1st Test: Zimbabwe v South Africa at Harare, 7-11 Sep 2001 John Ward |
South Africa 1st innings:
Zimbabwe 1st innings: |
After reaching lunch at 484 for two, South Africa declared their intent in the first over after the interval when McKenzie leapt down the pitch to hit Price over his head for four.
At last there was an intriguing battle on the field on even terms as Price troubled him at times, while the batsman was determined to attack when the opportunity presented itself.
Jacques Kallis, grimly watchful through the nineties, finally reached his eighth Test century off 231 balls, and then began to open up. He joined McKenzie, who reached his own fifty, in launching an assault on Price, hitting him for several big leg-side sixes.
Zimbabwe's luck remained minimal, with the odd mishit evading the fielders and a close lbw appeal against McKenzie rejected, but they continued to fight with much greater determination than they had shown on the opening day.
Finally Fortune decided to smile, and a top-edged pull by McKenzie (52) off Travis Friend was finally held by Douglas Hondo running in from long leg; 582 for three, and the third wicket had added 127.
Kallis lost a ball from Price on to the roof of the new ZCU president's stand, while Lance Klusener had a few fresh-air swings before pulling Friend over the stands at wide long-on. At this point, with the score 600 for three, Pollock decided enough was enough and applied the declaration, tea being taken early. Kallis was unbeaten with 157 and Klusener 8.
At the interval Jacques Kallis was on 92 with Neil McKenzie 10.
Kallis made most of the early running, hitting anything loose with power and time to spare, while Kirsten dug a deep foundation as he set his sights on 300 or more.
The Zimbabwe bowling was more accurate than on the first day, but on an easy-paced pitch never looked threatening. At least they were able to keep the score within reason, though, as South Africa added only 40 runs in the first hour and Kallis found runs harder to come by after his bright start.
There were few signs that South Africa were disturbed by this sudden policy of accuracy until, immediately after the drinks break, Kirsten slashed at a ball from Douglas Hondo that was well outside the off stump, and edged a catch to the keeper for 220. South Africa were 455 for two after two partnerships of 256 and 199.
Kallis was prepared to take no risks with his century in view, while McKenzie played himself in. Zimbabwe's fielding was also much keener, and Raymond Price made the ball spin sharply at times.
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Date-stamped : 09 Sep2001 - 10:40