Centuries from 22-year-old Kraigg Brathwaite and veteran Marlon Samuels saw the visitors defy the likes of Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. PHOTO: AFP
Centuries from 22-year-old Kraigg Brathwaite and veteran Marlon Samuels saw the visitors defy the likes of Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in their 176-run partnership. However, the side collapsed late on yet again, going from 231-3 to 275-9 in a rain-interrupted Test that only had one complete innings.
It had been a similar story in the first match, when the final seven wickets made just 39 and 44 in the two innings. Stuart Williams believes his side need to work on that aspect, saying that all of the playing eleven need to know how to bat. "Obviously you have designated bowlers and designated slip fielders but everybody has to bat,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. “We put in the work in the nets with the lower-order batters. They have to step up.”
The bowling has also struggled as South Africa have managed 552-5 and 417-8 in their two innings over both matches, with five different batsmen reaching triple figures.
For the hosts, offspinner Simon Harmer may come into the side to make his debut instead of Imran Tahir. Coach Russel Domingo believes the frustration of a washed-out second Test will egg his players on. “Guys have been sitting in the change room and I'm sure they are desperate to get on the field,” he said. “A Test match over the New Year is a big deal for us. I don't expect any change-room lag.”
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