S Africa avert follow-on

AFP, LONDON: Temba Bavuma's gutsy fifty saw South Africa avoid the follow-on in the third Test against England at The Oval on Saturday.

When rain led to an early lunch on the third day, England were 20 without loss in their second innings -- a lead of 198 runs. Former captain Alastair Cook was six not out and fellow left-hander Keaton Jennings unbeaten on 10.

But the struggling South Africa-born Jennings, out for nought in the first innings of this match, nearly fell cheaply again to another slip catch off Vernon Philander when he edged the paceman on six.

But third slip Dean Elgar could not hold the sharp chance and the ball went for four. Earlier, Bavuma's 52 took the Proteas to 175 all out in reply to England's first innings 353 -- a deficit of 178.

He was eventually out when Toby Roland-Jones, who'd removed all of South Africa's top four in a sensational debut bowling effort on Friday, had him caught behind by Jonny Bairstow.

S Africa avert follow-on

AFP, LONDON: Temba Bavumas gutsy fifty saw South Africa avoid the follow-on in the third Test against England at The Oval on Saturday. When rain led to an early lunch on the third day, England were 20 without loss in their second innings -- a lead of 198 runs. Former captain Alastair Cook was six not out and fellow left-hander Keaton Jennings unbeaten on 10. But the struggling South Africa-born Jennings, out for nought in the first innings of this match, nearly fell cheaply again to another slip catch off Vernon Philander when he edged the paceman on six. But third slip Dean Elgar could not hold the sharp chance and the ball went for four. Earlier, Bavumas 52 took the Proteas to 175 all out in reply to Englands first innings 353 -- a deficit of 178. He was eventually out when Toby Roland-Jones, whod removed all of South Africas top four in a sensational debut bowling effort on Friday, had him caught behind by Jonny Bairstow.