After 3 days, England ended at 386/5 in reply to South Africa’s 343, gaining a handy lead of 43.
Resuming on 103/1, the early loss of Jonathon Trott was negated by some impressive batting partnerships in the face of some wayward bowling from South Africa.
Alistair Cook toughed out an impressive century given his recent form of only 32 runs in his past 8 test innings. His first 37 deliveries of the morning only produced 1 run, but he showed the value of hanging in there, and being able to cash in once the bowlers tired.
Cook managed to overturn an LBW dismissal with the help of the tv replay, and prospered after that. He was aided by Kevin Pietersen first, followed by Paul Collingwood in partnerships of 51 and 142.
Whilst the pitch is definitely easier to bat on compared to the first day, and historically often is, the South African bowling attack looks devoid of an threats. The Proteas are discovering that it is one thing to get to the top, it is definitely harder to stay there. Since achieving the number 1 ICC world rankings in both tests and ODI’s, they’ve slipped back, in my view because they’ve become complacent and defensive.
England have shown a willingness to attack with the bat, the Proteas haven’t shown the same urgency or belief in their ability to stamp their authority over the England attack.
The South African bowling attack lacks penetration, but more importantly a plan. At this stage it looks like it is harder to get out of the side than to get into it. Morkel is a back of a length bowler who can trouble batsmen with his bounce, but is hardly likely to bowl a side out. Ntini has lost pace, accuracy and is just a gentle medium pacer who tries hard, but has lot his edge. Dale Steyn is still a fantastic bowler, but bowling wide of off stump will blunt his edge. He can bowl fantastic yorkers, and shape the ball away from the right hander. He needs to bowl straighter and attack the stumps. What is the captain telling him to do?
We need a new pace attack. Friedel de Wet looked good at Centurion. Wayne Parnell is a wicket taker, Lowabo Tsotsobe can move the ball and offers variation. Attack more, back the bowlers. Set more attacking fields. Putting Harris on to tie up one end with a long on, deep mid wicket and deep square leg is negative. You can’t build up pressure when you allow 3-4 easy singles each over.
Proteas coach Mickey Arthur said it had been a hard day for South Africa, but he was pleased with the way the team had stuck to its task. “If we can restrict them to a lead of 150, we’ll be very happy,” he said.
The morning session will be crucial in determining whether the Proteas can earn a draw or allow England to get away and dictate conditions on the last day.
