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1st Test: Maharaj spins to wrap England early; SA 331 runs away from victory

South Africa require 331 runs to win the first Test to take a lead in the four-Test series.

1st Test: Maharaj spins to wrap England early; SA 331 runs away from victory

Keshav Maharaj (Photo: AFP)

South Africa’s bowling unit led by spinner Keshav Maharaj (4/85) put the visitors on driver’s seat against England as they were wrapped for 233 runs on Day 4 of the first Test at Lord’s on Sunday.

Now, South Africa require 331 runs to win the first Test to take a lead in the four-Test series.

England seemed struggling from the start of the day as they lost as many as seven wickets in the first session of the Test. England were 182/8 at Lunch, facing the Proteas’ bowling unit at its intimidating best.

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Opener Alastair Cook and wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow were the only batsmen in England line-up with a fifty-plus knock.

Cook scored 69 off 192 balls with 10 boundaries, while Bairstow managed to make 51 runs off 76 deliveries.

Meanwhile for South Africa, Maharaj enjoyed his day to the fullest as he claimed four wickets. Joe Root (5), Bairstow, Moeen Ali (7) and Stuart Broad (0) were the victims of the 27-year-old orthodox spinner.

Pacer Morne Morkel, who claimed four wickets in the first innings, took the scalp of England top-order, comprising Cook, Keaton Jennings (33) and Garry Ballance (34).

Spearhead Kagiso Rabada also claimed three wickets in Ben Stokes (1), Liam Dawson (0) and Mark Wood (28).

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