8 consecutive wins in a row for England

England continued their winning streak by beating South Africa in the first test match. The match was evenly poised at the end of the third day, with South Africa having overhauled England's first-innings lead for the loss of only 2 wickets. However a great bowling spell by Simon Jones sunk any hopes of setting a competitive target. England had to make only 143 to win, with 4 sessions of play remaining. Their chase began disastrously when Trescothick edged the first ball of the innings! England were soon 50/3, but reached 99/3 at the end of the fourth day's play with some gritty batting by Strauss and Thorpe. Any South African hopes for weather interruption were dispelled when England knocked off the remaining 50 odd runs in quick time. Strauss was the man of the match for a 94 not out, in addition to his 130-odd in the first innings.

England have now put together a very good side, with 5 good batsmen, a decent wicketkeeper-batsman, 3 quickies, one spinner, and most importantly a fantastic all-rounder. This man Freddie Flintoff is currently my favorite player.