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Rain may stop play on a regular basis at the Oval but it should cause few problems if you're playing IAN BOTHAM'S TEST MATCH. The armchair enthusiast can bow put willow to leather all year round. The game allows one or two players to compete over 16 overs, 32 overs, or a full innings test match.

When playing against the computer you are always put in to bat first. A choice of four strokes is available. They are selected by holding down the appropriate key and pressing the RETURN key to execute the stroke as the ball approaches.

The timing here is very difficult to judge. Unfortunately no matter what stroke the batsman plays he always performs the same movements. Once your side has bitten the dust - and that won't take long - you position your fielders before bowling. Players are moved using a combination of four keys and set in position by pressing a fifth. On several occasions I found that this positioning key had to be pressed numerous times before a player was released.

You are provided with a choice of four bowlers each having a different pace or style. Having selected fast, medium, spin, or bouncer, just press the Q key and the bowler will make his run up.

When fielding a ball you first move a cursor to the player you wish to move before you can begin to chase the ball. Normally by the time you have made your selection the ball has reached the boundary.

An element of humour is provided by a little duck, complete with bat and cap, which leaves the field with a tear in its eye as your exit for no runs.

The graphics used in the game are quite reasonable, it is just a pity that the game is so awkward to play.

John Revis