Sunday, July 20, 2008

England v South Africa 2nd Test

SECOND TEST, Headingley (day two, close):
England 203 v South Africa 322-4
By David Ornstein

Ashwell Prince
Prince dominated the England attack all day to post his ninth Test century

Ashwell Prince put South Africa in firm control of England with a fine century, his second of the series, on day two of the second Test at Headingley.

Prince, who resumed the tourists' first innings with Hashim Amla on 101-3, batted impeccably from start to finish.

Darren Pattinson trapped Amla lbw for his first Test wicket but Prince and AB de Villiers then dominated England.

Prince (134no) and de Villiers (70no) led their side past England's 203 and to 322-4 at the close, a lead of 119.

The pair were seldom troubled by an England pace attack that failed to generate movement through the air or off the seam and, in Monty Panesar, a spinner who toiled on a pitch offering little to no turn.

With three days still to play, South Africa will be eyeing a comprehensive victory and, after the drawn opening Test at Lord's, a 1-0 lead in the series.

Graeme Smith will be in no rush to declare and might well ask his side to bat through day three, build a huge lead and then use the final two days to bowl England out.

With overnight and morning rain ensuring the pitch was covered until the delayed 1115 BST start, the England quicks knew an extra yard of pace should have been available.

BY-BBC NEWS