Win Projections to be updated soon
1st Test, Centurion, December 26, 2019, 01:30 PM
South Africa
284/10(84.3ov) & 272/10(61.4ov)
England
181/10(53.2ov) & 268/10(93ov)
South Africa beat England by 107 runs
So that is it from the final international game of the year and decade. It is South Africa who take the lead in this 4-match series and start their new tenure under Head Coach Mark Boucher with a win and end the year on a high. The series now moves to the 2nd Test in Cape Town. That match will begin on 3rd January. Join us at 1030 Local (0830 GMT) for that one. Till then, goodbye and have a great end to the year!
For his brilliant batting performance with the bat i the first innings and his record breaking catches behind the stumps Quinton de Kock has been named the Man of the Match. De Kock says that he walked out and understood the situation. Credits the English bowlers for bowling well on the wicket and troubling them. Quinton admits when he went out he had thought of leaving the balls but says his mind made him do a lot of things other than the plan and he played his shots. On his hand, Quinton says finger is all good but laughs and says that he has keeper's finger and thinks it might be sore tomorrow.
South Africa skipper, Faf du Plessis says that they knew that the last couple ofm months as a Test team had been difficult for them. Says it was a good Test as both the teams toiled hard for this win. Tells everyone is happy and thinks this is a start of a new chapter and theyb are once again improving as a team but is aware that it is going to be a tough task. on Philander's bowling, he says he bowled well but then also says that both the sides bowled really well. Tells Day 3 was good to bat as the pitch started to get a bit soft under heavy clouds. Faf says they knew they had to be patient and knew they could attack and do the damage with the second new ball. Credits Nortje and Rabada for their performance and says that he hopes they can get a couple of more new, young talented bowlers as Philander is moving for pastures new and they need a few bowlers to replace him.
Joe Root, the England skipper. He says that it has been a really tough week for them. Adds that some went down with a bug over the last week but credit to them for giving a tough fight. Says that it has not been long since they have seen such chases from a similar group of players. States that they were in a similar position at Headingley but then they got over the lineAdds they lost the game during the collapse in the first innings but is pleased with a better performance in the second. Credit to South Africa for playing brilliantly. On Archer, he says that he bowled well and he will keep on learning.
Time now for the presentation as we find out what the skippers have to say and who is a named the Man of the Match.
It was a good bowling performance from the hosts in the final innings. They were made to toil hard at the start but they kept their cool and did not lose their patience. It paid off once again as they were able to wrap up the tourists for 268 and win the game with a comfortable margin of 107 runs. Rabada and Nortje were the pick of the bowlers in the second innings. Picking up 4 and 3 wickets respectively. The lone front line spinner, Keshav Maharaj was good with the ball as well as he picked up the two crucial wickest of Dominic Sibley and the game changing wicket of Ben Stokes. Philander went wicketless in the second innings whereas debutant Pretorius got the crucial wicket of Denly. All-in-all it was a solid bowling performance by the hosts.
England gave a strong reply and got the chase off to a solid start. Openers Burns and Sibley watched off the difficult times with the new ball and mustered a 92-run opening stand before Sibley departed. Denly then joined Burns and the duo continued the good work before Burns fell 16 short of his century. Denly too did not last long but Stokes and Root then once again calmed the nerves but once again there was another English collapse on the cards. At one stage it looked England would take it home with the scorecard reading 222/4, the visitors capitulated and were bowled out for 268.
South Africa started their 2nd innings with a lead of 103 but they once again got off to a torrid start. They were stuttering with the score reading 62/4, with the lead of just 175. But Rassie van der Dussen and nightwatchman Anrich Nortje calmed the hosts nerves with their 91-run stand. Rassie scored his maiden fifty whereas Nortje scored a very crucial 40. Vital contributions from Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander took the hosts lead to 376. Which was too much for the visitors in the end. Jofra Archer was expensive with the ball but ended up with a 5-wicket haul.
In reply, England had to take the lead to justify their skipper's decision to bowl first. They got off to a good start but a batting collapse from the visitors saw them going from 142/3 to being bowled out for 181. Only 4 batters could go past the score of 20 and thanks to Denly's 50, they managed to have some respectability to the total. Vernon Philander was the star for the Proteas with the ball as his consistent lines and lengths continued to ask questions and he ended up with a 4-fer.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Root's controversial decision seemed to be paying off as the hosts were struggling at 111/5 but Quinton de Kock's 95 took the hosts' score to 284 and that proved to be a big turning point. Sam Curran was the star with the ball as he picked up a 4-fer. Broad too ended up with 4 wickets in the first innings.
End of a fascinating Test and what a start we have had to the series. The momentum of the game kept swinging in from here to there right from the first day but in the end, it was the hosts who have held their nerves and played better cricket for the majority part to win the game comfortably in the end and take the lead in this 4-match series.
92.6
W
OUT! TIMBER! You miss I hit says Rabada. And that is that for this game. Brilliant performance from South Africa. Broad was just going after every ball here and this, you might feel that it was coming. Yorker on middle, Broad makes room to play it to the off side but misses it completely. Rabada though does not miss and the ball goes on to hit the middle stump. Rabada finishes with four wickets. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 107 RUNS.
92.5
2
Just wide! Full delivery on middle, Broad flicks it uppishly to mid-wicket. Maharaj makes a good effort as he dives in an attempt to catch it but is just wide of him. The fielder runs across from deep square leg and picks it up. Another couple.
92.4
2
EDGY! Good length ball, Broad makes room but Rabada follows him. Stuart looks to cut it but gets an inside edge which goes past the keeper to fine leg. Nortje comes across and cleans it up. Two Taken.
92.3
2
Short ball on middle, Broad stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple. Maharaj chases after it and cleans it up.
James Anderson is the last man in.
92.2
W
OUT! Buttler holes out! His counter-attacking approach does not last long and it has to be game, set and match here. South Africa have held their nerves and delivered here. All the main batters are out of here and England are just a wicket away from sealing this game. Back of a length ball on off, Buttler looks to pull but he does not get it off the middle. It hits the upper half of his bat and goes high up in the air. It does not travel the distance and goes towards long on. Dwaine Pretorius there comes in and keeps his eyes on the ball and takes the skier with ease.
92.1
6
SIX! That is a terrific shot from Jos Buttler. Full delivery on off, Buttler clears his one leg and hammers it over long on for a maximum. The umpires checks whether it is a six or a boundary. The replays show that it has landed way over the ropes.
South Africa are just 2 wickets away from sealing this game so the umpires have decided to extend this session.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
1
Anrich Nortje 56/3(17)
91.6
.
Good follow-up delivery from Nortje. After dishing out a short delivery, Nortje goes for a full delivery on middle, Broad plays it back to the bowler.
91.5
.
Nasty delivery! Short of a length delivery on middle and off, Broad hops and looks to defend it. It hits the grille of the helmet. Luckily for him, no damage done. That could have really hurt.
Stuart Broad walks out at number 10.
91.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Nortje has picked up his third wicket. Brilliant stuff from Anrich and the hosts are just two wickets away from a terrific victory. Back of a length ball from Nortje, Archer looks to push it to the off side but gets a thick outside edge towards first slip. Rassie van der Dussen who is standing there takes a simple catch. Look at the celebrations. They are ecstatic. Once again England have collapsed after giving a tough fight.
91.3
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle. Archer ducks under it.
91.2
.
Back of a length ball on off, Archer pushes it to point.
91.1
1
Good length delivery on middle, Buttler looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards cover. A single taken.
In over# 1
0
4
0W
4
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 91/2(23)
90.6
.
BEATEN! Excellent delivery! Good length ball outside off, Archer looks to defend it but fails to get any bat on it.
90.5
4
FOUR! Off the mark straightaway is Archer! Good length ball outside off, Archer punches it off the back foot to the deep point region. Zubayr Hamza puts in a terrific run from deep point and slides but can only parry it into the fence.
Jofra Archer is the new man in. He needs to hang in there and let Buttler face as many deliveries as possible.
90.4
W
OUT! Caught! Rabada strikes yet another one. The dangerous Curran has also gone now. This is a brilliant ball from Kagiso. Its starts on off and it looks like it will go away with the angle but the ball straightens up after pitching. Curran looks to defend but gets a good outside edge which goes straight to Quinton de Kock behind the stumps. De Kock's 8th catch of the game and he has had a very good Test. 125 more needed for England to win. South Africa just 3 wickets away from a win here.
90.3
4
FOUR! Thrashed. England are looking to counter-attack here. Full delivery outside off, Curran hammers it through covers for a boundary. 250 up for South Africa.
90.2
.
Bowls a bouncer, Sam does well to duck under it. Good take by Quinton de Kock behind the stumps.
90.1
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Curran looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
6
0
4
1
4
Anrich Nortje 55/2(16)
89.6
.
Played to the point region by the batsman.
89.5
6
SIX! Hammered! Short of a length ball on middle, Buttler rocks on his back foot and pulls it with absolute disdain over the deep square leg region for a biggie. There are two fielders stationed there but it has gone way over the fence.
89.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Buttler hops to flick it but it seems to have gone off the inside edge, onto the pads towards short leg. The replays show that it has indeed gone off the edge. Luckily for Buttler, it falls wide of the fielder.
89.3
4
FOUR! Audacious! Buttler finally shows his class. Back of a length delivery outside off, Buttler pushes it off the back foot through the extra cover region for a boundary.
89.2
1
On a length on off, Curran defends it to cover and picks up a single.
89.1
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Luck favoring Sam Curran! Good length ball outside off, Curran looks to drive it but hits the outside edge which goes between the guly and the second slip fielder into the fence.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 83/1(22)
88.6
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
88.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Jos looks to flick it but gets a leading edge which goes towards gully. No run.
88.4
.
OHH! On a length on off swinging in, Buttler looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.
88.3
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Short of a length delivery outside off, Buttler looks to push it off the back foot but fails to get any bat on it.
88.2
.
BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Buttler looks to defend it but misses it altogether.
88.1
.
Full delivery down the leg side, Buttler looks to flick it but it seems that it has gone off the pads. De Kock dives and makes a half stop. Quinton looks distraught thinking that it was a drop but the Ultra Edge shows that there was no bat.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
0
Anrich Nortje 40/2(15)
87.6
.
