http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 – 2nd Test – Live Score and Match Update – Proteas at 84 for 0 by lunch
Led by a fluent half-century courtesy opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Petersen-c1028, South Africa got off to a steady start during their second Test against England, currently being played at Headingley in Leeds today on August 2.
Following their defeat by an innings and 12 runs in the first match of the series at the Kennington Oval in London, which left their top Test team status hanging by a thread, England decided to leave spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GP-Swann-c1501 out of the playing XI, marking the first time the Poms are going into a match without a frontline spinner since 2003. Swann has played an instrumental role in England’s line-up – however, a persistent elbow niggle has been a frequent cause for worry.
As far as their bowling attack was concerned, the hosts opted for a four-pronged pace attack, featuring the essential http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TT-Bresnan-c2711 who will be playing on his home ground.
England’s line-up also features http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RS-Bopara-c2373, who bowed out of the series abruptly owing to personal reasons.
South Africa meanwhile, high off their resounding success in the first Test match, went in with an unchanged side, boasting heavyweights http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Vernon-Philander-c2753 in the bowling attack.
Skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964 won the toss and made the risky decision to bowl first on what appeared to be a green surface, suggesting that the seamers are likely to be at an advantage.
"There is a bit of grass on the wicket and we have gone for four seamers," said Strauss, explaining his decision. "It is always a tricky decision to make but we looked at the conditions, the history of the ground and the forecast for the second half of the game. I am sure four seamers will make good use of this wicket."
Smith, meanwhile, claimed that his team would have opted to bat first anyway.
The innings were opened by Petersen (59*) and Smith (24*), and both remain unbeaten till lunch, with the opening partnership having swelled to 84 by the end of the 27th over. England have faced a fair few disappointments – Petersen was dropped at 29 by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Stephen-James-Davis-c91106 declared it a dead ball.
Currently at 84 for 0, the Proteas will be looking to capitalise on their lifelines and apply themselves at the cease, while England attempt to break through the batting order once play resumes after lunch.
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