Chauncey Billups returned from a groin injury last night with 23 points as the Denver Nuggets held off the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 99-97 victory.
LeBron James had a big night with 35 points but the Nuggets did a good job defensively on James' team-mates.
With Carmelo Anthony still on the sidelines, Billups took control early with eight first quarter points but it was in the third quarter that he was most integral as he scored 11 points to hold off a spurt from James.
Cleveland still held the upper hand, though, heading into the fourth with a four-point lead and were up 91-88 late on. But Denver - a different team with their leader back on the court - rallied and a huge 3-pointer from JR Smith left the Cavs too much to do.
With Utah falling to the Grizzlies and Dallas sinking the Spurs, it was important that George Karl's team tightened their grip on a top seeding and their gritty performance achieved just that.
James and company continue their five-game road trip in Portland on Sunday while the Nuggets visit the Kings in Sacramento tonight.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cricket: South Africa call up Parnell and Tahir
Needing a win in the final Test to square the series, South Africa have called up uncalled pair Wayne Parnell and Imran Tahir.
Paceman Parnell has had success in the one day game and will pose a different threat as a left arm seamer.
Tahir, who impressed as an overseas player for Hampshire, provides a more attacking spin option which may appeal to South Africa captain Graeme Smith as he chases the 20 wickets needed for victory.
England, meanwhile, are likely to remain unchanged, despite Kevin Pietersen's poor form.
Paceman Parnell has had success in the one day game and will pose a different threat as a left arm seamer.
Tahir, who impressed as an overseas player for Hampshire, provides a more attacking spin option which may appeal to South Africa captain Graeme Smith as he chases the 20 wickets needed for victory.
England, meanwhile, are likely to remain unchanged, despite Kevin Pietersen's poor form.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
NBA: Billups, Anthony hopeful of returning v Cavs
The Denver Nuggets have endured a tough run without first Chauncey Billups then Carmelo Anthony but both are expected to return against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
Despite a vital win over the Warriors in their last outing, the Nuggets have struggled badly since Billups picked up a groin injury against the Rockets in mid December.
But with their two All-Stars back in the line-up, Denver should return to being one of the biggest threats to the Lakers in the West.
Despite a vital win over the Warriors in their last outing, the Nuggets have struggled badly since Billups picked up a groin injury against the Rockets in mid December.
But with their two All-Stars back in the line-up, Denver should return to being one of the biggest threats to the Lakers in the West.
Soccer: Vieira set for Man City switch, Birmingham land Michel
The January transfer window is now in full swing and Manchester City were always likely to be active. New boss Roberto Mancini is keen to strengthen his squad for an assault on the top four and former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira is expected to be his first addition.
Vieira, who skippered the Arsenal Invincibles of 2003/04, is undergoing a medical to put the finishing touches on the deal.
Meanwhile, in-form Birmingham have completed the signing of Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel to provide competition for the likes of Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson.
Vieira, who skippered the Arsenal Invincibles of 2003/04, is undergoing a medical to put the finishing touches on the deal.
Meanwhile, in-form Birmingham have completed the signing of Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel to provide competition for the likes of Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson.
NBA: Bobcats look to continue run against Knicks
One of 2010's hottest teams, the Charlotte Bobcats can extend their win streak to four with a win in the Big Apple against the New York Knicks.
Larry Brown's team are chasing the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors, currently fifth and sixth in the East, and have established themselves as serious contenders for the playoffs.
Just months after being written off as offensively limited and a likely lottery team, the trade for Stephen Jackson has been the catalyst for a Bobcat surge. Look for the winning run to reach four tonight.
Larry Brown's team are chasing the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors, currently fifth and sixth in the East, and have established themselves as serious contenders for the playoffs.
Just months after being written off as offensively limited and a likely lottery team, the trade for Stephen Jackson has been the catalyst for a Bobcat surge. Look for the winning run to reach four tonight.
Cricket: England grab heroic draw, Pakistan stunned by Aussies
An enthralling couple of days of Test cricket left England relieved, Australia jubilant, South Africa frustrated and Pakistan stunned.
South Africa set England a mammoth target in the Third Test in Cape Town and needed just seven wickets on the final day to level the series. But a gritty stand between Paul Collingwood (40) and Ian Bell (78) gave the tourists hope before last-wicket pair Graeme Swann and Graham Onions completed a heroic escape.
England now carry a 1-0 lead into the Fourth Test.