Fullish on off, Curran pushes it to mid off.
87.5
.
On a length on off, Sam defends it out onto the pitch.
87.4
.
BEATEN! Excellent bowling from Nortje. He has looked the best bowler for the Proteas. Good length ball outside off, Curran looks to defend it but misses it altogether.
87.3
.
Full delivery on off, Curran looks to flick it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. No run.
Sam Curran is the new man in. He is no walkover with the bat and if he can support Buttler out there, England will be still in with a chance.
87.2
W
OUT! Caught behind! Is this the end of this chase here? Joe Root is out of here and once again the bowling change has done the trick. Nortje with the bat, Nortje with the ball. Nortje winning the game for his side. Anrich steams in and hits the deck hard on off, it is in the corridor of uncertainty. The ball nips away off the deck. Root lunges forward to get a feel of the ball. All he does is get a good, fat outside edge which goes straight into the gloves of Quinton de Kock. Massive blow for the visitors. The South African players are up in celebration and England in troubled waters here. 144 runs more to win and South Africa just 4 wickets away from wrapping this up. Now Buttler and Sam Curran will have to play a gem of an innings here if England are to do the unimaginable. South Africa firmly in the driver's seat here.
87.1
.
Starts with a full delivery outside off tailing in, Root leaves it alone.
Anrich Nortje is back on. 14-3-40-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
4
Kagiso Rabada 83/1(21)
86.6
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Jos works it to the leg side.
86.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Buttler defends it out to cover.
86.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Root attempts to defend it but it goes off the inside edge to fine leg. A single taken.
86.3
.
Fullish on middle, Root plays it back to the bowler.
86.2
.
On a length on middle, Root defends it out.
86.1
4
FOUR! Classic shot! Back of a length delivery outside off, Root punches it off the back foot with one hand of the bat. It goes through gully for a boundary.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 35/0(20)
85.6
4
FOUR! This should give Buttler some confidence. This is a superb shot from Jos! Overpitched slightly on off, Buttler gets on his front foot and drives it perfectly off the middle of the bat through extra covers for a boundary.
85.5
.
Outside off, left alone by Buttler.
85.4
.
Fullish ball outside off, Buttler shoulders arms to this one.
85.3
.
Good length ball on off, Jos defends it to point.
85.2
.
Fuller one outside off, Buttler lets the ball go to the keeper.
85.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Jos flicks it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 78/1(20)
84.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Root looks to defend but misses it.
84.5
.
On a good length on off, Joe blocks it well.
84.4
.
Good length delivery on off, the skipper keeps it out.
84.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Root does well to duck under it.
84.2
.
On a good length on off, Root defends it off the back foot.
Oh ho! It has gone very dark all of a sudden and the floodlights are on now.
84.1
.
Outside off, Root shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 31/0(19)
83.6
.
Buttler defends this length ball on middle back to the bowler.
83.5
.
Fullish one outside off, left alone by Buttler.
83.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Buttler defends it to cover.
83.3
.
Outside off, Buttler shoulders arms to this one.
83.2
.
Full delivery swinging away, Jos shoulders arms to this one.
83.1
.
On a length outside off, Buttler lets it go.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Kagiso Rabada 78/1(19)
82.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Root attempts to defend but it goes off the inside edge to the off side. The Proteas appeal but the umpire shakes his head.
82.5
.
On off swinging in, Root makes a good leave.
82.4
.
Good length delivery outside off, Root lets the ball go to the keeper.
82.3
.
On a length on middle and off, Root looks to defend it but gets hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the off side.
Root is not ready as Rabada comes on to bowl. He pulls away just as Kagiso was about to bowl.
82.2
1
Short delivery outside off, Buttler gets off the mark by pushing this to deep cover for a single.
82.1
.
Fuller one outside off, Buttler lets the ball go to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 31/0(18)
81.6
.
Another one outside the off stump line, Joe lets the ball through to the keeper.
81.5
.
Fullish outside off, Root decides to make a leave to the keeper.
81.4
.
Outside off, Root lets the ball go to the keeper.
81.3
.
BEATEN! Root does not need to play at those. An outswinger outside off, Root flashes at it but misses it altogether.
81.2
.
On off, Root lunges forward and blocks it to cover.
81.1
.
Full delivery outside off swinging away, Root shoulders arms to this one.
Vernon Philander comes back into the attack to operate from the other end with the second new ball.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
4
Kagiso Rabada 77/1(18)
80.6
.
BEATEN! Excellent over from Rabada comes to an end. Another one on a length outside off, Buttler looks to defend it but fails to get any bat on it. A successful over from Rabada.
80.5
.
Good length ball closer to the off pole, Buttler this time manages to get bat on ball as he defends this one.
80.4
.
BEATEN! Why is Buttler going after these? Full delivery outside off, Buttler looks to drive it but again misses to get any bat on it.
80.3
.
BEATEN! Beautiful stuff from Rabada! Good length delivery around off with some swing away. Buttler looks to defend it but goes past the outside edge of the bat. No harm done.
Jos Buttler is the next batsman in. He has a big responsibility in his hands and needs to support his skipper if they are to chase it down. Remember both these players struggled with illness yesterday and Buttler did not even take the field on Day 3.
80.2
W
OUT! Caught! The new ball has done its magic and Faf's decision to take the new ball has taken just two deliveries to do its magic. Full and swinging away from Bairstow. He looks to play it away from his body and ends up getting a thick outside edge which flies to the man at gully. Zubayr Hamza there gets it in an awkward height but he hops and makes it look easy. Looks like he has hurt himself too with the new ball but at this moment it does not matter as South Africa have sent half the English side packing back into the pavilion. Joe Root looks helpless from the other end. Jonny's poor run in red ball cricket continues. 154 runs more needed and South Africa are on fire here.
80.1
4
FOUR! Rabada starts with a poor delivery down the pads. Full delivery on middle, Bairstow whips it beautifully to deep mid-wicket and picks up a boundary.
Faf has opted to take the second new ball as soon as it has become available and Rabada will start with it. Will this decision work out or will it backfire?
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 26/1(16)
79.6
.
OHH! Good length ball around off, Root looks to defend it but gets hit on the pads. It lobs off to Zubayr Hamza at gully who catches it sliding forward. The Proteas appeal but the umpire says no. Good decision in the end as the Hawk Eye shows that the impact was outside off. The South Africans do not think of a review.
79.5
.
On a length on off, Root defends it to point.
79.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Root drives it back to Pretorius.
79.3
2
Good length ball on middle, Root works it to deep square leg and picks up a couple.
79.2
.
Full delivery on middle which kept a little low, Root gets his bat down in time and defends it.
79.1
.
Full delivery on off, Root pushes it to mid off. The fielder slides and makes a good stop. No run in the end.
So this is the last over before the new ball is available. It will be interesting to see whether Faf du Plessis opts it straightaway and start attacking with Philander and Rabada or he waits back and lets Maharaj have a few more go with this old cherry. He has been able to grip and turn the ball from the rough and also there have been some uneven bounce on offer.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 37/2(16)
78.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Bairstow blocks it to square leg.
78.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Bairstow plays it back to the bowler.
78.4
.
Flat one on middle, Jonny blocks it out.
78.3
.
On middle, blocked back to Maharaj.
78.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Bairstow defends it out.
78.1
1
Flatter delivery outside off, Root punches it to deep cover for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 24/1(15)
77.6
.
On middle, Jonny lunges and blocks it to the off side.
77.5
.
Good length on off, Jonny defends it out onto the pitch.
77.4
.
On a length on middle, Bairstow solidly defends it to mid on.
77.3
.
Fuller outside off, Bairstow pushes it to cover for nothing.
77.2
.
Outside off, Bairstow does not fiddle with it and shoulders arms.
77.1
.
Full one on middle, Jonny pushes it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 36/2(15)
76.6
.
Flatter one outside off, Root defends it out to point.
76.5
1
Outside off, pushed to deep cover for a single.
76.4
.
Full on off, Bairstow pushes it to cover.
76.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Bairstow defends it to cover.
76.2
1
Flatter one outside off, Root guides it to point and takes a single. The fielder dives and stops it.
76.1
.
Ohh! This is going to send chills down the England batting line up. Maharaj bowls it short outside off, Root tries to dab it down towards third man but fails to do so. Guess why? Because the ball has stayed low and refused to bounce. Lucky for Root that was not on the stumps.
In over# 1
1lb
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 24/1(14)
75.6
1lb
OHH! Good length ball on middle and leg, Root moves towards the off side and looks to flick it but misses. It is hit on the pads and rolls to the leg side. Pretorius appeals but nothing from the umpire. A leg bye taken.
75.5
.
Length outside off, left alone by Root.
75.4
.
On off, Root defends it solidly.
75.3
.
Fuller one on middle, Root defends it back to the bowler.
75.2
.
On off, Root guides it to gully for nothing.
75.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Root whips it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 34/2(14)
74.6
.
On middle, Jonny lunges forward and blocks it out.
74.5
.
Tossed up ball on middle, Jonny defends it back.
74.4
.
Floated on off, Bairstow lunges forward and blocks it to cover.
74.3
4
FOUR! This is not good bowling from Maharaj! Short and wide outside off, Bairstow rocks back and punches it through covers for a boundary.
74.2
.
On middle, defended out.
74.1
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Jonny defends it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 24/1(13)
73.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
73.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
73.4
4
FOUR! Poor bowling this though! Full delivery on the pads, Root just helps it on its way to the backward square leg for a boundary. Keshav Maharaj comes, slides but fails to stop it.
73.3
.
BEATEN! Brilliant stuff from Pretorius! Good length ball around off, angling away from the batsman. Root looks to defend it but misses it. Suddenly after the wicket the ball has started doing something off the pitch.
73.2
.
Things are now happening after that wicket! Good length ball on middle, Root looks to defend it but hits him around the box. Looks fine to continue.
73.1
.
Full delivery outside off keeping very low, Root looks to push at it but sneaks under his bat and goes into the mitts of the keeper. Root looks shocked after that delivery.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 30/2(13)
72.6
.
