South Africa v England: Ryan Sidebottom lacks any zip or snap
Hard though he laboured and grimaced through 17 overs Ryan Sidebottom could make little impression on the South Africans. He did eventually dismiss Graeme Smith with a fine delivery, and punched the air in ecstasy, but the home captain had made a hundred and nudged his team into the lead. It was all rather too late.
That perhaps might be Sidebottom’s epitaph. Too inexperienced when he was first selected for England in 2001, he went back to county cricket and slowly found his aim. Read more…
Paul Collingwood beats Dale Steyn in most marvellous of battles
Paul Collingwood’s 4½ hours of dedicated resistance on Thursday – in association with the admirable Ian Bell – not only saved the match and ensured England can’t lose the series, but it confirmed that this England team, spineless a year ago, have unbreakable backbone.
Dale Steyn’s final-innings figures belied his persistent venom and superlative control. He bowled his heart out but had little to show for it. Read more…
South Africa v England: Kevin Pietersen in need of cricketing version of Samaritans
After the hiatus of the last year he is back in his former homeland trying to reassert himself for England. The results have been mixed. There is an overriding impression that he is still searching for himself.
His brief sortie to the crease in the second innings of the third Test was a microcosm of his series. He was off the dreaded pair straight away – not one of his customary crazy singles this time – and then essayed a crisp drive through the covers for two. Read more…
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