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Graham Gooch believes England "have a chance" of drawing the first Test with South Africa despite needing another 150 to avoid an innings defeat.
Andrew Strauss' side had made 102-4 at the close of play on Sunday at The Oval as they chase the huge 637-2 set by the tourists, which included atriple century from Hashim Amla.
"If we can have a good partnership and take it up to lunch, there's a chance," insisted Gooch.
"We're not giving up, that is for sure. England have put on big partnerships before to save games down the years."
England's hopes are pinned on big performances from Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara, who will be at the crease when the hosts resume their innings. Alastair Cook, Strauss, Jonathan Trott andKevin Pietersenall fell in a disastrous Sunday afternoon for the home side.
"When you've played quite a bit of Test cricket you accept not every game is going to happen for you - and at the moment South Africa are in a dominant position," added the England batting coach.
"That's stating the obvious. But the game's not over yet - you have to believe you can still get out of this game with a draw.
"If England achieve that it will be a great performance."
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