Flighted on off, Bairstow blocks it to get through the over. End of a brilliant over from Maharaj. Might just be the game changing over.
72.5
.
Tossed up on off, Bairstow defends it.
72.4
.
Floated outside off, Bairstow leaves it alone.
Jonny Bairstow replaces Ben Stokes out in the middle. A very crucial innings for him. He has been out of runs in this format and needs to score if he wants to keep his place in the playing XI as Ollie Pope is fit again and waiting on his heels.
72.3
W
OUT! Chopped on! Maharaj is in cloud 9, South African players are on cloud 9! England's crisis man, the miracle man of Headingley is out of here. Massive wicket in this game. No Ben Magic here in Centurion as Maharaj has got the king-sized wicket of Ben Stokes. Maharaj bowls it slightly short but on the rough. It puts Ben Stokes in two minds, whether to play at it or let it go. He tries to dab it down towards third man but the ball is too close to do it. The ball turns in a bit as well. It hits the glove and goes onto hit the stumps. The hosts are up in joy and the home fans are loving it too. Faf is up and pumping and this match has got another turn to it. 172 runs more needed and one might feel South Africa will have their energies up as they have got the big fish here. No Big Ben show so is this the end of this chase? England still have 6 wickets and their skipper is still out there in the middle but has Keshav delivered the body blow in the form of Stokes' wicket?
72.2
.
Flatter delivery on middle and leg, Stokes works it to the leg side.
72.1
1
Shorter delivery outside off, Root off the back foot punches it to cover-point. Pretorius slides and stops it. A single taken.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Dwaine Pretorius 20/1(12)
71.6
.
On middle, defended to mid on off the back foot.
71.5
.
On a length on middle, Ben whips it to mid-wicket where Rudi Second slides to stop the ball.
71.4
.
Good length ball on off, Stokes defends it to cover.
71.3
.
Fullish on middle and leg, Stokes defends it to the leg side.
71.2
.
Back of a length delivery on middle, Stokes works it to mid-wicket.
71.1
2
On a length on middle, Stokes flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Change from both the ends. Dwaine Pretorius is back on. He has a wicket to his name, can he strike another one before the new ball is available?
In over# 1
4
1lb
4
0
0
4
Keshav Maharaj 29/1(12)
70.6
4
FOUR! England are turning it on at Centurion. Short delivery outside off, Root goes on his back foot and punches it through covers for a boundary. 200 up for England.
70.5
1lb
Flatter delivery on middle and leg, Stokes looks to flick it but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to square leg and the batters steal a leg bye.
70.4
4
FOUR! Stokes is looking to attack the spinner here. Floated ball on off, Stokes dances down the track and plays it uppishly over the cover region for a boundary.
70.3
.
On middle, defended back to the bowler.
70.2
.
Loopy ball on off, Stokes defends it back to the bowler.
70.1
4
FOUR! Thrashed by Stokes! Maharaj starts with a flighted delivery on off, Ben bends on his knees and sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.
Keshav Maharaj is back for the first time in this session. There are a few rough patches available for him and he has pitched a few ball in there which has troubled the visitors. Can he take another wicket and utilize the use of the patches?
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
2
0
Anrich Nortje 40/1(14)
69.6
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled down the leg side, Root ducks under it.
69.5
.
On off, defended off the back foot to point.
69.4
4
FOUR! Nicely timed from Root! Root has started well after the Lunch break! Full delivery on middle, Root whips it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. Vernon Philander chases after it and fails to reach it on time.
69.3
.
Short ball outside off, Root defends it out.
69.2
2
Full delivery on off, Root looks to flick it but it goes off the leading edge through the cover region. The batters take two before the fielder can clean it up.
69.1
.
Short delivery on middle and leg, Root hops and attempts to flick it but gets hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
4
Vernon Philander 31/0(17)
68.6
.
Back of a length on middle, Stokes tucks it to mid-wicket.
68.5
.
Full delivery outside off, Stokes pushes it to cover.
Seeing Ben Stokes come down the track, Quintin de Kock has got his helmet on and he is now standing up to the stumps for Philander.
68.4
.
Good length delivery outside off, Stokes comes down the track and looks to defend it but it goes off the inside edge onto the pads.
68.3
.
On middle, defended to the leg side.
68.2
1
Back of a length delivery on off, Root defends it to the point region and takes a single.
68.1
4
FOUR! Beautiful shot but a poor delivery as well! Short delivery outside off, Root hops and punches it to the cover-point region for a boundary.
A hammer is brought to level the landing area again for Philander.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Anrich Nortje 34/1(13)
67.6
.
Full delivery down the leg side, Stokes looks to flick it but misses. Nortje puts in an appeal but nothing from the umpire.
67.5
.
On middle, worked to mid-wicket.
67.4
.
BEATEN! Very good delivery from Nortje. Full delivery outside off, Stokes wants to have a feel of it but misses it completely. Good carry for de Kock as well.
67.3
1
Short of a length on off, Root jumps and guides it to third man for a run.
67.2
.
Back of a length delivery on middle, Root hops and blocks it back to the bowler.
67.1
.
Nortje starts with a full delivery on middle, Root flicks it to square leg.
Anrich Nortje to bowl from the other end. 12-3-33-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
4
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 26/0(16)
66.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Root works it to backward square leg for a single.
66.5
.
On a length on off, Root defends it to point off the back foot.
66.4
4
FOUR! BEAUTIFUL! Absolutely beautiful. Wonderful way to start the session for the visitors. Philander dishes out a half volley on middle, Root drives it past the diving Rabada and into the long on fence. Rabada does get a hand to it but fails to do so.
66.3
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Joe does not fiddle with it and lets the ball go to the keeper.
66.2
.
Full on off, Root lunges forward and defends it out.
66.1
.
Starts with a good length ball on off, Root pushes it to gully.
We are back for the second session. The South African players are out in the middle. Joe Root and Ben Stokes will resume their innings for England. Vernon Philander will start the proceedings for the second session.
... Day 4, Session 2 ...
So 50 runs and 2 wickets came in this session. England need further 205 runs to win. South Africa need 7 wickets. What do we have in store for the second session? Can South Africa take advantage or will Stokes and Root take the tourists out of troubled waters? Join us after the break to find out.
England started off the day cautiously. They took the defensive approach. Burns and Denly ate some deliveries and scored 18 runs before Burns departed. Denly too did not last long after it. The visitors have two of their best batters in their captain Joe Root and vice-captain Ben Stokes out in the middle. The pair managed to watch out the remaining time before Lunch and ensured that they do not have any further casualties heading into the break. The onus will be on this pair to build a big partnership.
Another evenly poised session in this Test but it will be South Africa who will be the happier of the two sides. The Proteas bowlers were sub-par with the ball on Day 3 but they started off well on Day 4. Rabada and Philander built pressure but it was Nortje and Pretorius who bore the fruit of that. The pair managed to get rid of a very well-set Burns and after a while even sent Denly packing. The hosts have 205 runs to play with and need 7 wickets to win this Test.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 73/0(17)
65.6
1
EDGED! Full delivery on off, Root looks to defend it but it goes off the outside edge to third man for a single. With that, it is LUNCH ON DAY 4.
65.5
.
Fullish on off, Root defends it to point.
65.4
.
Back of a length delivery on middle, Root works it to short leg. Rudi Second, the substitute, collects it on the bounce.
65.3
.
Short ball around middle and leg, Root does well to duck under it.
65.2
.
Good length ball on off, Root defends it out.
65.1
.
On a good length on off, Root blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 17/1(11)
64.6
.
On middle, defended out by Stokes.
64.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
64.4
.
BEAUTIFUL BOWLING! Tosses this one up outside off pitching on the rough, Stokes lunges to defend but it spins and beats the bat going onto hitting the thigh pad.
64.3
.
Full delivery on off, Stokes works it to mid-wicket.
64.2
1
Loopy delivery on off, Root pushes it to mid off and takes a single.
64.1
.
Starts with a flighted delivery on middle, Root lunges forward and defends it out.
Keshav Maharaj is into the attack. 10-3-16-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 72/0(16)
63.6
.
Cries for catch it but it is wide of Rabada! Full delivery on middle, Stokes pushes it back to the bowler uppishly. Rabada dives to catch but it is wide of him. He does not get any hand on it. The ball hits the stumps at the bowler's end and rolls to mid off.
63.5
.
Back of a length delivery on off, Stokes stands tall and blocks it out.
63.4
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to this one.
63.3
1
Good length ball on middle, Root flicks it to square leg and crosses over for a single. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Anyway, Stokes was well in.
63.2
.
That's kept low! Good length ball on off keeping low, Root looks to defend it but it goes off the bottom half of the bat towards the slip cordon. Quinton de Kock dives to his right and stops it.
63.1
.
Starts with a full delivery outside off, Root lets it go.
Kagiso Rabada is back on. 15-1-71-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 18/1(11)
62.6
.
Outside off, left alone by Stokes.
62.5
.
Good length delivery outside off, Stokes lets the ball go to the keeper.
62.4
.
Stokes covers his off stump and defends this full one back to the bowler.
62.3
.
BEATEN! This is lovely bowling from Pretorius! Fuller one outside off, Stokes looks to defend it but the ball whizzes past the outside edge of the bat and goes into the mitts of the keeper.
62.2
.
Fullish on off, Stokes pushes it to mid off.
62.1
.
Very full delivery on off, Stokes defends it out.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
1
Anrich Nortje 33/1(12)
61.6
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Root ducks under it.
61.5
1
This time gets some bat on it does Stokes. Short on off, Stokes pulls it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a single.
61.4
.
BEATEN! Nicely bowled but a poorer shot! Short of a length ball around middle and off, Stokes attempts to pull it but misses it altogether.
61.3
.
Good length ball on middle, Stokes defends it back to the bowler.
61.2
.
Well fielded! Full delivery on off, Stokes looks to defend it but it goes off the outside edge towards second slip. Faf there dives and makes a good stop. Saved a certain boundary.
Joe Root is in pain here and he has had some tough time with his illness as well. The physio is out now with the spray. Root looks reasonably okay. Also, some pickle juice for the English skipper.
