South Africa vs England: Joe Root helps tourists press for victory

Joe Root hit 60 not out as England tightened their grip on the first Test against South Africa in Durban. The tourists are 172-3 in their second innings - a lead of 261 - and will aim to declare on Tuesday, then set about bowling the hosts out. Earlier, Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad took four wickets apiece as South Africa's batting line-up fell apart. Hashim Amla's men also dropped three catches on a disastrous third day for the number one ranked Test side. The Proteas' senior fast bowler Dale Steyn was forced off with injury, star batsman AB de Villiers failed to quash rumours of his Test retirement, and the middle order surrendered meekly. Opener Dean Elgar resisted with a superb unbeaten 118, but England remain in an excellent position to push for only a second win in 16 away Tests.

South Africa vs England: James Taylor positive after fightback

England's batsmen can build on their opening day fightback against South Africa in the first Test, according to James Taylor. After losing three early wickets, the 25-year-old helped guide the tourists to 179-4 at the close. Taylor fell late on for 70, with Nick Compton 63 not out. "That wasn't ideal, my late wicket, but that happens and we've still got plenty of batting to come, which is really exciting," Taylor told . "We're in a nice position. We've got Compo in there who's batting extremely nicely, and we all know how good a nick Ben Stokes is in at the moment, with plenty of batting to come. "So I think, as a whole, it's been a pretty solid day for ourselves." England Tests in South Africa 26-30 December: 1st Test, Durban 2-6 January: 2nd Test, Cape Town (08:30 GMT) 14-18 January: 3rd Test, Wanderers, Johannesburg (08:30 GMT) 22-26 January: 4th Test, Centurion (08:30 GMT) Taylor arrived at the crease with England struggling at 49 for three, after captain Alastair Cook fell for a duck, debutant opener Alex Hales made just 10 and Joe Root was trapped lbw for 24. South Africa paceman Dale Steyn had claimed both openers but steady half-centuries from Taylor and Compton - who both made Test debuts in 2012 before being dropped - drew the sting form the home side's attack. "We knew what the situation meant and it kind of dictated the way we played," said Taylor, whose partnership with Compton contributed 125 runs for the fourth wicket. "We kept it really simple and did exactly what we needed to do and focused on our own game rather than the situation as a whole. It was really enjoyable batting with Compo, it was good fun. "We should be pretty happy with that considering it couldn't have been better bowling conditions for them."

Dale Steyn passed fit for South Africa series against England

South Africa paceman Dale Steyn will be fit for the Test series with England after passing a fitness test. The 32-year-old, the number one ranked Test bowler, has been out of action with a groin strain since the first Test against India in early November. But in Cape Town this week he was able to complete two bowling spells at match intensity in the nets, run sprints and do agility tests and fielding drills. The first of the four-match Test series begins in Durban on 26 December. Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: "Dale has put a lot of work into his training and rehab since his return from India so we are very happy to have him back from injury. "He was put through a thorough fitness test on Thursday by physiotherapist, Shane Jabaar, he came through the tests without any discomfort and will be available for selection for the first Test match against England." Steyn has taken 402 wickets in 81 Tests at an average of 22.56, including 46 in 11 matches against England. South Africa remain at the top of the Test rankings despite a 3-0 defeat in India this month.