Root, Buttler off ill as England hopes fade

England captain Joe Root is off the field ill at Centurion

Joe Root and Jos Buttler are off the field ill while England’s chances of victory over South Africa in the first Test at Centurion fade.

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Captain Root and wicketkeeper Buttler are the latest victims of the virus that has swept through the side, with Ben Stokes now standing in as captain and Jonny Bairstow keeping wicket.

England began the morning with hopes of knocking over South Africa, who resumed on day three at SuperSport Park on 72-4 in their second innings and with a lead of 175.

Jos Buttler is also poorly, with Jonny Bairstow keeping wicket

But that advantage was stretched well beyond 200 with debutant Rassie van der Dussen and nightwatchman Anrich Nortje sharing a half-century stand for the fifth wicket.

Nortje was given out caught behind to Sam Curran on eight – but successfully reviewed the decision with the ball having brushed his shoulder and not his bat on the way through to Bairstow.

Watch continued coverage of the first Test live on Sky Sports Cricket.