Over in Australia, Pakistan managed to turn victory into defeat in extraordinary circumstances. The Aussies ended day three just 80 runs ahead with two wickets left but Mike Hussey's hundred helped set Pakistan 176 to win.
It proved beyond the tourists as Nathan Hauritz took 5-53 and Pakistan were skittled for an embarrassing 139. After being bowled out for a mere 127 in the first innings, this represented an amazing recovery from Australia and was Hauritz's finest hour in Test cricket.
South Africa set England a mammoth target in the Third Test in Cape Town and needed just seven wickets on the final day to level the series. But a gritty stand between Paul Collingwood (40) and Ian Bell (78) gave the tourists hope before last-wicket pair Graeme Swann and Graham Onions completed a heroic escape.
England now carry a 1-0 lead into the Fourth Test.
Over in Australia, Pakistan managed to turn victory into defeat in extraordinary circumstances. The Aussies ended day three just 80 runs ahead with two wickets left but Mike Hussey's hundred helped set Pakistan 176 to win.
It proved beyond the tourists as Nathan Hauritz took 5-53 and Pakistan were skittled for an embarrassing 139. After being bowled out for a mere 127 in the first innings, this represented an amazing recovery from Australia and was Hauritz's finest hour in Test cricket.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
NBA: Grizzlies run continues with win in Portland
Sooner or later, the Memphis Grizzlies will have to be taken seriously. Tuesday night's win over the Portland Trail Blazers was their fourth straight and moves the team to 17-16.
A debatable late foul call on Brandon Roy left injury-hit Portland fuming but the Grizzlies kept their cool and used a 13-1 run to win the contest 109-105.
The Western Conference is hugely competitive this year with Utah and New Orleans both adrift of the playoff spots despite boasting talents like Deron Williams and Chris Paul. But Memphis are not about to give up hope.
OJ Mayo and Zach Randolph both poured in 27 points while Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol had 18 apiece to give the Grizzlies a perfectly balanced attack.
Roy led the Blazers with 27 of his own but the home side ran out of steam down the stretch as their injury crisis, which forced coach Nate McMillan into a seven-man rotation, caught up with them.
Take nothing away from Memphis, though. They are on a fine run and will believe that they have the weapons to mount an assault on the playoff places.
A debatable late foul call on Brandon Roy left injury-hit Portland fuming but the Grizzlies kept their cool and used a 13-1 run to win the contest 109-105.
The Western Conference is hugely competitive this year with Utah and New Orleans both adrift of the playoff spots despite boasting talents like Deron Williams and Chris Paul. But Memphis are not about to give up hope.
OJ Mayo and Zach Randolph both poured in 27 points while Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol had 18 apiece to give the Grizzlies a perfectly balanced attack.
Roy led the Blazers with 27 of his own but the home side ran out of steam down the stretch as their injury crisis, which forced coach Nate McMillan into a seven-man rotation, caught up with them.
Take nothing away from Memphis, though. They are on a fine run and will believe that they have the weapons to mount an assault on the playoff places.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
NBA: Billups out again
The Denver Nuggets will have to take the court without Chauncey Billups again tonight against the visiting Golden State Warriors.
Billups' groin injury is on the mend but he will wait until Friday's clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers to make his much-awaited return.
The Nuggets have limped along in his absence, going 2-6 in the eight games since he picked up the injury in mid December against the Houston Rockets, but might be boosted by Carmelo Anthony's return from a knee problem.
Denver battered the Warriors at the Pepsi Center earlier this season but, with their current injury list, any win would be gratefully welcomed by head coach George Karl.
Billups' groin injury is on the mend but he will wait until Friday's clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers to make his much-awaited return.
The Nuggets have limped along in his absence, going 2-6 in the eight games since he picked up the injury in mid December against the Houston Rockets, but might be boosted by Carmelo Anthony's return from a knee problem.
Denver battered the Warriors at the Pepsi Center earlier this season but, with their current injury list, any win would be gratefully welcomed by head coach George Karl.
Soccer: Villarreal turning season around
When Villarreal slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Xerez earlier this season, the Yellow Submarines were bottom of the table and manager Ernesto Valverde's job looked in serious jeopardy.
But since then, Xerez have failed to add another victory while Villarreal have turned their season around. The players now seem to have overcome the departure of former boss Manuel Pellegrini, who moved to Real Madrid in the summer, and the results have finally started to arrive.
