There’s not much left to Root for

mandated to call them – Stokes and Broad – and one from the latter which should have been called but was not after Hashim Amla, on 25, nicked behind. It all added to a sense of helplessness as the match drifted away.

And while Root and his vice-captain Stokes largely kept the smiles on their faces – at one point jumping up and down in unison in a comedic turn each time the groundsman thumped at the footholds – it was a test of patience.

South Africa, resuming on 75-1, proceeded at a stately pace. England might have had Amla early when Broad found the edge but nobody heard it, then Jimmy Anderson spilled what would have been a brilliant catch at gully to get Dean Elgar on 55.

By the time the opener was dismissed the pair had added 78 and South Africa had a lead of 283. Considering 284-6 is the biggest run chase on this ground, they were already in the clear.

Liam Dawson has had a disappointing two Tests with both ball and bat, getting a pair at Lord’s and just 13 in the first innings here while taking only five wickets.

Yesterday he was hammered for 14 in one over by Amla, which can happen to a spinner, but it appears he has been identified as a weaker link by South Africa, which makes life difficult for Root.

When Elgar was bounced out by Stokes, the England captain did enjoy a small victory, replacing Dawson with Anderson when Quinton de Kock came out and quickly getting him caught behind.

Fortunately Dawson was able to exact his revenge on Amla after lunch too, getting the right hander out lbw after umpire Paul Reiffel had initially given him not out.

Otherwise it was hard graft and slow accumulation as South Africa showed grit and determination to bat their way into an unassailable position.

Captain Faf du Plessis led the way with a gritty halfcentury and Vernon Philander added 42 before the tourists declared.

Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings had to survive 16 nervy minutes and four overs at the death with the former successfully reviewing a decision on the first ball of the innings after Reiffel gave him out lbw to Morne Morkel.

Much to England’s relief, replays showed it was too high, which is something it had in common with England’s target.