Razeen Gutta
The Momentum Proteas struggled on the third day of their test against the England women on Wednesday, first due to the hosts’ fantastic batting and then due to the rain during the final two sessions.
England led by 44 runs at the start of play and batted through most of the pre-lunch session, getting their lead up to over 100 with Natalie Sciver getting her score up to 169 not out off 263 balls.
At 417/8, the hosts declared their innings and put South Africa in to bat — and that’s where the rain helped England’s pace bowling.
A lengthy stoppage followed an early Kate Cross breakthrough to dismiss Andrie Steyn for just three off eight deliveries. An early lunch was taken with the initial stoppage lasting over two hours.
Once the players made their way back to the pitch, just eight overs were bowled with the Proteas closing England’s lead down to just over 100.
Tea was taken and when play resumed again 13 overs were bowled, and Isabelle Wong struck. The debutant took two wickets for eight runs in her six overs to leave the visitors 55/3 and still trailing by 78.
There is more rain forecast for the final day tomorrow, but England will hope that they can get a result if enough time in the middle is permitted.
Image source: @SuperSportTV
