IN uncertain times it is natural to take comfort from those lasting traditions which are part of the fabric of the nation. Such as beer and cricket.

Selby MP John Grogan is a proponent of both. As chairman of the Parliamentary beer group he requested that fine British ale was served alongside foreign wine at official Government functions.

And now his Commons motion bemoans the loss of Test cricket from terrestrial television.

Mr Grogan is right. The whole country united behind England's cricketers in their thrilling Ashes victory this summer, but that support will dissolve in the satellite ether. It's enough to leave sports fans crying in their beer.

Updated: 09:23 Thursday, October 13, 2005