GRAHAM GOOCH'S TEST CRICKET is an accurate simulation of the game which allows you to stage test matches in your own living room - with the aid of your home computer.

There are two modes of operation. Simulation mode is like watching a game of cricket - once you've chosen the teams and the game is under way, you can just sit back and watch it if you like. However, you needn't just be a spectator - whether your team is batting or bowling, you can make tactical changes whenever you wish. In arcade mode, you must be alert at all times. A careless stroke or a loose over could cost the match.

The first section of the program allows you to select your teams - just follow the instructions in the program. When you have chosen two teams, the main program will load.

A - Left, S - Right, W - Up, Z - Down

; - Left, : - Right, Cursor Up - Up, / - Down

To help you get your timing perfect, a small coloured square appears in the top left hand corner of the screen. The square changes colour from white to yellow, and finally to black, indicating when it is too early, just right and too late to press SPACE. At higher skill levels the indicator is only yellow for an instant - but at lower levels, it stays yellow much longer. However, because the indicator is not there to help you during a game, you should learn to get the timing right by watching the players, not the indicator.

There is no need to alternate the keys when you are practising bowling.

• Fast bowlers will tire if you bowl them continuously; after ten overs their bowling will start to deteriorate, and after 20 consecutive overs they will be well below their best. Allow them at least ten overs between spells.
• To declare an innings before ten wickets have fallen, hold down the ESCAPE key during an over. At the end of the over, you will be asked whether you wish to declare.
• In limited over games, the number of overs each player can bowl is limited to 1/5th of the total (i.e. 8 overs in a 40 over game).
• In a test match, the follow-on can be enforced if the side which batted first has the lead of 200 runs or more.
• After the fall of a wicket, you can choose to see an action replay.
• Hold down the TAB key to speed through the scorecard displays.

The Space bar is the equivalent of the fire for both players.

First of all, you must decide whether to play a one day match (one innings per side, limited overs) or a test match (two innings each, unlimited overs). Press SPACE when your choice is highlighted.

Next select a one or two player game (in a one player game, the computer will control the visiting team), then choose between Simulation and Arcade mode. There are nine skill levels ranging from 1 (easy) to 9 (very difficult). Controlling the batsman or bowler in Arcade mode requires skill and concentration, so before the game starts you can practise if you want.

Before the bowler starts to run up you have the opportunity to change the batsman's tactics. Push the forward key to make him play aggressively, back for defensive batting. Press SPACE only to make the batsman play a normal game.

A bleep will sound to confirm that the computer has accepted your instructions. Remember that the batsman won't be able to hit every shot to the boundary (and he might well get himself out) if you ask him to play aggressively. Playing defensively the batsman is less likely to get out, but he won't score so many runs either.

Use LEFT/RIGHT to determine the bowler's tactics; just before he starts his run up, move the joystick left for an offside attack or right for a legside attack. As usual a bleep will sound to confirm that the computer has accepted your instructions.

You can choose to practise either batting or bowling. After every six balls, you can either continue practising, change the skill levels or start the game. Only one player can pactise at a time; even if you have selected a two player game (use the Home Team's keys).