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South Africa close in on victory

South Africa close in on victory
© PA Photos
South Africa require six wickets during the final day of play to claim victory over England in the first Test at the Oval.

South Africa require six wickets during the final day of their opening Test match against England tomorrow at the Kia Oval to take a 1-0 lead in the three-game series.

Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis returned to the crease for South Africa this morning and proceeded to score runs on a frequent basis without being troubled by England's bowling attack.

The pair took the visitors through to tea where captain Graeme Smith opted to declare with his side 637-2 and 252 runs in front of England. Amla ended unbeaten on 311, while partner Kallis had 182 runs to his name.

England's second innings got off to a bad start when vice-captain Alastair Cook was caught by AB de Villiers off the bowling of Vernon Philander without troubling the score.

Jonathan Trott soon followed for a score of 10 when he was also caught by De Villiers, while his replacement Kevin Pietersen added 16 to England's total before he was clean bowled by Morne Morkel.

Captain Andrew Strauss's resistance was ended shortly after when he was caught by Philander trying to play a sweep shot.

That promoted Ravi Bopara to the crease and between him and Ian Bell, they got England to the close of play 102-4. Bell will resume on 14, with Bopara one run better off.

The home team currently trail South Africa by 150 runs.

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