Andrew Hall

South Africa resumed in the morning on 164/5, with Neil McKenzie and Mark Boucher on 17 and two respectively.

It was a crucial session for England, as they needed early wickets to get back into the game. The visitors needed to continue building - with their nose in front, a few more runs would confirm their ascendancy.

With the exception of Andrew Flintoff, England bowled too many loose deliveries and the sixth wicket pair did not miss out on one.

McKenzie and Boucher rattled the score up to 219 (with the fourth SA fifty coming in only 53 deliveries), with a range of strokes around the wicket. England were not helped by the generosity of Mark Butcher down at second slip after 30 minutes of play.

Flintoff's persistence was at last rewarded. McKenzie mishit a hook shot and was caught at mid on for 38. Boucher got an outside edge and was caught by Alec Stewart in his next over for 39.

Monde Zondeki again showed good temperament and stuck with Andrew Hall to score 49 runs for the eighth wicket. Hall was merciless against the new ball and - in what could possibly be a match-winning innings - strafed 46 off 45 before the break.

Zondeki was bowled by the pedestrian Bicknell, before Ntini reached lunch with one run to his name.