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August 18, 2012

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Strauss falls to Morkel yet again

ENGLAND was 94 for four in reply to South Africa's first innings 309, a deficit of 215 runs, at tea on the second day of the third Test at Lord's yesterday.

Ian Bell was 20 not out and Jonathan Bairstow 19 not out. England captain Andrew Strauss fell to the last ball before lunch to take the gloss off a good morning's work for the home side.

Strauss, playing his 100th test on his home ground of Lord's, was bowled between bat and pad by Morne Morkel for 20 after England had dismissed South Africa for 309 in its first innings.

It was the eighth time Morkel had dismissed Strauss, equalling Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne's record against the England skipper.

England, which must win to square the series and retain its place at the top of the world test rankings, was 29 for one at the interval.

Vernon Philander reached a test best 61 in South Africa's innings after coming to the crease on the previous evening with his team in trouble on 163 for six.

Philander's innings capped an impressive fightback after the Proteas had slumped to 54 for four on the first morning. Their last five wickets realized 204 runs with five of the last six partnerships totalling at least 35.

"England are more on top than we are, but the fighting spirit we showed, we are happy with," JP Duminy said on Thursday. "We'd like to get to 300 - anything above that is a bonus."

Dale Steyn, 21 not out overnight, was the first to go after he was unsettled by a short ball from James Anderson that struck him on his left hand. After adding five runs he had a swipe at a Stuart Broad ball that left him off the pitch and flew to Graeme Swann at second slip.

Morkel chipped in with 25 off just 36 deliveries before giving Prior his fifth and best catch of the innings. Prior dived low to his left to gather an edge off a wide delivery from Steven Finn.

Philander was the last man out, stumped by Prior off Swann, as he attempted an ambitious slog over the top but failed to make contact. It was a clear sign he had little faith in partner Imran Tahir at the other end.

Finn ended with four for 75 and Prior claimed six dismissals.

South Africa leads the series 1-0 and will replace England as the top-ranked team if it avoids defeat.


 

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