SA make progress in second Test

Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla ground out halfcenturies as South Africa made slow progress on the second day of the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park today.

South Africa were 153 for two at tea in reply to Australia’s first innings of 243, with Elgar and Amla unbeaten on 57 and 54 respectively.

Only 43 runs were scored in 26 overs between lunch and tea after a slightly less pedestrian morning during which 71 runs were scored in 28 overs.

Opening batsman Elgar, renowned for his gritty defensive qualities, was even slower than usual, taking 164 balls to reach his fifty. By tea he had faced 191 deliveries.

His only boundary during the afternoon came from an edge against Mitchell Marsh to raise his half-century.

Amla, normally more fluent, took 122 balls to reach fifty and by tea had faced 144 balls.

Amla was twice given out leg before wicket, on seven against Pat Cummins and on 40 against Josh Hazlewood, but surivived on review on both occasions.

Australia bowled accurately and their fast bowlers gained reverse swing, which troubled both batsmen.

The only wicket to fall was that of nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada, who was bowled by Cummins for 29 in the ninth over of the day.

The most dramatic incident of the afternoon followed a request by the umpires for a brass band, which provides a regular backdrop to cricket at the ground, to be quiet.

The band packed up their instruments and left the grandstand, prompting chants from the crowd of “We want the band”.

South African cricketers tweeted in annoyance, saying it is part of the Test culture at the venue.

“The band leaving, cannot be good for test cricket in PE. They’ve been there for years, supporting their home team. Was great when they got behind us. Every ground and country has their own identity,” tweeted former wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher.

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