England Lions 193 (Ekansh 95, van Vuuren 5-53) and 134 for 5 (Rehan 44*) lead South Africa A 278 (Hermann 103, Crocombe 4-65, Jack 4-85) by 49 runs

England Lions were struggling at the end of day two of their unofficial Test match against South Africa A, reaching 134 for five at stumps, a lead of 49.

England had the better of the first hour after South Africa resumed on 73 for 2. Jack sent Zubayr Hamza’s leg stump flying for 21 and Crocombe had Marques Ackerman caught behind for a single.

Crocombe took three quick wickets after the resumption. The scores were level when he produced a beauty that bowled Fortuin middle stump for 32 and he then had Tian van Vuuren and Prenelan Subrayan both caught behind off successive deliveries for, 10 and 0 respectively.

Jordan responded by hitting Jack for three fours in an over to reach his century, and although Jack got him for 103 when he holed out and was caught by Ben Mayes, the last wicket duo put on a potentially crucial stand of 55. The number 11, Dane Paterson, enjoyed himself, thrashing 33 before Rehan had him caught by Dan Mousley at long off, leaving Codi Yusuf unbeaten on 21.

England looked like they were going to bat through till tea without loss, but in the session’s final over van Vuuren had Ben McKinney caught for 15 at midwicket, leaving England on 26 for 1, still 59 behind.

Paterson then got both Dan Mousley for 16, caught by Hamza at second slip and Tribe, who nicked behind for 25.

When Van Vuuren got Ben Geddes caught by Hamza, again at second slip, England were four down and still eight in arrears.

Scoring proved tricky and the scores were level for 14 deliveries before Rehan hit Fortuin back over his head for six.

Mayes then fell for 11, charging down the track to Fortuin and slicing him behind. It flashed past the keeper, Qeshile, but Hamza, this time at first slip, held on.

Ekansh then joined Rehan to steer England through to a modest lead at stumps.