LEEDS (England), Aug 5: The second Test between England and South Africa at Headingley looks to be heading for a draw after heavy rain on Sunday forced play to be abandoned during day four’s last two sessions.

South Africa’s batsmen had reached 39-0 in their second innings when play was halted, with Jacques Rudolph 21 not out and Graeme Smith unbeaten on 17.

The tourists led by 33 runs at the notional tea interval, which was followed shortly afterwards by the umpires’ decision to abandon play for the day. Neither side is likely to have enough time to force a result on Monday.

Earlier, England were all out for 425. Matt Prior hit 68 after Kevin Pietersen was out to the second ball of the morning without adding to his overnight score of 149.

Morne Morkel (2-96) trapped Pietersen lbw to end an innings of 214 balls, with a six and 22 fours. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir had South Africa’s best figures with 3-92.

After scoring 419 in their first innings, South Africa were hindered by three injuries. With Alviro Petersen already sidelined with a hamstring problem, the tourists also took the field without Jacques Kallis because of back spasms and with captain Smith hobbling due to a knee injury.

Pietersen, so impressive on Saturday, never had the chance to reach his 150.

After blocking Morkel’s first delivery he was powerless to stop the second, an inswinger that thundered into his pads.

Prior, who was 20 overnight, scored rapidly and reached his 50 from 66 balls with a single off Imran. Tim Bresnan supported Prior well, lasting 50 balls before he edged Vernon Philander to Smith at first slip after an hour.

By contrast, Stuart Broad’s innings lasted just eight balls before he played a poor shot to Imran and was caught by sub Faf du Plessis for one.

Prior survived an lbw referral from Imran, from a ball that pitched outside leg, before England took the lead when Anderson steered Morkel to third man for four.

However, Prior was out in the next over when he tried to sweep Imran and was caught by Steyn on the long leg boundary and Imran then bowled Anderson to end the innings.—AP