A patient century stand between Hashim Amla and Temba Bavuma put South Africa in a commanding position at 223-4 at tea on day four of the final Test against England yesterday.
Amla, a regular thorn in England’s side, was not out on 96 as he chases a second century in the match, with Bavuma unbeaten on 63. The hosts led by 356 runs on a pitch that has turn, movement and uneven bounce.
The pair have put on 117 for the fifth wicket and kept England wicketless between lunch and tea after the touring side had made good inroads in the opening session when a fired-up James Anderson grabbed two early wickets and Ben Stokes another.
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South Africa, who are likely to be down to three front-line bowlers in the second innings with seamer Kyle Abbott struggling due to a hamstring problem, must decide what target they want to set for England with four sessions remaining.
They will be mindful of overworking their depleted attack as they chase a consolation victory in the Test, with England having already claimed the series.
The previous highest chase successful in Test matches at SuperSport Park was 251 by England in 2000, although the pitch was only used for two days in that match after rain spoiled the contest and the teams decided to forfeit an innings each to force a result.
Anderson had earlier taken his number of test wickets to 433, one short of Indian great Kapil Dev in sixth place on the all-time list.
He first induced a rash drive from opener Stephen Cook (25) that provided a catch for wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and two balls later grabbed the big scalp of home captain A.B. de Villiers, LBW without scoring.
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