Cricket coffins and prams

Suitcases, holdalls and cricket coffins. They are all normal pieces of luggage for the modern player. But prams and pushchairs? Even though there is a serious Test starting in three days, this is Christmas and a time for families to be together. It’s not only cricketers who have arrived in Durban.

Both England and South Africa have wives, girlfriends and children in tow. As South Africa arrived at their team hotel on Wednesday morning the mountain of luggage filled the lobby. Pity the poor bellboys who had to lug it to the various rooms.

South Africa are based in the city, just around the corner from the ground, while England are tucked away 15 minutes up the coast in Umhlanga. It’s a similar type of suburb to Sandton in Johannesburg, more relaxed and family-friendly than the rather edgy city centre. There is a new international airport being built to cater for Durban ahead of the football World Cup and it will be located not far from Umhlanga.

England’s colonial-style hotel suits them down to the ground with space for the families to spread out onto the beach or by the pool. Not a bad way to spend Christmas, but the children will have to build sandmen instead of snowmen.

England now have an agreement where they will only spend Christmas away when touring South Africa and Australia. That means this time next year there will be similar scenes in Melbourne as the Ashes series will be in full swing.

That’s where South Africa were 12 months ago and a few days later secured a famous series victory. It was the highlight of Graeme Smith’s career, but he admits it’s nice to back on home soil for this festive season.

“All the families are here with the guys. It’s a fantastic time to play cricket, the Boxing Day and New Year Tests,” Smith said. “Last year we were in Australia so it’s great to be at home this time. I’m sure the crowds will be great and right behind us. Off the field it’s always nice to have the families around and let’s hope everyone has a good time.”

Still, the players are here to win a Test match so there isn’t much time to kick back. England had a fitness session and South Africa hit the nets at Kingsmead. Both teams will net on Christmas Eve and are even due to practice on Christmas Day. Time to get those Santa hats out.