After being dismissed for 181 thanks to a lethal bowling performance by the Proteas seamers, England reduced the Proteas to 72/4 and were 175 runs behind South Africa by stumps on Day 2 of the 1st Test, writes Naeemah Benjamin.
Only the second day of the first Test match but what a contest it has been. It continues to move at a rapid pace.
The ebb and flow of Test cricket was proven once again.
The Proteas’ bowling attack led by Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada combined effectively to startle the England side with the new ball, and Anrich Nortje and Dwaine Pretorius joined the party once the ball lost its shine.
Nortje came back into the attack after the lunch break and bowled tighter lines and lengths and was more controlled in his approach. He was rewarded for his efforts.
There’s been much talk about who the pace attack will consist of especially after Dale Steyn’s retirement, and now that stalwart Vernon Philander will also be retiring at the conclusion of this series vs England there is more emphasis on finding a replacement.
READ: VERNON PHILANDER WILL BE HARD TO REPLACE
Has Anrich Nortje staked his claim and showed what he has to offer? His dismissal of Jonny Bairstow which saw the ball angle into the right-hander knocking over his middle stump, undoubtedly proved his talent.
He ended with figures of 2/47, Rabada with 3/68, Philander with 4/16 and Pretorius with 1/23.
The Proteas went in to bat for their second innings and they were reduced to 72/4 in what was another collapse by the Proteas top order.
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