SHAUN TAIT was delighted to put his previous Oval nightmare behind him as he helped Essex to defeat Surrey on Monday night.
The 30-year-old was a main figure in the Eagles' win and relished the chance to play in London again, despite bad memories of the Ashes series in 2005 for Australia.
"It was a bit of a blur because I was a young guy back then and there was lot riding on that game," Tait said.
"I didn't go too well. I remember mis-fielding a lot, they weren't good memories.
"I had a good time, though, against Surrey on Monday and I played a one-day game at the Oval once before which I won, so it's not all doom and gloom.
"It was good to come and beat a team like Surrey. They're a pretty strong county and I think we needed to win this game as well.
"It takes a little bit of pressure off but we've got a good rest now and haven't got a game until Sunday.
"Our bowling wasn't great as we were a bit loose in the first overs and it was a slow wicket.
"I didn't adapt that well but the last three overs were much better."
Essex made relatively easy work of their run chase, with Hamish Rutherford and Greg Smith in brutal form.
And it turned out to be an expensive evening for sponsors Kia, who had to shell out £1,000 three times to eagle-eyed spectators for catching three of their sixes in the crowd.
"These guys in the crowd with beers in their hand are taking hangers themselves – it's a joke," said Tait.
"Hamish was good, and we were saying in the changing room that a big score was around the corner for him.
"Most games he's started off our batting really well and he's going to be a serious player for New Zealand in the future."
Meanwhile, another top hitter in the form of Surrey's Ricky Ponting also drew praise from his fellow countryman.
"It was nice to see him bat again," Tait said. "Of course, it was nice for us to win but nice for him to get some runs too.
"He was my first captain for Australia, and my only captain pretty much, but he's a good man and respected here in England."
Tait is certainly enjoying his time playing for Essex and says it was important he knew a few of the players before joining.
"It's been good and there are a good bunch of blokes here," he said. "I knew a few of the guys before I came here, so it was easy knowing three or four of them.
"I had played with Ravi Bopara and Ryan ten Doeschate in Bangladesh, and I had played against a few of them too. It's relaxed and good to be a part of."