Root hit four boundaries and a six during his unbeaten knock of 60

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England batsman Joe Root scored an unbeaten 60 to put his side in a dominant position against South Africa on the third day of the first Test in Durban.

South Africa could have held the advantage heading into the fourth day, but their fielding let them down as Dean Elgar dropped Nick Compton on 11 at second slip, while AB de Villiers spilled a chance behind the stumps that would have seen Root on his way back to the pavilion for just six runs.

Starting out the day on 137/4, the Proteas found themselves in deep trouble as England ripped through their middle order to leave them on 156/7.

However, Elgar and Dale Steyn kept the tourists at bay for a while as they amassed a 54-run partnership, during which Elgar brought up his fourth Test century, before Steyn was dismissed by Moeen Ali for 17.

Following Steyn’s dismissal, England pace bowler Steven Finn proceeded claimed the wickets of Dane Piedt and Morne Morkel as the Proteas were bowled out for 214, which gave England an 89-run lead.

Elgar remained stranded on 118 off 246 balls, which included eight boundaries and a six.

Elgar celebrates after scoring his fourth Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Ali and Stuart Broad picked up four wickets apiece, while Finn snapped up two.

With an 89-run lead in hand, England lost captain Alastair Cook and opener Alex Hales for seven and 26 respectively before Root and Compton put together a 71-run partnership before Compton was caught behind off the bowling of Morne Morkel for 49.

Root and James Taylor kept the runs flowing with an unbeaten 53-run stand, during which Root registered his half-century, before stumps was called.

Root finished on 60 off 109 balls, which included four boundaries and a six, while Taylor remained undefeated on 24 off 48 deliveries, which included two boundaries.

Piedt was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Morkel claimed one.

England ended day three on 172/3 and will continue batting tomorrow at 09:30 local time or 07:30 GMT.