MATT PRIOR insisted England had no excuses for their Headingley capitulation despite a chaotic start to the fourth Ashes Test.

ENGLAND salvaged a dramatic draw in Cardiff as the first npower Ashes Test was embroiled in controversy during a tense finale.

Two wickets in four deliveries from Mitchell Johnson helped Australia take control of the first Test against South Africa, with the hosts collapsing to 158 for eight at lunch on day three – still 109 runs short of the follow-on.

Australia salvaged a consolation win against South Africa after dismissing the tourists for 272 with only 10 balls remaining on the fifth day to clinch a 103-run victory in the third Test at the SCG.