England vs South Africa, 2nd Test Day 2 preview: First session crucial as South Africa take control

South Africa nosed ahead of England at Centurion on a day where 15 wickets went down. Now 72/4, they lead by 175 runs where the fast bowlers from both sides have made life difficult for batsmen on both days. Anything beyond 300 will be difficult to chase.

Debutant Rassie van der Dussen (17) is at the crease along with night-watchman Anrich Nortje (4). With Quinton de Kock, Dwaine Pretorius, and Vernon Philander to follow, England will need to break through early on the third morning.

James Anderson (1/19) got Aiden Markram (2) out of the way early, trapping him leg-before with one that came into him. Stuart Broad (1/6) then had Zubayr Hamza (4) caught down the legside.

Dean Elgar (22) and Faf du Plessis (20) then played some excellent strokes, the former thriving on conventional drives along the ground, the latter hooking and pulling with panache, including a six off Jofra Archer (2/37) into the stands.

Archer then found extra pace to snare Elgar caught down leg, while du Plessis was caught at deep square leg when he went down on one knee to execute an improbable semi-pull.

Earlier in the day, England had reached 142/3 before Philander (4/16) and Kagiso Rabada (3/68) bowled them out for 181. Joe Denly scored a round 50 while Ben Stokes got 35.

Key players

Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa): The debutant survived a few anxious moments before stumps, including one that bounced just short of Stokes in the slip. This, however, is his chance to help South Africa pull off a win in an otherwise fruitless year.

Sam Curran (England): The pick of the English bowlers so far, Curran beat the bat several times in both innings, finishing with 4/58. Given the angle from which he bowls, he is likely to bother the batsmen tomorrow. And who knows? He may even need to bat.

Brief scores

South Africa 284 (Quinton de Kock 95; Stuart Broad 4/58, Sam Curran 4/58) and 72/4 (Dean Elgar 22; Jofra Archer 2/37) lead England 181 (Joe Denly 50; Vernon Philander 4/16) by 175 runs.

Prediction

South Africa to set England a target of 275 and pick up 4 wickets.