The Surfer

Stand in one position long enough at any cricket venue in South Africa and sooner or later someone comes by muttering something about the perpetuation of injustice, about whites refusing to let go of undeserved privileges, or, more specifically, about Smith being a classic example of the strength of the establishment mafia in that he has been fast-tracked through the system at the expense of more deserving players of colour. .........................
To stay focussed on getting the job done on the field in the midst of so many deeper issues that can hardly be dismissed as mere distractions, Graeme Smith has shown the sort of leadership that we yearn for in the Caribbean.

As a citizen of the world, I think India should go to Pakistan to play cricket just as England came here to do the same. It was, as is being said, to prove a point and pass on a message that the best way to defeat the designs of terrorists is to not play into their hands by being terrorised.

The message booming out to Australia after losing the unloseable Test match is that some key players are overrated, lacking form or too arrogant for their own good. And some, like captain Ricky Ponting, need to have a look at themselves and the damage that negative body language can do when the team has been driven on to the back foot.

It's that infectious grin at the corner of his mouth and an open nature that draw you in. They are such a breath of fresh air in a world of sport where the mumbling of the precocious and the precious dominate.

Bell’s character as much as his technique is under scrutiny. If he doesn’t make runs here, he could lose his place for the Caribbean to Michael Vaughan. The former England captain hasn’t done anything on the field to merit a recall but Pietersen and others are thought to be keen to have him back

It is tempting to stereotype Hayden. But how do you marry the born-again Christianity with the ruthless sledging of Graeme Smith in the South African's first Test? He has the swagger of a bully. Hayden has been one of the most intimidating batsmen of his era, but also one of the least endearing. So when his powers are on the wane there is a dearth of sympathy outside of Australia.

As to Harmison, he may at times give an impression of languidness, but I am not sure his attitude is different from how he was when top of the world rankings. It is a mannerism, rather than a potentially contagious down-heartedness. At Chennai, apart from feeding Virender Sehwag's cut shots in the second innings, he looked as likely as anyone to get a wicket, causing Sachin Tendulkar discomfort with the short ball.

In an international cricket world stocked with dud teams and over-rated players, it is a joy to witness an old-fashioned, blood-and-guts warrior like Graeme Smith. You don't have to love Smith, but it is impossible not to admire him ...

These days there is so much more sport available, almost 365 days of the year, yet each Test match brings a life of its own to the ones we lead. When something like Johnson's 5 for 2 from 21 balls happens, the old game, whose future is constantly under question, bursts into life once again.