South Africa [335 & 343/9d] beat England [205 & 133] by 340 runs to level the series 1-1

[A.A.Z]

South Africa won the toss and opt to bat

South Africa (Playing XI): Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis(c), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock(w), Vernon Philander, Chris Morris, Keshav Maharaj, Morne Morkel, Duanne Olivier

England (Playing XI): Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Gary Ballance, Joe Root(c), Jonny Bairstow(w), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson

 

[Markhor]

The length of grass is 6mm on this pitch at Trent Bridge - less than two years ago in the Ashes Test where Broad took his 8-15 which had length of 7.5mm. But still enough to encourage the seamers.

I'm surprised after South Africa's poor batting performance at Lord's that Faf du Plessis decided to bat first on this green pitch and with overcast conditions.

However its been a solid and watchful start from the South African openers.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Finally...

I have a better feeling about this match.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Some new reading material:

'Graeme Pollock slams political meddling in SA cricket' - Link

 

[Markhor]

After all that hard work...Elgar goes.

Very good catch from Dawson.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

"300 Test wickets for Anderson at home"

So he only has 171 away? Hmm...

 

[James]

Very brave decision to bat first.

It will either come off or it will backfire, but an attacking move for sure.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

8000 Test runs for Amla

 

[shaz619]

Very brave decision to bat first.

It will either come off or it will backfire, but an attacking move for sure.

Good move, they don't want to be facing Moeen Ali batting last again.
[MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] [MENTION=865]Big Mac[/MENTION]

 

[shaz619]

Congrats to Jimmy, that was hist 300th Test wicket at home

 

[Markhor]

Spot of rain but its cleared up and play will resume at 12:45.

 

[Robert]

Amla doesn't look like the man who got 300 last tour against Anderson and Swann.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Congrats to Jimmy, that was hist 300th Test wicket at home

Bit of a HTB, but very good nonetheless.

 

[Hasan123]

De Kock batting up the order is a very good move. Also important for South Africa for Amla to get back into form. Once set he can score big.

 

[Hasan123]

Suprised at the lack of interest in this game.

 

[Hasan123]

Good shot from De Kock.

 

[Hasan123]

If De Kock bats at 4 or 5 in tests for the next 18 months he'll turn the fab 4 into the fab 5.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

If De Kock bats at 4 or 5 in tests for the next 18 months he'll turn the fab 4 into the fab 5.

Never been a fan of reused terms. Really need a new one. Maybe fantastic 5?

 

[Dark Magician]

De Kock at 4? Brave move from Faf.

 

[MMHS]

Kok shouldn't bat at 4, rather swap it with Faf. Today, SAF is batting first, but the day they bat 2nd, he might have to come within an hour after keeping several hours. 7 is definitely too low, but 4 is a bit high as well in Test, for the WK.

 

[Markhor]

Hashim Amla reaches his fifty with a six. What a beautiful shot it was too.

 

[MMHS]

Suprised at the lack of interest in this game.

Working day, but I am follow on CI

 

[Saffer_XIII]

Kok shouldn't bat at 4, rather swap it with Faf. Today, SAF is batting first, but the day they bat 2nd, he might have to come within an hour after keeping several hours. 7 is definitely too low, but 4 is a bit high as well in Test, for the WK.

Why be so inflexible, bat him at 4 when we're batting first, that way he gets rest after batting. Bat him 5 or 6 when we bat 2nd. The scored a century when he opened so it's now like he's uncomfortable moving round the order for a horses for courses type of approach

 

[Markhor]

Faf's decision to bat first is paying off. SAF have batted well, they saw off the new ball on a green pitch under the clouds in the morning.

Now the sun is shining and time to make hay.

Surprised Moeen Ali hasn't come on at all yet with a left-hander is at the crease and after his exploits in the previous match albeit on a more spin-friendly track.

 

[Hasan123]

Never been a fan of reused terms. Really need a new one. Maybe fantastic 5?

Fab 5 or fantastic 5 I don't mind which one. All I know is if De Kock bats at 4 or 5 for the next 18 months he will be up there with the other 4 star batsmen of this generation.

 

[Hasan123]

Kok shouldn't bat at 4, rather swap it with Faf. Today, SAF is batting first, but the day they bat 2nd, he might have to come within an hour after keeping several hours. 7 is definitely too low, but 4 is a bit high as well in Test, for the WK.

South Africa will be aware of this.

 

[Hasan123]

Working day, but I am follow on CI

Still not a lot of interest.

 

[Hasan123]

Time for Moen Ali to come. There is a leftie at the crease and also Moen is in good form. Should take advantage of it. If he comes into the attack at 200-2 with De Kock and Amla set, both will play him with ease.

 

[MMHS]

Still not a lot of interest.

