Dominic Sibley fell a run short of a century as England Under-19s enjoyed a profitable first day of the second youth Test against South Africa at Wantage Road.
England reached the close well placed at 252 for three ,with Sibley’s untimely dismissal about the only sour point.
The Surrey opener patiently eased towards three figures, hitting 13 fours and a six in his 251-ball stay, before offering a catch to wicketkeeper Grant Roelofsen off Sibonelo Makhanya.
Makhanya struck again just before the close to remove skipper Will Rhodes, for 32, but Tom Alsop remained unbeaten on 72.
Opener Jonathan Tattersall was the only other batsman to depart on the first day when he became the first of three catches for Roelofsen, with Aiden Brooker claiming his wicket.
England made one change from last week’s drawn opening match in Cambridge with right-armer Saqib Mahmood replacing Matthew Fisher.