South Africa have firm control of the 4th test at the Wanderers, but their biggest threat to victory may be the weather and not the English opposition!

Resuming on 29/0, Graeme Smith and Ashwell Prince were looking to see off the new ball. However with the addition of only 7 runs, Prince edged a delivery from Stuart Broad to Graeme Swann at second slip to complete a horror run and ensure his position at the top of South Africa’s order will surely be scrutinised heavily at the completion of the series.

On 15, Graeme Smith was given not out for a caught behind appeal. England subsequently requested a review, and the third umpire Darryl Harper could not find evidence Smith was out, so Smith remained.

Smith and Hashim Amla than built a crucial 2nd wicket stand of 165 off 40 overs at a rate of 4 an over. It was match defining as it saw off the new ball, positioned South Africa in a dominant position and most importantly wore the English bowlers out.

Smith was eventually out for 105, his 6th century against England.

Unfortunately just before tea the rain came and halted South Africa’s momentum. Play resumed briefly again before bad light intervened, and Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis will resume on day 3 with scores of 73 and 7.

With more rain forecast over the course of the next 3 days, South Africa have 2 options.
1. Bat long and try to ensure they don’t have to bat again in the match, or
2. Score as many runs as quickly as possible and give themselves time to bowl England out and chase down whatever target they are set, if any.

Given the fact we really need to take the remaining 10 English wickets to win the game, and this game is at desperation stakes to ensure we don’t lose the series, I’d favour scenario 2 even though it’s the more risky option. When you have to win, you have to take risks however!