Boucher settles another thriller

Another day, another thriller. South Africa levelled the series with five balls to spare, thanks to a masterful maiden one-day century from Graeme Smith and a blistering assault at the death from Mark Boucher. After England had managed 267 for 8 from their 50 overs (above par for the ground, but at least 20 less than what they should have managed) SA seemed to have won the game courtesy of a fine partnership between Smith and Gibbs. A flurry of wickets almost handed the game to England before the SA keeper rescued his side. Despite the thrills and spills, SA thoroughly deserved the win. Unlike England, one of their batsmen converted a good start into something substantial, all of their main bowlers did their job, and, crucially, they held their catches.


England's line-up surprised most of us. Vaughan, it transpired, was too ill to play and was replaced by Solanki. Ali, despite being expensive on Wednesday was retained, with Harmison having to wait a bit longer for his recall. For SA, Boje was brought back to replace Hall. Trecothick called right and chose to bat, no doubt hoping that the effect of the lights would outweigh anything to be gained my moisture in the air following the rain that briefly held up the start of play.

As on Wednesday, England started well, with Pollock suffering the rare indignity of conceding sixes in successive overs, and Trecothick in particular was batting brilliantly. However, just as on Wednesday, Trescothick fell when looking set for something quite spectacular. He had made 33 out of 49 when he tried to launch Nel over the bowler and only managed to sky the ball for Smith to take an easy catch at mid-off. The arrival of Solanki may not have been hugely encouraging to the England fans, but he settled in pleasantly enough and, with Jones picking up the pace, the pair added 50 at 5-an-over. Jones was looking especially good by now, but, on 39, surprised everyone by sending a return catch to Boje, coming forward to make the ball into a full toss but seriously mis-timing the shot.


This pattern continued as Solanki added 57 with Strauss, who, having reached 35, then top edged an attempted pull at Pollock and Prince took a simple catch at square leg. Solanki was now batting quite fluently. Unsurprisingly, given his lack of cricket in recent weeks, he had taken a while to settle, but he began to time the ball sweetly. In partnership with Pietersen, 51 runs had been added at almost seven an over and England were looking set for a really substantial total until Solanki tried to lauch Nel over long on and only succeeded in giving de Villiers catching practice. He had made 66, which turned out to be the highest score in the innings, and had helped set a platform for something big, both personally and for the team as whole. However, this was a tame dismissal, and, having reached 207 for 3 at a fraction over five an over, England then lost their way. Pietersen, having reached 33 without taking any undue risks tried to up the rate against Nel, who bowled well, but only managed to hole out to deep midwicket. Collingwood added a brisk 22 before doing much the same, as did Bell for 13. Having passed 200 for the loss of only three wickets with a dozen overs to go, England only managed to add 70 runs and their total of 267, although above average for this ground, was at least 20 runs less than they should have made.


In reply, South Africa started brightly. When the total had reached 49, De Villiers was maybe unlucky to be adjudged caught behind off Hoggard for 16. Boje now found himself SA's new number 3, and he contributed some decent blows before directing Kabir Ali to Giles at deep point. 82 for 2 quickly became 89 for 3 when Collingwood removed Kallis, caught by Pietersen at point for only 3. That should have given England control, but, instead, Smith and Gibbs took the game away from them. Smith had a huge escape on 53 when Trescothick missed a simple chance but otherwise they looked in complete control and they made England's attack look very ordinary indeed. They added 107 at over five an over before Gibbs, on 50, was adjudged leg before to Gough. Even with Gibbs gone, SA should have been comfortable by then but, true to form, they decided to make a game of it.


Kemp only made 9 before being bowled by Collingwood's final ball of a very tidy spell. Two balls later, Smith, having reached his first century in ODI's was trapped leg before by Giles and SA had subsided to 214 for 6. Having looked in complete control, they now looked to have made a complete mess of things. Still, in this sort of situation there aren't many better players than Mark Boucher to have marching into the middle. If nothing else, he was clearly determined that this one wouldn't go to the last ball and he set about England's ragged attack with relish, bludgeoning 33 from only 21 balls. Crucially, one over from Hoggard, who was unimpressive throughout, disappeared for 14 and SA were almost there. Time for one last twist though. Gough returned to claim Boucher leg before and maybe, just maybe, England would get away with it again. Not today they didn't. Prince and Pollock held their nerve to see the hosts home, but it was a mighty close thing. Again.


England 267 for 8
Solanki 66, Nel 3 for 49, Ntini 3 for 58


South Africa 270 for 7
Smith 105, Gibbs 50, Boucher 33, Gough 2 for 46, Collingwood 2 for 54


Posted by David