Not many expected South Africa to fight back the way the eventually did against England, after the visitors posted a colossal 629-6 in the first innings. Considering their recent form, viewers expected the Proteas to simply wither away and falter against the famed English pace bowling trio of Anderson, Broad and Finn.
Lead by the enigma of Hashim Amla, the Proteas resolutely fought back and surprisingly, declared the innings with just 2 runs short of England’s total.
Amla was dismissed soon after registering his double ton, and his return to form could be danger signs for England.
Temba Bavuma got to his maiden test hundred, as the 7th wicket stand between him and Chris Morris ensured that England had no chance to contain South Africa. Twitter lauded the Proteas for their efforts and below are some tweets.
No. of centuries in this Test: for bowlers – 7; for batsmen – 3. Bowlers are winning this one hands down #SAvENG
— S Rajesh (@rajeshstats) January 5, 2016
England need to get at least 1 before that 4th new ball…….40 overs to do it…!!!!! #SAvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 5, 2016
After 11 hours and 47 minutes and 201 runs, Hashim Amla has been bowled. Fair to say the captain is back. #SAvEng
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) January 5, 2016
A welcome return to form, @amlahash doubled up! #SAvENG #silentwarrior
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 5, 2016
The MATCH total on day 4 #SAvENG reached 1009. Around the same time 8237 km east of Cape Town Pranav Dhanawade reached 1009 all by himself
— Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) January 5, 2016
Tenda Bavuma becomes first black cricketer to score a century for SA. It’s like a SC ST student getting a good grades in the college
— CRICKBC (@crickBC) January 5, 2016
Yeah, done. Seven overs at England this evening. Tired batting legs, refreshed bowling ones. #SAvENG
— Suneer (@suneerchowdhary) January 5, 2016
Great knock #Bavuma !! Hope he scores many more in the future !! #ProteaFire reignited ! #ENGvSA #SAvENG
— Rafay (@Ab_Rafe) January 5, 2016
South Africa declare with a 2 run deficit. Expect their bowlers have had a decent rest by now. #SAvENG
— Sipech (@TheAlethiophile) January 5, 2016
Probably should’ve declared earlier though, bowl atleast 20 overs to the poms then clean them out tomorrow after lunch #SAvENG
— IG: Sango_Dipa (@Mr_Dipa) January 5, 2016
Hashim Amla , thug life. What a man. Declares 2 runs short. Epic this is #SAvENG #historyinthemaking
— shravan (@shravang) January 5, 2016
Fantastic batting by the #Proteas and congrats to # on the Double ton and #Bavuma for his ton, well done boys!! #SAvENG
— Naazim (@naztyboy) January 5, 2016
SOUTH AFRICA have declared 2 runs short of England on 627/7 after Bavuma (walking wicket – Bob Willis) reached three figures #SAvENG
— Pigeon Island (@pigeon_island) January 5, 2016
.@tbavuma10 you little legend! What a stirling knock for your first test 100! Got a lump in my throat as you got that 4! #Bavuma #SAvENG
— Hayley Venter (@allhail) January 5, 2016
South Africa is going 4 the kill, surprisingly snc they have been pinned frm day 1. Who knows we cld b in 4 a surprise #SAvENG #Declaration
— Tinock ☼♦ (@Tinockmax) January 5, 2016
Brilliant first innings from both sides though #SAvENG #SunfoilTest #Proteas #ProteaFire #SSCricket
— S m a u g (@MbaliMastermind) January 5, 2016
calm and patient people are ruthless…. Amla kept England for 210 overs in the field. Amla is ruthless hehehe #SAvENG
— TheOtherGuy (@theotherguysa) January 5, 2016