SA FURY AT ARCHER’S BEAMERS LET-OFF

SOUTH AFRICA were left furious after Jofra Archer escaped a bowling ban on day two of the First Test in Centurion.

Archer (left) was given a let-off after bowling what appeared to be two beamers in his final over.

The first was adjudged to be dangerous and nightwatchman Anrich Nortje avoided it by hitting

the turf. But boos rang out from the crowd as the second, which also floored Nortje, was given the green light by the umpires.

After signalling a second no-ball, Paul Reiffel at square leg appeared to change his mind with Archer pleading, knowing a second dangerous ball would mean he could no longer bowl in the innings. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and coach Mark Boucher both queried the decision.

Fast-bowler Vernon Philander said: “It’s plain and simple, we’re playing a game and we’re setting an example for the rest of the people coming into this game. You’ve got to make the right call.”

And England face ending the year with one more

Test disappointment thanks to another limp batting display.

Bundled out for just 181 in answer to South Africa’s 284, they will have to conjure up an extraordinary performance to win on this result pitch – the Proteas are 175 runs ahead with six second-innings wickets remaining.

On a surface with its fair share of inconsistencies, England’s batsmen proved their ability to collapse in a Test match remains steadfastly consistent.

They lost their last seven wickets for just 39 runs, giving the home side a firstinnings lead of 103, an advantage they could scarcely have envisaged when England were 142-3.

And it was captain Joe Root and Ben Stokes who succumbed most meekly.