Share

Amla reaches 200 as Proteas soldier on

Cape Town - Proteas captain Hashim Amla scored his fourth Test double hundred on Tuesday morning as the Proteas took another significant step towards saving the second Test against England at Newlands. 

At lunch South Africa were 428/3, having not lost a wicket in the opening session of the day, with Hashim Amla 200* and Faf du Plessis rock solid on 81*.

There was a huge scare for the Proteas when Amla, on 197* at the time, went after Moeen Ali in the second over before lunch in an attempt to bring up his 200 but lobbed the ball skywards. 

Joe Root at mid-on misjudged completely, picking the trajectory up far too late, and the ball landed safely between him and Alastair Cook at mid-off. 

Amla had his double ton the next ball when he pushed a single to Root.

The closest England came to a wicket before that was in the 145th over, when Du Plessis went hard at a full Ali delivery only to edge between wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and James Anderson at first slip. 

It was only half a chance, but Anderson may have done better as he appeared - for the second time in the match after dropping Amla on Monday - to react late. 

The morning was was all about discipline in shot selection and unwavering focus as the batting pair waited patiently for loose deliveries to score off.

At the break the Proteas had scored 75 runs in the 30 over session. 

It was hardly a riveting morning, but it was a crucially important one for South Africa. 

Despite edging closer to saving the Test, the return to form of Amla and Du Plessis can only bode well for the home side in their bid to win in Johannesburg and Pretoria.  

The deficit remains 201, but the fourth wicket partnership now stands at 160.

LIVE SCOREBOARD

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE