England 162-4 in 3rd test after Root & Stokes attack SAfrica

JOHANNESBURG (AP) Joe Root and Ben Stokes went on the attack with a rapid half-century partnership to propel England to 162-4 against South Africa in the third test on Friday.

Root was 60 not out, and Stokes had clobbered six fours and a six in his 38 not out as England cut South Africa's first-innings lead to 151 by tea on the second day.

Their fightback took England out of trouble at 91-4 when James Taylor fell to a juggled catch by Temba Bavuma at short leg.

Debutant fast bowler Hardus Viljoen took a wicket with his first ball in test cricket for South Africa, and Kagiso Rabada had 2-31 as the Proteas struck early blows in England's reply.

But Root steadied, and Stokes came out swinging to change the momentum.