Malan, Rickelton bat out for draw

Janneman Malan and Ryan Rickelton enjoyed solid innings as South Africa Under-19s played out the final day to ensure a draw against England in the first Youth Test at Fenners.

Opener Rickelton added 81 to his first innings 83 and No. 4 Malan went two runs better but also fell short of a century. The pair did enough to extend the tourists' lead and prevent England making a dart at a dramatic victory.

There was little joy for England who didn't strike until the opening par of Rickelton and Mathew Christenson had added 99 for the opening wicket. Brad Taylor made the breakthrough - the first of three wickets for the Hampshire offspinner.

Taylor also had No. 3 Marques Ackerman lbw cheaply but any thoughts England had of causing some panic in the tourists batting were eliminated by Malan who struck four sixes in his 83 from 112 balls.

England chose to rest their frontline bowlers as they day went on and gave overs to all 10 outfielders. They managed to chip away at South Africa but, building on a first-innings lead of 81, the tourists batted easily to a draw to ensure the series is level heading to the second Youth Test at Wantage Road on Thursday.