Hanco Olivier and Janneman Malan struck half-centuries as South Africa Under-19s produced a much-improved batting performance on day three to give themselves a chance of saving the second youth Test against England at Wantage Road.
After they were skittled for just 77 yesterday, Olivier and Janneman steadied the Proteas’ ship in their follow-on with a third-wicket stand of 109.
Malan contributed 55 and Olivier was unbeaten with 79 of South Africa’s 235 for four, still 81 short of making the hosts bat again.
When Yorkshire pair Josh Shaw and Will Rhodes removed the tourists’ openers with just 71 on the board, England has aspirations of wrapping up victory today.
However, Olivier and Malan came to the rescue with a frustrating 51-over stay at the crease.
The latter’s 155-ball knock was ended when Saqib Mahmood had him caught before Grant Roelofsen was bowled cheaply by Luke Wood.
Olivier, who faced 235 deliveries, and skipper Sibonelo Makhanya then combined to take their side to the close with an unbroken stand of 46.