It was all England on day two of the 4th Test, as the Proteas suffered yet another top-order collapse to end on 88/6, writes Khalid Mohidin from the Wanderers.
The Proteas took what seemed like an eternity to finish off England in their first innings. England’s tail wagged ferociously to string together 82 runs with Stuart Broad and Mark Wood frustrating the hosts and their supporters.
Nonetheless, they found the breakthrough they needed to bowl England out for 400. The highlight of the session was definitely Anrich Nortje picking up his maiden five-for.
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The start to the Proteas’ innings was slow. They took 18.5 overs to put 29 runs on the board. What set them further back was the loss of their opener, Pieter Malan who edged Wood to the keeper for 15.
Moving Rassie van der Dussen up the order to No 3 never worked in his favour, as he played an obscure shot into the slips.
Elgar followed shortly after, sloppily prodding a short and wide delivery to point, throwing his wicket away after working hard for his 64-ball 26.
This brought the ODI captain and Test captain together at the crease.
Unfortunately, Du Plessis was trapped lbw for 3 as his drought continued.
The Gwijo Squad then belted out a song for homeboy Temba Bavuma as he walked to the crease: “Sithembe wena bhuti. Sihlangule kwelihlazo Temba Bavuma.”
Their song translated to: “This Temba. Those who don’t know him will never recognise him.”
Bavuma answered the cheer by getting off the mark instantly.
In a familiar situation with Quinton de Kock (32), the pair now needed to produce something spectacular to bail out their side.
Unfortunately, Bavuma never lasted long losing his wicket for 6.
The Proteas ended the day on 88/6.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
