ProteaFire was alive and kicking yesterday at Newlands stadium, and Hashim Amla stoked the fire with his incredible composure despite being under a lot of pressure.
The Protea captain batted through the entire day and gave South Africa a fighting chance after England pummelled our bowling attack and declared on 629/6.
Amla racked up 157 runs having started on 64, and his partnership with AB de Villiers produced 183 runs. South Africa only lost one wicket and ended the day on 353/3.
A couple of drop catches worked in our favour, to keep Amla at the helm. There is still a long way to go, but yesterday’s performance has given us all hope.
After day 2 of the test, the support for the Proteas may have floundered, but Newlands showed strong support for our boys. Here are some of the scenes from yesterday:
Even when our team struggles, #Proteafire is strong. We still behind you boys. #sscricket pic.twitter.com/8HsyodeukK
— OneLungBandit (@OneLungBanditZA) January 4, 2016
We in need of the #AmlaArmy at @NewlandsCricket today to keep that South Africa spirit going. #SAVSENG #Day3 pic.twitter.com/W9duKSusPs — Athraah Wadee (@Athraah21) January 4, 2016
Century partnership for Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers ? Bat on… #SAvsENG #ProteaFIRE? @OfficialCSA @ECB_cricket pic.twitter.com/Q4lfRwJfNo
— Suleman Modan (@Figjamfan) January 4, 2016
https://t.co/Fr3fHdULny This is crowd chanting at its finest. Hashim Amla vs Moueen Ali Day 2. 2nd Test at Cape Town. #SAvENG — Andrew Rollason (@rollo75) January 5, 2016
#SAvsENG, 2nd Test, Day-3: SA – 236/2 (Trail by 393) | 150* Partnership between Amla & de Villiers. pic.twitter.com/7syNgzXjTn
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 4, 2016