Goodall hopes Proteas batters can dig deep: 'We'll come back fighting'

Lara Goodall hopes the Proteas batters can dig deep as they hope to push for a draw ahead of Thursday's final day against England.

On Wednesday, rain interrupted much of day three, but England remained firmly in control at the County Ground in Taunton.

SCORECARD | England v Proteas - sole Test

After declaring on 417-8 thanks to Nat Sciver's unbeaten 169, the Proteas suffered an early blow as they lost Andrie Steyn for 3 off fast bowler Kate Cross.

After the long rain delay, the hosts struck back as debutant Issy Wong removed Goodall (26) and Laura Wolvaardt (16).

The Proteas are reeling at 55-3 and still trail by 78 runs heading into Thursday.

Goodall believes the Proteas batting order can hold on for a draw, however. 

"Unfortunately, things didn't go our way, but we'll take the positives from it and come back stronger tomorrow," said Goodall.

"We have to bat for as long as we can, we have some quality batters in the changing room. Marizanne is coming back from her hundred, but all the girls who still need to come to bat are eager and excited to get out there. Hopefully, tomorrow goes our way.

"Our backs are against the wall, we can't deny it. We just have to bat for as long as we can. Take the game deep and hopefully, we'll get a draw out of it," she continued.

"It looks like it will be quite difficult to win the game, but if we could take a draw out of this Test match, it would be a pat on our backs. It's the first time we've played the format for a very long time against a side who've played it more often than most.

"But we're the Proteas for a reason. We have one of the most amazing fighting spirits, so we'll come back fighting tomorrow."

"We have one of the most amazing fighting spirits, so we'll come back fighting."