They sit ninth at present and the whole turnaround speaks volumes for the importance of keeping faith in a manager. Villarreal could easily have panicked and sacked Valverde after the sluggish start. Instead they backed him.
And the club's key players have come good, too. A squad containing the likes of Marcos Senna, Giuseppe Rossi and Santi Cazorla was always too strong to be scrapping in the relegation zone. With the season not yet at the halfway point, Villarreal might still challenge for a European spot.
But since then, Xerez have failed to add another victory while Villarreal have turned their season around. The players now seem to have overcome the departure of former boss Manuel Pellegrini, who moved to Real Madrid in the summer, and the results have finally started to arrive.
They sit ninth at present and the whole turnaround speaks volumes for the importance of keeping faith in a manager. Villarreal could easily have panicked and sacked Valverde after the sluggish start. Instead they backed him.
And the club's key players have come good, too. A squad containing the likes of Marcos Senna, Giuseppe Rossi and Santi Cazorla was always too strong to be scrapping in the relegation zone. With the season not yet at the halfway point, Villarreal might still challenge for a European spot.
Soccer: Darren Ferguson to take over at Preston
According to BBC Sport, Sir Alex Ferguson's son Darren is to become the new Preston North End manager.
Ferguson left former club Peterborough in November by mutual consent, having helped Posh earn promotion to the Championship in 2009.
He will replace Alan Irvine, who was sacked by Preston last week.
Ferguson left former club Peterborough in November by mutual consent, having helped Posh earn promotion to the Championship in 2009.
He will replace Alan Irvine, who was sacked by Preston last week.
NBA: Improving Grizzlies set for Portland test
The Memphis Grizzlies are quietly putting together a decent season and, with seven wins in their last 10, have returned to the .500 mark. Tonight, they put their three-game win streak on the line in Portland against the depleted Blazers.
Portland have impressed many with their resilience in the face of injuries to Greg Oden and Joe Przybilla but are coming off a 105-95 loss in LA against the Clippers.
The Grizzlies, armed with multiple threats including Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo, are one of the exciting underdogs for 2010 and tonight's clash will be a good test of their potential.
Portland have impressed many with their resilience in the face of injuries to Greg Oden and Joe Przybilla but are coming off a 105-95 loss in LA against the Clippers.
The Grizzlies, armed with multiple threats including Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo, are one of the exciting underdogs for 2010 and tonight's clash will be a good test of their potential.
Cricket: Pakistan on course for Test victory over Australia
Four wickets for Danish Kaneria has Pakistan well placed to earn a stylish victory over Australia in Sydney.
Having built a 206-run first innings, Pakistan thwarted an Aussie fightback led by Shane Watson (97) and motored through the lower order. Only Mike Hussey (73*) offered further resistance.
Australia closed on 286-8, just 80 runs ahead, and Kaneria and his team-mates will look to finish the job on day four.
Having built a 206-run first innings, Pakistan thwarted an Aussie fightback led by Shane Watson (97) and motored through the lower order. Only Mike Hussey (73*) offered further resistance.
Australia closed on 286-8, just 80 runs ahead, and Kaneria and his team-mates will look to finish the job on day four.
Soccer: Carling Cup semi-finals postponed
Both midweek Carling Cup semi-finals have been postponed due to freezing conditions in the north of England.
Blackburn were due to host Aston Villa tonight with the Manchester derby to follow tomorrow but a decision has been taken to play the ties later in January.
As things stand, City and United will contest their first leg on January 19.
Blackburn were due to host Aston Villa tonight with the Manchester derby to follow tomorrow but a decision has been taken to play the ties later in January.
As things stand, City and United will contest their first leg on January 19.
Cricket: Smith hundred rocks England
A miserable day three for England leaves the tourists staring defeat in the face and South Africa skipper Graeme Smith did the bulk of the damage.
England added just 32 runs to their overnight score, ending on 273 all out, and the hosts have since taken charge of the Test.
Smith passed the 150 mark before the close and was ably supported by Hashim Amla's 95. Graeme Swann took the two South African wickets to fall but there was little support elsewhere and England now face an uphill battle to save the game as the home side's lead heads towards 350.
England added just 32 runs to their overnight score, ending on 273 all out, and the hosts have since taken charge of the Test.
Smith passed the 150 mark before the close and was ably supported by Hashim Amla's 95. Graeme Swann took the two South African wickets to fall but there was little support elsewhere and England now face an uphill battle to save the game as the home side's lead heads towards 350.
