The fox and a crowe

I like Robin Jackman.

He is a very accomplished broadcaster.

He is also a very good tourist when we are away commentating, hence his nickname the ‘Flying Fox’.

However, he knows ‘sod all’ about cycling!!

I do.

You are probably aware that Robin and I were studio bound during the 1st Test match of the Ashes series. You are also probably aware that I was a little on the quiet side when Australia were reeling at 87 for 5 on day 1 as the English caught them on the hop. You are also probably aware that Robin was on the quiet side for the rest of the Test!

Late on day 4, as Australia were fighting the elements to wrap up the first encounter, things were getting quite busy at the SuperSport studios in Randburg. Inclement weather was providing obstacles in London and Paris. Why Paris? Well, the Tour de France was reaching a fitting climax for Lance Legstrong as he cycled into that magnificent city. Seven brilliant wins in a row was his reward on SuperSport 6 and ironically on SuperSport 7, England were ruing the fact that they had grassed 7 catches.

It was impossible to keep up with the events unfolding on two channels so a solution had to be found. Simple. Wheel two television monitors into the studio and indulge in a bit of dual viewing. So there we were glued to both screens as developments unfolded, with one eye on each event.

Amazingly, Lance crossed the line to claim his last yellow jersey at exactly the same time that Shane Warne, in his sleeveless white jersey, claimed another scalp. One television monitor showed a replay of Warne’s wicket whilst the other showed a replay of Sheryl Crowe’s exuberance.

The Fox, caught up in the moment, looked at both images, turned to me and expressed amazement that Shane’s wife was jumping up and down with excitement at another Warne wicket. I informed him immediately that the images were from different destinations and Sheryl Crowe was the excited one. Shane’s wife was down under!

He paused, looked my way and asked, “Who is Sheryl Crowe”? I explained her claim to fame.

He then asked. “Why is she at the cycling”?

Silently, I picked up my bag and went to watch Formula 1.