Proteas show true grit

SOLID START TO SECOND TEST AS DE KOCK AND AMLA SHINE Philander, Morris share unbroken seventh-wicket partnership worth 74.

Vernon Philander’s unbeaten fifty revived South Africa, after Stuart Broad sparked a collapse that saw the Proteas lose four wickets in the last session of a see-saw first day of the second Test at Trent Bridge yesterday.

South Africa were 309/6 at stumps after returning captain Faf du Plessis won the toss.

Philander was 54 not out and recalled all-rounder Chris Morris, one of three changes to the side that lost the first of a four-Test campaign by 211 runs at Lord’s last week, 23 not out.

Their unbroken seventh-wicket partnership was worth 74 runs with Philander making his second 50 of the series. SA had been 179/2 at tea, but they soon slumped to 235/6.

The previously well set Quinton de Kock (68) and Hashim Amla (78) both fell to Broad as the fast bowler, who led England’s attack with three wickets for 47 runs in 19 overs, struck on his Nottinghamshire home ground.

To the very first ball after tea, left-hander de Kock chased a wide Broad delivery and edged to former England captain Alastair Cook at first slip.

Amla eventually paid the price for repeatedly mis-hooking when such a shot off Broad found Mark Wood at long leg.

Du Plessis (19) was well-caught left-handed down the legside by diving wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow off a thin glove.

The skipper reviewed but replays upheld the fine decision of on-field umpire Paul Reiffel, the former Australia seamer. But there was no doubt when Temba Bavuma (20) was caught behind off Stokes trying to leave the ball.

Du Plessis faced a “tricky decision” after winning the toss upon his return after not playing at Lord’s following the birth of his first child.

Yet despite the grey skies overhead and Trent Bridge’s reputation for aiding swing bowling, he opted to bat first in the hope his top order could overcome a difficult first hour.

It looked a sound plan when SA reached lunch on 56/1 after a rain-interrupted session for the loss only of Dean Elgar. – AFP

Picture: AFP FETCH. Proteas batsman Hashim Amla hits a six to reach his half century during the first day of the second Test against England at Trent Bridge yesterday. Amla went on to make 78.