Besides the red rag Steve Waugh religiously wears in his pocket every time he bats, I never took him to be the superstitious type. This theory is starting to weaken though as he is convinced that the comet, come meteorite, come UFO, come whatever it was, we saw in the sky a couple of weeks ago, has had some sort of supernatural effect on the both of our performances.

For those who didn't read my postcard last time we were in Antigua, 'Tugga' and I were walking back from dinner, along a beautiful Antiguan beach, when through the sky flew what looked like a collection of shooting stars making their way across the perfect night sky. It was quite an unbelievable experience! At the time 'Tugg' said to me "I have got a feeling that could be a good omen for both of us, big runs I'd reckon!"

Yesterday after I scored my hundred, Tugga smiled again and said: "I told you mate, that comet, or whatever it was, is looking after us." It must sound crazy for me to admit to this supernatural force looking after us, but if it is good enough for the captain to believe, then I am happy to go along with it. If performances are anything to go by in the last few games then maybe his theory has some body. One way or the other I am happy to accept any help I can get from whoever, or whatever, wants to offer it to me.

Facing Curtly Ambrose this morning was another fascinating experience. In Pakistan six months ago I faced a spell of bowling from Wasim Akram. After it I admitted that I would be surprised if I ever had to face another spell of bowling as good as that. Today this happened, unfortunately, as Curtly bowled like the wind for about eight overs. From the first ball of the morning the ball hit my bat about five yards quicker than anything he had bowled to me all day yesterday. He was very pumped up and although I was lucky to survive his attack, it was an experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone with a faint heart.

I must admit the only good thing about getting out this morning was the realisation that I don't have to face Curtly or Courtney Walsh for a long time to come. The only way to describe batting against these two masters is hard work. They don't give you an inch, it is very difficult to score a run off them and in between they bowl very quick bouncers that leave you with at least a couple of bruises per innings. (Regardless of how many runs you happen to score.) Although it has been an excellent challenge playing these guys, I will be the first to admit that I am happy to have a break from them for a while!

After setting the West Indies 387 for an unlikely victory, how excited do you think we were when Glenn trapped Brian Lara in front of the three sticks in the ground? I ran from deep point doing cartwheels and jumping up and down as though I was on a giant trampoline from point to the ecstatic team huddle. We knew how important the back of him was in our prospect to retain the Frank Worrell trophy and we celebrated accordingly. Taking nothing for granted we need six wickets to secure a tough victory. I can't wait to walk out onto the Recreation Ground in the morning to do what I can to ensure that this happens.

Feeling good!

From Antigua, JL