MOEEN Ali helped England move into a formidable position in the first Test against South Africa by taking 4-69.

They bowled out the Proteas for 214 and reached 172-3 at the close of the third day for a lead of 261.

England’s day started with a textbook session in the field, taking the final six wickets for 77 with Worcestershire spinner Moeen and Stuart Broad both finishing with four.

Broad struck with the second ball of the day as Temba Bavuma chopped into leg-stump after some low bounce.

Dean Elgar (118 not out) lost his next two partners quickly to Moeen’s off-spin.

All-rounder Moeen, 28, got considerable grip off a wearing pitch and neither JP Duminy nor Worcestershire’s 2016 recruit Kyle Abbott could keep him out.

Moeen, who departed for a four-ball duck in the first innings, picked off Duminy with the ball landing gently in Ben Stokes’ hands at slip.

Then Abbott popped a bat-pad catch to James Taylor at short leg.

Dale Steyn later slogged Moeen, who bowled 25 overs, high towards mid-off where Chris Woakes held on after a couple of juggles.