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Rampant SAfrica revives victory hopes in 1st test v England

Related Topics: England

LONDON (AP) South Africa roared back into contention in the first cricket test against England after taking seven wickets before lunch on Day 4, reducing the shell-shocked hosts to 182-8 at Lord’s on Sunday.

England’s lead was 279 runs but the match was up for grabs with five sessions remaining.

Resuming on 119-1 and a lead of 216 runs, England lost seven wickets for 43 runs in 93 balls. Jonny Bairstow was unbeaten on 28, although he was dropped on 7 by fit-again Vernon Philander in the deep.

Fast bowler Morne Morkel did the early damage, dismissing overnight batsmen Alastair Cook (69) and Gary Ballance (34) in quick succession after England added 20 runs.