Andrew Strauss hit a sparkling half-century as England made an aggressive start to their first innings on the second day of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead yesterday.
Strauss hit 50 not out off 49 balls as England reached 59 for no wicket at tea in reply to South Africa’s 343 all out.
On an overcast day, with the floodlights on from the start of play, South Africa’s total seemed a good effort in conditions which had been expected to be favorable for bowlers.
PHOTO: AFP
But Strauss made batting look easy as he struck eight fours and took advantage of some ill-directed South African bowling. Makhaya Ntini was particularly expensive, conceding 25 runs off three overs.
AB de Villiers (50) and Mark Boucher (39) batted positively at the start of the day after South Africa resumed on 175 for five.
They took their sixth wicket partnership to 63 before Boucher fell leg before wicket to Graeme Swann.
Boucher had been in good form, making his runs off 50 balls with five fours and outscoring De Villiers.
De Villiers went on to reach his half-century but two balls later drove at a Stuart Broad outswinger and was caught behind by Matt Prior. He made his runs off 98 balls.
Paul Harris was a second lbw victim of Swann.
Morne Morkel made a useful 23 before he was Swann’s fourth victim in the first over after lunch. But Dale Steyn made 47 off 58 balls as he and Ntini frustrated the England bowlers in a last wicket stand of 58.
Steyn hit three sixes, all off Swann, who finished with four for 110.
■AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN
Australia were well placed at the end of the second day of the first Test against Pakistan in Melbourne. In response to Australia’s 454 for five declared, Pakistan were 109 for four.
The not out batsmen were Umar Akmal on 10 and Mohammad Aamer who had yet to score.
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