Essex batsman Tom Westley scores half-century as England look to take series lead against South Africa (From Braintree and Witham Times)

Essex batsman Tom Westley claimed his first half-century in Test cricket as England went in search of a win in the third Test against South Africa.

Westley was handed his Test debut after a string of impressive performances for Essex this season and an injury to Gary Ballance.

The number three batsman hit 25 runs in his first innings at the Oval.

But he followed that up with an even better spell with the bat at the second time of asking.

Westley was able to raise his bat after scoring 50 just before lunch and added another nine runs after the interval before his wicket was taken.

The 28-year-old advanced to a floating delivery from South African spin bowler Kashav Maharaj.

But the ball gripped wide of off stump and left him in no man’s land, which left wicketkeeper Quinton De Kock with plenty of time to whip off the bails.

Joe Root, who took over the Test captaincy from Essex batsman Alastair Cook earlier this year, also notched a half-century.

Jonny Bairstow top scored with 63 before England declared on 313/8, setting South Africa a tough looking 492 to triumph. South Africa will resume tomorrow on 117/4.

Westley was one of three Test debutants in the England side - along with Dawid Malan and Toby Roland-Jones.

Roland-Jones claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings to put the home side on track for victory.

A win would give England a 2-1 series lead.

And after impressing with the bat in Ballance’s absence, Westley will be confident of keeping his place in the side for the fourth Test.

England and South Africa will travel to Old Trafford, in Manchester, for the fourth Test, which will get underway on August 4.

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