After South Africa folded for 284, the England batsmen were put through a thorough examination as they went to lunch on day two at 60 for 2 in Centurion on Friday (December 27). The visitors lost their openers with just 15 on the board before the Joes – Joe Root and Joe Denly – saw off the session.
South Africa added just seven more to their overnight total before Vernon Philander fell caught behind. The pacer, though, put England through a lot of misery as his first spell ended with 5-5-0-1. He gave South Africa an early opening when he had Rory Burns caught behind.
The length ball kicked off and took the opener by surprise as he gloved it to the ‘keeper. Kagiso Rabada then removed Dominic Sibley with another peach. The right-hander edged one and stood his ground to force South Africa into a review.
Denly was then at the receiving end of the Philander storm but did well to play with soft hands and deny the pacer any more wickets. Denly was, however, dropped by Rassie van der Dussen at first slip in the 11th over off Rabada. Van der Dussen was put off by Quinton de Kock diving in front of him but he dropped a low sitter in the end. Denly was yet to open his account and had already been forced to fend for 25 deliveries by Philander.
Root and Denly stretched their alliance to 45 and eased the nerves in the dressing room.
Brief scores: South Africa 284 (Quinton de Kock 95; Sam Curran 4-58) lead England 60/2 (Vernon Philander 1-0) by 224 runs.
