SA vs ENG: 1st Test – Talking points from South Africa’s Boxing Day Test victory
South Africa tore through the English batting lineup on Sunday (29th December) to register a dominating 107-run victory over the visitors at Centurion. Chasing 376 runs to win, England were well poised at 139/1 but lost their way soon. Kagiso Rabada took four wickets as England fell for 268 all out. Quinton de Kock received the Man of the Match award for his 95 runs and six catches in the first innings. Here are the talking points from the Boxing Day Test.
James Anderson achieves an unthinkable feat
The medium-pacer from Burnley completed a never-before accomplishment. Anderson became the first pace bowler to feature in 150 Test matches. Overall, he is the ninth cricketer to do so and only the second Englishman after Alastair Cook. Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who had presented the first Test cap to Anderson, handed him his 150th Test cap.
Immense words and an even more immense achievement!
The moment @jimmy9 received his 150th Test cap from @nassercricket ?#SAvENG pic.twitter.com/4vDbO3g0mZ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 26, 2019
De Kock’s counter-attack saves South Africa
Inserted to bat first, the home side were in grave trouble at 111/5. With no specialist batsman around, wicketkeeper de Kock adopted an aggressive approach. His 95 from 128 balls laced with 14 boundaries got the Proteas closer to 250 runs from a situation of despair.
Philander shines in his penultimate appearance
Vernon Philander announced his retirement from international cricket before the series began. In his penultimate Test appearance for South Africa, the 34-year old proved that he is still not a spent force. His knock of 35 helped South Africa get to a strong first-innings total. Then shining with the ball, Philander took 4/16 in 14.2 overs. He scored another 46 runs in the second innings.
Also read: Flashback 2019: Most outstanding batting performances of this year
Rassie van der Dussen and fifties on debut
South Africa fielded two debutants in this Test, Rassie van der Dussen and Dwaine Pretorious. Dussen failed in the first innings after making just six runs but he made up for it in the second dig. He walked out to bat at 29/3. Dussen steadied the innings and then added quick runs alongside Anrich Nortje. The debutant completed his half-century before getting out on 51. He became the first batsman to record 50-plus scores on all three debut appearances (Tests, ODI and T20I).
South African revival?
There had been a lot of gloom surrounding cricket in South Africa. They lost both the Tests against Sri Lanka at the beginning of the year. The African side then had a disastrous World Cup 2019 campaign. Things appeared to change as the management personnel were replaced. With the likes of Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher coming into the setup, a revival was expected. Hopefully, this victory over England will pave the way for a better future.
Well done to the Proteas!
Mark and Faf seem to have put together a team that looks hungry, has fight, but above all look menacing with real intent towards their skill.
All characteristics that I grew up with when I played under Smith and co.
Gr8 to see the boys back! #proteas— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) December 30, 2019
