been dominated by her decision not to wear the soon to be prohibited swimming suits.

She was left short at the World Championship failing to pick up a gold medal at the event as Jackson amongst others showed the vast difference between the two suits.

It’s the only sour note on what should be wonderful few days for British swimming, and at the end of the day it’s sure to be the difference between a winning European team, and a loosing one.

The medal table at the Olympic Games and World Championships suggest USA should just sneak the win overall, with the combined medals earned from those events by Italy, Germany and Britain, just short of the Americans.

But in truth the British Swimming Association won’t mind too much if the team come up short, because it’s sure to be days full of showing off the depth of Britain’s swimming talent, and along with the brilliant facilities they have to host the event it can only boost the sports importance.

Solid Kallis Halts England’s Charge

An unbeaten 112 from Jacques Kallis took South Africa to 264 for 4 at the close of play on day one of the first text against England at Centurion.

Early wickets had looked to justify Andrew Strauss’ decision to insert the hosts after winning the toss, with Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Graeme Swann all striking early on to leave South Africa 93 for 3.

But Kallis showed patience that many of the teammates had lacked as he hit his 32^nd test century in the typical unyielding style we’ve come to expect from the all-rounder.

Even with a slight injury- one that will deny him the chance to bowl in the match- he strolled to his century without serious alarm.

England will be encouraged by a terrific early start for their bowlers, the two wickets for spinner Swann who also saw for AB De Villiers, but will worry about little niggles that seems to have eroded some of the confidence from the England seam bowlers.

It did seem like a strange decision however to field just three seam bowlers in the team and then insert Graeme Smith’s side to bat, surely a selection geared towards taking on what was a slow pitch with the bat, rather than the ball.

JP Duminy should be praised for his rearguard performance, as he was able to rotate the strike and give Kallis the chance to put England to the sword.

The 34-year old's unnerving ability to keep his nerve at the crease means he’ll be odds on to make his first double hundred in test match cricket.

Yet again the referral system, a system that isn’t favored by the players, was involved in some controversy as England had two successive referrals rejected.

The second of which involved De Villiers, who Swann claimed to have had caught behind, and after the umpire didn’t raise his finger, he referred the decision.

The decision remained however because the television company covering the game don’t have the technology available to confer on caught behind decisions.

Why on earth would you implement the referral system, and then not have the technology to back it up when the players want to use it? You either have it or you don’t.

Yes Swann and keeper Matt Prior will be criticized for asking for the referral despite possessing this information about the abilities of the TV company, but surely this should have been sorted out before the test series begun.

The ICC really has to drop the referral system sooner or later, or put their money where there mouth is and fund this technology, something they’ve failed to do up till now, and that would have prevented a situation like we saw today.

It was the only blip of the day however, one that was dominated by one of the current era’s greatest players. Onlookers will be craving much of the same for the days to come.

Notts County Proving Financial Power Isn’t Always the Best Medicine

It may have only been five months, but Notts County’s ‘five year’ plan, which included promotion to at least The Championship within that time frame, looks like little more than a pipe dream after yet another big name departed the club on Tuesday.

Manager Hans Backe, who had been in charge for just seven weeks, has resigned from his post-just days after the club underwent yet another ownership change.

Munto Finance put the club up for sale last week, with Peter Trembling, a representative of that company, purchasing the club for a nominal fee.

Backe seems to have been unsettled by the constant speculation behind the owner’s intentions and identity and this latest episode, that was cleared up over the weekend seems to have been the last straw for the Swede.

He also has a case for being provided with little or no funds, unlike his predecessor Ian McParland and it was unclear whether he would have any money to spend during the upcoming January transfer window.

County’s second managerial departure of the season will only add to the dressing room unrest and unsettle the fans, who for the most part have been subjected to some hugely entertaining and successful football at Meadow Lane.

This time last season Notts County had just been beaten 2-0 by Chester City, now bottom of the Blue Square Premier and facing a second successive relegation, and were languishing in 16^th after four wins all season.

This season the club find themselves 6^th in League Two just five points off the third automatic promotion place after a near perfect home record this season.

Their single home defeat came last weekend at the hands of Accrington Stanley and proved that the off-the field goings on has maybe affected the players confidence.

Of course the astronomical wages and fees being paid out at the beginning of the season may well have to be toned down, now Munto Finance have sold the club, and that might mean a complete re-structure of the wage system meaning many players will have to either take a pay cut, or leave altogether.

But it’s this sort of conjecture that Magpies fans don’t want and it’s sure to continue until Trembling and director of football Sven Goran Eriksson reveal their intentions.

Whether they have the financial power necessary to keep County challenging in the higher echelons of League Two is again difficult to say but its unlikely they’ll have the same sort of financial power as the previous owners did.

Eriksson’s relation with the club means that high-profile international names are sure to be linked with the vacant managers job, with Roberto Mancini almost certain to be a strong front-runner as he was after McParland’s departure.

I was never a supporter of McParland’s sacking to begin with, yes he wasn’t highly thought of in League Two, and was lucky to retain his job after the clubs takeover, but given that he was allowed a chance to start the clubs meteoric rise and that he faired pretty well, why was he rid of when the club were flourishing?

