England have kept alive their hopes of saving the first Test match against South Africa at The Oval this morning.
The hosts began the day on 102-4 and knew they had to have a solid opening session on day five to have a chance of snatching a draw.
Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara added 15 runs to the overnight total before the latter continued his indifferent form at Test level by swiping a short and wide ball from Dale Steyn onto his stumps.
Matt Prior came in to steady the ship for England and hit a pair of early boundaries before Bell was dropped by keeper AB de Villiers after edging an Imran Tahir delivery.
Prior's expansive play soon saw him reach 29 not out and Bell hit the last ball of session for four to see England reach 177-5, 75 runs behind the tourists.
Written by
Pascal Lemesre
Pascal Lemesre
