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Page last updated at 17:52 GMT, Sunday, 3 January 2010

England in good shape at Cape Town, says James Anderson

James Anderson
Anderson picked up the wickets of Ashwell Prince and James Anderson

Bowler James Anderson was satisfied with England's performance despite letting South Africa off the hook on day one of the third Test at Newlands.

The hosts weathered serious trouble at 127-5 to end up with a more promising 279-6 after being put in by England.

Anderson (2-62) told BBC Sport: "We bowled reasonably well and I think it's even stevens at this stage.

"Conditions were in favour of bowling in the morning. Apparently the best time to bat is on days two and three."

England were kept at bay by Jacques Kallis, who hit his second century of the series.

"He's very focused when he bats and very difficult to bowl at. You've just got to deal with it. You come across these players in Test cricket.

"The lateness that he plays the ball is incredible - and even when the ball is reversing he can pick it, which makes it even harder," said Anderson.

He was asked to reflect on Graeme Swann's drop of Graeme Smith in the second over, which would have left South Africa two wickets down with just one run on the board.

"On another day we could have had Kallis in early but it wasn't to be," Anderson replied.

"But we'll have the new ball in our hands tomorrow and have to do our best to get him out early."

Anderson backed the decision to bowl first after winning the toss, adding: "The conditions this morning were very bowler-friendly.

"In the warm-up it was swinging a lot - and with rain around as well, it was a very easy choice for us to bowl.

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"We're happy with the decision. They've played really well - Kallis played unbelievably well."

Kallis's ton was his 33rd in Tests, putting him ahead of Steve Waugh and fifth in the all-time list of century-makers.

Teammate - and next-door neighbour - Mark Boucher said: "His defence is so good and he's so calm.

"He's hungry for runs and he's worked hard on his fitness. Now the hard work is paying off. A hungry Jacques Kallis is always a dangerous sign for the opposition.

"He is very focused - that's what makes him so good. I always enjoy batting with Jacques."

He added: "We were 50 for three and 120-odd for five and we played some dirty cricket to get back into it.

"Our tail is wagging - and we hope that can continue."



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see also
Kallis century holds up England
03 Jan 10 |  England
Middlesex hopeful of Ntini deal
03 Jan 10 |  Middlesex
Jonathan Agnew column
03 Jan 10 |  England
England wrap up emphatic Test win
30 Dec 09 |  England
Swann's haul crowns 'dream' year
30 Dec 09 |  England
Michael Vaughan Q&A
31 Dec 09 |  Cricket
Live cricket on the BBC
26 Oct 11 |  Cricket
England in South Africa 2009-10
17 Jan 10 |  England


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FROM OTHER SPORT SITES
West Australian Kallis century revives South Africa - 4 hrs ago
Daily Express Jacques Kallis defies England - 5 hrs ago
3 News Kallis helps South Africa through to decent total - 6 hrs ago
The Independent England frustrated as Kallis refuses to be moved - 6 hrs ago
The Sun Kallis is Jacques the knife - 8 hrs ago