61.1
1
OHH! That must have hurt. Good length ball on off which bounces a little more after pitching. Root attempts to fend it away but hits the arm and goes towards fine leg for a single. Root drops his bat and then takes off for the run.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 18/1(10)
60.6
.
Fullish on off, Stokes pushes it to cover.
60.5
.
Length delivery on off, Stokes plays it back to the bowler.
60.4
2
Fullish on middle and off, Stokes comes down the pitch and whips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple. The fielder comes across and cleans it up.
60.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
60.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Stokes does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.
60.1
.
Fullish ball outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
4b
1
0
0
1
0
Anrich Nortje 31/1(11)
59.6
4b
FOUR BYES! What happened there? Short of a length delivery outside off, Root lets it go. De Kock and the first slip fielder goes after it but fails to do so. The ball rolls to the third man fence.
59.5
1
Good length on middle and leg, Stokes whips it to deep square leg for a single.
59.4
.
Full on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.
59.3
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Stokes lets it go to the keeper.
59.2
1
On a length outside off, Root guides it to deep point for a single.
59.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Root whips it to short leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 16/1(9)
58.6
.
Outside off, Stokes leaves it alone. Good over from Pretorius comes to an end.
58.5
.
Fullish on off, Stokes leans forward and defends it out.
58.4
.
On a length on middle and off, Stokes blocks it to cover.
58.3
.
On off, Stokes pushes it to cover.
58.2
.
Good length ball on off, Ben defends it to covers.
58.1
.
Back of a length delivery on off, Stokes pushes it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 29/1(10)
57.6
.
On a length on middle, Root looks to fend it away but gets hit on the gloves. He takes his glove off the bat immediately after playing at it.
57.5
.
Back of a length on middle at 144 kph, Root hops and defends it well onto the pitch.
57.4
.
Fullish on off, Root looks to defend but it goes off the inside half of the bat which just rolls past the leg stump. No harm done though.
57.3
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Root ducks under it.
57.2
.
On a length on middle, Root works it to square leg.
57.1
.
Full delivery on off, Root pushes it wide of mid off where Rabada slides and collects it. No run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 16/1(8)
56.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
56.5
.
Good length ball around off, Stokes stands tall and defends it to point.
56.4
.
Full delivery on off, Stokes defends it out.
Ben Stokes is the new man in. Can he repeat his Headingley heroics?
56.3
W
OUT! LBW! Umpire's call. The ball is just clipping the leg pole but it is enough for Denly to walk back. The pressure the opening bowlers built is starting to pay off as the new bowlers are getting the breakthrough. A wicket that South Africa wanted. A wicket that South Africa have got. Both the well-set batsmen are out of here and South Africa on top here. Very good bowling from Pretorius. Good length ball pitching around off and coming back in. Denly looks to flick it across the line but misses. There is a huge appeal from the Proteas players and the umpire agrees with him and raises the finger. Joe Denly has a word with his skipper and then signals the 'T'. Replay rolls in and Hawk Eye shows that the pitching is not an issue. The impact is in line as well and the ball is clipping the leg pole. England retain their review but cannot overturn the on-field umpire's decision and England are in trouble here. They need 218 runs more to win but now have just the 7 wickets in hand.
Denly has been adjudged LBW! It looks very close and Denly after having a word with Root has taken it upstairs. The on-field call is out so all it needs to do is just clip the stump for South Africa to get their second wicket of the day.
56.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Joe keeps it out.
56.1
.
On a good length on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1wd
0
0
0
4
Anrich Nortje 29/1(9)
55.6
.
Fuller delivery outside the off stump line, Root lets the ball go to the keeper.
55.5
.
Outside off, left alone by Root.
55.5
1wd
WIDE! A bouncer bowled around middle, Root ducks under it. De Kock jumps to collect it but fails to collect it. A wide is signaled by the umpire.
55.4
.
Good length ball on off, Root defends it to point.
55.3
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Root ducks under it.
55.2
.
Fullish on middle, Joe defends it back to Nortje off the front foot.
55.1
4
FOUR! Beautiful shot from Root! Back of a length delivery outside off, Root hops and punches the ball crisply through covers for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 16/0(7)
54.6
.
OUCH! That took off after pitching! Good length ball on middle which bounced a bit extra. Denly looks to defend it but it hits the gloves and rolls to square leg.
54.5
.
On middle, blocked back to the bowler.
54.4
4
FOUR! Hammered! Poor ball but it has to be put away. Short delivery on off, Denly gets into position and thrashes the pull through mid-wicket for a boundary. 150 up for England. Need more 223 runs to win.
54.3
.
On a length on middle, Joe rocks on his back foot and blocks it out onto the pitch.
54.2
.
Fullish ball outside off, Joe lets the ball go to the keeper.
54.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Denly defends it back to the bowler.
Dwaine Pretorius to have a go with the ball after the break.
Drinks! South Africa have been very disciplined so far in this session. They have not given many runs and have even managed to pick the wicket of Rory Burns. England, on the other hand, still have a lot of time to go after this target. Root has just come out while Denly has looked good apart from that top edge which Nortje did not pick. Can the Proteas pick up few more wickets before Lunch?
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 24/1(8)
53.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Root blocks it off the front foot.
53.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Length delivery outside off, Root gets off the mark by guiding it towards third man for a boundary. That is a shot which brings him a lot of runs but also gets out sometimes says Nasser Hussain on air.
53.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Root ducks under it.
53.3
.
On a good length on off, Root keeps it out.
53.2
.
Good length delivery on off, the skipper defends it off the back foot.
53.1
.
On a length on middle, Root defends it towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
6
0
Kagiso Rabada 71/0(15)
52.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Joe blocks it well.
52.5
.
On a good length on middle, Denly defends it towards mid on.
52.4
.
Bowls a bumper, Denly ducks under it.
52.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Joe blocks it off the back foot.
52.2
6
SIX! What has happened there? Nortje does not know where the ball is. Short of a length ball on off, Denly looks to pull it but gets a top edge towards fine leg. Nortje stationed there, loses the sight of the ball in the air and looks to take evasive action. In the end it goes for a biggie. Rabada has his hands on his head. Could have been easily another wicket.
52.1
.
On a good length on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
0
Anrich Nortje 20/1(7)
51.6
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Poor shot! Root does not need to play at that. Short of a length ball outside off, Root looks to play the cut but misses it altogether.
51.5
.
BEATEN! That kept a little low. On a length outside off, Root looks to defend it but it sneaks under his bat and into the keeper's gloves.
51.4
.
Full delivery on off, Root defends it back to the bowler.
51.3
.
OHH! Nortje bowls a good length ball around middle, Root hops to defend it but gets hit on the thigh pad. Nortje appeals confidently but the umpire shakes his head. It seems that it is going a bit too high. The South Africans think of a review but decide against it.
Joe Root, the England skipper, makes his way out to the middle, replacing Rory Burns.
51.2
W
OUT! Caught! The bowling change has done the wonders for the hosts. Nortje strikes in his second ball of the over. Big, big wicket for the Proteas and this could be the wicket that puts the South Africans back in the driver's seat. Nortje goes short and it is well directed as well as it is very close to the body. The ball hurries onto Burns. He looks to pull it but he is very late in his shot. The ball hits the upper half of the bat and goes high in the air. It goes towards mid on. Rabada's eyes lit up looking at that but he does not lose his composure and he takes a good, simple catch. Burns' innings comes to an end. He misses out on a hundred but more importantly he was set and had to bat at least till Lunch. This changes the dynamics of the game here. First wicket of the day. South Africa need another 8 to win this. England need further 237. The match is back in balance.
51.1
.
Bowls a bouncer, Burns does well to duck under it.
First bowling change of the day. Anrich Nortje is into the attack. 6-1-20-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
3
0
0
2
Kagiso Rabada 65/0(14)
50.6
.
On a good length on off, Denly blocks it well.
50.5
.
Good length delivery outside off, Denly offers no shot to this one.
50.4
3
Length delivery on middle, Burns flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder comes across from fine leg and stops the ball from reaching the fence. The batsmen take three. Good running between the wickets.
50.3
.
On a good length on off, Rory blocks it well.
50.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Rory blocks it off the front foot.
50.1
2
On a length on middle, Burns flicks it through mid-wicket. Philander runs, chases and cleans it up. The batsmen pick up a couple.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 21/0(15)
49.6
1
Length delivery on leg, Burns flicks it through square leg for a single.
49.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Rory blocks it off the back foot.
49.4
.
On off, Burns defends it off the front foot.
49.3
.
Outside off, Burns does not bother to play at that. Third consecutive leave for Rory Burns.
49.2
.
Again outside off, Burns makes a calm leave on this one.
49.1
.
Good length delivery outside off, Burns leaves it alone.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 60/0(13)
48.6
1
Almost a tub out of nowhere! Substitute Rudi Second produces a chance out of nowhere. Rabada delivers on the body, Burns flicks it but it goes on the bounce to the man at short leg. Burns is out of his crease and Second has a quick shy at the keeper's end but unfortunately it goes just past the stumps and towards deep point. They steal a single. That would have been some wicket and an unfortunate way if you are an English supporter.
48.5
1
Length delivery on middle, Denly flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.
48.4
.
Again outside off, Joe shoulders arms to this one. Third consecutive leave from Denly.
48.3
.
Outside off, Denly does not bother to play at that.
48.2
.
Outside off, Joe lets it go.
48.1
.
Bowls a bouncer outside off, Denly sways away from it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 20/0(14)
47.6
.
Length delivery on middle, Rory flicks it towards mid-wicket where Elgar makes a fine stop.
47.5
.
On a good length on middle, Burns defends it off the back foot.
47.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Rory blocks it off the back foot.
47.3
.
On a length on off, Burns taps it to point.
47.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Rory blocks it off the front foot.
47.1
.
On a good length on off, Burns keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
6
Kagiso Rabada 58/0(12)
46.6
.
On a length on off, Denly plays it to point.
46.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Joe lets it sail through to the keeper.
46.4
.
On a good length on middle, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
46.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Denly ducks under it.
46.2
.
Good length ball outside off, it bounces a touch after pitching. Denly lets it go and de Kock hops and collects it with one hand.
