JOHANNESBURG, Jan 14: Michael Vaughan rediscovered his touch as England countered in dramatic fashion after South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini's early burst on the rain-affected second day of the fourth Test.

Vaughan made 82 not out and teamed up superbly with his tail enders as England, tottering on 278 for eight after losing three middle-order wickets for five runs, fought back to close on 411 for eight.

Only 38.2 overs were possible all day after morning rain delayed the start by two hours. Vaughan batted for 273 minutes, faced 159 balls and hit 10 fours and a six.

He put on 51 with Ashley Giles for the eighth wicket and then an extraordinary 82 more off 91 balls in an unbroken partnership with Steve Harmison (30 not out).

The rain and overcast conditions were ideal for the seamers early on and Ntini took full advantage after England had taken 19 balls to open their account. He removed Matthew Hoggard when the night watchman fended an angled delivery to AB de Villiers in the gully.

Three overs later bad light stopped play and seven balls after the resumption all rounder Andrew Flintoff, who scored two, drove loosely at a wide delivery from Ntini and was caught by Graeme Smith at first slip.

Eight balls after that England were 278 for seven when Geraint Jones, pushing forward, edged a regulation catch to Smith at first slip off fast bowler Shaun Pollock to be dismissed for two.

More rain seven overs later saw the tea interval taken 20 minutes early. Vaughan and Giles had batted conservatively before the break but then went on the attack.

Six overs after the resumption, though, Ashley Giles square-drove fast bowler Dale Steyn's first ball of the day uppishly to backward point, where Herschelle Gibbs took the catch. Giles made 26.

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