England vs South Africa Third Test 2008: South Africa Set to Take Lead in the First Innings

In the ongoing third test of the four-match series between England and South Africa, the touring side is steadily going to take lead in the first innings. After England’s first innings got bundled out at 231, South Africa has already put 205 runs on the board losing four top order batsmen.

England’s middle order batsmen failed to continue the momentum given by their openers as South African pacers- Andre Nel, Jacques Kallis and Makhaya Ntini- halted England’s steady progress in the first innings. Opener Alastair Cook played an excellent innings of 76 off 125 balls, while in the middle of the innings Ian Bell contributed with his well-organized 50. Andrew Flintoff tired to build up the innings with the tail-enders, but that was of no avail. Flintoff remained not out at 36.

South Africa did not have a good start as they lost Captain Graeme Smith early in the innings. At the end of the first day, South Africa reached 38 for 1 with opener Neil McKenzie batting on 12 and night-watchman Paul Harris on 10. On the second day, Harris failed to carry on his innings as he fell on 19, leaving South Africa at 94/2. Hashim Amla came into the wicket, but failed to produce a big innings, falling to James Anderson for 9. However, opener Neil McKenzie carried on his innings to play an excellent 72-run knock, before becoming the second victim of Andrew Flintoff.

At this moment, it is tea break at Edgbaston on the second day and Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince are batting on 48 and 24 respectively, contributing 70 runs in the fifth wicket partnership.