Due to heavy rain, England and South Africa draw in the Taunton Test

Draw Between England and South Africa: The weather and the tenacity of first-innings centurion Marizanne Kapp and night watcher Tumi Sekhukhune all contributed to South Africa drawing the Test on the last day at Taunton on Thursday, designing England’s chances of a victory in equal measure.

In order to improve England’s position in the game, Kate Cross struck early. The opponents had only scored nine runs to their overnight score of 55/3. On the last evening, South Africa found itself in a pickle of sorts when England declared their first innings at 417/8 with a lead of 133 runs. They were reduced to 45/3. In spite of the dreary conditions, England’s hopes were revived by Sune Luus’ departure after 10 overs when Cross caught her LBW.

Despite South Africa’s valiant efforts, Sekhukhune persevered and played 134 balls for her undefeated 33. She scored 54 runs for the fifth wicket along with Lizelle Lee. However, Lee was the main scorer in that partnership, collecting 36 points off 51 shots until Sophie Ecclestone sent her out.

As a result, Kapp was called to the crease. She picked up where she left off in the first innings and followed up her 150 with an unbeaten 43 that was scored at a rather quick clip. In her 58-ball innings, Kapp hit eight boundaries, although the day’s play was hampered by continuous rain.

The last downpour, which prompted an early tea break, proved deadly enough to the chances of any meaningful continuation, so the two captains shook hands. In order to start the multi-format series on an even basis, England and South Africa divided two points apiece.

The lone Test, which will be South Africa’s first in more than seven years, will be followed by three T20 Internationals and as many ODIs.

Short results: England 417/8 decl. (Nat Scover 169*, Alice Davidson-Richards 107; Anne Bosch 3-77, Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-74); South Africa 284 (Marizanne Kapp 150; Kate Cross 4-63) & 181/5 (Marizanne Kapp 43*, Tumi Sekhukhune 33*; Issy Wong 2-46, Kate Cross 2-56).