Proteas outlast England in enthralling Test

This year’s Boxing Day test will go down as a great advertisement for Test cricket in South Africa. Momentum shifted throughout the see-saw battle with England’s first-innings batting display proving the deciding factor.

South Africa opened the batting on Boxing Day and most pundits would have feared the worst for the Proteas after the first session.

Quinton De Kock, with the help of Dwaine Pretorius and Vernon Philander, stabilised the innings finishing on 284 all out early on day two.

England’s reply was nervy in contrast to their second innings as they spluttered to 181 all out before the close of play on day two. South Africa’s second innings was then assured without being spectacular. Rassie Van der Dussen top-scored with 51 but this was par for the course as an unpredictable Centurion pitch baffled batsmen from ball one.

South Africa’s second innings total of 272 left England with a chase of 376 and at the end of day three that seemed well within their grasp. The arrival of the new ball in the second session of the day fours signalled the collapse of English middle order. They lost seven wickets 64 runs ending 107 short of their target.

Quintin De Kock was awarded Man of the Match but this can be chalked up to overall team performance.  A joint effort by both batsmen and bowlers who delivered when needed. A triumph of team ethic over-reliance of an individual gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.