South African bowlers back up batsmen's efforts

06/01/2012

Fans enjoying hospitality packages at the Kia Oval when England's Test against South Africa at the venue takes place in August may be enjoying a close battle as the visitor's bowling challenges England's dominant batsmen.

After their own top six piled up 580-4 declared in the third Test against Sri Lanka at Cape Town, the home side's attack has put them on what would be a series-clinching victory.

Starting day three on a comfortable 149-2, the tourists immediately lost star batsman Kumar Sangakkara to the leading-ranked Test bowler Dale Steyn, but it was after they reached 184-3 that the rot truly set in as the last seven wickets tumbled for just 55 runs.

Following this collapse, South Africa skipper Graeme Smith invited the Sri Lankans to follow on and they finished on 138-4, still 203 short of making South Africa bat again.

The match is the second Test staged at Newlands this current southern hemisphere summer, with South Africa previously securing an eight wicket win against Australia during an extraordinary game in which they were bowled out for just 96 in their first innings but promptly bowled the visitors out for 47.

By Liz Johnstone