Hashim Amla saved a spirally South Africa in timely fashion to bring South Africa from the brink of disaster into a formidable position to dictate terms on the final day, provided the elements relent.
South Africa lost three wickets in the morning session od day four of the first Test against England at Centurion. But the ship was steadied by the guiding hand of Hashim Amla. James Anderson did his best to rock the boat and eventually got the wicket of Amla to make it four, but not before Amla forged two silent and strong partnerships.
The first partnership that came South Africa’s way to send the hosts from disaster to afloat was the fifth wicket partnership of 119 runs between Amla and Ab de Villiers. Ab played his role to the hilt in a precarious situation for his sixty-four runs but Amla stole the show with his century.
Aiding Amla in the effort to make South Africa safe and strong int he context of the Test was also Mark Boucher who shared a seventy-five run partnership for the seventh wicket as Amla reached the three figure mark.
By the time Amla was removed, South Africa had reached 266 for seven, with a sizable lead of 364. Graeme Smith decided to press to put pressure on England going into the final day. And the move paid off handsomely as Morne Morkel, bowling around the wicket, had the England captain, Andrew Strauss, face an unplayable delivery only to nick the ball to the wicket keeper to set up the first wicket and downfall for England.
A lot will depend on the weather tomorrow as also the hunger within the South African dressing room!
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