The day started somewhat earlier than normal, namely at midnight. I had started watching the England v West Indies match earlier in the evening and as usual had experienced the ups and downs of an England innings. The total of just under 250 was less than they should have got, and it was criminal getting bowled out in under 50 overs, but on the other hand it was better than might have been expected when they had lost their first 6 wickets for a 130 odd. The dynamic hitting of Gayle at the start of the Windies innings did not augur well, but Tredwell managed to get him lbw. Robert went off to bed at 2.00am but I settled in for the long haul. Things were looking good with six wickets down, but then the innings between Sarwan and Russell brought the Windies within sight of victory. The "catch" by Trott that was adjudged to be a "6" looked like the straw that would break the camel's back. With only 20 odd runs required for victory with 4 wickets left and plenty of overs to get them in, things looked bleak for England. Then Tredwell got Russell lbw, 3 wickets to get! Bopara who had taken two wickets for 16 off 6 overs bowled a maiden. It was time for Swann's last over. Not only did he get Sarwan caught at short leg by Bell, but two balls later Tremlett took a brilliant running diving catch off of Roach. Last pair in with 20 runs to get. Benn took a single of the fifth ball of Swann's over leaving Bishoo to negotiate the final ball. Bopara came in to bowl with a glazed look in his eyes. Benn played the ball to fine leg and came back for the second run. A rocket throw from Trott into Prior's gloves saw Benn run out and England were still in the World Cup! It was gone 4.00am before I adjourned to bed.
I awoke about 9.00am but though sod it", and turned over. I eventually got up at 11.30am just in time to watch the highlights of the match all over again. And let me tell you it was just as good the second time around! It was early afternoon by the time I got round to taking Reilly for a walk, and I discovered it was raining. I donned the old rain jacket and we set off. It was quite warm and the rain soon stopped, so much so that I unzipped the jacket not long afterwards.
The rest of the afternoon was spent on the computer and I ordered a Spanish South American phrase book from Amazon (£0.51 + £2.80 postage) to be sent to Alan in the hope that it arrives before the girls depart on the 24th. Robert's new job is going well and he appears to be enjoying it although the hours of 7.00 - 5.00 were a bit of a shock to the system at first. The owners are definitely suggesting that they want Robert to manage the wharehouse, which is quite an incentive for him.
The weather today was reasonably warm but showers dotted the day, and just before dinner I looked out and saw my first Australian rainbow circumscribing the back garden.
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