Durban: England tightened their grip on the third day of the first Test at Kingsmead yesterday against a South African team weakened by an injury to fast bowler Dale Steyn. England built on a first innings lead of 89, reaching 172 for three in their second innings at the close of play, an overall lead of 261 runs.


SA's Dean Elgar celebrates his century in Durban yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

Joe Root made 60 not out, while first innings top-scorer Nick Compton survived two dropped catches before being caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers off Morne Morkel for 49. Both Compton's chances were off Morkel, who also had Root dropped by a leaping De Villiers on six.