The Tour Begins...
England started in South Africa the way they finished in Zimbabwe - knocking over the opposition with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of fire power.

It rained sixes as well as stair rods in Johannesburg as a Marcus Trescothick led and inspired England waltzed to an eight-wicket win over an Oppenheimer’s X1. 

Trescothick hit an unbeaten 85 and Robert Key equalled that score as England began the build-up to next week’s opening Test in impressive style. England gave all those who had missed the Zimbabwe tour a start in this game, but Mark Butcher missed out on the chance to impress, going cheaply while Key, his biggest threat to a Test place, impressed in the rain-affected match.

World No.1 Steve Harmison was the pick of the England bowlers - the Oppenheim batsmen unable to hit him off the square.

"It’s always good to be among the runs especially after not playing for so long," said Trescothick, deputising for the rested Michael Vaughan.