Tomorrow (Thursday), it begins: the Test series that all cricket fans have been waiting for—England vs. South Africa in three mouthwatering matches to determine which is the best side in the world. Although the series should have been five games, and is being squeezed by the Olympics and the British Open, it nonetheless has all the ingredients of being a mighty contest: great bowlers, very talented batsmen, and “history” between some of the characters. I (Martin) will try to fill you in on some of the dramas, large and small, as the cast takes the stage and the plays begin.