Soccer: Fabregas out until February
Arsene Wenger's gamble to throw Cesc Fabregas on at half-time against Aston Villa in late December is looking like an increasingly bad move.
True, Fabregas changed the game, scored twice and earned the Gunners three points that had looked unlikely during the first half. But Wenger was not thinking long-term.
The surprise is that Wenger is a manager whose whole mentality is to look to the future and weigh up the options - yet he seemingly did not with Fabregas. He was desperate for points and risked his best player when not fully fit.
The result? Fabregas aggrevated his hamstring injury and is set to be on the sidelines until February. Wenger's decision may come back to haunt him over the next four weeks.
True, Fabregas changed the game, scored twice and earned the Gunners three points that had looked unlikely during the first half. But Wenger was not thinking long-term.
The surprise is that Wenger is a manager whose whole mentality is to look to the future and weigh up the options - yet he seemingly did not with Fabregas. He was desperate for points and risked his best player when not fully fit.
The result? Fabregas aggrevated his hamstring injury and is set to be on the sidelines until February. Wenger's decision may come back to haunt him over the next four weeks.
Monday, January 4, 2010
NBA: Hornets grab impressive win in Utah
Chris Paul's key late steal and lay up, combined with Devin Brown's 30-point night, helped the New Orleans Hornets score a 97-91 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
The Hornets, who are recovering well from a dismal start to the season, used a dominant third quarter to move clear of the Jazz and never looked back.
Carlos Boozer had 18 points for Utah, who fall to 18-16 for the year. The Hornets are gaining ground fast and have returned to the .500 mark at 16-16.
With Paul back to full fitness, New Orleans are once again a playoff contender but the Jazz, who have lost three straight, have work to do.
The Hornets, who are recovering well from a dismal start to the season, used a dominant third quarter to move clear of the Jazz and never looked back.
Carlos Boozer had 18 points for Utah, who fall to 18-16 for the year. The Hornets are gaining ground fast and have returned to the .500 mark at 16-16.
With Paul back to full fitness, New Orleans are once again a playoff contender but the Jazz, who have lost three straight, have work to do.
NBA: Hawks struggling
It is tough to figure out the Atlanta Hawks this year.
Just when you think they are capable of matching the Celtics, Cavs or Magic, they drop their level and look closer to the Raptors and Bobcats than the elite three.
Then as you write them off, the Hawks hit back. After all, a team boasting Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford and Jamal Crawford will not stay down for long.
But Atlanta are going through one of those downward spirals at present in the form of a four-game skid and Monday's 92-75 loss against the Heat was another disappointing outing.
Until the Hawks get to grips with their inconsistency, they will remain a crucial step behind the Eastern Conference's top three teams.
Just when you think they are capable of matching the Celtics, Cavs or Magic, they drop their level and look closer to the Raptors and Bobcats than the elite three.
Then as you write them off, the Hawks hit back. After all, a team boasting Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford and Jamal Crawford will not stay down for long.
But Atlanta are going through one of those downward spirals at present in the form of a four-game skid and Monday's 92-75 loss against the Heat was another disappointing outing.
Until the Hawks get to grips with their inconsistency, they will remain a crucial step behind the Eastern Conference's top three teams.
Soccer: Jesus Navas putting struggles behind him
Sevilla are one of the Champions League dark horses and they continue to chase Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga. One key factor in their fine form is Spanish international Jesus Navas.
Navas' inspired wing play has caught the eye over the past few seasons and, with his work ethic and dribbling skills, he is one to watch when the Champions League returns in February.
His international career has not gone as smoothly, though. Navas' struggles with panic attacks have hindered his hopes of playing in World Cups and European Championships because of the difficulties of spending so much time away from home.
But he claims to have overcome his anxiety and he might just be a secret weapon for the Spaniards this summer in South Africa.
Navas' inspired wing play has caught the eye over the past few seasons and, with his work ethic and dribbling skills, he is one to watch when the Champions League returns in February.
His international career has not gone as smoothly, though. Navas' struggles with panic attacks have hindered his hopes of playing in World Cups and European Championships because of the difficulties of spending so much time away from home.
But he claims to have overcome his anxiety and he might just be a secret weapon for the Spaniards this summer in South Africa.
Soccer: Rosicky signs new deal at Arsenal
Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has put pen to paper on a new contract to prolong his stay at the club.
The length of the deal is unknown but Arsene Wenger clearly sees the Czech star as an important asset for the battles ahead over the coming seasons.
