South Africa reach 84-0 in 2nd test against England

Talking point: SA captain edged to Strauss at first slip,only for the ball to be ruled dead.

South Africa reached 84-0 at lunch Thursday on the opening day of the second test against England in a session notable for paceman Steven Finn being contentiously denied the wicket of Graeme Smith.

Alviro Petersen was 59 not out and Smith unbeaten on 24,but the major talking point at Headingley came when South Africa’s captain edged to Andrew Strauss at first slip,only for the ball to be ruled dead because Finn had dislodged the bails on his follow through.

Strauss had an animated discussion with umpire Steve Davis,but law 23.4,section 6 of cricket’s rules says: “An umpire shall call and signal dead ball when the striker is distracted by any noise or movement while receiving.”

Story continues below this ad

Petersen hit seven boundaries from 106 balls,while Smith struck one four in 56 deliveries.

Finn’s inclusion was unexpected. In a major surprise,England left out Graeme Swann,making it the first test the hosts have played without a specialist spin bowler since 2003 also against South Africa at Headingley.

Although there was only partial cloud cover,England chose to bowl after winning the toss,a gamble that appeared to backfire.

After 45 fruitless minutes,James Anderson finally drew an edge from Petersen,who was on 29. But Alastair Cook fielding in Swann’s usual position of second slip dropped an easy chance.

Story continues below this ad

Smith was on 6 when he was reprieved by the dead ball decision in the 12th over. Finn,who has collided with the stumps throughout his career,had previously knocked the bails off twice during Thursday’s morning session and did it twice more afterward.

Smith clearly wasn’t distracted when Finn collided with the stumps for a fifth time in the 20th over because he pulled the ball to the deep midwicket fence,only for Davis to again call dead ball and negate the boundary.