South Africa v England: Bell takes four, Filer shines

Posted : 17 December 2024

Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer played pivotal roles as England gained control of their one-off Test against South Africa in Bloemfontein. Bell's impressive performance with the ball, taking four wickets, and Filer’s two wickets helped England dominate. The hosts, who had been cruising at 237-3, crumbled under pressure, losing their last seven wickets for just 44 runs. South Africa was dismissed for 281, leaving England with a commanding 145-run lead.

Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria

The day was a memorable one for Bell, who bowled a superb spell, taking two wickets in two balls to finish with figures of 4-49. Her efforts restricted South Africa to a modest total, and England’s bowlers capitalized on the collapse, with Filer also contributing with the ball. Despite an interruption due to a lightning delay, England were able to bowl South Africa out in the evening session, maintaining their advantage in the Test match.

Bell expressed satisfaction with the day's performance, reflecting on England's strong position. “It’s been a great day,” she said to the BBC. "We would definitely have taken this situation at the start. The South African batters had moments where they formed solid partnerships, but we’re happy with how things went."

Filer’s contribution was crucial as well, with the fast bowler claiming the key wickets of Annerie Dercksen (41) and Sune Luus (56), breaking a crucial partnership. South Africa’s middle order, which had seemed to be in control, was suddenly halted by England's disciplined bowling, with Filer’s pace and Bell's swing proving difficult to handle.

"We wanted to stick to our strengths," Bell explained, noting the challenges posed by the Kookaburra ball, which didn’t swing for long periods but offered enough movement to trouble the batsmen. "My job up front is to swing the ball and take wickets with the new ball, while Filer bowls fast and was unbelievable today. It's been a great team effort despite the loss of Kate Cross [due to injury]."

Bell also acknowledged the favorable conditions on the pitch, which provided enough assistance for the bowlers without requiring excessive effort. "The pitch is giving us movement without having to do a lot. It's nipping and the wobble ball is wobbling," she said, highlighting how the surface was helping the bowlers maintain control.

With a 114-run lead after dismissing South Africa, England were in a strong position to push for their first Test win since 2014. As the second day drew to a close, England's openers, Captain Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, were unbeaten on 19 and eight respectively, with the team reaching 31-1. England’s only loss of the day came from Maia Bouchier, who followed her century in the first innings with a 19-ball duck, leaving England with a solid foundation heading into day three.

South Africa v England: Bell takes four, Filer shines

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics