Ian Bell remained unbeaten at 36 which came off 166 balls © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
London: Jul 22, 2012
Ian Bell and Matt Prior led England's fightback after they lost Ravi Bopara early on in the first session of the final day's play against South Africa at the Kennington Oval in London.
England reached 177 for five at lunch, trailing by a further 75 runs in their second innings.
Bell remained unbeaten at 36 which came off 166 balls, accompanied by Prior at 29 off 53 balls.
England lost only one wicket in form of Bopara, who fell to pacer Dale Steyn after showing positive intent in the morning session.
Earlier, a triple hundred by Hashim Amla and a well-designed century on day four by all-rounder Jacques Kallis has put South Africa in driver’s seat to eliminate England’s chances of winning the first Test.
Amla made 311 not out as South Africa made 637 for two declared; a first innings lead of 252.
Later four strikes by South Africa's bowlers had England reeling on the fourth day of the first Test match at the Oval on Sunday.
All the four bowlers chipped with a wicket each on day four as the English top order gave in to hostile bowling by the visitors.
Skipper Andrew Strauss top scored with 27 runs before being caught by Vernon Philander at square-leg, attempting to sweep Imran Tahir, leading to a top edge.
Brief Scores: England 385 (Alastair Cook 115, Jonathan Trott 71; Morne Morkel 4 for 72) & 177 for 5 (Ian Bell 36*, Matt Prior 29; Dale Steyn 2 for 40) trail South Africa 637 for 2 decl (Hashim Amla 311*, Jacques Kallis 182*, Graeme Smith 131; James Anderson 1 for 116) by 75 runs
