The Second Test in the four-match series between England and South African starts today at Headingley.
While most cricket watchers are expecting another close game, after the bore draw at Lords, one London-based South African restaurateur has, quite literally, put his shirt on his country winning series.
Gerrie Knoetze, owner of Vivat Bacchus in Farringdon Street, has promised his (largely England-supporting) customers that if South Africa lose the test series, he and his staff will wear the England cricket top for a week.
"Unsurprisingly as soon as England took control of the match last Friday, I got a little nervous and took a lot of stick from some of my customers," said Knoetze.
"It's all good humoured, but I thought the boys would still be able to do the job and that it might be a bit of fun to something for what will be a very exciting series.
He continued: "England played very well in the match, but it's still level in the series and we have the best bowlers in the world. The bottom line is that if the South African team plays to its potential then we should win.
"I certainly hope we do, as if I get it in the neck when England have the upper hand I can only imagine the reaction to me walking around the bar in an England jersey! That would certainly be tough to do."
Some big talk from Gerrie there. Have you ever made any bets with your customers? Let us know.
Comments (2)
Wow now thats having some balls from a South African, I take my hat off to him from one South African to another, there is no doubt that we will give England a run for their money during the tests
Posted by KimdaCook | July 22, 2008 9:01 AM
Posted on July 22, 2008 09:01
Thanks for your feedback Kimda. When you say "run for their money" I assume you mean "a good hiding"!
Posted by Dan Thomas | July 22, 2008 10:10 AM
Posted on July 22, 2008 10:10