England struggle against Proteas

Hashim Amla (left)
12 April 2012

England's 171 all out appeared inadequate as South Africa coasted to 68 for one in 15 overs of their reply on a spinners' pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

South Africa's good health was a jarring contrast to the wretched start England had made to their innings, losing both openers to Robin Peterson (three for 22).

Battling half-centuries from Ravi Bopara (60) and Jonathan Trott (52) provided hope of salvaging a worthwhile total in this World Cup Group B match. But then England's last six wickets fell for only 37 as they were bowled out in 45.4 overs, courtesy principally of Peterson and Imran Tahir (four for 38).

Hashim Amla was significantly more comfortable than his captain and first-wicket partner Graeme Smith as South Africa began an apparently routine chase.

But England, who followed their opponents' lead by opening the bowling with spin, did not come close to an early breakthrough - and it was only via a marginal DRS process for caught-behind that Smith was the first man to go, pushing forward at a Graeme Swann off-break.

Shocked by defeat against Ireland in Bangalore four days ago, England badly needed to bounce back here to keep themselves on course for a quarter-final place.

But instead, after Andrew Strauss won the toss, they lost the captain and Kevin Pietersen to lurch to three for two after one over.

Ian Bell did not last long either - another Peterson victim - before Bopara and Trott dug in for a fourth-wicket stand of 99 in 25 overs.

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