It seems cricket journalists, followers (one doesn't support, or become a fan of, a cricket team) and even ex-players (too many of whom are clogging up broadsheet columns with their 2nd rate prose these days for my liking) have become so accustomed to this 4 or 5 runs per over malarkey that they've forgotten that, occasionally, sides have to bat in the way that England did yesterday

The England batsmen's relative circumspection was, most likely, symptomatic of the combination of a lack of batting time and confidence but the circumstances - if not the wicket, really, which is actually just very slow rather than hazardous - perhaps called for caution. It is vital that England do not get off to a losing start in this series and yesterday's performance ensured, in all likelihood, that they won't

Vettori and Patel are highly economical and wily bowlers; whilst England may have played to their tune yesterday, the important thing is that Pietersen and co properly applied themselves and didn't get themselves out cheaply. Many is the time we have cursed and sworn at KP for not occupying the crease for long enough, but he yesterday showed admirable maturity and technique in not, in his own words, 'doing something stupid'

Mind you, I don't think I'm alone in hoping that England don't bat the same way in Wellingon and Napier - unless circumstances again call for it, that is...

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On something of a finishing note, or relevant afterthought, let me share one of my very favourite cricketing stories, concerning a day's play at Old Trafford way back when, told to Martin Johnson of the Telegraph by his grandfather: ‘E, it were great, lad: when I fell asleep, Barrington were 4 not out, and when I awoke two hour later wit no break in’t play, he were still 4 not out’

Ho, ho, ho - made me chuckle, anyway