South Africa vs England 2nd Test Day 2 preview: Steep challenge ahead of England openers

South Africa finished Day 1 at Centurion on 277/9, a total they should be happy with after being reduced to 111/5. Vernon Philander, in his farewell series, came to their rescue yet again, having faced 76 balls for his 28. Anrich Nortje will join him tomorrow.

There is a tinge of green in the pitch, something that should excite the South African pace quartet of Kagiso Rabada, Philander, Nortje, and Dwaine Pretorius. The first session will not be easy for the Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, and Joe Denly.

James Anderson (1/69) started his 150th Test in spectacular fashion – albeit not off a great delivery – when Dean Elgar nicked one outside leg-stump. Aiden Markram batted aggressively for his 20 before flicking Sam Curran (4/57) to mid-wicket. Curran was the pick of the bowlers, moving the new ball late and often beating the bat.

Zubayr Hamza went next, for a solid 39, caught at slip off Stuart Broad (3/52). Rassie van der Dussen (6) and Faf du Plessis (29) followed in quick succession, both caught by Joe Root, off Curran and Broad respectively.

Pretorius (33) began the counterattack, lofting one over long-off for six. Almost on cue, Quinton de Kock (95) launched a furious onslaught, driving through the line and cutting and pulling anything short with panache. The pair added 87 in just 110 balls before Curran got both batsmen.

After looking lacklustre throughout the day, Jofra Archer (1/65) finally broke through, having Keshav Maharaj (6) caught at slip, while Broad bowled Rabada (12) with the last ball of the day.

Key players

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): England have an inexperienced top three, and who better than Rabada to cut through the top order and expose Root & co. to the new ball? South Africa’s key fast bowler will have to play a role.

Joe Denly (England): With a hundred in the tour match four days ago, Denly will be expected to play a pivotal role as the fulcrum of the side, at No. 3.

Brief scores

South Africa 277/9 (Quinton de Kock 95; Sam Curran 4/57, Stuart Broad 3/52) vs England.

Prediction

England to bat through the day to secure a small lead.