ENGLAND failed to capitalise on a century-stand from openers Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley on day one of the fourth test in South Africa.
Zak Crawley made his test first half-century at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium en route to a sturdy 66 after rain delayed the start of play.
But a smattering of wickets fell once Beuran Hendricks provided the vital breakthrough by getting Dom Sibley caught behind.
One became two as Crawley soon dollied up to first slip before Joe Denly and Ben Stokes fell cheaply.
England had thus gone from producing their first three-figure opening partnership in 70 innings to the more familiar tale of losing four wickets for 50 runs in a single session.
Stokes also drew worrying attention off the match itself when clashing with a fan as he exited the pitch.
Commentators were forced to apologise for the batsmen’s explicit use of language that was picked up on the pitchside microphones.
With a series victory within England’s grasp having claimed a 2-1 lead with a romp home in Port Elizabeth, the tourists closed on 192-4.
More to follow.
