SA U19 spinner Nathan Rossouw took 5-62 to keep England U19 in check on day two of the second and final Youth Test at the Western Province Cricket Club in Cape Town.

Rossouw bowled 37 impressive overs, 15 of which were maidens, as the tourists replied to the hosts’ 224 all out by going to stumps on 251-8.

Aaryan Sawant was the glue that held the English innings together – the right-hander facing 228 deliveries for a patient unbeaten 83 (five fours, one six).

Kesh Fonseka (52 off 82 balls; seven fours, two sixes) was other half-centurion for the visitors, though his innings was far more attacking and came as they held the advantage early in the day.

England had started the day batting on 1-0 with Archie Vaughan (24) and Ben Dawkins (22) putting on 47 for the opening wicket, before both fell in quick succession to Rossouw.

Then came the main early partnership as Fonseka and Sawant combined for 70, helping their side reach 122-2 when the former was run out by Bandile Mbatha.

Ben Mayes (26) then picked up the baton by adding 43 alongside Sawant to carry the tourists to 165-3 and the most dominant position of the day.

However, it was the Junior Proteas who roared back from there with Rossouw dismissing Mayes, Thomas Rew (four) and then Harry Moore (nought) to complete his five-for.

At the other end Chad Mason (1-43) had Farhan Ahmed stumped for one as the total slipped to 181-7.

England did recover towards the end after Jason Rowles (1-45) got rid of Eddie Jack (10), with the lead slowly extended to 27 by the close.

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images