Yes - it's true. England did beat Australia last night at the WACA in front of over 17,000 fans - many of whom were waving the Cross of St George. Maybe it wasn't the Test Match but the thousands of England fans encamped in Perth will take anything at the moment.

It was a Twenty20 match between an Australia Legends XI managed by Dennis Lillee and an England Legends XI managed by Ian Botham and make no mistake, it was competitive. Australia batted first and reached 171 in their 20 overs - the highlight was undoubtably two successive sixes from Merv Hughes who is still a great favourite with the locals. Angus Fraser was hit all over the park but John Emburey picked up 3-20 and helped keep the total in check. In reply Mike Gatting was out second ball but superb innings from Alec Stewart, Graham Thorpe and Adam Holioake saw England home with an over to spare. England hold the bragging rights for at least 48 hours!

The city of Perth has embraced the visiting supporters in fine fashion. They have put on a ten day festival of cricket including charity matches and various exhibitions including an appearance from the Ashes urn itself. Even Elton John was in town on Monday with a concert at the Burswood Dome and invited the England team to join him. The Kent CCC Member and myself didn't go, partly because there were no tickets available but mainly because we have been there and done it at Worcester already!

In England we are often very stuffy about dress codes at cricket but surprisingly the cricket grounds in Australia have very tough dress codes in Members' Areas. Included in the code is an instruction that no thongs are allowed in the Members' Areas. This caused much confusion when the wife of a prominent administrator in English Cricket was informed about the rule until she was persuaded not to go out and purchase new undergarments when it was explained that thongs in Austrlia are the equivalent of flip flops.

On a serious note it is sad to hear that New Road has flooded for the first time in three years. We are always prepared for this eventuality but the clear up operation is immense and of course is not insurable. Our Stadium Manager, Paul Phillips and Head Groundsman, Tim Packwood, will work hard with their colleagues to repair any damage and no doubt the ground will look at its best come the start of the new season but let us all hope it is not going to be a regular occurence this winter.

The serious matter of the third test is a day away. Even the Australian public wouldn't mind us winning to ensure a contest! Surely Panesar has to play and we hjave to take the game to the opposition. The wicket is predicted to be greener than usual to help create pace so it sounds as though it will be a result pitch. The toss will be important but we all said that at Adelaide and look what happened. It is a mood of expectancy over here and hope that the series will not be over by the time the thousands more England supporters arrive in Melbourne next week.