Tuesday 29 December 2015 09:25, UK
England must go for South Africa’s jugular on day four in Durban and turn their 261-run lead into a first Test victory, says Ian Botham.
The tourists closed day three on 172-3 in their second innings after bowling South Africa out for 214 to earn a first-innings lead of 89-run despite Dean Elgar's unbeaten 118.
Spinner Moeen Ali (4-69) and seamer Steven Finn (2-49) provided strong support to Stuart Broad (4-25) before Nick Compton (49) Joe Root (60no) cemented England's advantage.
"England have been exceptional," reflected Sky Sports pundit Botham. "They bowled magnificently this morning - they only needed two wickets by the time they got to the new ball.
"Stuart Broad led the attack magnificently and Moeen Ali picked up four wickets as well. Then the batsmen came out and did their job.
"England are 261 ahead with seven wickets in hand and Joe Root going well - not to forget James Taylor, performing again. They've done next to nothing wrong and keep marching on.
"This new England side must learn that when you get a side in this situation you do not back off but go for the jugular and say 'we're in charge'."
South Africa's woes continued after their first-innings batting collapse as Compton was dropped twice and AB de Villiers could not hold on to a difficult chance to remove Root, who had six at the time.
To make matters worse for the home side premier strike bowler Dale Steyn was only able to bowl 3.5 overs due to a shoulder injury, while De Villiers appeared unsettled behind the stumps despite insisting pre-play that he has no immediate plans to quit international cricket.
All of that should play into England's hands, says Botham. "They should keep playing exactly the way they are - especially against a weakened attack lacking Dale Steyn," he said.
"Morne Morkel has bowled well without any luck - he has had at least three chances dropped off him - and South Africa are going to be down in the dumps.
"We had the rumours earlier that AB de Villiers was going to retire from Test cricket and if that's the vibe going through the dressing room, it's not going to help.
"I said before the series that I felt South Africa are a bit of an ageing side; they are coming to that point where they are going to have to make changes.
"That's fine with England, because they are going the other way - they are a young side full of confidence."
Watch day four of the first Test between South Africa and England live on Sky Sports 2 from 7.30am on Tuesday.
