Struggling Proteas start Day 4 without speedster Nortje

Cape Town - The Proteas were without speedster Anrich Nortje when they took to the field on day four of the second Test against England at Newlands on Monday. 

LIVE: Proteas v England - 2nd Test, Day 4

It was a potentially massive blow for the hosts, who are staring down the barrel of defeat.

England started the day 264 runs ahead with six second-innings wickets remaining and are overwhelming favourites to level the series. 

Nortje, who took 2/36 (15) on Sunday, woke up feeling ill on Monday morning and received treatment, but he did take to the field after a few overs. 

The good news is that Vernon Philander woke up "feeling better", according to a Proteas official, having felt sick on Sunday. 

Philander, playing in his final Test match at Newlands, bowled 12 overs on Sunday, returning figures of 0/12.