The only good thing about that decision, Gatt, is that I'll get tea before you.

The Top Spin would raise a glass to Rudi Koertzen, the popular veteran South African umpire who will stand in his 107th and final Test when Pakistan meet Australia at Headingley in July [2010]. But we're slightly worried about being misunderstood. A few years back, in a light-hearted series of profiles of the elite umpires for a newspaper supplement, we suggested Rudi was a 'sociable' character who enjoyed spending a no-more-than-inordinate amount of time at the '19th hole'. Cue a concerned phonecall from the ICC, who wanted to register Rudi's displeasure at the implication. Whoops. Presumably it will be orange juices all round when he finally hangs up the white coat.

England have played excellent cricket and have met head on the challenges both on and off the field,

England have played excellent cricket and have met head on the challenges both on and off the field. They have called Australia's bluff during the series, and certainly dominated the last couple of Tests. You have got to look at how England have played. They have played very good cricket. They have put a lot of pressure on (Australia).

They should start at the very top when assessing what went wrong in England. Cricket Australia executives, the coach, the manager, the captain and support staff must be all held accountable for this disaster.

He is coming to play in India I am feeling very proud. He is selected in the England cricket team. He should play well for any country and make a good name for himself in this field.