England crumble after Kallis century

Cape Town: 3rd Test South Africa v England

Jacques Kallis lept to 2nd place in the PWC batting ratings, and after yet another brilliant test match century saw England in dire straights, for the second time during their so far succesful tour of South Africa.

Kallis has always been happy under the shadow of Table Mountain, and after a flurry of wickets in the morning, he and Nicky Boje (71) put on the kind of lower partnership that South Africa used to be so renowned for.

The nervy Hashim Amla, desperate for some test match form was dismissed for 25. An appaling LBW decision that puts his test match career right on the brink.

Nicky Boje strode out after Pollock was caught behind, and instantly showed what a class act he can be with the bat. Not willing to let Kallis be the dominant force, he drove Ashley Giles out of the attack, and when Kallis was caught behind for 149, he was even more impressive. The Newlands faithful will be hoping he can convert his impressive innings into a great all-round performance tomorrow. An impressive period of play for the hosts was tarnished when debutant Charl Langeveldt was hit on the left hand by a quick Flintoff delivery. Thankfully he was able to bowl unhindered.

England's reply to the South African 441 was confidant, with both Strauss and Trescothick again looking comfortable against the new ball.

South Africa, however bowled to a sound gameplan, and Trescothick was caught by Gibbs off Ntini slashing at a ball wide outside of offstump. Rob Key then followed for a duck, and the exhuberant South Africans went on to dismiss Strauss and Vaughan in quick time.

The debutant, Langeveldt looks like a good find for the South Africans. He has already shown impressive credentials during his short One day career, and offers the control and movement that his competitor, Dale Steyn found difficult to find.

South Africa have a golden oppertunity to level the series now, with a commanding performance on day three. They must not let their position slip like they did at Durban.

South Africa 441
JH Kallis 149, N Boje 76, A Flintoff 4/79
England 95/4



Posted by RichardHi