News

Awesome Amla puts Proteas in command

Chris Devine

England faced a huge battle to save the first Investec Test after Hashim Amla’s unbeaten 311 propelled South Africa into a dominant position at the Kia Oval.

Saker expects riposte from bowlers

Chris Devine

Bowling coach David Saker gave his backing to England’s attack after they endured a day of frustration in the first Investec Test against South Africa.

Amla and Smith torment England

Chris Devine

Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith shared a record partnership of 259 as South Africa assumed total control in the first Investec Test at the Kia Oval. They closed 18 ahead on 403 for two, having lost just one wicket on day three.

Prior retains positive outlook

Chris Devine

England wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior refused to be downhearted after seeing South Africa take the honours on day two of the first Investec Test. "We ended up with 385, and I think that's a good score on that wicket," he said.

Pugnacious Proteas battle back

Chris Devine

Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla built on the work of a rejuvenated South Africa attack to leave the first Investec Test intriguingly poised at the end of day two. The Proteas closed 299 behind on 86 for two.

Apprentice Cook happy to fire

Chris Devine

Alastair Cook expressed pride at drawing level with Graham Gooch on 20 Test centuries after batting through the opening day of the Investec Series against South Africa at the Kia Oval.

Classy Cook gives England command

Chris Devine

Alastair Cook compiled a chanceless unbeaten 114 and shared a partnership of 170 with Jonathan Trott as England dominated the opening day of the Investec Test series with South Africa at the Kia Oval.

Strauss pays respect to tourists

Andrew Strauss stopped short of saying the Investec Test series with South Africa is his toughest task as England captain, but emphasised his respect for the Proteas. "It's a very stern challenge," he said.

Smith gears up for special occasion

Dominic Farrell

The first Test of any series that will decide who sits at the top of the world is an occasion to savour, but South Africa captain Graeme Smith is keenly aware that this week’s encounter at the Kia Oval is one laced with extra significance.

Bopara eager for Proteas test

Ravi Bopara cannot wait to test himself at the highest level again with his expected return to England’s Test team for the opening game of the Investec series versus South Africa.