Day 1 Report: South Africa v/s England first Test

vindianz.com (16 Dec, 2009) — South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis accomplished his 32nd Test century as England battled in the heat of Pretoria. Resuming on 51 not out after tea Kallis’ development was ruthless and controlled, making good use of one of the premium batting techniques in world cricket today.

England-vs-South His best moment of awkwardness in fact came in bringing up his milestone as he mishooked Stuart Broad high to fine leg where Graham Onions could not make enough ground to catch it and the four runs were enough for yet an additional Kallis celebration. Otherwise there was, on England’s part, a sad air of predictability about his progress. His hundred took him 177 balls, with 13 fours and one six, and he completed the day 112 not out.

South Africa did not lose a wicket in the session, moving ahead from 159 to 262-4, as JP Duminy kept Kallis company with a sophisticated 38 not out. The left-hander provided the stroke of the session with a pleasantly struck six over long-on from Graeme Swann’s off-spin.

Additional bad news for England was that fast bowler Onions, unquestionably the pick of the bowlers earlier in the day, has a stressed right calf. He did not take the field right away after tea, and, although he did come back after nine over’s of the session, he did not bowl until the final three overs of the day.

England took the new ball after 81 overs, but it was to no benefit. There was the strange hint of some not consistent bounce, but in general this currently looks a good pitch.

Further Reading

Stay updated! Follow us on twitter and subscribe to our feed via Feedburner.

Day 1 Report: South Africa v/s England first Test

No Comments