Related Links : 3rd Test Scorecard | South Africa in England 2008
Hostile spells from Andrew Flintoff has brought England back in the game in the 3rd Test at Edgbaston. England were under pressure to take wickets in a hurry after being bundled out for 231 on Day 1. In reply they have South Africa at 256 for 6 at stumps on the 2nd day which was curtailed because of rain and bad light interventions. The advantage is still with SA as they have not only got into the lead but also have two frontline batsmen in Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher unbeaten. Flintoff and England tried their best in ensuring that the Proteas didn’t run away with the game.
The second day’s play had a slightly delayed start and once play resumed, night watchman Paul Harris started to frustrate England with his strong defensive approach along with opener Neil McKenzie. Harris was finally dismissed in the 28th over by Ryan Sidebottom, but by then he had lasted 54 deliveries and adding a useful 77 runs to the 2nd wicket. After that much needed break, England struck twice in the space of 23 deliveries to have SA under pressure at 135 for 4. Both Amla (caught and bowled by Anderson for 9) and McKenzie (lbw to Flintoff after making 77 from 127 balls with 12 fours) were dismissed to bring the homeside back in the game.
But by Tea, the pair of Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince withered the storm to take their side safely and close to England’s 231 by Tea. South Africa’s progress was then hampered by a rain interruption and once play resumed, they lost their way as Flintoff cleaned up Kallis with his extra pace. Kallis had contributed 64 (from 114 balls with 9 fours) to take SA to 226 for 5. Flintoff struck again removing AB de Villiers cheaply for 5 to make it 238 for 6. Before bad light had the final say in the day’s play, Prince and Boucher batted with a lot of responsibility to deny any wickets to Flintoff and England. Andrew Flintoff finished with 4 for 68 and his spirited bowling has SA with a slender lead of 25. Prince is on 37 along with Boucher, who is on 11 at stumps.