Pacers help South Africa restrict England to 260-6 on day one of final Test

England ended a well contested first day of the fourth and final test against South Africa on 260 for six with the late loss of Ben Stokes giving heart to the tourists. Going into the final test, England lead the series 2-1 and will be hopeful of sealing a first home series win over the South Africans since 1998.

But Joe Root’s side will be slightly disappointed that having won the toss, none of their top order were able to go on and make a big score. Opener Alastair Cook made 46, skipper Root added 52 and Stokes looked impressive until he went in the penultimate over of the day for 58.

England kept the same side that eased to victory in the previous match at The Oval, whilst the visitors’ bowling attack had to make do without injured pace duo Vernon Philander and Chris Morris, replaced by Theunis de Bruyn and Duanne Olivier.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada looked in his best form of the tour and ended the day on a high, bowling Stokes after softening him up with a couple of quick, short deliveries with the second new ball. Despite the loss of opener Keaton Jennings for 17, England reached 67 …read more