Stuart Broad says Durban Test is in the balance after day two
Morkel happy with 'better day'...
Monday 28 December 2015 10:02, UK
Stuart Broad believes the first Test is evenly poised after South Africa reached 137-4 at stumps on day two.
Broad took three for 16 on Sunday, clean bowling opener Stiaan van Zyl and removing Hashim Amla and AB De Villiers after England had gone from 179-4 overnight to 303 all out in the morning.
Dean Elgar (67no) starred for South Africa, who trail England by 166 runs heading into the third day.
Broad told Sky Sports: "It's very even I think. The first hour and a half tomorrow is going to be crucial.
"We've been looking for reverse swing throughout this last session - we probably weren't as disciplined on the ball as we could have been - so tomorrow will be a refocus on that and we'll try to get some reverse swing because I think we saw from today as soon as it's moving sideways, it's a different game.
"We have certainly got to aim for a first-innings lead but that will be hard work.
"We got 300 - it's competitive, especially after yesterday, I thought that was a great effort from our batters to play like they did, with quite heavy overcast skies, that could have easily been a 160 all out.
"So we're fighting hard, we're okay, but we're still seeking to take all of our chances and stay in this game."
Meanwhile, South Africa paceman Morne Morkel admitted he was pleased to have performed better on day two than he was able to on day one.
"Personally I didn't feel as great yesterday," said Morkel, who finished with figures of 4-76 in England's first innings.
"It's quite tough for me with the wicket being a touch on the slow side. I felt when I was banging the ball in, it was just sitting up so I had to adjust my lengths this morning and I think it worked for me beautifully into the wind.
"Tomorrow that first hour is going to be crucial again, partnerships are key for me in this game, with bat and ball, and hopefully we can get one or two solid partnerships with JP [Duminy] still to come and the tail to chip in and get close to them or go past them, then put in a solid bowling performance in."
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