South Africa's Elgar, Amla grind out half-centuries
10 March 2018 4:45 PM GMT
Port Elizabeth: Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla ground out half-centuries as South Africa, under the cloud of disciplinary action, made slow progress on the second day of the second Test against Australia at St George's Park on Saturday.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada faces a hearing on Sunday that could result in a ban from the third Test against Australia.
Rabada, who devastated the Australian batting order on the first day, has been charged following an incident with Australian captain Steve Smith on Friday.
After winning a leg before decision against the Australian captain, Rabada shouted in celebration and approached Smith aggressively. Their shoulders made contact.
If found guilty, Rabada could be fined as much as 100 per cent of his match fee and, because of previous offences, might be suspended from the third test of what is proving an ill-tempered series.
South Africa were 153 for two at tea in reply to Australia's first innings of 243, with Elgar and Amla unbeaten on 57 and 54 respectively.
Only 43 runs were scored in 26 overs between lunch and tea after a slightly less pedestrian morning during which 71 runs were scored in 28 overs.
Opening batsman Elgar, renowned for his gritty defensive qualities, was even slower than usual, taking 164 balls to reach his fifty. By tea he had faced 191 deliveries.
His only boundary during the afternoon came from an edge against Mitchell Marsh to raise his half-century.
Amla, normally more fluent, took 122 balls to reach fifty and by tea had faced 144 balls.
Amla was twice given out leg before wicket, on seven against Pat Cummins and on 40 against Josh Hazlewood, but surivived on review on both occasions.
Australia bowled accurately and their fast bowlers gained reverse swing, which troubled both batsmen.
Next Story