Capable of playing out wide or through the middle, Rosicky is capable of stunning long range strikes and fits well with the Gunners' passing style.
The length of the deal is unknown but Arsene Wenger clearly sees the Czech star as an important asset for the battles ahead over the coming seasons.
Capable of playing out wide or through the middle, Rosicky is capable of stunning long range strikes and fits well with the Gunners' passing style.
Cricket: Dilshan ton sparks Sri Lanka win
A century from Tillakeratne Dilshan led Sri Lanka to a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first ODI of 2010.
Captain Kumar Sangakkara chipped in with 74 as the Sri Lankans successfully chased down a target of 261.
Mohammad Ashraful was the hero for Bangladesh earlier in the day with a classy fifty but there was no stopping Dilshan as Sri Lanka cruised to victory.
Sri Lanka face India on Tuesday in the next match of the three-team tournament.
Captain Kumar Sangakkara chipped in with 74 as the Sri Lankans successfully chased down a target of 261.
Mohammad Ashraful was the hero for Bangladesh earlier in the day with a classy fifty but there was no stopping Dilshan as Sri Lanka cruised to victory.
Sri Lanka face India on Tuesday in the next match of the three-team tournament.
NBA: Bobcats making a bright start to 2010
There is no doubt that the final three - maybe even four - playoffs spots in the Eastern Conference are up for grabs and the Charlotte Bobcats have made their intentions clear with an outstanding start to the New Year.
Road victories in Miami and Cleveland have lifted Larry Brown's men to a 14-18 record and eighth spot in the standings at the time of writing. The addition of Stephen Jackson from Golden State earlier in the season to supplement small forward Gerald Wallace has added a much-needed scoring punch and the playoffs are a real possibility.
At present, Charlotte look better equipped than a number of the teams around them, including the Bucks, Pistons, Knicks and Bulls, and if their last two outings are any indication, 2010 could be a memorable year for the Bobcats.
Road victories in Miami and Cleveland have lifted Larry Brown's men to a 14-18 record and eighth spot in the standings at the time of writing. The addition of Stephen Jackson from Golden State earlier in the season to supplement small forward Gerald Wallace has added a much-needed scoring punch and the playoffs are a real possibility.
At present, Charlotte look better equipped than a number of the teams around them, including the Bucks, Pistons, Knicks and Bulls, and if their last two outings are any indication, 2010 could be a memorable year for the Bobcats.
NBA: Nuggets fading in tight Western Conference
No Carmelo Anthony, no Chauncey Billups, no problem for the Denver Nuggets in Utah on Saturday. But hopes of a change in fortunes were crushed in a frustrating home loss to the Sixers the next night.
Despite missing their two best players against the Jazz, George Karl’s grabbed a gutsy 105-95 road victory thanks largely to 23 points and nine assists from rookie Ty Lawson.
But the injury-hit group fell away in the second half on Sunday and lost 108-105, despite 24 points and 15 boards from Nene. And to make matters worse, impact bench player Chris Andersen limped out of the building with an ankle sprain.
Billups and Anthony cannot return soon enough as far as Nuggets fans are concerned. With Portland making light of their own injury crisis and San Antonio on a hot streak, Denver are slipping down the standings and need a run of their own to get back on track.
But that is unlikely to come until Anthony and, particularly, Billups return to the floor.
Despite missing their two best players against the Jazz, George Karl’s grabbed a gutsy 105-95 road victory thanks largely to 23 points and nine assists from rookie Ty Lawson.
But the injury-hit group fell away in the second half on Sunday and lost 108-105, despite 24 points and 15 boards from Nene. And to make matters worse, impact bench player Chris Andersen limped out of the building with an ankle sprain.
Billups and Anthony cannot return soon enough as far as Nuggets fans are concerned. With Portland making light of their own injury crisis and San Antonio on a hot streak, Denver are slipping down the standings and need a run of their own to get back on track.
But that is unlikely to come until Anthony and, particularly, Billups return to the floor.
NFL: Playoff line-up is complete
So...after all the blood, sweat and tears, we have our 12 playoff contenders. Week 17 delivered some high stakes but the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets handled the pressure and punched their ticket to the post-season.
The wildcard games begin at the weekend. In the AFC, they will feature the Jets at the Cincinnati Bengals and then the Ravens at the New England Patriots. The Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers can put their feet up as they await the victors.
Over in the NFC, the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings have an extra week to prepare themselves while the wildcard teams scrap it out. The Green Bay Packers travel to the Arizona Cardinals while the Dallas Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles, having beaten Donovan McNabb and company on Sunday.