46.1
6
SIX! First shot of real aggression and intent from England. It is Denly who has taken the charge. A much-needed pressure reliving shot after barrage of dot balls. Rabada goes short, Denly is ready for it and pulls it with sheer confidence and power over mid-wicket. He has timed it perfectly and the ball sails over the fence for a biggie. First one of the innings.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 20/0(13)
45.6
.
Again outside off, Burns leaves it alone.
45.5
.
Outside off, Rory offers no shot to this one.
45.4
.
Good length delivery outside off, Rory blocks it off the back foot.
45.3
.
Again outside off, Burns offers a calm leave on this one.
45.2
.
Outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one.
45.1
.
On a good length on middle, Burns defends it towards mid-wicket.
There is a slight halt in play as a hammer is brought out for leveling the landing area.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 52/0(11)
44.6
.
Bowls it down the leg side, Denly looks to flick but misses it.
44.5
.
Outside off, Denly lets it go.
44.4
.
On off, Joe blocks it off the back foot.
44.3
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off which kept a little low, Denly looks to defend but misses it.
44.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Joe blocks it off the back foot.
44.1
.
On a good length on leg, Denly looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 20/0(12)
43.6
.
Length delivery on middle, Burns nudges it towards the leg side.
43.5
.
Again outside off, Rory does not bother to play at that.
43.4
.
On a good length on middle, Burns blocks it off the back foot.
43.3
.
Outside off, Burns makes a calm leave on this one.
43.2
.
On a good length on off, Rory keeps it out.
43.1
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Burns looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 52/0(10)
42.6
.
Outside off, Denly leaves it alone.
42.5
.
On a good length on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
42.4
4
EDGED AND FOUR! First runs of the day but it is not in the most convincing way. Rabada hits the deck hard on off, it tails away a bit. Denly looks to defend but the away swing squares him up and the ball goes off the outside edge through the vacant gully region for a boundary.
42.3
.
Outside off, Denly offers no shot to this one.
42.2
.
On a length on middle, Denly flicks it to mid-wicket.
42.1
.
On a good length on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 20/0(11)
41.6
.
Good start for Philander. Maintains his line and length and bowls it outside off. Asking Burns the question but Rory is in no hurry and leaves the last ball alone to get through the first over of the day. Maiden to start the day!
41.5
.
Vernon wants Burns to go for the drive as he tempts him with another length ball outside off. Rory is a calm man and he has no interest in falling in that trap.
41.4
.
This one looks to be coming in but straightens after the ball pitches. Burns watches it till the end and does not have a poke at it. He shoulders arms to this one.
41.3
.
Philander now goes away from the off pole and there is some extra bounce and away swing on this one. Rory covers his stumps and lets it go.
41.2
.
Philander once again bowls on the off stump line, Burns gets on his back foot and defends it.
41.1
.
Philander starts the day right on the money. Good length ball on top of off. Burns starts his day by calmly blocking this with a straight bat.
Day 4 is all set to begin! England need 255 to win this Test and have 9 wickets in hand to do so. Rory Burns and Joe Denly make their way out to the middle. Vernon Philander will start the proceedings.
One of the two Boxing Day Tests is done. It was the hosts, Australia who decimated New Zealand. Where is the second Boxing Day Test heading? This one is evenly poised. Both the sides have a chance to win it and no one knows which way this game is heading. It has been a topsy-turvy game so far. The hosts need 9 wickets and are aware of England's habit of collapsing so they will still fancy themselves. The visitors, on the other hand, don't need to look too far away for inspiration as it was very recently that they chased down a mammoth total at Headingley. If that is not enough, the tourists must be aware of the hosts' behavior of tumbling under pressure. It's the last Sunday of 2019 and we are up for an exciting finish of international cricket for the year. Who are you backing to win this? Welcome to the coverage of Day 4 of this fascinating 1st Test between South Africa and England.
... Day 4, Morning session ...
So 255 runs more is what England require. South Africa need 9 wickets to win this game. Nobody knows who is on top as both the teams at the end of the day have an equal chance to take the lead in this series opener. The pitch looked good to bat on Day 3 and looking at it, all the criticism Joe Root got for bowling first is starting to backfire. What do we have in store on Day 4? It might just be the last day of this Test and can go either way. Join us on Sunday, 29th December at 1000 local (0800 GMT) as we inch closer to the climax of this fascinating Test. We hope to see you on Day 4. Till then, cheers!
Is it the pitch or is there some issue with the mentality? As just like England, South African bowlers too looked out of sorts. They were not consistent with their lines and lengths and struggled to find their rhythm. The bowlers were not aided by some sloppy fielding as Rassie van der Dussen put down Burns who is making him and the hosts pay. They did manage to break the opening stand, courtesy of their spinner, Keshav Maharaj. But all-in-all, the hosts need to sort themselves up and come back stronger if they are to avoid an unexpected defeat in this Test.
But as has been the story of this Test so far, England got back up after being down and out for the majority of the day. Sibley and Burns laid the foundation of the chase. The duo added a 92-run stand for the opening wicket to give the English fans some hope. Burns got to his fifty and is still out there looking very good. He has been solid in his approach and has made most of the chance he got when Rassie van der Dussen put him down on 20. His opening partner Dominic Sibley got out against the run of play but Joe Denly then joined Burns out in the middle and the duo ensured that the visitors did not have any further damage before Stumps.
Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers as he ended up with a 5-fer but he was expensive. The other English bowlers looked jaded, out of ideas and tired. A couple of players, namely Buttler and Root struggled with illness as well. And with a target of 376 to chase, it looked like the day and the match belonged to South Africa.
Another end of a proper, unpredictable day of Test cricket here in Centurion. This match has been evenly poised and at the end of Day 3 it is still an even contest. The pendulum has kept swinging. South Africa started the day with a good lead of 175. They added further 200 to it courtesy of a fifty from Rassie van der Dussen and supporting roles from Nortje, de Kock and Philander.
In over# 1
0
3
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 16/1(10)
40.6
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly defends it out. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 3!
40.5
3
Floated delivery on off, Burns looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes past first slip towards third man. Pretorius chases it, slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.
40.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Burns blocks it off the back foot.
40.3
.
BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Burns looks to defend but misses it.
40.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Rory blocks it well.
40.1
.
Floated delivery on off, Burns defends it out.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 12/0(6)
39.6
4
FOUR! Good shot. Not too much power but just a well-timed punch. Good length ball outside off, Denly gets on his back foot and punches it through backward point for a boundary.
39.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
39.4
.
On a good length on middle, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
39.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Denly keeps it out.
39.2
.
On a good length on off, Joe keeps it out.
Quinton de Kock is back up to the stumps. This time to Dwaine Pretorius.
39.1
.
Full delivery on off, Denly drives it to covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Keshav Maharaj 13/1(9)
38.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, Burns blocks it off the back foot.
38.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Burns sweeps it towards the leg side.
38.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Rory plays it to point.
38.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Rory defends it out.
38.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Burns blocks it off the back foot.
38.1
2
Tossed up delivery outside off, Burns drives it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Change of ends for the left-arm spinner. Maybe Faf du Plessis and Maharaj feel this end has more cracks on offer outside off of the southpaw.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dwaine Pretorius 8/0(5)
37.6
.
Full delivery on off, Denly drives it towards mid off.
37.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly defends it out.
37.4
.
On a good length on middle, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
37.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Denly keeps it out.
37.2
.
Length delivery on off, Denly offers a back foot defense on this one.
37.1
1
On a good length on middle, Burns nudges it towards the leg side for a single.
Pretorius is back on. 4-1-7-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Vernon Philander 20/0(10)
36.6
.
Close call but it looked to be going down the leg side and also height seemed to be an issue as well. Good length ball on off, it jags back in. Denly looks to defend but misses and the ball hits him around the knee roll. Philander and his teammates go up in appeal but the umpire shakes his head. South Africa do not go for the review either.
36.5
.
On a good length on off, Denly blocks it well.
36.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
36.3
2
On a length on middle, Denly flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
36.2
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Denly looks to defend but misses it.
The keeper is upto the stumps now for Philander. Good ploy this from South Africa as Denly has been standing in front of the crease to negate the swing. This will force Joe back inside his crease.
36.1
.
On a good length on middle, Denly nudges it towards the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Keshav Maharaj 11/1(8)
35.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Rory blocks it off the front foot.
35.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Burns looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
35.4
.
Floated delivery outside off, Burns looks to sweep but misses it and gets hit on the pads.
35.3
.
Flighted delivery on off, Burns keeps it out.
35.2
4
FOUR! A hit-me delivery from Maharaj and Burns obliges with power. Drag down outside off, Burns pulls it with disdain through mid-wicket for a boundary.
35.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Burns defends it towards the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
1
0
Vernon Philander 18/0(9)
34.6
.
Outside off, Joe does not bother to play at that.
34.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
34.4
.
On a good length on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
34.3
2
On a length on off, Denly taps it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.
34.2
1
Length delivery on middle, Burns flicks it through square leg for a run.
34.1
.
On a good length on middle, Burns defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 7/1(7)
33.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, Joe keeps it out.
33.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the back foot.
33.4
.
Outside off, Denly lets it go.
33.3
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly blocks it well.
33.2
1
Short delivery on middle, Burns pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
33.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Burns comes down the track and looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. It goes to du Plessis at first slip on the bounce and throws the ball back to the keeper.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 15/0(8)
32.6
1
On a length on middle, Rory flicks it towards mid-wicket where Elgar makes a fine stop. The batsmen still manage to take a run.
32.5
.
Outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one.
32.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Rory blocks it off the back foot.
32.3
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Burns looks to defend but misses it.
32.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Rory blocks it off the back foot.
32.1
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Burns looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 6/1(6)
31.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
31.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Denly tucks it to mid-wicket.
31.4
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly blocks it well.
31.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Joe blocks it off the front foot.
31.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
31.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly pushes it towards mid on.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 14/0(7)
30.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Burns looks to defend but misses it.
