Swann bats England back into first Test

Graeme Swann batted England back into contention with a career-best innings of 85 on the third day of the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park yesterday.

Swann and James Anderson (29) shared a record ninth-wicket stand of 106 as England, who had been floundering at 242 for eight, stretched their first innings total to 356.

It gave South Africa a first innings lead of 62. South Africa finished the day on nine for one (Ashwell Prince out for nought), an overall lead of 71.