After 16 hard fought regular season games, it all begins again this weekend. What has gone before counts for little as the race to Super Bowl XLV heats up.
The wildcard games begin at the weekend. In the AFC, they will feature the Jets at the Cincinnati Bengals and then the Ravens at the New England Patriots. The Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers can put their feet up as they await the victors.
Over in the NFC, the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings have an extra week to prepare themselves while the wildcard teams scrap it out. The Green Bay Packers travel to the Arizona Cardinals while the Dallas Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles, having beaten Donovan McNabb and company on Sunday.
After 16 hard fought regular season games, it all begins again this weekend. What has gone before counts for little as the race to Super Bowl XLV heats up.
Soccer: Coyle heading to Bolton?
Bolton's search for Gary Megson's replacement might bring former Trotter Owen Coyle back to the club.
Coyle, now the Burnley boss, played for Bolton between 1993-1995 and reports suggest that he has been in discussions regarding the post at the Reebok Stadium.
Megson was never a favorite with the Bolton fans but Coyle would instantly enjoy greater respect and support. It would be tough on Burnley, who have made a bold start to life in the top flight, but few could blame Coyle for being ambitious.
Coyle, now the Burnley boss, played for Bolton between 1993-1995 and reports suggest that he has been in discussions regarding the post at the Reebok Stadium.
Megson was never a favorite with the Bolton fans but Coyle would instantly enjoy greater respect and support. It would be tough on Burnley, who have made a bold start to life in the top flight, but few could blame Coyle for being ambitious.
Cricket: Third Test in the balance
As far as England are concerned, much now depends on Matt Prior. The wicketkeeper batsman ended day two on 52 not out as the tourists reached stumps on 241-7.
England made a bright start to the day as they bowled South Africa out for 291 but things quickly deteriorated as Morne Morkel took three wickets and Andrew Strauss' men slumped to 73-4.
A handy 65 from Alastair Cook and a frustrating 48 from Ian Bell kept the hosts at bay while Prior completed his fifty as the evening session drew to a close.
England trail by 50 runs with three wickets remaining and the morning session on day three will be pivotal. If the tourists are bowled out in a hurry, the South Africans will be in the driving seat. Yet Prior, alongside Graeme Swann, could tilt the contest slightly in England's favour if they can build a first innings lead.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith took the new ball late in the day and it will have plenty of shine still tomorrow. If England can survive the first half hour without losing a wicket, they might just push the home side onto the back foot.
England made a bright start to the day as they bowled South Africa out for 291 but things quickly deteriorated as Morne Morkel took three wickets and Andrew Strauss' men slumped to 73-4.
A handy 65 from Alastair Cook and a frustrating 48 from Ian Bell kept the hosts at bay while Prior completed his fifty as the evening session drew to a close.
England trail by 50 runs with three wickets remaining and the morning session on day three will be pivotal. If the tourists are bowled out in a hurry, the South Africans will be in the driving seat. Yet Prior, alongside Graeme Swann, could tilt the contest slightly in England's favour if they can build a first innings lead.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith took the new ball late in the day and it will have plenty of shine still tomorrow. If England can survive the first half hour without losing a wicket, they might just push the home side onto the back foot.
Soccer: Leeds stun Manchester United
Leeds sprung the shock of the FA Cup Third Round with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Jermaine Beckford’s winner dumped Sir Alex Ferguson’s side out of the competition and struck a mighty blow for the underdog. United rotated their squad for the fixture but still started with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov leading the attack. In truth, it should have been no contest.
But Ferguson’s men are yet to hit their stride this season and this was the latest sign that all is not well for the Premier League champions.
As for Leeds, their outstanding display earns them a tie with Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham in the next round.
Elsewhere, Arsenal showed resilience in beating West Ham 2-1 and Chelsea thumped Watford 5-0.
Jermaine Beckford’s winner dumped Sir Alex Ferguson’s side out of the competition and struck a mighty blow for the underdog. United rotated their squad for the fixture but still started with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov leading the attack. In truth, it should have been no contest.
But Ferguson’s men are yet to hit their stride this season and this was the latest sign that all is not well for the Premier League champions.
As for Leeds, their outstanding display earns them a tie with Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham in the next round.
Elsewhere, Arsenal showed resilience in beating West Ham 2-1 and Chelsea thumped Watford 5-0.
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