ENG v SA, 2nd Test, Day 4, Review: South Africa level series after pounding England

South Africa made a rousing comeback into the series by crushing the home side by 340 runs at Trent Bridge. Set an improbable target of 474, England resumed on Day 4 with all ten wickets intact and a solitary run on the board. South Africa needed just 40.2 overs to bundle the hosts out just an hour after lunch.

Another English collpase

Alistair Cook was the lone warrior for England as he hung around and scored 42 gritty runs for his team. Barring him, and Moeen Ali’s brisk 27, not a single batsman could get past 20. Philander made the early inroads when he castled Jennings and then trapped Gary Ballance in front inside the first hour of the morning session. Both Jennings and Ballance are facing the heat after not scoring a single fifty in either Test. They will be under severe pressure in the next Test at The Oval which kicks off on July 27.

Duanne Olivier was called on by du Plessis to sneak a few overs in from the youngster. Cook, being a veteran, recognised the opportunity of scoring some runs and scythed him for three boundaries in two overs. Root, at the other end, was kept under check by Morkel and then Morris, who eventually got the England skipper’s prized scalp by a peach of a delivery which uprooted the off-stump. Olivier continued for a third over but was again hit for two boundaries in the over – one by Cook and the other by Bairstow which also opened his account. Morris bowled very miserly, hitting the right areas and got the better of Cook who gloved an attempted pull to de Kock. Faf was brilliant with his captaincy. He shuffled around his bowlers and never gave an extended spell to any one of them. Morris bowled a nagging line and his only spell’s figure reads 6-3-7-2 but even his figures didn’t prompt du Plessis to give him an extended spell.

Delightful performance from Maharaja in either innings

Maharaj was a threat especially for the left-handers as he could have used the rough created by the bowlers outside the off stump. He started steadily and went for runs in the middle but finished with 3/42 in 12 overs getting the wickets of Bairstow, Ali and Broad – all dismissed playing aggressive shots. The vital wicket of Stokes went to Philander, who finished with 3/24 off ten overs. Olivier too chipped in the final two wickets as he sent back Wood and Anderson off consecutive deliveries of his second spell.

England collapsed yet again in this Test which is slowly becoming a familiar theme for their fans. South Africa has shown great mental resolve to make a comeback in the 4-match series. They haven’t lost a single Test series in England for almost two decades which is a hallmark of their quality over the years. Their most senior batsman Amla showed them the way by scoring twin half-centuries in this game, a feat he hadn’t achieved overseas since 2010. Elgar and skipper du Plessis scored vital fifties in the second essay while de Kock was sublime during his knock of 68 during the first innings.

Philander’s terrific all-round show – 96 runs and 5 wickets in the game – is a testimony to the talent he is equipped with. Chris Morris’ come back in Tests was a successful one and an auspicious one for his team. His crucial 36 in the first innings followed a decent return of 3/38. His analysis of 2/7 on Day 4 was outstanding. He is someone who could bowl with genuine pace whilst getting the ball move off the surface and in the air. Morne Morkel provided adequate support in the absence of Kagiso Rabada, who is expected to start the third Test. Keshav Maharaj did an outstanding job returning with match figures of 6/62, four out of those six wickets were of left-hand batsmen.

Hosts collapse after Root falls

England’s collective team totals barely crossed either of the visitor’s innings totals. Their batsmen made the error of playing too positively in both essays which brought the downfall of the team. The batting heavily relies on Root and once he is dismissed, the rest follow suit like a pack of cards. England scored 6/62 and 7/78 in both innings after the exit of their new Test skipper. They need to strengthen their batting. The form of Ballance at No. 3 isn’t helping them a great deal.

Rabada’s return in the next game will further bolster the visiting team in London. Du Plessis’ gamble of playing with five front line bowlers paid rich dividends to the team and the strategy is expected to continue into the third Test at The Oval.

Brief Scores

1st innings

South Africa – 335 all out (Hashim Amla 78, Quinton de Kock 68, James Anderson 5/72)

England – 205 all out (Joe Root 78, Keshav Maharaj 3/21. Chirs Morris 3/38)

2nd innings

South Africa – 343 for 9 dec (Hashim Amla 87, Dean Elgar 80, Moeen Ali 4/78)

England – 133 all out (Alistair Cook 42, Vernon Philander 3/24, Keshav Maharaj 3/42)