England frustrated by Proteas

Resuming the second morning trailing by 193 runs on 38 for one, the tourists successfully battled through 17 overs before finally losing determined nightwatchman Paul Harris just three overs before lunch.

Harris, who has a Test average of just 8.11, defied England for 89 minutes and contributed 19 to a useful 77-run partnership with opener Neil McKenzie (52 not out) as South Africa reached 104 for two at lunch.

England's hopes of making amends for the disastrous opening day batting display was interrupted briefly by early morning showers, which seemed to unsettle the bowler's lines and lengths.

Lancashire seamer James Anderson, running in from the Pavilion End, was guilty of dropping too short once play resumed at 11.45am and allowed McKenzie to pull and cut every time he dropped short.

The best chance of a breakthrough seemed to rest with all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who claimed a wicket with his second ball on Wednesday night, and he almost succeeded in the seventh over of the day.

McKenzie had consistently left anything wide outside off-stump but Flintoff finally found the right line and he prodded forward and edged low to Andrew Strauss at first slip.

Strauss' initial reaction was to claim the catch but as McKenzie walked off the England opener told the umpire he was not sure of the legality of the catch and when it was referred to third umpire Ian Gould the television pictures were again inconclusive.

His reprieve on 29 was one of few chances created by England during a disappointing morning display, although Harris continued to taunt England by skilfully avoiding fielders when he frequently hit the ball in the air.

Sidebottom's frustration only lasted until his next over when he finally struck by angling the ball across Harris, who edged to Alastair Cook at third slip.