Pietersen’s knock got England back in the match – Graeme Smith – Cricket News Update
South Africa skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473, on Monday credited England’s centurion Kevin Pietersen for the draw in the second Investec Test, at Leeds, Headingley.
“Kevin Pietersen's knock got England back in the match and on an even keel but I think the weather took its course,” said Smith at the post-match press conference after the second Test ended in a draw, on Monday.
After scoring 419 runs in their first innings, the Proteas had the hosts reeling at 173 for 4 in the second session on day three of the drawn Headingley Test before Pietersen started the fight back. KP proved to be unstoppable as he smashed the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Dale-c52110 Steyn-led
formidable Proteas attack sensational shots all around the park, to put the home side in a comfortable position (351 for 5) by stumps on the third day.
The Natal-born lanky right-hander scored an exquisite 149, studded with 22 boundaries and a six as well. Smith admitted that Pietersen took the best out of his attack, however he was confident http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409 and Co. would come back at Lord’s with a revised strategy
to counter the KP threat.
"I think the session when Kevin played so well took its toll on our bowlers but we know we can improve for Lord's and that's really exciting," said Graeme http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598, who is just one Test away from setting the record of most Tests as skipper.
The South African opener, who batted in the second innings at Headingley with a strapped left knee, drew level with Allan Border’s record of 93 Tests as captain when he took the charge of the Proteas in the second Test against England.
On England's decision to open their second innings with centurion, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 have a lot of positive players. That was the whole point of the declaration - we wanted them to have a go to give us a chance…and
we were probably one wicket away from having a real go with 15 overs to go."
The third and final Test between England and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 gets underway at the home of cricket, Lord’s, on August 16. The Proteas are also scheduled to play a two-day warm-up game against Derbyshire before the series finale.
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