30.5
1
100 up for England. They have got off to a good start here in this big chase but cannot lose their focus here. They need another 276 runs to win. Length ball on the pads, Denly turns it behind square on the leg side and takes a single to bring up the triple digit score for England.
30.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Denly flicks it to mid-wicket.
30.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the front foot.
30.2
.
On a good length on middle, Denly defends it off the front foot.
30.1
.
Appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes it away. Height looked to be an issue hence the appeal too was a half-hearted one. Good length ball on off, it jags back in. Denly looks to defend but he misses and the ball hits him on the thigh pad of his back leg. There is a not-so-confident appeal from Philander and co. but nothing from the umpire. Hawk Eye later on rolls in and it shows that it was going well over the stumps. Hence even Faf did not signal the 'T'.
Vernon Philander is back on. 6-2-13-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 6/1(5)
29.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Rory comes down the track and blocks it.
29.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Burns comes down the track and defends it.
29.4
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Burns looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
29.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Burns keeps it out.
29.2
1
Floated delivery on off, Denly drives it through mid off. The batsmen cross ends.
29.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
2
0
0
4
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 48/0(9)
28.6
2
Length delivery outside off, Burns taps it through point. The batsmen get two runs.
28.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Burns defends it to covers.
28.4
.
Outside off, Rory offers no shot to this one.
28.3
4
FOUR! Beautiful shot. Full outside off, Burns is quick to get on his front foot and drive it right off the middle of the bat through covers for a boundary. He has lost his partner but Burns is not losing his focus. If he sees a bad ball he will punish it.
28.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Burns pushes it to mid on.
28.1
.
Outside off, Burns leaves it alone.
Joe Denly is the new batsman in.
In over# 1
0W
0
0
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 5/1(4)
27.6
W
OUT! Caught and bowled! Soft, soft dismissal to end a very good opening stand. Big wicket for South Africa, they desperately needed to break the stand and it is the left-arm spinner who has done the trick. Floated delivery, slightly short on off. Sibley gets on his back foot and looks to push it back to the bowler. He does so but uppishly and the ball goes straight back to Maharaj and he takes an easy catch. Sibley has had his struggles against left-arm spinners. He had a tough time against Santner in New Zealand and now Maharaj has got him. The solid opening stand is broken and South Africa are back in this game. 284 runs more needed and the hosts have found the source of inspiration they were looking for. CRASH. What was that? Oh dear... Sibley is angry. Very angry. Replays show the opener getting into the dressing room and throwing his helmet away in disgust. Tuk tuk... anger management and frustration control are needed. Anyone remember Matt Prior?
27.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Sibley drives it towards mid on.
27.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Sibley blocks it well.
27.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
27.2
.
Floated delivery on middle, Sibley tucks it to mid-wicket.
27.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Burns pushes it through mid on for a run.
In over# 1
4
1
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 42/0(8)
26.6
4
FOUR! Amazing shot. On a length and outside off, Sibley punches it through point for a boundary.
26.5
1
Length delivery on off, Burns plays it towards point. The batsmen cross ends.
26.4
.
On a good length on off, Burns defends it off the back foot.
26.3
.
Bowls a bumper, Rory does well to duck under it. De Kock fails to collect it cleanly as well but no byes conceded.
26.2
.
On a good length on off, Rory defends it off the front foot.
26.1
.
Bowls a bouncer, Burns ducks under it. It goes to de Kock who fails to collect the ball and it goes past him. The batsmen don't take the single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Keshav Maharaj 4/0(3)
25.6
.
On off, Sibley offers a forward defense on this one.
25.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Sibley looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
25.4
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
25.3
.
Floated delivery outside off, Sibley lets it go.
25.2
4
FOUR! Against the spin but very nicely played. Maharaj bowls it on middle and leg. It is a little too straight in line. Sibley gets on his front foot and flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
25.1
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Sibley looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Kagiso Rabada 37/0(7)
24.6
.
On a good length on off, Burns keeps it out.
24.5
.
Outside off, Burns does not bother to play at that.
24.4
.
Gem of a delivery from Rabada. This ball shows why he is one of the best pacers going around. Hits the deck hard around off, it looks to be coming in with the angle but it straightens up as the ball hits the deck. Burns looks to defend but is once again beaten all ends up.
24.3
.
Back of a length ball outside off, Rory initially looks to pull but then sees it is away from him so he leaves it alone.
24.2
.
On a good length on off, Rory blocks it off the back foot.
24.1
2
Full delivery on middle, Burns drives it through mid on. The batsmen pick up a couple.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 0/0(2)
23.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Sibley drives it towards mid on.
23.5
.
Flighted delivery on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
23.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
23.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Sibley flicks it to mid-wicket.
23.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Dominic defends it off the front foot.
23.1
.
BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside off, Sibley looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
4
0
Kagiso Rabada 35/0(6)
22.6
.
On the pads, Rory tucks it to the on side. End of an eventful over.
22.5
.
Peach of a delivery this from Rabada. Almost got the better of Burns there. Good comeback from Rabada. He steams in and hits the deck hard around off. It moves away a bit from the southpaw. Burns tries to get on top of it and drive it to the off side but gets beaten comprehensively by the movement.
22.4
4
FOUR! Gorgeous shot from Burns. Overpitched on off by Rabada. Burns is well-set out there and he is quick to pounce on this mistake and slash his drive through covers for a boundary.
22.3
.
Back of a length on off, RB defends it off his back foot.
22.2
4
FOUR! Burns brings his fifty up with a boundary. His 6th in Tests, he is certainly starting to come good and solidifying his place in this English Test side as an opener. Length ball around off, Burns waits for it and guides it in the gap through point for a boundary. Very subdued celebration from Burns as he knows that the job is not even half done and he needs to convert this into a big score if his side is to get over the line.
22.1
.
Bowls a bouncer outside off, Burns sways away from it.
Drinks! England are going well about this chase. They are still a long way back in this game and cannot get over themselves here. Just like England, South Africa too look out of ideas with the ball. They are all over the place with their lines and lengths and need to sort out their plan. But the hosts must be aware, a wicket here and things might start exploding for England. They still have a lot of runs to play with.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 0/0(1)
21.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, Dominic blocks it off the front foot.
21.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Dominic flicks it to mid-wicket.
21.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Sibley blocks it off the front foot.
21.3
.
Outside off, Dominic offers no shot to this one.
21.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Sibley blocks it off the front foot.
21.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
21 overs of the game done and we have a spinner into the attack. The only frontline spinner of the game, Keshav Maharaj is into the attack. He was not needed for a big spell in the first innings. He just bowled the 4 overs.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
2
0
Kagiso Rabada 27/0(5)
20.6
2
Full delivery on middle, Burns flicks it through square leg. Two runs taken.
20.5
.
Ouch! That must have shaked him up a bit. A back of a length delivery on off, it shoots up and comes with the angle. It is also bowled at a fierce pace of 145 kph. Burns looks to defend but then evade. It is too quick though and the ball hits him on his glove and lobs short towards point.
20.4
.
On a good length on off, Burns defends it off the front foot.
20.3
.
Outside off, Rory shoulders arms to this one.
20.2
2
Length delivery on middle, Burns flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
20.1
.
Outside off, Burns offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
1lb
Dwaine Pretorius 7/0(4)
19.6
.
Again outside off, Sibley lets it go.
19.5
.
Outside off, Sibley offers no shot to this one.
19.4
.
On a length on middle, Sibley flicks it towards the leg side.
19.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Sibley drives it to mid on.
19.2
4
FOUR! What a shot! Right off the middle of the bat. Full on middle and off, Sibley gets on his front foot and just times it to perfection through mid on for a boundary. He did not hit it hard, just timed it beautifully.
19.1
1lb
On a good length on leg, Burns looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen get a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
1
0
Kagiso Rabada 23/0(4)
18.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
18.5
.
Outside off, Dominic offers no shot to this one.
18.4
4
FOUR! Poor bowling from Rabada! Drifts this one on the pads, Sibley flicks it through square leg for a boundary.
18.3
.
On a good length on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
18.2
1
Length delivery on off, Burns defends it towards covers. The batsmen cross ends.
18.1
.
On a good length on middle, Burns looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards mid off.
Kagiso Rabada is back on. 3-0-18-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 3/0(3)
17.6
.
Again outside off, Sibley does not bother to play at that.
17.5
.
Outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
17.4
2
Length delivery on middle, Dominic flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.
17.3
.
Outside off, Sibley lets it go.
17.2
.
On a good length on off, Dominic keeps it out.
17.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Sibley flicks it to short mid-wicket.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 20/0(6)
16.6
4
FOUR! Rory Burns is looking strong. Full delivery on middle, Burns flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. The fielder chases after it from mid-wicket but fails to do so.
16.5
.
On a good length on off, Burns plays it towards covers.
16.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Sibley flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
16.3
.
Bowls a bumper, Sibley does well to duck under it.
16.2
.
Outside off, Sibley does not bother to play at that.
16.1
.
On a good length on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 1/0(2)
15.6
.
On a good length on middle, Rory defends it out.
15.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Rory defends it off the front foot.
15.4
.
On a good length on off, Rory blocks it off the front foot.
15.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Burns blocks it off the back foot.
15.2
.
Burns almost falls in the trap there. Length ball well outside off, Pretoius wants Rory to drive. Burns goes for it and almost edges it behind to the keeper. Luckily for England and RB, it misses the edge.
15.1
.
On a good length on off, Burns plays it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 15/0(5)
14.6
.
Beautiful. Good line and length from Nortje. It is just outside off and it moves a bit as well. Sibley tries to have a feel of the ball but misses. Nortje starting to ask questions here and that too real tough ones.
14.5
.
On a length on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
14.4
1
Length delivery on leg, Burns flicks it through square leg for a single.
14.3
.
Late swing on this one. Back of a length on off, Burns misreads the length of the ball and in the end defends it awkwardly as it comes back in.
14.2
.
Outside off, Rory leaves it alone.
14.1
.
Bowls a bouncer outside off, Burns ducks under it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Dwaine Pretorius 1/0(1)
13.6
.
Outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
13.5
.
On a good length on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot.
13.4
.
Length delivery on off, Sibley plays it to point.
13.3
.
Outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.
