Rain ends England's misery by Jinu Sabastian

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Ground:	New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Scorecard:	South Africa v England
Player:	GC Smith
Event:	England in South Africa 2009/10

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DateLine: 15th January 2010

 

Graeme Smith scored a majestic century to grind the English team and their hopes to dust before rain came to the rescue of the hosts. South Africa ended the day at 215 for the loss of two wickets with 35 runs ahead of English total. At the crease were Amla (73 not out, 132 balls, 8x4) and Kallis (7 not out, 14 balls) as the English bowlers toiled hard for wickets.

 

The day began with South Africa at 29 for no loss and England bowlers believed that they had Smith on 15 when he clearly under-edged one through to keeper Prior. The on field umpire negated the English appeal and the hosts challenged the decision but to the surprise of many the third umpire also ruled Smith not out that left the visitors fuming. But in the very next over Prince (19, 48 balls, 3x4) was dismissed when the south paw edged Broad to the slips. Smith however continued to bludgeon the English bowlers who wilted under pressure.

 

Swann, as ever, caused few alarms, finding sharp spin from his very first over and tempting Smith into a drive that looped off a leading edge to short cover. But Smith composed himself quickly to reach his half-century from 105 deliveries. His hundred came up after the break from 182 balls, as he chopped firmly at a wide delivery from Sidebottom through point. Smith (105, 187 balls, 16x4) was finally dismissed when the southpaw edged an outswinger from Sidebottom to Swann at first slip. Soon the heavens opened making conditions unfit for further day's play.