Amla, Bavuma bat South Africa to safety

Quinton de Kock made only five before pulling a short ball from Broad to backward square leg. Amla, who made his fourth Test double century, batted for 707 minutes, faced 477 balls and hit 27 fours.

Tiny Temba Bavuma scored his maiden test century for South Africa on Tuesday and suggested English sledging helped him reaching the landmark.

England finished day four on 16-0, stretching their second innings lead to 18 runs, after South Africa declared on an imposing 627-7.

England reached 16 for no wicket at the close.

The South African Cricket Team had lost 4 of the last 5 test matches, their unbeaten run in away series had ended and they were beaten badly and home.

As a township boy growing up in Cape Town, Bavuma never dreamed of becoming the first black African to score a Test ton for his country, let alone a role model for aspiring young cricketers.

“I understand the significance but I’m struggling to find the words”.

Asked about this additional pressure, the 5ft 6in Bavuma replied: “It’s a lot – and not something I played towards. When I go back to Langa, I know I will have those kids running up to me”.

As for his innings that will be remembered as one of the most inspirational knocks at Newlands, Bavuma said that he had not been too stressed about getting past the 100 mark.

Bavuma came under scrutiny before the game as South Africa’s commitment to an ethnically balanced side resulted in some awkward questions about selection policy.

Between those wickets, Chris Morris bowled Joe Root and South Africa was on top in a surprise turnaround after England made 629-6 in its first innings.

Faf du Plessis went three balls later after making 86 off 216 balls, edging a low catch to Ben Stokes at third slip off the bowling of James Anderson.

But there was still some alarm for South Africa when three wickets, including those of Amla and Du Plessis, fell to the third new ball soon after lunch.

But the pair played fearless cricket and added 167 runs, a South African seventh wicket partnership record against England.

“You’re going to get a bit of frustration when you’re in the field for 211 overs but I don’t think anything crossed the line”. “I just tried to take it ball by ball and luckily things came through”.

As Newlands rose to the boy from the Cape Town township of Langa and Bavuma’s father Buyo was swamped in celebration in the stands, Stokes was one of the first England players offering warm applause, a nice postscript to their clash.

“He [Stokes] is a tough competitor”.

England’s bowlers toiled with minimal reward on a pitch which offered no assistance.

England assistant coach Paul Farbrace praised Bavuma for his innings, which was not only deeply resonant but also extremely skilful.

“We’ve missed chances but on the upside we’ve created them”.

Amla benefited from four dropped or missed catches, while De Villiers, Du Plessis, Bavuma and Morris (two) all gave chances.