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Donald expects fightback

London - Proteas bowling coach, Allan Donald, expects the bowlers to come back with a spirited performance on Friday, after an unrewarding first outing at The Oval on Thursday.

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England finished the first day on 267 for three, with centurion Alistair Cook steering the innings with 114 not out.

“Today(Thursday) was a hard day of Test cricket,” Donald said.  “We never allowed England to run away with the day and I think that we showed a lot of our character. We put ourselves out there on Thursday.”

Donald alluded to some expected match-day “rustiness” from the bowlers, but dismissed suggestions that the attack was undercooked.

“I thought throughout the day we bowled better and better. I thought that their confidence grew and I felt the only thing that lacked was the moment where we could be a little bit more expansive and aggressive in certain areas.

“Overall I would take Thursday. Friday is a new day, we have a second bite with the new ball and it’s a fresh start for everyone so hopefully we can make a good start.”

He was full of praise for Morné Morkel, who progressively excelled throughout the day. Morkel finished with figures of two for 44, with the key wickets of Andrew Strauss in the first over the day and Jonathan Trott.

“He( Morkel) was the one bowler on Thursday that really stepped up and showed a lot of character and hopefully it will continue,” added Donald.

The Proteas face a stern test on Friday, which could see Imran Tahir play an important role on a dry wicket which is expected to give assistance to the spinners.
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