Opening batsman Pieter Malan led the Proteas to 170-4 at lunch on day five of the second Test against England at Newlands in Cape Town.
Nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj and captain Faf du Plessis were the casualties of Tuesday’s opening session, as the hosts moved within 268 runs of a 438-run target. Alternatively, they’ll attempt to force a draw.
Maharaj was dismissed lbw by fast bowler James Anderson, after which the introduction of spinner Dom Bess ended Du Plessis’ stay. Du Plessis swept a catch straight to square-leg fielder Joe Denly.
Malan will resume alongside fellow series debutant Rassie van der Dussen after the break. The steely opener is unbeaten on 83. Van der Dussen has one not out. They will attempt to successfully combat the second new ball, which was initially shared by Anderson and left-arm seamer Sam Curran – not the veteran Stuart Broad.
The home side lead the four-match series. They won the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion inside four days. St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth will host the third Test. The fourth will be played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
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South Africa: Pieter Malan, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Faf du Plessis (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Dwaine Pretorius, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.
England: Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
