• SA vs Eng: Talking Points (Day 5)

    JON CARDINELLI reflects on the big moments that shaped day five of the first Test at Kingsmead.

    BATSMAN OF THE DAY
    JP Duminy managed to delay the inevitable, and played several beautiful drives through cover and straight down the ground. Whether his knock of 26 not out was enough to secure his selection for the second Test is another story. Duminy has battled for runs in 2015.

    BOWLER OF THE DAY
    Moeen Ali claimed two big wickets inside the first 10 minutes of play to shatter South Africa’s hopes of a draw. The off-spinner followed up his performance of 4-69 in the first innings with 3-47 in the second.

    SHOT OF THE DAY
    JP Duminy played a classic cover drive to dispatch Chris Woakes for four in the 68th over.

    DELIVERY OF THE DAY
    Steven Finn pitched one full and straight to Dale Steyn, and sent the off stump cart-wheeling towards fine leg.

    STAT OF CONCERN
    South Africa failed to post 200. It is the ninth time in the past 12 innings that they have failed to do so.

    ANDERSON HEATS UP
    England dominated this Test despite the injury-enforced absence of their premier seam bowler James Anderson. The bad news for South Africa is that Anderson joined England in their warm-ups before play on day five at Kingsmead. He appeared to bowl without any discomfort, and may feature in the second Test at Newlands.

    CHANGES A MUST
    Stiaan van Zyl, Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy have all failed to make meaningful contributions over the past few months. Which of these batsmen will survive the axe and feature in the second Test at Newlands?

    COMMENT OF THE DAY
    ‘At least it’s feisty here in the commentary box!’ – Graeme Smith in a heated on-air debate with HD Ackerman about the South African selections for the second Test. ‘The wicketkeeper should change, and at least one batsman needs to change,’ was Ackerman’s eventual response.