England vs South Africa, Trent Bridge, 1998 4th Evening

What an evening that was.

Donald almost at the peak of his powers against a dogged Atherton. Boucher dropping that catch, Atherton gloving one yet staying in his ground, Donald losing his temper.

The atmosphere that evening was incredibly special, and i feel privleged to have been there.

Anyone else at TB that night?

No, I was on the edge of my sofa wondering when Test cricket had turned into Gladiators.

Was a great final session - Donald was so angry, it looked like Boucher was going to cry.

Good times.

Does it say something about Donald that even at his most pished-off-worked-upness he still couldn't get Athers (whom Mcgrath or Ambrose could roll over with their eyes closed and one arm tied behind their back) out?

I was there.

Radcliffe Road middle tier, on the right hand side.

It was fun.

Interestingly Alan Donald came to see me play cricket a couple of seasons ago and I told him what a great session of play that was. He merely smiled, all abash.

(the last bit is in fact true, and i'm sure that Bob will confirm it)

Aye.

Can confirm that 'Sider was indeed there - with me - and that AD did come to see 'Sider play a couple of seasons ago, although there's a chance that the former Saffer quick was actually more interested in seeing his young (non-blood) nephew playing in the same game.

Been showing the repeats of this match on ESPN Classic (Sky Ch.442) this week, and tonight's show was the 4th day.

Thrilling stuff indeed.