South Africa quick Corbin Bosch scored his maiden professional ton while playing in the second Test match of his career in Bulawayo today (June 28), hitting a brisk century from No.8 against Zimbabwe.
In a helter skelter first day of the opening match of the series, South Africa – fielding a new-look side from the one that won the World Test Championship final at Lord's earlier this month – slipped to 55-4 in the morning session. However, a century on Test debut from teenage wonderkid Lhuan-dre Pretorius rescued the innings, in partnership with a half-century from Dewald Brevis.
1st Test, Zimbabwe vs South Africa
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By the time Bosch came in, South Africa were in a healthier yet still not safe position at 181-6, with Pretorius still at the crease. The pair built a century stand together before Pretorius was dismissed by Tanaka Chivanga, attempting to pull a short delivery but only getting it as far as mid on.
From there, it was the Bosch show as the 30-year-old powered his way to his maiden century in all professional cricket. He reached his second Test match half-century off 77 balls, but needed only another 46 to get to three figures. He reached the milestone in the last over of the day, which South Africa finished on 418-9.
How has Bosch fared in Test matches previously?
The innings continues Bosch's feast or famine start to Test cricket. Making his debut in the format last year against Pakistan, he scored an unbeaten 81* from No.9 in his first innings, again rescuing the Proteas from a tricky position. However, he was then out for a duck in the fourth innings of the game, which South Africa won by two wickets in a nervy chase.
He was dropped for the World Test Championship final in favour of Lungi Ngidi, but was included in Zimbabwe match after South Africa chose to look to the future, selecting only four of those who lifted the mace at Lord's.
Known for his express right-arm pace, Bosch took five wickets on his Test match debut, and makes up an inexperienced attack of 19-year-old Kwena Mapahaka and debutant Codi Yusuf, alongside Wiaan Mulder – who is reprising his role at No.3 – in the game.
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