Related Links : England in South Africa 2009/10 | Scorecard of South Africa Vs England, 1st Test at Centurion | England Player Pages | South Africa Player Pages
England just managed to force a draw in the first Test at the Centurion with the last wicket surviving 19 balls in the end. Paul Collingwood might have scored just 26 but he remained undefeated for 99 balls to help England escape with a stalemate. The visitors needing 364 for a victory settled with 228 for 9 in 96 overs.
The visitors resuming the final day’s play on 11 for 1 lost two early wickets to give the momentum to the Proteas. Fortunately they recovered through a 145-run stand between Jonathan Trott (69 from 212 balls with 7 fours) and Kevin Pietersen (81 from 143 balls with 11 fours).
When Trott fell at 205 for 5, England had a dramatic collapse losing four more wickets in a hurry to the second new ball but the last pair of Collingwood and Onions saved the match for them. Debutant Friedel de Wet had a great day taking four wickets along with the run out of KP. The Man of the Match award went to Graeme Swann for his all-round efforts.