Since his sacking the club have gone from 5^th, four points off the top, to 6^th, 10 points off the top; where’s the progress there?

What’s more the club have been completely embarrassed by the scenario surrounding Sol Campbell and now this ownership squabble, wasn’t it so much simpler before the takeover?

It brings up the question; does a financial injection create more problems than it’s worth?

QPR for example have had six different managers in the two years following on from the massive money boost at the club, and are as a result no closer to their ultimate dream; promotion to the Premiership.

Portsmouth have had three different owners during their foray into the Premiership, and are becoming unstuck on and off the pitch as a result with administration reportedly looming over the south coast club.

And finally two of English footballs most illustrious clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool have debts topping £600 million between them after respective American takeovers and are finding success on the field an absolute necessity if the clubs are to survive in the short term.

It will surely take the liquidation of one, if not two of the countries best loved clubs for fans and chairman to realise success can’t be pushed- the best things come to those who wait, remember?

Not that its likely, but maybe Trembling and Eriksson will take these wise words into account when deciding what to do next at Notts County, the football leagues oldest ever club don’t deserve such an uncertain future.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year or X-Factor? You Decide!

In a decision that would send Victor Meldrew into an epic frenzy, television’s big boys, the BBC and ITV, have decided to put their personal ego’s ahead of their viewers pleasure by showing their ‘crown jewel’ events on the same evening as each other.

That’s right both The X-Factor, a show that’s gripped the nation for the past four months will compete with BBC Sports Personality of the Year this evening for the first time ever.

It already seems like this blunder, for which the blame can be equally shared it must be said, will leave some people switching channels constantly as they send some of their family into epileptic fits, while others will be wondering why they bothered watching some tight-trousered Geordie prance around the stage- the things Alan Shearer will do for TV exposure eh?

You can make an argument for both shows being the source of the viewer’s frustration this particular year, with X-Factor changing the format of the show entirely for this year, having the preliminary singing on the Saturday and the results show on the Sunday evening, something that has if anything raised viewing figures.

The BBC has consistently hosted their show two weekends before Christmas, and given that The X-Factor traditionally hosts the show plus the results on the Saturday previous so that the winner can be in contention for Christmas number one, there has never been a clash.

However the timing of the BBC’s announcement that the event would be staged in Sheffield on December 13th came a full four months before ITV announced a split results show would be implemented- possibly suggesting the ITV want to show the Beeb a lesson.

The less cynical side of me believes that it’s all just a coincidence, but this is clearly just another episode of these two corporations trying to get one over the other, and given the numbers we’ve already seen glued to the X-Factor the BBC should expect a trouncing in the ratings.

The current format that we now know as The X-Factor has been running since 2004 and after seeing three boys flop, and two girls flourish as winners the victor of this years show promises to go very much the same way; history suggests as much if not the metronomic personality of the duo.

Like the slave to Saturday night television that I am, I’ve been drawn to the show like Simon Cowell’s drawn to an overpriced suit and it has hugely entertained me for the most part if I’m honest.

The Sports Personality of the Year however is a pure example of a show growing in stature and importance as its years has gone on, something I’m not sure X-factor can profess to- if anything it’s popularity has remained ever since it’s induction in the mid-noughties- again something the BBC have to concede.

Something the show can boast is a legacy and a prestige dating back over 50 years, with nine different venues used, each one bigger than the last.

Last years capacity of nearly 11,000 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool was almost as many as who voted in the events first staging of the show, an show that lasted no long than three quarters of a hour and was won by Christopher Chataway from Roger Banister, a common theme throughout 1954.

The X-Factor final will go out live from the Fountain Studio in Wembley, a simple Television centre, albeit the biggest in the country, and in truth it’s strange given the magnitude of the show that the franchise merchant that is Cowell hasn’t upgraded the venue furthur as the years have progress, as there’s no doubt it’d be filled twice over.

As for the winners of the respective shows, well one is far easier to call than the other.

Like any Brit I love an underdog, but I want to see the SPOTY winner to be someone whose actually won something notable, so Andy Murray and Mark Cavendish can kiss goodbye to there chances of claiming my vote.

My favorites for the award come in the way of Ryan Giggs one the finest footballers I’ve ever seen strike a ball and the most decorated footballer in England league history.

Tom Daley, whose triumph at such a young age has to be implored as he shocked the world as he won world diving gold.

And Jessica Ennis whose career went from possible ruin to becoming world heptathlon champion in just over a year and her individual story will earn her plenty of recognition.

The sporting public love to have a particular empathy, relation and particular background knowledge around their winner, take Joe Calzaghe’s relationship with his dad Enzo, or the history surrounding Zara Phillips, daughter of 1971 winner Princess Ann- given these stories any of the aforementioned three can be strongly considered.

As for ITV’s effort my tip comes courtesy of the good old fashioned history book; never has anyone won the X-Factor whose appeared in the bottom two in any of the previous weeks, therefore Joe McElderry is a sure-fire winner in my eyes.

And the winner of my viewing figure, well that’s one of the easier decisions I’ll have to make. No rule breaking on my part Louis, Lineker’s ears just do it for me.