Proteas pull it together after meltdown

AB de Villiers (50) and Mark Boucher (39) who added 63 in 73 minutes for the sixth wicket, helped South Africa to move into a strong position at lunch on the second day of the second Castle Test against England at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Sunday.

At the break the Proteas, resuming at 175/5 with De Villiers on eight and Boucher on one, moved their overnight total to 281/8, thanks largely to some attacking play by the sixth wicket pair.

It was a solid start for the South Africans on the second day after they had somewhat lost their way especially after Graeme Smith (75) and Jacques Kallis (75) had laid the foundation for their side early on the opening day.

Boucher and De Villiers worked hard and were positive in their efforts to keep the scoreboard ticking over and did a magnificent job in titling the balance in their team's way.

At the crease at the break were Morne Morkel on 23 not out and Dale Steyn, who was the only change in the South African side for the second Test, and who had three to his name.

Boucher was first to go in the morning session - he was trapped leg before by Graeme Swann - the decision was referred to the third umpire, Steve Davies, who made the decision. Boucher's 39 came off 50 deliveries in 73 minutes with five boundaries.

De Villiers was soon to follow Boucher. With the total on 269/6, the talented De Villiers was caught behind by Mark Prior off Chris Broad for 50 after being at the crease for 150 minutes. He faced 98 balls and crossed the boundary ropes on six occasions.

Paul Harris was the other batsman dismissed on Sunday - he scored two before being trapped by Swann, who had taken two of the three wickets to fall in the morning session. He had figures of 28-3-72-3 at the break. The other wicket was taken by Chris Board.