Opener Dominic Sibley struck a career-best unbeaten 85 as England seized control of the second Test against South Africa at the close of the third day at Newlands on Sunday, grinding down their hosts ahead of a fourth innings victory charge.

The tourists reached 218 for four at stumps, a lead of 264 that already looks substantial with two full days remaining, and potentially provides an excellent chance to level the four-match series.

Sibley put on 116 for the third wicket with captain Joe Root (61), before the latter steered Dwaine Pretorius to Faf du Plessis at slip late on.

Nightwatchman Dominic Bess gloved a leg-side delivery from Anrich Nortje (2/36) to end the day.

Sibley will seek to take the game further away from South Africa with Ben Stokes on Day IV with England’s travelling fans in full voice in Cape Town.

“We’ve done really well — the performance with the ball yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday) we have showed some real grit with the bat,” England seamer James Anderson said.

“It is hard to say what is a good target to set. If the wicket is as flat as it was today, we would want 350 plus as a minimum. But if it starts to deteriorate, then we feel in the game right now. Whatever we post we will have to bowl well.”

Sibley’s previous best in Tests was 29.