SOUTH Africa’s batsmen had the edge over their bowlers as they completed preparations for the first Test against England in a routine rain-affected stalemate with Kent at Canterbury yesterday. An uninterrupted final day of three was not enough to open up the possibility of anything other than a draw as the tourists’ 314 all out gave them a 104-run lead, and then young Kent openers Sam Northeast (54 not out) and Daniel Bell-Drummond (48no) followed their first-innings stand of 81 with an unbroken 105 second time round.
Theirs was undoubtedly the best batting of the match, against a world-class attack – albeit one going gently through the gears on a stodgy pitch, with much bigger assignments in the offing.
Three middle-order half-centuries had ensured South Africa’s batsmen will head to The Oval with confidence intact and crease time under their belts.
None of the top seven was dismissed for single-figures; Hashim Amla (77) and Jacques Kallis (54) both retired after a century stand for the third wicket, and Jacques Rudolph (50) ensured the necessary extra substance.