Youth Test: Archie Vaughan takes five wickets as England U19s close in on series win over South Africa U19s

England Under-19s captain Archie Vaughan claimed five wickets to put his side on the brink of a series-clinching youth Test victory against South Africa.

South Africa had seemed in a comfortable position at 108-3 in their second innings on day three before Vaughan belatedly brought himself into the attack as the sixth-change bowler.

The Somerset all-rounder, son of former England captain Michael, then swung the match his side’s way in Cape Town with 13.5 overs of off-spin.

The Proteas suffered a middle-order collapse as they lost five wickets for 37 – all to Vaughan – as they finished the day on 145-8, a lead of only 16 runs with two wickets in hand.

Vaughan took a solitary wicket in the drawn first youth Test between the sides in Stellenbosch last month.

England had earlier begun the day on 251-8 but South Africa’s hopes of taking the tourists’ final two wickets cheaply were thwarted by Middlesex’s Aaryan Sawant.

Sawant, who was eventually run out for 130, shared a 127-run ninth-wicket stand with Alexander Wade, who finished unbeaten on 49, before England were finally bowled out for 353 in their first innings.

Vaughan played four first-class and seven 50-over matches for Somerset last season, having made his debut for the county in July 2024.

He averaged 33.71 with the bat in the County Championship but also caught the eye with his off breaks, taking 15 wickets including two five-wicket hauls.

His father was one of England’s most successful Test captains, winning 26 of his 51 Tests in charge and leading his side to victory in the iconic 2005 Ashes series against Australia.