England remain in control of the second cricket test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. The tourists enjoy an overall lead of 264 runs over the Proteas after the third day’s play.
They will resume their second innings on 218 for four on Monday morning. England dismissed the South Africans for 223 in their first innings early on Sunday, to secure a 46-run lead.
South Africa resumed their first innings on 215 for 8 on Sunday but England’s James Anderson sent Kagiso Rabada packing with the first ball of the day.
Minutes later, Anderson brought the Proteas innings to a disappointing end with the dismissal of Anrich Nortje for four South Africa, 223 all out.
England started their second innings with a 46-run lead but Rabada also struck early Zack Crawley was out for 25. Dom Sibley and Joe Denly, however, got stuck in.
Anrich Nortje finally brought an end to their 73-run, second-wicket partnership. Nortje and Dwaine Pretorius joined forces to dismiss Denley for 31 before tea.
When play resumed, England continued to dominate with the bat and Sibley went on to score his first test-50. Sibley and his captain, Joe Root, then made life very difficult for the Proteas’ bowlers
A patient Root finally hit his second test-50 at Newlands much to the delight of England’s Barmy Army but minutes before stumps Pretorius finally broke the 116-run, third-wicket partnership. Root was caught by Faf du Plessis for 61 runs.
Dominic Bess was sent in as night watchman but he didn’t last long. He was out for a duck and the umpires called it a day. Sibley will resume with his score on he is not out on 85 and England will resume their second innings on 218 for four.