13.2
1
England off to a solid start! Short ball on off, Burns pulls it to deep square leg for a single to bring up the 50-run stand. The job is not done at all here and this pair needs to convert this into a big, big one.
13.1
.
Outside off, Burns offers no shot to this one.
Dwaine Pretorius is into the attack.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
1
Anrich Nortje 14/0(4)
12.6
4
FOUR! Magical delivery is followed by a real loosener. It is on the pads of Sibley, easy pickings for him as he just turns it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
12.5
.
Ohh! That is a miracle delivery. Nortje steams in and hits the deck hard outside off. Sibley looks to defend it away from his body but the ball shapes away just a tad to miss the outside edge by a whisker.
12.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Sibley keeps it out.
12.3
.
On a good length on off, Dominic blocks it off the back foot.
12.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Dominic flicks it to mid-wicket.
12.1
1
On a length on off, Burns plays it towards covers for a run.
In over# 1
2
0
1
1
0
0
Vernon Philander 13/0(6)
11.6
2
Length delivery outside off, Sibley slaps it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.
11.5
.
Outside off, Sibley lets it go.
11.4
1
Length delivery on off, Burns plays it towards point for a run.
11.3
1
On a good length on off, Sibley defends it towards covers and takes a run.
11.2
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Sibley looks to defend but misses it.
11.1
.
Outside off, Sibley offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
4
0
Anrich Nortje 9/0(3)
10.6
.
On a good length on off, Rory blocks it off the back foot.
10.5
4
FOUR! Beautiful shot from Burns! Fullish in length on middle, Rory whips it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
10.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Rory defends it out.
10.3
.
On a good length on off, Burns blocks it off the front foot.
10.2
4
FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery on middle, Burns flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
10.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Burns keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
4
0
Vernon Philander 9/0(5)
9.6
.
Outside off, Sibley offers no shot to this one.
9.5
.
On a good length on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot.
9.4
.
Outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.
9.3
1
Good length delivery on off, Burns flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
9.2
4
EDGED, DROPPED, FOUR! Get your knives out. Who is to be blamed? Rassie van der Dussen, of course, because he has put a sitter down. But then, was it really a sitter? Imagine that you are playing a gaming console wherein you have to shoot at a target. You concentrate, aim and then fire. But suddenly, a bird flies out of nowhere just in front of the target. What are the chances of you missing your shot? Pretty close to 100 percent. Unless you are Orlando Bloom in Lord Of The Rings. But jokes apart, this was a very difficult chance for Rassie. Will explain why. Good length ball on middle and off, Burns looks to push at it but the ball moves away at the last moment. That squares him up totally and he gets an outside edge towards first slip. Now, it is a pretty straightforward chance to Rassie van der Dussen over there, to his right. But at that same moment, Quinton de Kock dives to his left to go for the catch. Understandably, that blinds Rassie, causing him to drop it. The ball drops down and goes into the fine leg fence for a boundary. How costly will that prove to be?
9.1
.
On a good length on off, Burns taps it towards the off side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 1/0(2)
8.6
.
Outside off, Sibley does not bother to play at that.
8.5
.
On a good length on off, Dominic taps it to point.
8.4
.
Again outside off, Sibley lets it go.
8.3
.
Outside off, Sibley offers no shot to this one.
8.2
.
On a good length on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot.
8.1
.
Length delivery down the leg side, Sibley looks to flick but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 4/0(4)
7.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off swinging a little bit, Burns looks to defend but misses it.
7.5
.
Outside off, Rory offers no shot to this one.
7.4
.
Bowls it down the leg side, Burns looks to flick but misses it.
7.3
.
Outside off, Burns shoulders arms to this one.
7.2
.
On off, Rory defends it out.
7.1
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Burns looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Anrich Nortje 1/0(1)
6.6
.
On a good length on off, Sibley blocks it well.
6.5
.
On a length on off, Sibley taps it to point.
6.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
6.3
.
On a good length on off, Dominic defends it off the back foot.
6.2
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Sibley looks to defend but misses it.
6.1
1
On a good length on off, Burns defends it towards covers and takes a single.
Anrich Nortje will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Vernon Philander 4/0(3)
5.6
.
BEATEN! That is lovely bowling from Philander! Good length ball around off, Sibley looks to defend it but the ball cuts him in half and goes into the mitts of the keeper.
5.5
.
Fuller one outside off, Sibley does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.
5.4
.
Fullish outside off, Dominic lets the ball go to the keeper.
5.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
5.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Burns plays it to mid off where Rabada dives to stop it but can only parry it to mid off. Burns takes off for a single and makes it easily. The fielder has a shy at the stumps and hits but no damage done.
5.1
1
Full delivery outside off, Sibley defends it to cover and takes a single.
We are back for the final session of Day 3. The South African players are out in the middle. Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley will resume their innings for England. Vernon Philander will start the proceedings for the final session.
... Day 3, Session 3 ...
A session which clearly belonged to the South Africans. They are well and truly on top of this game and have a very healthy score of 376 to defend. England have had a tiring day so far in the field but they'll be happy that Burns and Sibley have successfully managed to see off 5 overs and the visitors go for Tea with all 10 wickets in hand. They need another 352 runs to win. It's a tough task but in no way it is impossible. They will need to bat out of their skin though and need to take it session by session. What do we have in store for the final session of Day 3? Join us after the break to find out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
4
Kagiso Rabada 18/0(3)
4.6
.
Bowls it down the leg side, Burns looks to flick but misses it. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 3!
4.5
.
On a good length on middle, Burns blocks it off the back foot.
4.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Burns ducks under it.
4.3
2
Length delivery on middle, Burns flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
4.2
.
On a good length on middle, Burns defends it towards short leg.
4.1
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Good length ball outside off, Burns leans forward and drives it through gully for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 2/0(2)
3.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Dominic blocks it off the front foot.
3.5
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Sibley looks to defend but misses it.
3.4
.
Outside off, Dominic lets it go.
3.3
.
On a good length and outside off, Sibley looks to play at it but leaves it at the last moment.
3.2
.
Outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.
3.1
.
On a good length on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
4b
2
0
4
Kagiso Rabada 12/0(2)
2.6
.
BOUNCER! Rory Burns ducks under it.
2.5
.
Good length ball outside off, Rory lets the ball go to the keeper.
2.4
4b
FOUR BYES! That is too high! Bouncer around middle, Burns ducks under it. De Kock jumps but only manages to get finger tips on it. The ball rolls to the fence behind the keeper.
2.3
2
Full delivery on leg, Burns flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.
2.2
.
On a good length on off, Burns defends it off the front foot.
2.1
4
FOUR! Classy from Rory Burns! Rabada dishes out a full delivery outside off, Burns lunges forward and creams the drive through mid off for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 2/0(1)
1.6
.
On off, Sibley defends it out.
1.5
.
On a good length on off, Dominic blocks it well.
1.4
2
On a length on middle, Sibley flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
1.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, Sibley does not bother to play at that.
1.2
.
Outside off, Sibley offers no shot to this one.
1.1
.
On a good length on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
Vernon Philander to bowl from the other end. He was the tormentor-in-chief with the ball in the first innings and has a good Test match overall so far. He was also good with the bat in both the innings.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
4
Kagiso Rabada 6/0(1)
0.6
.
NOT OUT! Burns survives! The ball was going onto miss the stumps. Brilliant delivery from Rabada and he will feel that he deserved a wicket there. Full delivery on off swinging into the batsman, Burns looks to push it but misses to get hit on the pads. The Proteas appeal and the umpire after some thought gives it out. Burns reviews it immediately. Hawk Eye shows that it is pitching in line but is going on to miss the off stump. Excellent review from Burns and will now look to make full use of the opportunity.
Rory Burns has been adjudged LBW but after a chat with his partner he has taken it upstairs. It looks very close here. Touch and go one feels. Hawk Eye rolls in and it shows that the ball is pitching in line. The impact is umpire's call. And the wicket is ... 'MISSING'! Burns will survive.
0.5
.
Good length ball on off, Burns defends it off the back foot.
0.4
.
Fullish outside off, Rory lets it go to the keeper.
0.3
.
OHH! That was quick from the fielder. Good length ball on middle, Burns flicks it to short leg. Rudi Second, the substitute there tries to throw it at the stumps but misses it. Burns was in though.
0.2
2
Full on off, Burns drives it through mid off and picks up a couple before the fielder can clean it up.
0.1
4
EDGED AND FOUR! England are underway but not in a convincing fashion. Full on the off stump line, Burns looks to defend it but it goes off the outside edge through the point region for a boundary.
So England have a mammoth task in hand if they are to win this game. On a day where they have looked down and out they will need to find a way to lift themselves up in the dressing room and put on a fight. South Africa, on the other hand, are clearly in the driver's seat and without a doubt favourites to take the lead in the series. Can England find a way to rise back from the ashes or will the Proteas roar loud and take a lead in this 4-match Test series. Join us in a short while for England's chase to find out.
England struggled in the field today. They failed to build on the threat they posed on Day 2. They looked lethargic and out of ideas today and illness did not help their case as Jos Buttler and Joe Root struggled to get on the field. The latter did come out but clearly looked at discomfort. Archer was expensive but ended up with a hard fought 5-fer. Stokes was good with the cherry as he got two. Anderson, Broad and Curran looked jaded but ended up with one wicket apiece.
So 376 is the target for England. South Africa will be very happy with their efforts with the bat here. The hosts with a lead of 103 did not get off to a good start in their second innings. Having lost both the openers early, they were stuttering at 165/5 but debutant Rassie van der Dussen and nightwatchman Anrich Nortje took the game away from the visitors with a 91-run stand. Rassie scored his maiden fifty but he could not last long. Anrich Nortje fell 10 short of his fifty. It looked like England could still wrap them up under 300 but Quinton de Kock's counter-attacking 34 took them close to 350. Vernon Philander was also good with the bat as his 46 and Rabada's quickfire 16 in the end took the hosts' lead to a commanding 375.
