The England bowling attack showed fight to reduce the Proteas to 60/3, as Stuart Broad took two key wickets in the first session of Day 2 of the second Test at Newlands, writes Khalid Mohidin.
Newlands was greeted on Day 2 by Amla Army’s rendition of Ireland’s “Come the Day” and “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika”, as the Proteas took the final England wicket courtesy of Kagiso Rabada.
The visitors left the Proteas to chase a first-innings total of 269 and England got the perfect start to their morning by removing both homeboy’s Pieter Malan and Zubayr Hamza before lunch.
There were cries in the crowd of “why didn’t you leave that?” after Malan edged a wide delivery into the slips.
While Ben Stokes dipped low to take an impressive catch just above the ground after Hamza nicked a chest-high delivery.
The Proteas got the exact start that they dreaded – three wickets down by the lunch break.
Broad was extra pumped up during the morning session – lengthy staredowns and a trow back at Faf du Plessis, despite the Proteas captain being in his crease, were signs that the England legend was up for a competitive clash with the opposition batters.
For the Proteas, it would now be about adopting Dean Elgar’s approach – showing patience trough sturdy blocks and simple shots to punish the loose deliveries.
Test cricket is a patience game and if the Proteas can see off the new ball on what seems to be a batting-friendly track, they can really build the partnerships they need to take control of the initial contest.
Elgar’s search for a reliable partner continued, as Faf du Plessis edged Jimmy Anderson to the slips.
The Proteas were quickly three down for 40 runs, a familiar position for them in recent times.
Rassie van der Duessen, unlike his teammates, survived some close shaves and will need to continue after the break.
A big knock from Elgar (35*) will be essential as the Proteas posted 60/3 at lunch on Day 2.
Both batsmen need to survive England’s wrath flying in from the Wynberg End.
Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
