Flower stands defiant

Andy Flower finally went for 142

First Test, Harare, day three: South Africa 1st innings 600-3 declared; Zimbabwe 1st innings 286 & 97-3 (close)

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Andy Flower stood between South Africa and victory at the end of the third day as Zimbabwe followed-on in the first Test in Harare.

Flower was unbeaten on 43 at the close as Zimbabwe reached 97 for three batting for a second time.

He earlier notched his 10th Test century in the first innings with 142, but despite his efforts, Zimbabwe could only manage 286.

They made a disastrous start to their second innings, losing Dion Ebrahim, Alistair Campbell and Craig Wishart to be 27 for three before Flower and Hamilton Masakadza stopped the rot.

Earlier in the day South African debutant Andre Nel had taken four for 53 to propmpt the Zimbabwean slide.

Late rally

The 24-year-old Nel had success with the first ball of the day when he bounced nightwatchman Ray Price which he could only fend to Gary Kirsten at second slip.

His third Test wicket came two overs later when Boeta Dippenaar took a sharp chance at short mid-wicket to dismiss Grant Flower for a duck.

Andy Flower and Guy Whittall added 45 for the seventh wicket, until Kallis bowled Whittall for 16.

Zimbabwean captain Heath Streak fell lbw to Henderson just before lunch, but Travis Friend and Andy Flower added 75 for the ninth wicket.

Friend fell to Nel for 30, and Flower was last out, falling lbw to Shaun Pollock.

Pollock added two wickets in the second innings to leave Zimbabwe in real danger of an innings defeat.

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Zimbabwe: Dion Ebrahim, Alistair Campbell, Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Wishart, Andy Flower, Guy Whittall, Grant Flower, Heath Streak (captain), Travis Friend, Ray Price, Doug Hondo.

South Africa: Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Boeta Dippenaar, Mark Boucher, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock (captain), Claude Henderson, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel.