Manchester: Moeen Ali’s dashing fifty all but put the fourth Test beyond South Africa’s reach as England moved towards a series win at Old Trafford yesterday.
When rain ended the third’s play at 1615 GMT, England were 224 for eight in their second innings – a lead of 360 runs – with Ali 67 not out.
South Africa already needed to set a new ground record if they were to end this four-match series all square at 2-2, with England’s 294 for four against New Zealand in 2008 the most any side have yet made to win in the fourth innings of a Test at Old Trafford.
Off-spinner Ali has been a thorn in South Africa’s side with both bat and ball this season.