After England's stellar show South Africa replies with a gritty performance

South Africa not only managed to stem the rot, but it matched the England's first innings huge total of 629/6  declared with 627/7 declared.

South Africa after the England onslaught in the first innings on the back of Stokes-Bairstow record 399 run partnership did manage to hold on to the match by a gritty performance by Skipper Amla notching a double hundred and Bavuma's maiden Test hundred.

De Villiers 88 and Du Plessis 86, too had a good outing in the match another positive from the match for the hosts.

The knocks by Amla and Bavuma for South Africa has infused new energy in the team. This will surely help South Africa in the remainder of the series with two more Tests to go.

There was every possibility of an England win in the match. Overcoming the deficit on the back of some lucky dropped chances by England, South Africa clawed it's way back in to the series and does have a hope to match the visitors strong showing in the series.

England 87/5 at Lunch on Day 5, could have secured a win and go 2-0 up. It may rue that possibility, but credit must also be given to South Africa for the temperament it showed in the match.

South Africa down by 1-0 in the series does have a chance to stop England from taking away the series after dominating performances in both the Tests.

Valleyz.Blog