Credit: ICC
On August 2, 2003, Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith produced one of the best knocks of his Test career to help his team thrash England at iconic Lord’s by an innings and 92 runs. Winning the toss, the Protea captain Smith elected to field first and Makhaya Ntini showed his brilliance to put pressure on the hosts. The pacer grabbed a fifer and played a major part in bundling out England at a score of 173 only. Andrew Hall also looked effective with the ball as he also picked up three wickets. Shaun Pollock also got two scalps.
Following the total, the Protea side’s batting unit looked relentless. Both Herschelle Gibbs and Smith stitched a 133-run stand for the opening wicket to make England’s condition worse. Gibbs departed after scoring 49 off 96 but Smith kept on hammering English bowlers and he got support from veteran Gary Kirsten, who went on to play a 108-run innings. Both Smith and Kirsten built a 257-run stand for the second wicket and following Kirsten's departure, Boeta Dipenaar joined Smith and he also struck 92 runs. Smith’s knock ended after scoring 259 off 370. His innings was studded with 34 fours. James Anderson cleaned him up to bring an end to his spectacular knock. South Africa declared their innings at the total of 682/6 and took a colossal 509-run lead.
Makhaya Ntini again stepped up for South Africa in the second innings
The massive lead emboldened South Africa’s bowling attack’s confidence. Ntini looked ruthless with the ball again and grabbed a fifer. England capitulated on 417 but Andrew Flintoff put up a fight with his 142-run innings. Ntini again clinched a five-wicket haul and became the highest wicket-taker in the game.
Both Smith and Ntini became the Player of the Match (POTM) for their brilliant performances. In the five-match series, the Proteas went on to take a 1-0 lead with their win in the second match.
