Bosch reflects on 'tough' day for Proteas women in Taunton: 'We tried to stay patient'

Proteas all-rounder Anneke Bosch says it was a tough day in the field as England took control on day two of the sole Test at County Ground in Taunton on Tuesday.

England made South Africa toil hard in overcast conditions as they reached stumps on 328-6 with a 44-run lead.

Bosch was the pick of the Proteas attack as she captured three wickets for 59 runs in 15 overs.

SCORECARD | England v Proteas - sole Test

But the day belonged to centurions Nat Sciver and Alice Davidson-Richards with their devastating 207-run sixth-wicket partnership.

Sciver walked to the crease with her side in slight trouble at 86-3 but stood tall and notched up her third Test century. 

However, Tumi Sekhukhune grabbed her maiden Test wicket with the penultimate ball of the day as Davidson-Richards was caught for a brilliant maiden Test century. She departed for 107 off 194 balls (hitting 17 fours).

"The last wicket at the end helped the feeling a bit. We closed off on a high with that wicket," Bosch told reporters on Tuesday.

"It would've been worst if we couldn't break that partnership. I'm proud of the team for starting the way we did, but unfortunately, we just let it go towards the end and that partnership between Nat and Alice made it difficult for us. Luckily, there will be one new batter in."

It was a long day at the office for the Proteas as they nearly bowled 100 overs on Day 2. 

The hosts were 121-5 before Sciver and Davidson-Richards' double-century stand broke the Proteas' momentum apart as they tried to practise patience.

"Sune told the team to just stay patient and try to stick to our lines and lengths," said Bosch.

"That's what we tried to do after the drinks break and just tried to be patient, pitched good lengths and let the pitch work for you."