There were amazing scenes at Lords yesterday, when the First Cricket Test between England and South Africa had to be abandoned for the day, after spectators giving Kevin Petersen, the England batsman, a standing ovation, refused to sit down.
Pietersen, born in South Africa, but dragged up in England, had just completed his century, and the crowd rose as one to applaud his magnificent feat. As KP, as he is known, acknowledged the applause, it became apparent that this was no ordinary standing ovation.
Normally, an ovation lasts around thirty seconds, but when a minute passed, and then two and three, the umpires started to look a little nervous, and met in the middle of the wicket for a conference.
After fifteen minutes, and with the weather closing in, it was decided to take an early tea break, but the crowd just kept clapping. Indeed, even through the enforced break, the applause approached Crescendo Level, a state of alert so serious, that the local Fire Brigade had to be called to cool the ovationers down.
England hope to resume this morning in a very strong position on 309 for 3, but umpires say they will make an early morning inspection of the wicket and the crowd, as more than 1500 fans stayed in the ground last night, clapping for all they were worth, and letting off fireworks.
