England fight back against South Africa

England fought back to limit their first-innings deficit to 62 runs against the host in the first test at Supersport Park and then struck early to leave the Proteas on 9 runs for 1 wicket at stumps.



At the close of the third day\'s play South Africa led by 71 runs.



South Africa earlier dismissed England for 356 in their first innings. England had resumed on 88 for 1 replying to South Africa’s first innings score of 418.



The Proteas would have expected a bigger lead with the tourists on 242 for 8 when Stuart Broad was out shortly after tea. However, a stand of 106 runs in 23 overs for the ninth wicket between top-scorer Graeme Swann and James Anderson held the home side up for 104 minutes in the final session.



Swann hit a test-career best of 85 and Anderson contributed 29.



Paul Harris was the most successful bowler for South Africa. He ended with 5 for 123, while Makhaya Ntini supported with 2 for 78.



Scores in the match so far are South Africa 418 and 9 for 1 and England 356.