South Africa draw with Derbyshire

News

Cricket365
August 11, 2012

South Africa gave their bowlers a chance to bat and bowl on the final day of their match against Derbyshire, as they prepare for next week's third test against England.

South Africa gave their bowlers a chance to bat and bowl on the second and final day of their match against Derbyshire, as they prepare for next week's final test against England.

There were two wickets apiece for seamer Vernon Philander and leg spinner Imran Tahir, while Lonwabo Tsotsobe, getting another chance to strut his stuff on tour, bagged four wickets as South Africa restricted Derbyshire to 174/9.

Australian Test batsman Usman Khawaja was the first to go in the morning, getting an inside edge to Philander which was caught by wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile.

Morne Morkel had skipper Wayne Madsen caught behind down the leg side three overs later and Dan Redfern edged Tsotsobe into the hands of Graeme Smith at first slip shortly after.

Tsotsobe continued to impress as he went on to take two wickets in the space of three balls, getting both Jon Clare and Tom Poynton caught behind by the wicketkeeper.

Tsotsobe would pick up another wicket, but perhaps most encouragingly for South Africa was Imran Tahir's performance, as the spinner got through the entire day without bowling a single no-ball, seemingly recovering from the problem that had plagued him at Headingley and the Oval.

He also picked up two wickets, Alex Hughes courtesy of a superb catch by Smith at first slip and tailender Matt Higginbottom, who was clean-bowled.

Ross Whiteley offered the most resistance on the day, scoring an unbeaten 51 for the hosts – mostly off spinner Robin Peterson – as they declared their innings still 191 behind South Africa's first innings score.

That sent the tourists back in to bat, but instead of giving their top order more practice, they opted to give their tailenders a run.

Vernon Philander took full advantage as he made an unbeaten 68, while Dale Steyn made 34 before the game meandered to a draw when the visitors declared on 168/7 at 4.50pm.

Those were the only highlights for South Africa, however, as most of the lower order batsmen were dismissed cheaply.

Mark Footitt removed Morne Morkel and Tahir for ducks in a seven-over spell, while Faf du Plessis (4) was bowled playing no shot and Peterson (11) was caught at gully before Albie Morkel (9) top edged a pull at Clare to midwicket.

Thami Tsolikele scored a workmanlike 26 off 96 deliveries before being bowled by Tim Groenewald.

Philander needed some treatment after he was hit in the box by Whiteley, but recovered to combine for a 74-run partnership with Steyn that effectively brought the game to a close.

South Africa play England in the final test at Lords starting on Thursday.