Kevin Pietersen Passes First Test With Apparent Ease
August 12, 2008 by CLDsport
Kevin Pietersen could not have asked for a better start to his England captaincy, after a solid England performance resulted in the 6-wicket defeat of South Africa at The Oval.
The 28-year-old’s first match in the captain’s role saw the home team outclass his native country throughout.
Recalls for Harmison and Broad added some much needed power to the bowling lineup, and their inclusions were justified based on this performance.
England’s bowling attack restricted the South African’s to just 194 in the first innings after skipper Graeme Smith had one the toss and elected to bat first.
A marvelous century from Pietersen coupled with notable contributons from Collingwood (61), and Harmison (49 not out - off just 59 deliveries) in England’s first innings enabled them to open up a 122 run lead over the visitors.
Despite a much improved second innings of 318, including a knock of 76 from Amla, and 97 from de Villiers - South Africa left England with a target of 197 to win the final test of the series. Despite the win only being a consolation due to Smith’s team already claiming the series, it was imperative that England started this ‘new era’ under Pietersen’s reign with a positive result.
England made no mistakes in their chase. A mere 11 runs were scored in the first 11 overs, but the scoreboard soon started to tick away nicely.
After Strauss and Cook’s slow start, they put together a much needed opening stand of 123 before Cook was caught off the bowling of Harris.
Just 24 runs later, and Bell was bowled by Ntini leaving England at 147 for 2. Strauss was caught by Smith off Ntini’s bowling soon after.
As Pietersen arrived at the crease, it looked increasingly as though the England captain was set to finish his first match in charge off in fine style by scoring the winning runs. That, however, was not to be. Pietersen was caught by McKenzie off the bowling off Harris with just 13 runs to his name - and just 15 runs from victory.
The match winning runs came from Flintoff, and in fine style as he hit a six straight down the ground off the bowling of Harris.
The England team should now feel suitably positive ahead of the one-day games - starting with the Twenty20 international on the 20th August.
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