hi

I have been at the Test at Old Trafford for the past four days. It is some years since I saw a live Test Match. I have watched them on TV of course.

What a difference. The atmosphere was gripping and completely different from watching at home. I felt part of the game.

Australia were by far the better team for the first 2 1/2 days. Defeat appeared to be staring England in the face. Then came the Pietersen/Bell stand and things looked up from then.

They fought and avoided the follow-on and then this afternoon they bowled and fielded brilliantly.

Pity that both bad light and then rain interrupted - the game was heading to an enthralling finish.

Fine weather tomorrow may still provide an exciting day - at the moment I would say Australia are just favourites with a draw the next best. An England win would be fantastic but at this stage I believe that is just beyond them.

I hope I am wrong and have already packed my gear ready for tomorrow.

I got the tickets for the game because my son had to have an operation this week and was unable to go. I am pleased to report that he has had the op and although he is very sore he is home and everything is fine.

Just hope England can do it; that would be a great tonic for him.

By the way if anyone was watching on TV I was the one with a white sun hat and sunglasses...lol

Cheers

MikeL2