The Proteas will have the opportunity to bat England out of the contest on day three of the second Test at Trent Bridge.
South Africa have played themselves into a powerful position. After bowling England out for 205 on day two, and after making a great start to their second innings, they should be looking to consolidate early on day three.
There is no need to force the issue with nine sessions remaining in the contest (weather permitting). The Proteas will begin the first session of day three with a 205-run lead. They will have two set batsmen at the crease, namely Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla, as well as nine second-innings wickets in hand.
The pitch is expected to deteriorate further on days four and five. If South Africa bat well on day three and keep wickets in hand, they will stretch their lead beyond the 400-mark. If everything goes according to plan, the visitors may look to have a bowl at England late in the day.
England have to strike early if they are to get themselves back into this contest. Cloudy conditions have been forecast and so the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad could be a factor for the hosts in the first session.
SA 335 (1st innings) – Hashim Amla 78, Quinton de Kock 68, Vernon Philander 54, James Anderson 5-72
England 205 (1st innings) – Joe Root 78, Jonny Bairstow 45, Keshav Maharaj 3-21, Chris Morris 3-38
SA 75-1 (2nd innings) – Dean Elgar 38 not out, Hashim Amla 23 not out
South Africa lead by 205 runs
