Hashim Amla grinds England down as South Africa launch attritional counter-attack

South Africa took a major step towards salvaging a draw in the second Test against England after Hashim Amla's 24<sup>th Test century capped a day of dominance in Cape Town. The Proteas captain finished on 157 not out to frustrate the tourists but 276 runs still separate the hosts from parity.

Amla put on 187 for the third wicket with AB de Villiers (88) before an unbeaten 85-run partnership with Faf du Plessis [51 not out], who strolled to his eighth Test half-century before the close, continued the punishment. South Africa will resume day four on 353 for 3 and with conditions remaining good for batting the home side will look to close in on England's mammoth first innings total of 629 for 6dec.

Alastair Cook's side were given a taste of their own medicine but after having dropped De Villiers on day two, they missed the chance to oust Amla on 78 when James Anderson failed to grasp an edge off Joe Root. Seven South African wickets remain to fall before England can realistically eye a victory which looks increasingly unlikely after another batting clinic at Newlands.