South Africa vs England: Steven Finn and Ben Stokes give tourists edge in Johannesburg

England took seven South Africa first-innings wickets to end day one of the third Test in Johannesburg with the upper-hand in pursuit of a victory which would clinch the series. Steven Finn and Ben Stokes starred with two wickets apiece while wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow finished the day with four dismissals and a run-out.

Dean Elgar [46] and Hashim Amla [40] had guided the hosts to 117 for 2 before a clatter of wickets saw The Proteas lose six for 108 as their hopes of keeping the four-match series alive took an almighty blow. Captain AB de Villiers scored a rapid 36 from 40 balls but it would be England who would be exerting the pressure come the end of the day – though Chris Morris [26] and Kagiso Rabada [20] did put on an unbeaten 42 for the eighth wicket to leave their side 267 for 7 at the close.

The home side began the day in turmoil after the news on the morning of the game that Quinton de Kock would miss the match with a knee injury suffered overnight, with replacement Dane Vilas having to be flown in to Johannesburg to play. The 30-year-old arrived after play had begun, with South Africa later requiring his services with 26 from 38 balls.

Initially, England were unable to make a breakthrough with the new ball despite the overcast conditions, however Stiaan van Zyl [21] eventually fell following a curious paddle sweep which looped up to Bairstow. South Africa negotiated their way through the rest of the morning session without further loses but after the interval the tourists recaptured the initiative.

Ali had Elgar caught behind before Amla edged off a beauty from Finn and De Villiers mistimed a pull off Stokes. Faf du Plessis [16] top edged Finn to Alex Hales and Bairstow ran-out second Test centurion Temba Bavuma [23]. Vilas showed plenty of resistance but soon he was gone too with a horrible top edge off Broad to cap off Alastair Cook's side's authority.