Sport 17-12-2004 Vaughan Aims To Make History who: England cricket team what: Play South Africa in first Test where: Port Elizabeth, South Africa when: Today snippet: England were "seeking an unprecedented eighth successive victory" as they began a five-match Test series against South Africa in Port Elizabeth today, making a promising start when South African skipper Graeme Smith was caught by Andrew Strauss at third slip on the second ball of the morning. The Independent says England`s Michael Vaughan "intends to adopt the Australian tactic of `sledging` during his attempt to become the most successful captain in England`s history." "We have done some research on how some of their players react to situations that are not just technical," he says, according to cricket correspondent Angus Fraser. "The odd little bit of verbal may affect some players but we have game plans for all of their players and mental plans for a few of their side." "If Vaughan is seeking pointers for which route to adopt, he need look no further than Steve Waugh`s Australia side, the holders of the world record of 16 Test wins on the trot," says The Telegraph`s Derek Pringle. "Waugh had an honours degree in sledging." "There is no question that for their part the South Africans are expecting a bombardment," says The Guardian`s Mike Selvey. "Practice has involved much bobbing and weaving in anticipation of the inevitable bouncers. A junior Wimbledon champion has been serving tennis balls at them." [... more]

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