South Africa vs England 2017 2nd Test, Day 3: 5 talking points

South Africa tightened their grip on the game with a clinical performance on day 3. Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis showed resilience, composure and importantly patience as the Proteas slowly but steadily wrecked England on a track the hosts love playing on.

If England tried to dominate in their first innings with aggressive intent and rash shots, South Africa asserted their authority with steady defence and slow grinding. Being just the third day of the game, the visitors had enough time to build a considerable lead and they did exactly that.

With 474 to chase down, England's innings started on a jittery note with Alastair Cook given leg before wicket to Morne Morkel off the very first ball of the innings. However, Cook reviewed and the decision was overturned after replays revealed the ball going over the stumps.

Philander, meanwhile, continued to torment Cook in the three overs that remained in the day.

Brief Scores: South Africa 335 & 343/9d (Amla 87, Elgar 80, Moeen 4/78) . England 205 & 1/0.

Take a glance at the talking points from a captivating day's play at Trent Bridge.

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#5 Elgar-Amla bat South Africa to dominating lead

England were already trailing in the game after South Africa ended day two with a lead of 205 on the board. However, Root would have expected Broad and Anderson to wake up rejuvenated and launch a scything attack on the Proteas batsmen. None of it came true as Elgar and Amla played solid shots and secured a winning position for South Africa.

The flashy Amla who had earned much criticism in the last few months was nowhere to be seen as he found the middle of the bat with better-looking shots today. Elgar, on the other hand, had been very loose outside his off-stump on day 2 but looked much more secure today reminding fans of Graeme Smith's heydays.

Unlike Elgar, Amla showed real intent occasionally as he plundered Liam Dawson for 14 in an over, reaching his half-century with a six.

#4 The double blow that raised hopes

Ben Stokes is all pumped up after picking up the vital breakthrough wicket of Dean Elgar

By the time Ben Stokes got rid of Dean Elgar, the South African lead had swollen to 283. Stokes produced a rip snorter aimed at Elgar's throat to get rid of him for 80. With the lead good enough to raise huge concerns in the England dressing room, South Africa persisted with De Kock at four hoping to see him lambast the attack once again.

However, that was not to be as James Anderson once again exhibited why he is a master of big moments in the game. He turned up to bowl a couple of peaches to De Kock before angling one across the left-hander to induce an outside edge through to the keeper.

The twin blow raised hopes for England especially with the South African lower middle-order a tad vulnerable.

#3 Faf du Plessis lends stability

Du Plessis added some much-needed experience to the middle-order

The returning skipper showed exactly what South Africa missed at Lord's in the series opener- stability. Not one to back down without a fight, Faf du Plessis faced a verbal attack from James Anderson when he came out to bat. But with grit is in his blood, the Proteas skipper was unperturbed by the barrage of filth from the English.

Well aware that his team was way ahead in the game despite the loss of a couple of quick wickets, Du Plessis ensured he did not get carried away by the situation. He played the ball on merit, looking solid in defence and judgement barely giving England any gap for a channel of attack.

Even as Amla departed, Du Plessis continued to pile on England's misery with a well-made half-century.

#2 Philander turning into the all-rounder South Africa want him to be

Vernon Philander made substantial contributions with the bat in both innings

Following his half-century in the first innings, Vernon Philander once again put his hand up with the bat at no.7, compiling another wonderful knock which might effectively close doors on JP Duminy's Test career. The all-round factor was the reason behind Duminy’s inclusion in Tests but with Morris and Philander doing that job now, there is no reason for the Proteas to go back to the left-hander.

With South Africa sitting firm on Day 3, Philander had all the freedom in the world to play his strokes. He matched Du Plessis shot for shot and after his dismissal went berserk, smashing Moeen Ali for back to back sizes before gifting him a return catch to fall for 42.

#1 Odds stacked against England

With the pitch slowing down, Maharaj could be a thorn in England's flesh on day 4

Nothing has gone England's way since the beginning of this Test match. They were erroneous and South Africa chastised them with timely blows and the hosts found themselves staring at a mammoth target of 474 to win the match. Only once has a team made more than 350 while batting fourth at Trent Bridge and that had happened 44 years ago.

Their top order, save Joe Root, has been woeful in the two Tests and South Africa have a wonderful all-round attack capable of exploiting even the minutest of chinks. Root is facing his toughest assignment as captain already and he is just two Tests old at the helm.

Known as fearsome travellers, South Africa have found their groove with their beloved skipper returning and England find themselves staring down the barrel with all odds stacked against them heading into day 4.