Whereas the seamers performed starring roles, wicketkeeper Amy Jones and left-arm spinner Ecclestone additionally proved essential. They ensured that South Africa’s prime order, regardless of batting nicely, had been unable to be ruthless within the method of Bouchier and Nat Sciver-Brunt for England on day one.
Ecclestone might have gotten a contact lucky with the wicket of Wolvaardt if she did get an edge, however that second adopted a spell of outstanding consistency that gave the batter so few choices to attain and put the strain again on.
Wolvaardt appeared comfortable to defend Ecclestone and rating from the opposite finish, however she might solely defy the spinner’s greatness for thus lengthy, getting caught on the crease by one defensive prod too many.
The consequence was a livid Wolvaardt thumping her helmet together with her bat as she marched off in disbelief, and whereas that was Ecclestone’s solely scalp, she twirled away for 25 overs and conceded simply 40, which allowed captain Knight to rotate her seamers commonly and guarantee they had been all nicely rested between spells.
In the meantime, Jones’ means to face as much as the medium-pacers arrange the prized wicket of Kapp, who additionally discovered herself caught within the crease and unable to govern the ball as successfully as she had in opposition to Bell and Filer.
Kapp turned annoyed and misplaced her off stump, whereas De Klerk additionally fell sufferer to the identical entice as she obtained an edge via to Jones for a pointy catch.
Luus had beforehand dropped anchor as Kapp was extra aggressive, however following the wickets she seemed unsure about whether or not to proceed with the strategy or attempt to enhance her strike price when batting with the tail, ultimately falling to the brand new ball by edging Filer behind after a 148-ball keep.
The pitch is exhibiting indicators of deteriorating and Beaumont and Knight needed to negotiate some uneven bounce on the finish of the day.
England’s wholesome lead places them in a commanding place, although a forecast for moist climate on day 4 might pressure them to maneuver the sport alongside at a faster price.