Dean Elgar’s brave and determined innings of 72 not out, is our Play of the Day.

South Africa are on the ropes. England dominated with the bat on day four at The Oval to set the visitors a target of 492. They then proceeded to reduce the Proteas to 52-4.

Fortunately, a couple of the more combative South Africans showed a willingness to roll with the punches. Elgar and Temba Bavuma did well to remain at the crease during a testing final hour of play.

Elgar copped several blows to the body over the course of his innings. Crucially for South Africa, the gritty left-handed batsman did not allow these injuries to break his concentration.

The odds are against the Proteas saving this Test. England will go into day five – a day that may see more than 90 overs due to the rain delays experienced earlier in the Test – needing six wickets for victory. Elgar and Bavuma are the last of the specialist batsmen.

Whether South Africa go on to lose or draw, Elgar deserves plaudits for his performance late on day four. A solid defensive display was required, given the situation. Elgar also managed to put the bad balls away, and scored his 72 runs off 111 deliveries by the close of play.

Photo: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images