Strauss Makes Solid Start, After Swann 5-wickets

Centurion: Spinner Graeme Swann picked up the third five-wicket haul of his fledgling Test career before England reached 88-1 in reply to South Africa's 418.

Resuming on 262-4 on day two of the first Test in Centurion, South Africa built patiently all the way down on a tough day for England's bowlers.

Mark Boucher survived a drop on 25 to hit 49 while Graham Onions supported Swann's 5-110 with figures of 3-86.

Alastair Cook fell to Friedel de Wet for 15 as England began their innings.

On a wicket that had quickened up considerably since the opening day, Makhaya Ntini caused Cook, Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott a few early problems. But with Strauss ending the day in good shape on 44 and Trott adding an unflustered 18, England will still be reasonably confident they can get close to South Africa's score on the third day.

Factoring in possible weekend showers, the draw appears the likeliest result, though South Africa will be confident they can still do enough to force a victory.

Much could depend on how South Africa's four-man bowling attack copes without its spearhead Dale Steyn - a late injury withdrawal from this match.

South Africa had spent most of the day building their score intelligently, although at times very slowly, to post the second best first innings total in all Tests at Centurion.

Brief scores
South Africa: 418 (Kallis 120, Swann 5-110)
England: 88 for 1 (Strauss 44*)
Status: England trail by 330 runs

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