Day four of the first test between England and South Africa has drawn to a close as I write this, and after four grueling and intense day of cricket, we are all set for an intriguing fifth day conclusion. South Africa's tour of England has been the most awaited series of the year and rightly so as it sees the two top test sides clash.
 |
| Amla becomes the first South African to score a triple century! Kallis and Amla added 377 runs for the third wicket. |
England who are the ranked currently as the number one team have been undefeated at home in their last seven test series, and boast the best swing bowling line up in the world. However now trailing by 150 runs and just 6 wickets in hand, it is their batting that is going to tested and England now face the biggest test they have in recent years. South Africa who are ranked second have an incredible pace battery of their own consisting of one of the greatest fast bowler of our times, if not the greatest, and day five looks to be a fascinating contest.
After day one when England finished 267 runs for just the loss of 3 wickets, the match seemed to be well and truly England's. However South Africa fought back well bowling out the home team for 385 runs after opener Cook completed a magnificent century. Even then England were in a commendable position and who would have thought we'd see them fighting to save the test? South Africa's reply to the daunting total was one filled with confidence with three of their top order batsman scoring centuries.
 |
| Kallis celebrates his century pointing to his eye and dedicating it to Bocuher. |
Graeme Smith led from the front and his century in his 100th match must surely be special. Hashim Amla then made history by becoming the first South African to score a triple century and it was his mammoth innings that held South Africa together. Jaques Kallis joined the party and scored 182 runs helping SA to 637 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets and 252 runs ahead. I found Kallis' gesture of pointing to his eye after reaching his hundred really good as he paid homage to Mark Boucher who had to retire after a freak accident earlier in the month.
Together the three centurions made the world's best bowling attack look like a bunch of school boys as they sent the English fielders on a leather hunt. It was some world class batting from the South African batsman and it is largely due to them, SA find themselves in the driving seat.
Together the three centurions made the world's best bowling attack look like a bunch of school boys as they sent the English fielders on a leather hunt. It was some world class batting from the South African batsman and it is largely due to them, SA find themselves in the driving seat.
 |
| Star batsman, Kevin Pietersen is bowled by Morkel. |
I appreciate Smith's aggressive declaration and how he declared even though Kallis was just 18 runs short of a well deserved double century. The team always comes first and its a good lesson sent by Smith.
England in the second innings coming against an inspired South African bowling, found itself in a spot of bother and now with four top order and inform batsman back in the hut and still 150 runs behind, England must bat out of their skins to save this match. On days one, two and three it looked like this match might be a dull draw, but it has turned out to be just the opposite and the South African domination of day four has made it a match to watch.
England in the second innings coming against an inspired South African bowling, found itself in a spot of bother and now with four top order and inform batsman back in the hut and still 150 runs behind, England must bat out of their skins to save this match. On days one, two and three it looked like this match might be a dull draw, but it has turned out to be just the opposite and the South African domination of day four has made it a match to watch.
England have Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara at the crease and plenty rides on them. This is perhaps Bopara's best opportunity to prove his worth, as England only have one recognized batsman in Prior left. Bresnan and Broad who are decent with the bat, but if England are to save this then it will be the specialist batsman remaining who have to step up. It will be a difficult task considering they are against the likes of Steyn, Morkel, Philander and Imran Tahir on a day five wicket, and this will not only test their patience but also their determination and grit to grind in and stay at the crease. Day five is bound to be a fascinating contest and tomorrow will be the day England will prove if they really are deserving to be called the world's best test team.
1 Comments:
It is great series and no doubt Hashim Amla is the back bone of South African cricket as he proved it. Smith, Kallis and Amla can once again England cricket team easily.
Post a Comment
Read not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted but to weigh and consider.
- Francis Bacon