Balm for Gooch

Stephen Brenkley sees England's army of fans give a veteran a noisy send-off

IF WHAT happened at Adelaide was a case of turning water into wine, it soon became evident that Perth may require an even more substantial miracle. The new England were resorting to trusty old habits by digging a huge hole for themselves, diligently clawing their way out of it, and then promptly turning round for another spot of heavy-duty excavation. The first two days at the Waca contained all the familiar ebbs and flows, quite enough, you would have thought, to convince even the Barmy Army that the fourth Test victory was indeed miraculous. But these boys, ranks swelled by part-time recruits at each new venue, simply refused to have their enthusiasm diminished. Much of their effort in Perth has been channelled into giving Graham Gooch a valedictory tribute neither he nor any of the rest of us will ever forget. They have chanted his name repeatedlyand produced special banners (such as Gatting and Gooch - Dad's Barmy Army).

The Barmy Army might seem unusual Test fans but they are quite as sentimental as the remainder of the breed in waving heroes goodbye. For an hour in England's first innings, Gooch looked as though he might deliver what the boys and everybody else wanted.But after a few vintage off-side drives, he was out to a questionable lbw decision.

As he trudged away, the noisy worshippers were silent, only to rally again later. There are still a few of the crusty old brigade who think that the Barmy Army is symbolic of everything that is wrong with English cricket and the country in general, but they are an integral part of the tour now. After the Adelaide victory the players joined scores of supporters for a communal sing-song in their hotel.

Adelaide, while it seems so long ago already, nevertheless provided a sporting memory to take with you to the grave. But, here at Perth, watching the dropped catches on the first day and the top order fold up on the second was to be reminded that Englishcricket may itself be occupying a plot of earth by then.