Wet end to Test

England had ended the fourth day on 170 for eight, a lead of 289.South Africa8217;s batting depth and fighting spirit were characteristically evident as they recovered from a disastrous opening day on which England made 249 for one after being put in to bat.

What was far less common was the sight of Donald and Pollock looking so lacking in form, and Cronje admitted that it was a problem. After a dismal first day, South Africa produced a marginally improved bowling performance on day two to dismiss England for 462 when the home country might have expected more.

But South Africa8217;s greatest show of character came on days three and four. Their recovery wasinspired by Jonty Rhodes and Lance Klusener, who shared an eighth wicket stand of 104 that avoided the follow-on.

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings: 462
South Africa 1st innings: 343
ENGLAND 2nd innings: M Butcher lbw b Pollock 11, M Atherton b Klusener 43, N Hussain lbw b Donald 0, A Stewart b Donald 28, G Thorpe b Klusener 43, M Ramprakash c Kallis b Adams 11, M Ealham c Pollock b Klusener 7, D Cork st Boucher b Adams 2, R Croft not out 1. Extras b 10, lb 6, w 8: 24. Total for 8 wickets: 170
Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-31, 3-80, 4-148, 5-153, 6-167, 7-167, 8-170
Bowling: Donald 10-1-48-2, Pollock 12-2-43-1, Klusener 11-4-27-3, Adams 12.1-3-36-2