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JOHANNESBURG Jan 14 (Reuters): South Africa pace bowler Makhaya Ntini has exploited the conditions to perfection as England lost three wickets for five runs to slump to 293 for seven on a rain-affected second day of the fourth test in Johannesburg.
Ntini took four for 67 from 27 overs as England lost their way completely in the murky conditions after resuming on 263 for four. In all, they had lost six wickets for 51.
The start was delayed by two hours by rain, and interrupted by bad light and then rain before the players took an early tea.
Captain Michael Vaughan, out of form and averaging just 14 in the first three tests, laboured for three hours and 103 balls for his 29 not out, with Ashley Giles one not out.
The rain and overcast conditions on Friday were ideal for the seamers and Ntini took full advantage after England had taken 19 balls to open their account.
He removed Matthew Hoggard when the nightwatchman fended an angled delivery to AB de Villiers in the gully.
Three overs later bad light stopped play and seven balls after the resumption all rounder Andrew Flintoff, who scored two, drove loosely at a wide delivery from Ntini and was caught by Graeme Smith at first slip.
Eight balls after that England were 278 for seven when Geraint Jones, pushing forward, edged a regulation catch to Smith at first slip off fast bowler Shaun Pollock to be dismissed for two.
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