Third Test Result: England scrape dramatic draw in Cape Town

England Cricket / Joe Dyer / 07 January 2010 / Leave a Comment

Graeme Swann

"Paul Collingwood's dismissal brought panic to the ranks with Matt Prior and Stuart Broad offering little resistance. Bell fell with just 15 balls left to bring to leave Swann and Onions together at the crease - but they repelled Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel to deny their hosts what looked a certain victory. "

Last wicket pair deny South Africa attack to deny home side chance of a series win

England's tail-end survived a late South Africa onslaught in the setting Cape Town sun after final day heroes Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell lost their wickets late on.

Graham Onions and Graeme Swann were left to fend off the last few overs from the home attack to ensure the tourists' could not lose the series.

Bell, who scored 78 runs from 213 balls, and Collingwood, 40 from 188, had been England's saviours on the fifth day after surviving the majority of the final hours, having come to the crease at 160-5.

But Collingwood's dismissal brought panic to the ranks with Matt Prior and Stuart Broad offering little resistance. Bell fell with just 15 balls left to bring to leave Swann and Onions together at the crease - but they repelled Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel to deny their hosts what looked a certain victory.

Punters were prepared to back South Africa at a low of [1.19] with the Test seemingly going their way. The draw touched [24.0].

England can now be backed at [1.6] to win the series, having touched [5.8].