Finn makes breakthrough as England set South Africa 416 to win first Test
ByReuters
Updated 29/12/2015 at 16:18 GMT
South Africa v England: First Test, Durban - stumps (day four): England 303 (Compton 85) and 326 (Bairstow 79), South Africa 214 (Elgar 118 not out) and 136/4 - South Africa require 416 to win.
England's Jonny Bairstow plays a shot during the first cricket test match in Durban, South Africa
Image credit: Reuters
Steven Finn took three wickets to leave South Africa with a fifth-day challenge as they chased 416 to win the opening Test in Durban.
Ben Stokes had taken the first, removing Stiaan van Zyl, before Finn tempted both Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla into edges, caught by Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow respectively.
As stumps approached, Finn also removed Faf du Plessis, caught by Alastair Cook for 9.
Bairstow had earlier scored a quickfire 79 as England set their hosts a target at Kingsmead.
England were 275 for seven at lunch on the fourth day on Tuesday, losing four wickets but adding 103 runs to their overnight score of 172 for three, before the tourists were eventually bowled out for 326.
South Africa off-spinner Dane Piedt claimed a five-wicket haul - the first by a South African spinner in six years - but it was England who continued their dominance of the game by increasing their scoring rate even though they lost wickets.
Joe Root, who was unbeaten on 60 overnight, added 13 to his tally before guiding a Kyle Abbott delivery to first slip to be caught by Stiaan van Zyl.
Ben Stokes followed five runs later as a bouncing delivery from Piedt caught his gloves and went straight up in the air for Dean Elgar to complete the catch.
James Taylor, seeking to force the pace, came down the track to Piedt but was beaten and stumped by AB de Villiers for 42.
Moeen Ali was Piedt's fifth victim but the lbw dismissal came only after a review having initially been given not out. He made 16 runs.
Bairstow kicked on to reach 79 batting with the England tail until he was eventually caught out going on the attack as England set the hosts a formidable required total for victory.
South Africa, without the injured Dale Steyn in attack, did not take the new ball as Piedt went in search for a fifth wicket and the seamers looked for a some reverse swing.
Steyn will not bowl again in the test after his shoulder spasm failed to clear up overnight, officials said before Tuesday's play.
He was still experiencing discomfort after pain restricted his bowling in England's second innings on Monday.
A scan on his right shoulder revealed no tear but with the second test in Cape Town to start on Saturday, South African team management were obviously taking no chances.
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