Bullring holds fond memories for Proteas

The ground holds mixed memories for England touring teams – they have twice been beaten by an innings in their past three visits – although it was also the venue of Matthew Hoggard’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ performance a decade ago.

Hoggard ripped through the Proteas on the final day in 2005 to secure a last-gasp win that would ultimately decide the series – England’s only success in South Africa since they were readmitted in 1992.

In the last series in 2010, Andrew Strauss was dismissed from the very first ball of the game when England last played a Test match at the Wanderers.

England arrived in South Africa’s biggest city knowing that they would win the series if they avoided defeat but it was not to be as a hugely entertaining series ended abruptly.

Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel shared the man-of-the-match award after they took 14 wickets between them to skittle England in both innings.

The writing was on the wall from the very first delivery when skipper Andrew Strauss fell – moments after he elected to bat – to a superb Hashim Amla catch at short-leg off Steyn.

Steyn would go on to take 5-51 and after England were bowled out for 180 in 47.5 overs, Graeme Smith hit a century as the Proteas ran up 423/7 declared.

They would not need to bat again, despite Paul Collingwood’s 71 from 88 balls and a tongue-in-cheek claim from Graeme Swann on Twitter that he was set to score his maiden Test ton in the rearguard, as Morkel took centre stage in the second innings with 4/59.

England could at least still contend themselves with a memorable 1-1 series draw.

Back in 2005 Hoggard’s final-day wickets at the Wanderers will long live in the memory of English fans.

Hoggard swung England to victory, and a series lead they would not relinquish. Marcus Trescothick’s 180 allowed Michael Vaughan to declare on the final morning and set the Proteas an improbable chase of 324 in just over two sessions.

Hoggard ensured they never got close to that mark as the Yorkshireman ripped through the top-order, he was at one point on a hat-trick, although England’s victory quest threatened to be held up when Graeme Smith walked out at No 8.

Smith had been dropped down the order after suffering a concussion and joined his regular opening partner Herschelle Gibbs, who hit a first-innings 161, in a partnership that tottered into the evening session and swung the odds in favour of a draw.

That was until Ashley Giles trapped Gibbs in front, two short of another ton, but even after two quick wickets followed Smith refused to be moved.

A dramatic final hour ensued as last man Dale Steyn edged over the cordon and then James Anderson put down Smith at point before Hoggard returned to complete the job he started.

Steyn got the thinnest of edges to Geraint Jones and England celebrated victory with just 8.3 overs in the match left.

Going back to the first encounter at the Wanderers in 1999 in the first Test it was an easy stroll for the home team as they beat England by an innings and 21 runs. England batted first and were shot out for 121 with Allan Donald in devastating form, claiming 6/53.

South Africa replied with 403 with Daryll Cullinan making 108 before England were then bowled out for 260 with Donald striking again with 5/74

ANA