It's a Test match without involving PAK, IND (& BD )

 

[Hasan123]

Test of Root's captaincy here.

 

[jonny darko]

The utter disrespect it constitutes to by not bringing on the bowler 'who got 10-fer in the last match' yet is appalling.

 

[Hasan123]

It's a Test match without involving PAK, IND (& BD )

Fair point but both teams have players who are popular and worth watching.

 

[Hasan123]

Moen finally into the attack. Both batsmen are set .

 

[MMHS]

Why be so inflexible, bat him at 4 when we're batting first, that way he gets rest after batting. Bat him 5 or 6 when we bat 2nd. The scored a century when he opened so it's now like he's uncomfortable moving round the order for a horses for courses type of approach

Top batsmen don't like floating batting position, it's not helpful for planning. However, 1, 2, 3 & 6 are like specialist spot in Test - not much difference between 4 or 5, so indeed it's an option.

 

[Abdullah719]

Fair point but both teams have players who are popular and worth watching.

With Duminy out of the side, I am now willing to watch this innings.

 

[Hasan123]

With Duminy out of the side, I am now willing to watch this innings.

Lol one change and there batting line up looks much more solid.

 

[Abdullah719]

Lol one change and there batting line up looks much more solid.

As long as Morris doesn't come in to bat too soon...

England's best all-rounder into the attack.

 

[Hasan123]

Sun's out , brilliant weather for cricket.

South Africa have seen on the difficult period vs the new ball. They should look to score at about 3 runs till the next ball. If they can be 300-3/4 by time the new ball comes with one of De Kock or Amla batting, they will be in a very good position.

 

[Markhor]

De Kock makes batting look so easy ! Don't give him any width or bowl too short as he's good on the cut and pull.

One of those players who can do a lot of damage as he moves the scoreboard along quickly.

 

[Buffet]

Need to put a big score here.

 

[Markhor]

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION] - did you see that pitch this morning ?

Amir, Abbas and Ali bowling on such pitches early in the English season next May will be a mouthwatering prospect. England's top-order is still inconsistent and unsettled - I think we could do serious damage.

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION] - did you see that pitch this morning ?

Amir, Abbas and Ali bowling on such pitches early in the English season next May will be a mouthwatering prospect. England's top-order is still inconsistent and unsettled - I think we could do serious damage.

Yes I did see a bit of it. I'm sure them 3 can do damage regardless of who is selected by England.

Problem is our own batting. Azhar is the only proven player vs lateral movement. If Pakistan batting line up can produce I think we could win the series.

 

[Markhor]

Looking forward to seeing Duanne Olivier. He has taken 259 wickets at an average of 20 in FC cricket which is an exceptional record.

Apparently he's very quick and is adept at getting the ball to swing away late. Hits the deck hard and has done well even on flat pitches in South African domestic. SAF posters will be able to tell us more about him.

I did see a bit of him vs Sri Lanka last winter but they are a struggling side. Want to see how he fares against tougher opposition.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top effort from <a href="https://twitter.com/amlahash">@amlahash</a> ! 8000 of the finest runs!! Solid start here from the boys <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProteaFire?src=hash">#ProteaFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvsENG?src=hash">#SAvsENG</a></p>— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/885835016739196930">July 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

AB enjoying the Test cricket.

 

[Markhor]

Breathtaking cover drive from Amla.

Stokes been breathtakingly poor. Not been his day.

And that's tea - South Africa's session.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Need to put a big score here.

In regards to your signature, what ever happened to Ozgod?

 

[Hasan123]

South Africa are ahead in this game. Need De Kock and Amla to keep on going. Scoring rate will never be an issue whilst these 2 are at the crease.

 

[shaz619]

Amla doesn't look like the man who got 300 last tour against Anderson and Swann.

Maybe so, but Anderson is not the same man he once was and there is no Swann.

 

[MMHS]

Pom's over rate is horrible - delayed start?

 

[Abdullah719]

Pom's over rate is horrible - delayed start?

20 minute rain delay in first session.

 

[HitWicket]

Pom's over rate is horrible - delayed start?

Was a 20 minute or so rain delay during the 1st session.

 

[MMHS]

Was a 20 minute or so rain delay during the 1st session.

So, it's 27/28 overs in first session & 29 in 2nd, fair enough.

 

[MMHS]

A bit surprised to see the score card on Day 1 at Nottingham. Either Poms have wasted new ball, or it's a super slow track like the IND Test few years back. Scoring doesn't tell though that the track is slow.

 

[Markhor]

Unbelievable, de Kock with a loose shot outside off-stump first ball after tea and edges to slip.

Silly wicket to give away.

 

[czar]

De Kock gifted away a good start once again.

