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Prince century puts South Africa in control

19/07/2008

Ashwell Prince struck an unbeaten century to guide South Africa to 322/4 and give them a first innings lead of a 119 against England at Headingley.

England's five-man bowling attack found it tough going on a day when the sun was out and the pitch offered very little to the bowlers. Prince (134 not out) and AB de Villiers (70 not out) shared in a 179 partnership to put their team in control.

Debutant Darren Pattinson was the solitary wicket-taker as he snared Hashim Amla for a dubious lbw decision.

The day started in ominous fashion for England as Prince speared a beautiful cover-drive for four runs off only second ball of the day.

Amla and Prince looked comfortable at the crease with only Andrew Flintoff showing the pace and bounce which could trouble the South African batsmen. Stuart Broad in particular was disappointing for England, going wicketless in his 18 overs and conceding 66 runs.

Pattinson, who was picked for his ability to swing the ball, also found it hard work as the ball offered no movement off the pitch or in the air.

The 29-year-old, however, did mange to claim his first Test wicket when he got Amla out lbw with a full toss. Replays showed that it was a poor decision from umpire Darrell Harper as the ball would have missed leg-stump.

With South Africa down to 143/4, England would have real hopes of bowling the Proteas out for somewhere round their first innings total of 203.

But it was the Prince and de Villiers show from that point as they took advantage of pleasant batting conditions, and unthreatening England bowling.

England captain Michael Vaughan turned to spinner Monty Panesar to try and get the breakthrough. But Panesar found little turn and was smashed for huge sixes by Prince.

South Africa will aim to build a match winning first innings lead, while England will be desperate for early wickets tomorrow and, should they fail to do that, then the rain may be their only chance to save this Test match.