/ 15 January 2010

Smith leads the charge

Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla put South Africa firmly in front on the second day of the final Test against England on Friday, with an unbeaten partnership of 124.

At lunch, South Africa had 160 for one, just 20 runs behind England’s first innings score of 180.

Smith and Ashwell Prince resumed play on their overnight score of 29 without loss. In the fifth over of the day, bowled by Ryan Sidebottom, England appealed vociferously for a caught behind decision that would have sent Smith back on 15. Smith stood his ground and umpire Tony Hill gave him not out. England called for a review, and the third umpire Darryl Harper upheld the decision. The visitors appeared unhappy with the decision, but had to move on.

They had some joy in the following over, when Prince, who has had a very disappointing series, got a thick edge to a Stuart Broad
delivery and hit the ball straight to Graeme Swann at second slip for 19 — his highest score of the series. Although Prince would
have been disappointed at going out early, he had done his job by seeing out the new ball.

That was the last time in the extended session that England were able to celebrate as first Smith, and then Amla, moved to their half centuries.

Smith’s — his 27th — came off 105 balls, and Amla’s 16th off 76. At lunch, Smith was not out on 84 and Amla had 52.

What will be particularly galling to England was that they were all out in the 48th over. South Africa have faced 47, and have nine wickets left. — Sapa