England stretch lead, South Africa lose Steyn

England tightened their grip on the third day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Monday against a South African team weakened by an injury to fast bowler Dale Steyn.

England built on a first innings lead of 89, reaching 58 for two in their second innings at tea, an overall lead of 147.

Dean Elgar carried his bat for a fighting 118 not out but had minimal support from his teammates as South Africa were bowled out for 214. Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali took four wickets each for England.

South Africa suffered a blow early in the second innings when Steyn left the field with a right shoulder strain after bowling two balls of his fourth over.

He returned soon afterwards and bowled three balls of the 21st over, almost forcing Nick Compton to play on to his stumps, before crying off again. It was announced that he would go for a scan later.

Steyn, who missed most of a recent series in India with a groin injury, took four for 70 in the first innings in his first match appearance since November 5.

Off-spinner Dane Piedt took the first two wickets in the second innings, trapping England captain Alastair Cook leg before wicket for seven before having Alex Hales caught at long-on for 26.

England could have been three down if Elgar, South Africa’s batting hero, had held a chance from Compton, on 11, at second slip off Morne Morkel.

In Morkel’s next over, Joe Root, on six, gloved an attempted hook and wicket keeper AB de Villiers leapt high but could not hold a difficult chance.

The left-handed Elgar batted resolutely for more than six hours while his teammates struggled, reaching his fourth Test century off 211 balls, with eight fours and a six.