England's victory hopes over SA dashed by rain

Hopes of a series-levelling England victory were ever more remote after South African resistance and bad weather halted home progress at Headingley yesterday

England could turn their 351 for five into only 425 all out — despite the best efforts of Matt Prior (68) — and then there was time between the storms for only 17 fruitless overs against openers Graeme Smith and Jacques Rudolph on day four of the second Test.

Twice in less than five hours, downpours deposited lakes on the outfield, and South Africa closed on the safety of 39 for none, with a lead of 33 on the third day.

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