Cricket News sort by Alviro Nathan Petersen

South Africa have their backs to the walls going into the final day with 8 wickets in hand to save the First Test at Johannesburg. After a wonderful opening partnership, SA lost two prized wickets to end Day 4, 320 runs away from an improbable victory.

New Zealand put on an embarrassing batting show by getting bundled out for a paltry 45 on the first day of the Opening Test at Newlands in Cape Town. The visitors batting first after winning the toss were bowled out just before lunch thanks to a dream spell of 6-3-7-5 from seamer Vernon Philander.

A Captain’s knock from Graeme Smith helped South Africa to put up a fitting reply to Australia huge first innings total in the Second Test at the Adelaide Oval. Smith scored his 26th Test century as the visitors finished Day 2 at an impressive 217 for 2 in 67 overs having restricted the Aussies to 550 early on.

South Africa finished the opening day’s play at a strong position of 255 for 2 with Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis heading towards centuries.

South Africa’s dethroning of England was built on the back of a few superlative performances from their top players. Here’s a look back at the men and their magic that made the difference.

Going into theHeadingey Test, South African opener Alviro Petersen was the player under extreme pressure from the Proteas camp. The others who batted at Leeds got score of 131, 311 and 182. Even going into this series, Petersen’s place in the squad wasn’t certain.

Bad light and rain brought an abrupt end to the proceedings on Day 2 in the Headingley Test with England off to a solid start in reply to South Africa’s 419. England were well placed at 48 for no loss after surviving 18 overs before play was suspended due to bad light.

South Africa were restricted to 262 for 5 by the close of play on Day 1 thanks to a sustained quality seam and swing bowling from England.