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2nd Test: SA 262 for 5 at stumps on Day 1 against England



Alviro Petersen hit his fourth Test century at Headingley on Thursday to steer South Africa to 262 for 5 at stumps on day one of the second Test against England.

Petersen's unbeaten 124 came from 266 balls with 16 fours, while Graeme Smith hit 52, from 93 balls with four fours.
Stuart Broad, who took 55 for 1, bowled AB de Villiers and Steven Finn (78 for 1) bowled Dale Steyn shortly before stumps to keep England in contention.

James Anderson, with 42 for 1 and Tim Bresnan with 68 for 1, also took wickets.

A major talking point came in the 12th over of the day when Smith edged to Andrew Strauss at first slip, only for the ball to be ruled dead because paceman Steve Finn had dislodged the bails on his follow through.

England captain Strauss had an animated discussion with umpire Steve Davis, but law 23.4, section 6 of cricket's rules says: "An umpire shall call and signal dead ball when the striker is distracted by any noise or movement while receiving."

Smith was on 6 when he was reprieved by the dead ball decision. Finn, who has collided with the stumps throughout his career, had previously knocked the bails off twice during the morning session.

Finn's inclusion in England's team was unexpected. In a major surprise, England left out Graeme Swann, making it the first Test the hosts have played without a specialist spin bowler since 2003 — also against South Africa at Headingley.

Although there was only partial cloud cover, England chose to bowl after winning the toss, a gamble that initially appeared to backfire.

After 45 fruitless minutes, Anderson finally drew an edge when Petersen was on 29. But Alastair Cook, who was fielding in Swann's usual position of second slip, dropped an easy chance.


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