South Africa v England, 2nd Test, Day 3 - Hashim Amla is back

Finally, Hashim Amla is back. I posted last night that he will go big and at the moment he is not out on 157. He was giving the impression of a comeback in Durban and at Cape Town, he has cashed in big time.

It has not been one of Amla's most elegant knocks, but surely a much needed one to inject confidence in a team which has suddenly lost its self-belief. Amla has been watchful throughout the day and motored the innings brilliantly. Meanwhile, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis has also been among productive scores and how important it was for South Africa to get their big guns back in form!

The track was placid and at times such tracks help a team to erase the lean patch of a team whose batters have been struggling for a while. The track didn’t offer much assistance and as the day progressed, there were hints of lackluster attitude among the English players. I was impressed with the bowling of Steve Finn and I think when Alastair Cook took the new ball, he should have thrown it to Finn, but with James Anderson around, one would always keep the faith in his tried and tested customer.

Alastair Cook’s field setting has been proactive, but didn't deter the focus of the Proteas batsmen.  England’s fielding has not been up to the mark, but South Africa won’t mind with those as they end the third day with a smile on their face.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar