Cricket: Reprieve in sight for Lathwell

(First Edition)

SWIMMING, fishing and golf were the order of the day yesterday as England A prepared for the most important date of their South African trek.

'We have done all the work we need and we are very proud of our record of 10 wins from 13 matches,' Hugh Morris, the England captain, said after a leisurely coach drive from East London to Port Elizabeth - scene of tomorrow's 'Test' - had been interrupted for a timely spot of R'n'R. A communal recharging of batteries, Morris insisted, was imperative.

The departure of Dominic Cork has left Morris and his fellow selectors with a ticklish problem since the Derbyshire all-rounder, forced to return home because of a family illness, had been one of the tour's successes. If there is concern about the strength of a tail led by Robert Croft at No 7, the hapless Mark Lathwell may yet win a recall. Should England field five bowlers, the final place will probably rest between Darren Gough and Paul Taylor, with the former likely to gain preference by dint of his sturdier bat.