Root makes century to anchor England in 3rd test vs. SAfrica

JOHANNESBURG (AP) Joe Root made his ninth test century to keep England on track against South Africa in the third test on Friday.

Root was 106 not out and England 238-5 when bad light stopped play on the second day. The tourists were 75 behind and closing in on South Africa's first-innings total of 313 at the Wanderers.

A first-innings lead for England would put the tourists in a strong position in the series, which they already lead 1-0 and can wrap up with a match to spare with victory in Johannesburg.

Root's innings put England on course for that precious lead after its early struggles at 22-2 and 91-4. He was backed up by Ben Stokes, who came out swinging to make 58 in a century stand with Root.