England's bowlers have had vital work out in Cape Town, says Beefy
Wednesday 6 January 2016 12:11, UK
Sir Ian Botham is still backing England to defeat South Africa in their Test series despite the hosts finding their batting form in Cape Town.
The Proteas racked up 627-7 declared in their first innings, with Hashim Amla scoring 201, Temba Bavuma (102no) notching a maiden Test ton on his home track, and AB de Villiers (88), Faf du Plessis (86) and debutant Chris Morris (69) all passing fifty.
Amla's men now look likely to draw the second Test and head to Johannesburg for the third of four encounters only 1-0 down - but Sky Cricket expert Botham feels England, who plundered 629-6 themselves at Newlands, remain the side to beat.
"England could have slipped into auto pilot and let it drift but they didn't and bowled with discipline."
"England are still favourites in my book," said Botham at the end of day four in Cape Town.
"You'd think South Africa [are mentally back in this series] but if you can't score runs on this deck you will be disappointed.
"England could have slipped into auto pilot and let it drift but they didn't and bowled with discipline - and now all the bowlers have had a work out.
"South Africa will try to [give England a bloody nose on day five] but I think England will bat long if they get through the first 10 overs."
England moved to 16-0 from six overs before stumps on day four, with Alastair Cook unbeaten on eight and fellow opener Alex Hales, who notched his first Test fifty in the visitors' opening dig at Newlands, five not out.
Bavuma was the star earlier in the day, though, smoking 16 fours en route to becoming the first black South African batsman to register a Test hundred - and thoroughly impressing Botham.
"He played the pull, the cut shot, off-drives, reverse sweeps - we had it all," added the former England all-rounder.
"He played magnificently -the crowd were willing him to get to a hundred and when he did it righty erupted. He looks well organised and could be an inspiration - everyone will want to be Bavuma."
Watch day five of the second Test from 8am, Wednesday, Sky Sports 2.
