The Proteas suffered yet another top-order collapse as they went into lunch on 73-4 in Port Elizabeth. KHALID MOHIDIN reports.
After electing to bat first, the Proteas had a shocking start with the bat once again. They lost three wickets for 15 runs thanks to exquisite new-ball bowling.
Vishwa Fernando was superb. He cut through Dean Elgar’s defences and knocked over his off stump. He followed this with an unstoppable inswinger that knocked over Amla’s middle stump. This was the first time in a Test match that Amla lost his wicket for a first-ball duck.
Then came the foolish run out of Temba Bavuma. Markram played a drive straight to the fielder at mid-on. Bavuma searched for a single that wasn’t called for and wasn’t there. He was caught way out of his crease for a duck.
Aiden Markam and Faf du Plessis built a crucial half-century partnership to ease the nerves. The pair managed to lead the hosts to 73-3 before Du Plessis was bowled by Dimuth Karunaratne on the last ball before lunch.
Markram managed to battle his way to 37 not out and needs a big score to help save the Proteas’ innings.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
