(Updates with quotes)
By Richard Sydenham
LONDON, July 20 (Reuters) – South Africa fought back against
England on the second day of the first test on Friday, first
with the ball and then the bat, to close on 86 for one after
bowling England out for 385.
Captain Graeme Smith, playing his 100th test match, was 37
not out and Hashim Amla was on 47 after being dropped on 40 by
first slip Andrew Strauss off Ravi Bopara. Alviro Petersen went
for a duck, lbw to James Anderson with just one on the
scoreboard.
The second-wicket partnership between Smith and Amla capped
a much-needed improvement by the tourists after a lethargic
display on day one, when England were mostly in control.
Morne Morkel finished off the England innings with four for
72, while a reenergised Dale Steyn and veteran Jacques Kallis
claimed two wickets apiece. Alastair Cook added just one run to
his overnight score to depart for 115 and Matt Prior added a
vital 60 from 90 balls.
It was an impressive comeback by the Proteas after England
resumed on 267 for three. The bowling was more accurate and
aggressive, although bowling conditions were better with the sun
being replaced by cloud cover.
“”It was needed,” Morkel told reporters ““We knew the first
hour was key and we had to get early wickets. All credit must go
to Vernon (Philander) and Dale – the way they bowled was
fantastic.
“”The great thing about Dale is that he is number one in the
world and you know he can deliver something special at any time.
Dale put the peg in the ground and showed the way for us to
follow.”
Continued…
