The Vital Wicket by Keith Fearon.

One of the most enthralling Test series in history unfolded during the summer of 1998 between England and South Africa. Led by new captain Alec Stewart, England entered the series with renewed optimism. Following a rain affected 1st Test which England were unlucky not to win and defeat in the 2nd, England looked to heading towards defeat as wickets tumbled on the final day of the 3rd Test at Old Trafford. As Robert Croft entered the fray, nobody could have envisaged the magnificent rearguard action about to unfold. After three and a half hours at the crease with the help of sterling support from Darren Gough and Angus Fraser in an unbelievably tense last over, England's tailenders managed to hang on to fight another day. England buoyed by a welcome return to form by eventual man of the series Mike Atherton, who amassed 493 runs at an average of 54.78 and the drea attack of Fraser, Cork and Gough, levelled the series in the 4th Test at Trent Bridge with Gus Fraser finishing with figures of 10 for 122. Everything was set up for a dramatic finish at Headingley on a pitch notorious for producing results. With the match fairly even England's bowlers destroyed the South African openers in their second innings to create a seemingly invincible position until Jonry Rhodes and Brian McMillan staged a dramatic fightback. It was left to local hero Darren Gough to clinch the game on the final morning leaving the South Africans tantalisingly short and giving England their first major series win in twelve years.

Signed by Michael Atherton,
Darren Gough,
Angus Fraser
and
Robert Croft.

Signed limited edition of 495 prints.

Size 28 inches x 20 inches (71cm x 51cm) approx