England Lions have conceded a three-figure first-innings lead after centuries from South Africa A's Theunis de Bruyn and Temba Bavuma on a chastening second day of four for the tourists in Bloemfontein.

De Bruyn (161) and Test batsman Bavuma (102) shared a fourth-wicket stand of 210, after two early breakthroughs had promised much better for the Lions in this second and final unofficial Test.

Following last week's draw in Paarl - where De Bruyn made an unbeaten maiden double-century - the 22-year-old once again took a liking to an attack in which Boyd Rankin (three for 61) fared best as South Africa A piled up 389 for seven in reply to 260 all out.

Rankin and Mark Wood each made a near instant breakthrough on Monday morning, as the hosts stumbled to 29 for three.

But after De Bruyn and Bavuma had combined, and then captain Justin Ontong (54) helped to put on another 99 for the fifth wicket, Jonathan Trott's team already knew they were in for a battle to save the match and draw the two-game series.

Gihahn Cloete was bowled offering no shot to Wood, and then Rankin had opener Reeza Hendricks edging low to slip as South Africa A lost two wickets without addition to their overnight total.

De Bruyn and Bavuma then shut the Lions out, though, the former taking his series aggregate to 369 runs when Rankin dismissed him for the first time in three innings, edging an attempted cut behind - after approaching 12 hours at the crease in total.

De Bruyn hit 26 fours and two sixes this time, from 176 balls, and Bavuma counted 15 boundaries from 161 deliveries before falling to the occasional medium-pace of James Vince.

Meanwhile, Durham fast bowler Wood is to stay with the squad for the forthcoming 50-over series as a replacement for Craig Overton, who has an ankle injury.

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