England v South Africa, 5th ODI, 05 September 2012 - Report by Asher Wilson

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Ground:	Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Scorecard:	England v South Africa
Event:	South Africa in England 2012

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DateLine: 6th September 2012

 

South Africa in England 2012 5th ODI Match Report

 

Although England were bowled out for only 182 but their opening bowlers, Jimmy Anderson and Jade Dernbach gave them a ray of hope defending a low total by ripping out the South Afican top order to leave them reeling at 14 for three by in the fourth over. At this point, it was 'game on' for England and the fall of wickets sparked lots of life in the match. But this was shortlived, de Villiers and Amla, the star batsmen of the series for the visitors, put together a record fourth-wicket partnership against England to lead the team to victory and level the series 2-2.

 

Most of England batsmen gifted away their wickets resulting in such a low total when they were in fact, eyeing to wrap-up the series and stay unbeaten at home since 2009. Although for a while it looked as if the chase may be a struggle after a strong start by the England pace attack left the South Africans in trouble. Dernbach had captain Graeme Smith caught on the second attempt by James Tredwell at second slip for 1 in the second over. Then followed du Plessis and Elgar in quick succession to Anderson.

 

However, de Villiers and Amla had other ideas as they went on to resurrect the innings in a positive fashion, consistently picking up singles and reaching the fence at regular intervals when the England bowlers strayed off target. As they continued to increase the scoring rate the England fielders might have felt the lack application by the England batsmen as South Africans eased to their target with more than 15 overs to spare.

 

South African fast bowler Dale Steyn captured 2 for 24 off nine overs and left-arm spinner Robin Peterson claimed 3 wickets.

 

This was England's second defeat of the year in 50-over cricket and a drawn series against South Africa cannot be counted as disgrace but it will leave a sour taste, for it was handed away on a plate so easily. Some solace as the drawn series failed to knock England off the top of the one-day world rankings.

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
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