Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa:  December 29, 2007.

A lazy Sunday in Port Elizabeth (now Nelson Mandela Bay), the shadow of an empty St George's Park robbed of a fifth day of cricket by a wonderful four-day victory by the West Indies, gives me, as a Proteas fan,  the day to ponder the outcome of this Viv Richards Trophy first Test.

The way I see it, as an African, South African cricket is in a no-lose situation. Cricket as an elitist sport of the white minority is blessed with the presence of an all-black West Indian squad. Witnessing the interest in this series, I am convinced that many young black Africans, although still Proteas supporters (my impression amongst the autograph-seeking hordes) have not missed the significance of this wonderful black role-modelling in cricket.

Having the West Indians here, in Africa, is all good. Win or lose, cricket in South Africa can only win.

I will take it one step further, having watched the entire Test at the ground ball by ball and say that this match, indeed the whole series, has been scripted. My scripting suspicions have been aroused by subtle incidents throughout the Test.

Umpires Aleem Dar (Pakistan) and Russell Tiffin (Zimbabwe) are, I dare say, very conscious of the racial subtext within Nelson Mandela Bay's cricket extravaganza and entire series.  As a spectator I was aware of a most intangible attitude which pointed to a possible unspoken alliance with the 'greater good'.