AP, Durban :
England were set for a big victory in the first Test with South Africa 136 for 4 at stumps on Tuesday on the fourth day, still 280 runs short of an almost unreachable target.
After weathering a 53-run opening partnership, Ben Stokes broke through and Steven Finn then claimed three crucial wickets.
Finn’s most important contribution was ending a stubborn 48-run stand between Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers five minutes before the close.
Stokes made the first breakthrough to bowl opener Stiaan van Zyl. Finn added captain Hashim Amla, Dean Elgar and the late wicket of Du Plessis.
England had earlier ground top-ranked South Africa down with half-centuries by Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow in their second innings to set the formidable target of 416.