 

[Ab Fan]

Amla playing a good inning here.

 

[Markhor]

And Amla goes too.

Been a big half hour for England here.

 

[Bilal7]

And Amla goes too.

Been a big half hour for England here.

Poor shot to get out too. An important innings nonetheless.

England need to get Moeen Ali on from one end. Faf is susceptible against spin.

 

[James]

5 down now. Going a bit pear shaped for SA.

 

[Markhor]

Lovely drive from Bavuma, good timing.

These two need to take SAF to at least 300.

 

[Bilal7]

Conditions tough for batting. Poor decision to bat first after winning the toss. South Africa are yet to find a captain even half as great as Smith.

 

[Markhor]

SAF may regret dropping the extra batsman in Theunis de Bruyn for the all-rounder Chris Morris. SAF batting is still shaky.

 

[jonny darko]

De kock & Amla - both criminally gave their wickets away. Those two were well-set & looking like both could go big. Hence a Massive bonus (let-off) for England.

 

[idrizzy]

South Africa 309/6, End of day 1.

Gotta say Philander has impressed me. Has made vital contributions with the bat for a few innings in the tour so far, and this was definitely needed.

Stalemate so far I'd say, with an interesting day poised tomorrow.

 

[Hasan123]

England did well to comeback into the game. De kock and Amla gave there wickets away which has prevented South Africa from being a dominant position.

 

[Sarwar89]

England bowled too short and paid the price. Tomorrow's first hour will decide this Test Match. Pitch is slow. If These last 4 wickets can add another 50-60 runs, with 370 on the board, Poms will be under pressure. It is the poms who have to bat last on this wicket. South Africa's day today (marginally).

 

[MMHS]

England did well to comeback into the game. De kock and Amla gave there wickets away which has prevented South Africa from being a dominant position.

SAF is placed in better position - ENG won't like to chase over 250 here on Day 5. Nottingham is notorious for 3rd innings collapse, something similar to Adelaide, otherwise SAF has the platform to press advantage here. One shouldn't expect to win a Test at Trentbridge, allowing sides to reach first Tea, only 2 down.

 

[Hasan123]

SAF is placed in better position - ENG won't like to chase over 250 here on Day 5. Nottingham is notorious for 3rd innings collapse, something similar to Adelaide, otherwise SAF has the platform to press advantage here. One shouldn't expect to win a Test at Trentbridge, allowing sides to reach first Tea, only 2 down.

If England could dismiss them for under 350 they are definitely in the game.

 

[Chrish]

Philander is such a gun all-rounder!

 

[Robert]

England will be looking to Cook or Root for a ton tomorrow. I'm not sure that the rest can dig in and occupy this particular crease. Philander will be tough on a slow seamer.

 

[MMHS]

If England could dismiss them for under 350 they are definitely in the game.

Bowling all rounders are the most valuable asset in cricket. Vernon has done lots of damage here with bat & he'll enjoy bowling, if it's an usual Trentbridge track. If there is swing in weekend, Phillander is my best bid for MoM here.

 

[Markhor]

Enjoyed that Shaun Pollock masterclass this morning. Sky do a brilliant job with those.

 

[shaz619]

Enjoyed that Shaun Pollock masterclass this morning. Sky do a brilliant job with those.

Can we get Rashid to do one please?

We need to remind all the little school kids how not to bowl leg spin.

 

[shaz619]

SA need 400 to post a good total, I still think England are on top here and will probably snare the remaining wickets for around 350-370 which is not enough to compete with the powerful England batting line up

 

[Markhor]

Soft wicket ! Philander gone in the first over of the morning.

SAF need to somehow get 350 at least here.

 

[shaz619]

335 all out, excellent bowling by Anderson and he has a 5fer !

 

[shaz619]

Rubbish total but SA won't mind having a bowl now

 

[James]

335 all out. Total collapse this morning from SA, Anderson knocks 4 batters over in half an hour, and finishes with a 5-wicket haul.

Bit of a Catch-22 here though; better to be taking wickets than conceding runs of course, however these are favourable bowling conditions, and I frankly fear for some of England's phattu top order players against Philander & Co.

Cook and Root are world-class players, but Jennings and Ballance? Sorry but they are likely to go cheaply here. Then all it needs is for one of the 2 bankers to get a good ball and we will be in the dung.

Hopefully I'm wrong and we post 450.

 

[Markhor]

Wickets continue to tumble. England's brittle top order exposed again. 3-2, SAF bowling nicely with the new ball.

 

[James]

Cook was bowled a quality over by Philander and even then only fell to a magic ball, so no blame attached.

Jennings played a nothing shot for his dismissal though. Feet were stuck in cement. He's now under pressure for his place IMO.

Massive test for Ballance this.