Siddique defies South African pace attack

Junaid Siddique made Bangladesh's first half century of the series but could not stop South Africa taking charge on the first day of the second and final Test at Centurion Park Wednesday.

Bangladesh were 160 for six at tea with Siddique unbeaten on 66.

It was an improved performance by Bangladesh, who lost the first Test in Bloemfontein by an innings and 129 runs.

But the tourists struggled against the pace and bounce of Morne Morkel, who took four for 56.

Morkel spoiled a solid start by Bangladesh when he took two wickets shortly before lunch, dismissing Tamim Iqbal for 31 and Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful for one in successive overs.

Morkel then ended a 51-run stand between Siddique and new cap Raqibal Hasan when he had Raqibal caught at first slip. He bowled Shakib al Hasan off an inside edge to claim his fourth wicket.

The left-handed Siddique survived two chances, both against Morkel, hitting a difficult return catch to the bowler on 14 and being dropped on 19 by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, diving in front of first slip.

But it was an impressive innings by Siddique, who drove confidently on the off-side in posting his fifty off 85 balls with nine fours.

The start of the Bangladesh innings was in sharp contrast to a woeful batting effort in the first Test. Iqbal and Imrul Kayes were disciplined and patient in putting on 25 in an hour for the first wicket after Ashraful won the toss and decided to bat.

The stand was ended when Kayes edged a lifting delivery from Makhaya Ntini to South African captain Graeme Smith at first slip.

Iqbal and Siddique added 29 for the second wicket before Morkel produced a superb delivery which left Iqbal off the pitch and provided an easy catch for Boucher.

Morkel failed to hold a sharp return catch from Siddique but in the same over Ashraful pushed the ball back to the bowler who made no mistake with his second offering.