* England 16-2 in second innings
* They need 346 to win
* If England fail to win, South Africa go top of test
rankings
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By Richard Sydenham
LONDON, Aug 19 (Reuters) – England slumped to 16 for two at
close of play against South Africa at Lord’s on Sunday, as their
pursuit of 346 to win the third and final test and square the
series started badly.
Jonathan Trott was six not out in 54 arduous minutes and Ian
Bell had four, after openers Alastair Cook (3) and Andrew
Strauss (1) both fell lbw to Vernon Philander.
England, who need a further 330, were given a minimum 103
overs to register what would be their highest fourth innings
score to win a test, and also the most on the ground.
Only West Indies have managed 300 or more (344 for one in
1984) in the fourth innings to win a Lord’s test. So history is
against England, who must win if they are to draw the series 1-1
and prevent South Africa from taking the world number one
ranking from them.
“Of course we are thinking of winning,” South Africa’s
Hashim Amla told reporters, after scoring his 16th test century.
“Fortunately we managed to take two wickets which has put us in
a good position, but it will still take a lot of hard work. If
we show the intensity we showed tonight, it should help.
Continued…
