England 52-3, Battling to Save 4th Test in South Africa

England was 52-3 and slipping toward defeat in the fourth and final test against South Africa on Monday.

England’s captain Alastair Cook, plays a shot on the fourth day of the fourth test cricket match between South Africa and England, at Centurion Park in Pretoria, South Africa, Monday, Jan. 25, 2016. | AP

CENTURION: England was 52-3 and slipping toward defeat in the fourth and final test against South Africa on Monday, chasing 382 to win or facing a day to survive for a draw.

England lost its top three batsmen in its second innings inside 10 overs as Alex Hales, Alastair Cook and Nick Compton all departed without reaching double figures.

Joe Root and James Taylor, both on 19 not out, held South Africa at bay until stumps on the fourth day. England was still 330 runs short.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada had 2-15 to go with his seven wickets in the first innings to lead South Africa's push for a consolation win. England already clinched the series in the third test, taking a 2-0 lead with this last match to play.