Eng v SA 3rd Test: Day 4
Monday, August 18 2003
After an enthralling day's play, in which fourteen wickets fell, the third Test between England and South Africa still hangs in the balance. Resuming on nought for the loss of one wicket, after Trescothick was out first ball of the innings, England were five wickets down before reaching fifty, and crumbled to 118 all out. Shaun Pollock claimed 6-39 at the ground where his father Peter and uncle Graeme have previously made it on to the honours boards, while only Hussain and Flintoff made any impression with the bat, both scoring 30. England's first innings lead of 83 became vital, meaning that South Africa needed 202 to win on a pitch that has deteriorated and is providing much indifferent bounce. The Proteas began well, as Herschelle Gibbs in particular made an impressive start, however James Kirtley struck twice at a vital time once again, bowling consecutive wicket maidens. James Anderson also took two wickets, and the apparently injured Steve Harmison bowled well and dismissed Gibbs, leaving Neil McKenzie and Mark Boucher at the crease to salvage the effort. When bad light forced the play to end South Africa required a further 139 runs, having finished on 63-5. It was a rare day when it seemed that the match could go either way, and the advantage tipped both ways at different times. England should be able to finish the job, however South Africa have depth in batting, promising an exciting end to the Test.
Posted by Kelvin
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