http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Prior-c1984 optimistic about England’s chances in the second Test - Cricket News Update
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013’s wicketkeeper batsman Matt Prior is sniffing an improbable win in the ongoing second Test of the three-match series against South Africa, underway at Leeds, Headingley, since Thursday, August 2.
As the Test match enters the final day, there are only two outcomes on card for Prior, a draw or an English win, and the 30-year-old gloveman is eying the second option, as he feels the pressure of batting a whole day could bough down the tourists.
"There are probably only now two (possible) results, a draw or an England win,” said Prior at the post-day press conference on Sunday evening, “and for them to know they have to bat out a day can sometimes be quite tough."
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757, leading the series 1-0, will resume their second innings on Monday’s final day with a 33-run lead. The hosts still need to claim 10 wickets to bat again and win the Test match to level the series 1-1. At stumps on day four, the Proteas were
39 for 0. Makeshift opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473, with strapping on his injured left knee, was unbeaten on 17 at the other end of the crease.
What leave the hosts in the optimistic mode is the injury list of the Proteas, who are sweating over the fitness of three key batsmen – opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JH-Kallis-c1692.
Whilst Smith is already at the crease with a strapped knee, the South African team management has revealed that Kallis and Petersen will bat only if needed.
The 30-year-old South Africa born wicketkeeper batsman, who played crucial role in Poms’ first innings lead of six runs, with a hard-fought 68 of 89 balls, reckons the opening session on Monday will be crucial to swing the momentum of the game in his side’s
way.
“We have to come very hard at them in the morning, we need a bit of luck, a lot of skill but who knows,” said Prior.
The Transvaal-born cricketer also rued his side’s inability to capitalize on Kevin Pietersen’s valiant 149.
"It was very frustrating not to be able to build a lead and then apply some pressure by bowling at them on the last day," Prior said.
Rain hampered the day four proceedings badly, taking away almost 60 overs of the day, but Prior hoped the rain clouds to stay away from Leeds on Monday, and allow the English pacers to take the sting out of the South Africa batting line-up.
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