Bess puts England in control vs SA

The rain reduced play in the morning session at St George’s Park to one hour and 45 minutes, and when the match resumed South Africa was 200 for six shortly before close of play..

Bess rampaged through the home side’s top order, leaving South Africa on 113 for five at one stage in reply to England’s first-innings total of 499 for nine declared.

The 22-year-old had snagged two overnight as South Africa lost wickets at the start of their innings in the gloom at the close of the second day, and he picked up where he left off on Saturday.

Dean Elgar was dismissed first, edging the ball off his pad to Ollie Pope at silly point, for 35 runs followed by captain Francois du Plessis.

Bess’ fifth wicket came two balls later, to joyous celebration, as Van der Dussen played on and was bowled for 24. Bess had not been selected for the tour, but he was flown out to South Africa just before Christmas as cover when a virus struck the England camp.

He had figures of 5-48 in the third session, but Quinton de Kock defied the England bowlers with anunbeaten 58.

Brief scores: England 499/9 decl vs South Africa 200/6 in 74 overs (Q de Kock 58*, D Boss 5/48)