Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis hit half-centuries as South Africa fought back after losing two early wickets on the first day of the second Test against England at Kingsmead yesterday.
South Africa were 151 for two at tea, with captain Smith on 65 not out and Kallis unbeaten on 74. They came together after the Proteas lost their first two wickets for 10 runs inside the first 10 overs.
It was tough going for the batsmen on a pitch that gave the bowlers some help, particularly in the first hour.
Smith, normally aggressive, had to struggle hard for his runs after winning the toss and deciding to bat in hot, humid weather, knowing that conditions would be tricky early on after rain and overcast skies in the days leading up to the match.
James Anderson had Ashwell Prince caught at third slip for 2 and Stuart Broad followed up by trapping Hashim Amla leg before wicket, also for 2.
Smith scored only 10 runs off 62 balls before he struck his first boundary when Anderson, in his second spell, allowed him enough width to hit a meaty square cut. It took him 138 balls to reach his half-century.
The South Africa captain was struck on the left index finger by a ball from Anderson early in his innings, needing treatment on the field. He called for further treatment shortly before tea.
MORE FLUENT
Kallis, who made a century in the drawn first Test at Centurion, was more fluent than Smith, although he posted his half-century in fortunate circumstances when he edged part-time bowler Jonathan Trott through a vacant first slip area for his fourth boundary. He took 94 balls to score his half-century.
Anderson swung the ball in both directions early on and produced a brutal delivery in the third over that kicked and moved away to take the shoulder of Prince’s bat and provide an easy catch for Graeme Swann.
LINE AND LENGTH
Graham Onions bowled a superb line and length, conceding only two runs in a four-over spell, but it was Broad who took the next wicket with his fourth delivery of the match when Amla played around a full delivery.
Fast bowler Dale Steyn, who was ruled out of the drawn first Test at Centurion shortly before the start because of a hamstring injury, returned to the South Africa team in place of Friedel de Wet. England announced an unchanged team.
Score at close of play in the first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Melbourne:
• Australia 305-3
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