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

#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.