Trinidad’s geographic location as the most southerly of the West Indian islands situated just north of Guyana which, of course, is actually part of mainland South America, does not auger well for dry weather. We have had a fair amount of rain during the week off between the last ODI and the 1st Test due to start today (Thursday). The weather has already interfered with the two day warm up match meaning that the South African’s had a day of batting but only just a few overs of bowling.

Today saw the last of the ODI’s with the West Indies once again winning the toss and choosing bat first on a very dry looking pitch. It would seem that Sulieman Benn has been left out of the team for disciplinary reasons because the West Indies have gone into this game without a specialist spinner. South Africa on the hand, have played both spinners so it isn’t difficult to form an opinion on Mr Benn’s omission.

Yesterday I promised to investigate things a little more thoroughly and here is some feedback. The Hyatt Hotel, Port of Spain, is a beautiful hotel and certainly the best that we have stayed in so far. Both teams are here as well which tells us we are moving up in the world! Situated on the sea front overlooking the harbour but with no beach as such, one can see as many as 25 tankers and cargo ships at any one time. Along the front of the hotel is a promenade rather than a beach.

One advantage of the time difference between here and Paris (5 hours behind) is that, once Ronnie the rooster has awoken me, I can tune in and watch live coverage of the French open being played at Roland Garros. I am not a huge tennis fan but I am keen to watch the Grand Slams as they guarantee me an opportunity to watch the best players in the world. You might be wondering why I should bring this subject up so I will now explain.