The bowlers will need to put England under immediate pressure as they go into day three on 220-9, trailing the hosts by 142 runs.
An extremely spirited fightback and rain are the only things that are going to get the Proteas back into this match, after a day which saw England completely outclass their opponents in all disciplines.
England went into day two on 260-6, giving this fourth and final Test in Manchester all the makings of an even contest. But Jonny Barstow’s 99, James Anderson’s 4-33 and a one-handed Ben Stokes slip catch sees the Proteas on the ropes once again.
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Weather hasn’t had a say so far, but light rain is expected on Sunday, and showers are expected on Monday and Tuesday. The sides will know this and England skipper Joe Root will have an idea of how much he’ll want in the second innings before he declares and gives his side enough time to take another 10 wickets.
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The best the South Africans can do is frustrate their opponents with a useful 10th-wicket stand between Morne Morkel and Duanne Olivier, before the bowlers apply some early pressure and force a change in game plan from Root’s charges.
Rain might well play its part and have a say in the outcome of this game, but this is one the Proteas have to win in order to avoid losing the series. Today is moving day.
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Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
