He had a bit of a whinge at the umpire and I do think he’s got to stop that kind of approach because, from sat up here watching, he’s becoming quite annoying’ Michael Vaughan on Stuart Broad’s remonstrations with offi cials during the fi rst Test in South Africa THE BUMPER Christmas Eve a fi ne start to the series. as I join AOC freelancer Jo In bed in my pants in the The undoubted highlight Harman for a Braai back Balham fl at I call home of the day is a chat with in Berea after the day’s it’s di cult to imagine I’m Barry Richards over lunch, play. If you’ve never tried going to be somewhere although the fi sh curry I Boerewors you’re in for a sunkissed and seaside in have later at Palki in Berea right treat. less than 24 hours. Not that (a suburb on the outskirts of I’m complaining – I just Durban) comes close. December 29 fi nd it “pretty strange” (as Having rather worryingly Beefy would say) when the December 27 synchronised toilet visits weather outside is about I spend most of the day with Matthew Hoggard, I as grim as it gets. However, working on my farmer’s head out of the press box to by the time I have a couple tan. The great thing about join the sea of Howzat red of pints with a few of my watching cricket in South to watch Ian Bell stroke fellow Howzat tourists at Africa is that most of the a cathartic ton before Heathrow I’m fi rmly in grounds have grass banks Stuart Broad and Graeme holiday mode. from which to enjoy a Swann blow away South FLYING relaxed view of the day’s Africa’s top order to put Christmas Day action, and the travelling England on the brink of Arriving at the Balmoral hordes seem to enjoy a stunning victory. Back SOUTH Hotel in Durban at around themselves as England look at the Balmoral we enjoy 1pm, I get the chance to to build a match-winning a few celebratory drinks, properly meet the group lead. A night of ridiculously although the edge is taken at our welcome meal: a cheap steak and rum down o my elevated mood after FOR Christmas dinner with an the road from the hotel I’m beaten comprehensively African twist. Durban’s rounds things o nicely. at cards. By girls. answer to Ladysmith Black Mambazo provides the December 28 December 30 THE energetic entertainment. England compile an England duly wrap up a imposing total, whilst comprehensive innings Boxing Day umpire Aleem Dar spends victory in just 18 overs of WINTER Bright sunshine greets our most of the day chasing his the fi fth morning, leaving fi rst day at the cricket and hat as the winds get up at the rest of the day free for a When Howzat Travel we’ve got prime seats at the Kingsmead. My meat intake leisurely swim before we hit off ered AOC the ground as England make reaches dangerous levels the hay in anticipation of a opportunity to spend Christmas and New Year in South Africa, Sam Stow drew the long straw. This is his tour diary… RIGHT : Red Army: Happy customers at the cricket BOTTOM RIGHT : Celebrate good times: New Year on the Waterfront 16 | AOC | MARCH 2010 AOCABROAD 5am fl ight to Cape Town. spirits and, as ever, answers a few of us head o to however, as the Howzaters every other question with a Camps Bay (a popular head back to a charity New Year’s Eve wisecrack. night spot just outside dinner in the company After clapping the England Cape Town) for another of Robin Jackman, Allan team through Cape Town January 2 feast, this time at the Donald, and the one and airport (one of the great Time for some sightseeing, popular Blues restaurant. only Sir Ian Botham. things about going on a tour starting with Cape A stunning sunset and top Naturally, I’m on Beefy’s like this is that you often Town’s most recognisable quality seafood makes for table, which (alongside a bump into the players) we landmark: Table Mountain. a great evening. Jonathan healthy dose of good eating head to the Sea Point hotel Those with a fear of heights Agnew and Vic Marks (sat and anecdotes) makes for a to get some rest before won’t appreciate the cable at the table opposite) seem fantastic evening. tonight’s festivities. Howzat car’s revolving fl oor but the to think so too. have organised a slap-up views from the tabletop are January 7 meal on the popular V&A well worth conquering your January 5 Unbelievable scenes! waterfront and we tuck fears for. In the afternoon, Good news: the sun shines England and Graeme into surf, turf and plenty of we take the ferry to Robben all day. Bad news: Graeme Onions have done it… again. wine before a spectacular Island, Nelson Mandela’s Smith bats all day. Tired Having almost jinxed the fi reworks display marks ‘home’ for 18 years. The and baked, team Howzat team (after I left my seat the start of another year. A fascinating tour includes retires to Sea Point to work in the press box to capture great night. 45 minutes with one of out just how England are the exciting denouement the penal colony’s former going to save this one. on camera, Stuart Broad New Year’s Day prisoners. and Ian Bell departed in In an e ort to shake o my January 6 consecutive overs), I’m as hangover I wander along the January 3 The day starts with a crash relieved as anyone to see beach and enjoy a cooling A fi rst day of nip and tuck and a thrash as South Africa the boys hang out for the paddle in the distinctly ends with honours even. set England a victory target draw. As way of celebration, chilly Atlantic Ocean. Yesterday morning’s of 466. For a while, Andrew it’s o to Cape Town for Suitably refreshed I jump mountain is today’s Strauss and Ali Cook raise a farewell meal with Mr. in a taxi to the Cullinan backdrop and he makes for hopes of an unlikely victory, Harman at Mama Africa, hotel, where I’m due to a quite stunning spectacle. but three wickets before a lively restaurant and bar meet England’s man of the Newlands: one of the fi nest the close leave England not on the popular Long Street. moment Graeme Swann for grounds in the world. so much staring down as A mixed grill (of crocodile, a chat about his meteoric drinking from the barrel of ostrich, springbok, kudu rise over the past year. He’s January 4 defeat. The evening leaves a and venison), the mintiest in understandably high After an absolute scorcher, sweeter taste in the mouth, mojitos I’ve ever tasted and music from Mama’s LEFT : Man mountain: resident band make for a Soaking up the great night. sun in front of Newlands’ stunning January 8 backdrop Having reluctantly packed BELOW : Out my suitcase, there’s just to sea: Cape Town as seen time for a brief sightseeing from Robben tour of Cape Town (regular Island buses will give you a two- hour tour of the city and its environs) before we’re o to the airport. In short, I couldn’t have asked for more from my Howzat South African experience: great country, great cricket, great craic. I’ll defi nitely be back. Sam travelled to South Africa courtesy of Howzat Travel. To fi nd out how to join Howzat on future England tours go to www.howzattravel.co.uk www.alloutcricket.com | AOC | 17.