Unconvincing Proteas keep control
Spinner John Nyumbu upstaged batsman Faf du Plessis, but South Africa maintained command over Zimbabwe regardless on day three of the one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club on Monday.
Spinner John Nyumbu upstaged batsman Faf du Plessis, but South Africa maintained command over Zimbabwe regardless on day three of the one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club on Monday.
The Proteas final total of 397 all out brought a healthy lead of 141, which the hosts reduced to 113 in moving to 28 for one at the close of play. Opener Vusi Sibanda and nightwatchman Donald Tiripano will resume on eight and one not out respectively.
The tourists took almost 160 overs to register an arguably substandard total, with du Plessis at the fore of the sluggishness en route to a near century from all of 264 deliveries. The dogged right-hander perished two runs short of three figures, affording Nyumbu one of five cherished wickets.
The debutant slow bowler completed figures of five for 157, earning plenty of praise across three balls shy of 50 patient overs. The right-handed du Plessis was supported well enough by wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock and the left-handed JP Duminy, whose respective 81 and 55 also challenged difficult conditions conducive to turn.
A team eight positions superior in the International Cricket Council rankings, later struggled for an initial breakthrough. Fast bowler Morne Morkel eventually obliged, dismissing the veteran Hamilton Masakadza with some sharp lateral movement.
The day, too, saw the in-form AB de Villiers displaced by Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara at the top of the ICC rankings for Test batsmen – and the seasoned Vernon Philander replaced by Indian Ravichandran Ashwin at the helm of the rankings for Test all-rounders.
The number one-ranked Test team will require a decidedly stronger performance come Tuesday, when no less than triumph inside four days will resurrect an admittedly shaky performance.
Latest
-
NewsEbony Rainford-Brent praises ECB stance on historical racist and sexist tweets
Sussex seamer Robinson has issued an apology for posts he sent in 2012 and 2013.
-
NewsEngland frustrated by umpiring decision before Dan Lawrence’s late breakthrough
An unexpected breakthrough off the final ball of the day raising the home side’s flagging spirits.
-
NewsEngland less than impressed by decision to rule out early wicket – Jon Lewis
The tourists would have been 32 for two in the 10th over had the on-field umpires given Devon Conway out when he edged Stuart Broad to third slip.
-
NewsEngland endure frustrating day to leave New Zealand in charge of second Test
The tourists closed just 74 behind on 229 for three – with an unexpected breakthrough off the final ball of the day raising the home side’s flagging
-
NewsNew Zealand make England suffer after controversial Devon Conway decision
Conway appeared to be caught out when on 22 but he was given not out and ended the afternoon session on 78.
-
NewsMichael Holding: England footballers showing some backbone by taking the knee
Former pace bowler Holding was less impressed with the ‘moment of unity’ from England and New Zealand’s cricketers.
-
NewsDan Lawrence misses out on maiden Test century as England post 303
Stuart Broad dismissed Tom Latham as New Zealand reached lunch on 43 for one in reply.
-
NewsWill Jacks leads Surrey to opening Blast victory over Middlesex
Opener Finn Allen made an unbeaten 73 to lead Lancashire to victory.
-
NewsCrowd brings colour back to Edgbaston as England avoid batting collapse
The ground welcomed 18,000 fans on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand.
-
NewsRory Burns impressed with Dan Lawrence’s innings at Edgbaston
Lawrence finished unbeaten on 67.