Ian and Judiet

Exclusively smuggled out of the South African team camp in the small hours of the Caribbean morning extracts from national captain Graeme Smith’s tour diary…

Tuesday, 27 February: Last day in South Africa, and butterflies are mounting — even affected my round today at our farewell golf day (shot 107, which isn’t bad, but just not comfortable with my short game). And buzzing from our presidential send-off yesterday — President Mbeki had flown into South Africa specifically to bid us farewell, which was a lovely touch for a very busy man. Not much sleep ahead tonight, that’s for sure…

Wednesday, 28 February: We’re off! Rounded the guys up at the airport, all very excited. Slightly awkward moment though, when Boeta arrived in his blazer and with all his kit. Said he was just there in case anyone got injured, and that he had Johan in their bakkie outside in case we needed another extra. He cut a very forlorn figure as we left, sitting on his coffin with a tear running down his cheek. Who knows, maybe he’ll get a chance. Had a quick read of the note the President gave me to open on the plane: ‘Watch out for Jonah Lomu’. Not entirely sure he’s quite got a handle on cricket, to be honest.

Thursday, 1 March: Finally arrived in Trinidad after one very, very long flight. Sometimes I wonder why I stay on as captain… First Andrew caused a commotion, shouting and cheering uncontrollably; turns out he was watching the new Rocky, and screaming encouragement to Sylvester Stallone, to the dismay of the people sitting around him. Then Herschelle accidentally got locked in one of the toilets with two air hostesses, and Justin’s video camera. Jonty woke everyone up at some ridiculous hour (don’t ask me when — body clock is nowhere) to try and rustle up some partners for shuttle runs up and down the aisle (the man is impossible). And on top of that, I had to walk all the way back to economy from first class to check on Mickey from time to time. Thank God we’re finally here.
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