61.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! It took a fantastic catch from Jonny Bairstow to end the innings of South Africa. Shorter delivery outside off, Philander looks to play the upper cut to third man but gets a faint outside edge behind to the keeper. Bairstow leaps high in the air and pouches it with one hand. Terrific stuff. Philander knows that he is out and starts walking off. SOUTH AFRICA ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 272 WITH A LEAD OF 375.
61.3
1
Fullish delivery outside off, Rabada pushes it to deep point and takes a single.
61.2
6
SIX! Rabada is on fire and gives a smile after hitting that! Good length delivery on off, Rabada thrashes it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.
61.1
1
Full delivery on off, Vernon defends it to point and takes a single.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
1
1wd
Jofra Archer 102/5(17)
60.6
.
Bowls a well directed bouncer, Rabada ducks underneath it.
60.5
.
Bowls a bumper, Rabada ducks under it.
60.4
4
FOUR! That is hit with power! Short ball outside off, Rabada stands tall and powers it through covers for a boundary.
60.3
.
Short delivery outside off, Rabada looks to pull but gets a bottom edge on this one. It goes towards the keeper on one bounce.
60.2
.
Length delivery on off, Rabada taps it to point.
60.1
1
Short of a length delivery, Philander looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards fine leg where Sam Curran picks the ball on one bounce. The batsmen take a single.
60.1
1wd
WIDE! Bowls a bouncer outside leg, Philander does well to duck under it.
In over# 1
1
1
0
4
0
1
Sam Curran 43/0(12)
59.6
1
Length delivery on off, Philander taps it towards point for a single.
59.5
1
On a good length on off, Rabada guides it towards third man for a run.
59.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Rabada defends it to point.
59.3
4
FOUR! Nicely played! On a length outside off, Rabada camps back on his back foot and punches it to the deep cover region for a boundary.
59.2
.
On a good length on off, Rabada defends it off the front foot.
59.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Philander drives it towards mid on. The batsmen take a single.
In over# 1
0
1
0W
1
1
1
Jofra Archer 96/5(16)
58.6
.
Full delivery on middle and leg, Rabada works it to mid-wicket.
58.5
1
Short ball on middle, Philander pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Kagiso Rabada is the last man in.
58.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, the short ball does the trick for England. 5-fer for Archer. Though he has not been at his best and has been expensive, Archer has been the wicket-taking bowler that England were craving for. Short of a length on middle, Maharaj looks to pull but it goes off the top edge towards fine leg. Sam Curran settles himself under it and takes a simple catch. The lead is now 353.
58.3
1
Length delivery on middle, Philander nudges it towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run.
58.2
1
Short delivery on leg, Maharaj pulls it towards fine leg for a single.
58.1
1
On a length on middle, Philander tucks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.
In over# 1
0
1
0
2
0
2
Sam Curran 36/0(11)
57.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Maharaj keeps it out.
57.5
1
Length delivery on middle, Philander flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. The lead is now 350 for South Africa.
57.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander lets it sail through to the keeper.
57.3
2
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it through covers. Stuart Broad, again coming after it from mid off. He slides and collects it. Two taken.
57.2
.
On a good length on off, Philander defends it off the front foot.
57.1
2
Full delivery on off, Philander lofts it over covers. Broad chases the ball from mid off, slides and cleans it up. The batsmen get two runs.
Drinks! South Africa are leading this game by a mile now. Since the Lunch break, they have lost only 1 wicket and have swelled their lead to 345 runs. That lead is very good on this wicket. England, on the other hand, are looking down and out. They are in need of something special if they have to make a comeback in this game. It looks highly difficult. Will they be able to do it?
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
0
Jofra Archer 92/4(15)
56.6
1
On a length on middle, Philander flicks it through square leg for a run.
56.5
1
Short delivery on middle, Maharaj pulls it over mid-wicket for a single.
56.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Philander drives it through mid on for a run.
56.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander ducks under it.
56.2
1
Good length delivery on off, Maharaj looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a run.
56.1
.
On a good length on off, Maharaj blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
4
1
1wd
Sam Curran 31/0(10)
55.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Philander blocks it off the front foot.
55.5
1
Short delivery on middle, Maharaj pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
55.4
.
On a good length on middle, Maharaj plays it towards mid on.
55.3
.
Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Maharaj looks to defend but misses it.
55.2
4
FOUR! Wow! What a shot! Length ball outside off, Maharaj lofts it over covers for a boundary. Naseer Hussain on air says he is better than a tail-ender in his opinion and one can hardly argue with that. He is no walkover with the bat.
55.1
1
On a length on middle, Philander flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
55.1
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, Philander offers no shot to this one.
Sam Curran is back on. 9-3-25-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
2
0
2
Jofra Archer 88/4(14)
54.6
1
Short delivery on off, Philander plays it towards point for a run.
54.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander ducks underneath it.
54.4
.
Bowls a bumper, Vernon lets it sail through to the keeper.
54.3
2
Length delivery on middle, Philander flicks it over mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
54.2
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Philander looks to swing at this one but misses it.
54.1
2
Full delivery on middle, Philander looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.
Jofra Archer is back on. 13-1-83-4 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
1
Ben Stokes 22/2(8)
53.6
1
On a length on off, Philander plays it towards covers for a single.
53.5
.
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it towards mid off.
53.4
.
On a good length on middle, Philander looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
Without anyone's surprise the physio is out to have a check on Philander.
53.3
.
Ouch! That's hit him right on the box. Everyone knows how painful that is. Vernon is wincing in pain. Good length ball around off, Philander looks to push but gets an inside edge and the ball goes and hits him flush in the unmentionables.
53.2
1
On a length on leg, Maharaj flicks it towards fine leg for a run.
53.1
1
Length delivery on off, Philander taps it towards point for a run.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
James Anderson 47/1(13)
52.6
1
On a length on off, Philander defends it towards covers for a single.
52.5
.
Length delivery on off, Vernon taps it to point.
52.4
.
On a length on middle, Philander flicks it to mid-wicket.
52.3
1
Short delivery on leg, Maharaj pulls it towards fine leg for a single.
52.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Maharaj keeps it out.
52.1
.
On a good length on off, Maharaj plays it to point.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0W
0
0
Ben Stokes 19/2(7)
51.6
.
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it to mid off.
51.5
1
Length delivery on middle, Maharaj flicks it through square leg. The batsmen cross ends.
51.4
.
On a good length on leg, Maharaj looks to defend but misses it and gets hit on the thigh pad.
Keshav Maharaj is the next batsman in.
51.3
W
OUT! Caught behind! Ben Stokes gets his second of the game. Better from Stokes here. He pitches the ball up outside off. De Kock lunges forward and looks to defend but the ball tails away just a tad and kisses the outside edge of Quinton's willow. There is an appeal from the keeper and Stokes but surprisingly it is not a loud one. The bigger surprise is de Kock does not wait for umpire's decision and starts walking. This is very good sportsmanship from de Kock. In the age of DRS you hardly see players being honest and walk away without the umpire raising their finger. End of another counter-attacking knock from de Kock. He has been taking on the charge but surprisingly it's the defensive stroke that he has been dismissed off in both the innings. The lack of enthusiasm and energy from England after picking up that wicket does not put up a good sign. The lead is 323 now.
51.2
.
Low full toss on middle, de Kock drives it back towards the bowler.
51.1
.
Length delivery on off, de Kock taps it to point.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
James Anderson 45/1(12)
50.6
1
Length delivery on middle, de Kock nudges it towards the leg side for a single.
50.5
.
Full delivery on off, Quinton drives it towards mid off.
50.4
.
Good length delivery on off, de Kock blocks it off the back foot.
50.3
1
Length delivery on off, Philander plays it towards covers for a run.
50.2
.
On a length on off, Philander taps it to point.
50.1
.
Outside off, Philander offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1nb
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 18/1(6)
49.6
.
Bowls a bouncer, de Kock lets it sail through to the keeper.
49.5
.
Short and outside off, Quinton looks to drive but misses it.
49.4
1
On a good length on middle, Philander looks to defend but gets an inside edge on it. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run.
49.4
1nb
NO BALL! Stokes oversteps! Good length delivery on middle, Vernon blocks it off the back foot.
49.3
.
Length delivery on off, Philander taps it to point.
49.2
.
On a good length on off, Vernon defends it off the front foot.
49.1
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander does well to duck under it.
Quinton de Kock seems to have gotten hurt on his finger off the last ball. The physio has been called into check.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
James Anderson 43/1(11)
48.6
.
On a good length on middle, de Kock looks to defend but gets hit on the gloves.
48.5
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it back towards the bowler.
48.4
.
On a good length on middle, de Kock blocks it off the front foot.
48.3
.
Good length delivery on off, de Kock blocks it off the front foot.
48.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Quinton drives it towards mid on.
Joe Root is back on the field. That is a good sign for the visitors.
48.1
.
On a good length on off, de Kock blocks it well.
In over# 1
0
4
0
1
0
0
Ben Stokes 16/1(5)
47.6
.
On a good length on off, Vernon blocks it off the front foot.
47.5
4
FOUR! BEAUTIFUL! A half volley but still had to be put away! It is bowled outside off, Vernon drives it through covers for a boundary.
47.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Philander offers a forward defense on this one.
47.3
1
On a good length on off, Quinton looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.
47.2
.
Good length delivery outside off, de Kock looks to go after it but misses it.
47.1
.
Full delivery on leg, Quinton looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1
1
James Anderson 43/1(10)
46.6
1
On a good length on off, de Kock plays it towards point and takes a run.
46.5
1
Good length delivery on off, Philander looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.
46.4
.
On a length on off, Vernon plays it towards point.
46.3
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Philander looks to defend but misses it.
46.2
1
Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it towards mid off where the fielder makes an excellent stop. The batsmen still take a single.
46.1
1
EDGY! Good length ball on off, Philander looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge past the diving second slip fielder. The third man fielder comes across and cleans it up. A single taken.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
4
Ben Stokes 11/1(4)
45.6
.
Outside off, de Kock offers no shot to this one.
45.5
1
On a good length on middle, Philander looks to defend but gets an inside edge on it. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single.
45.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander does well to duck under it.
45.3
.
On a good length on off, Philander defends it off the front foot.
45.2
.
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it to covers.
45.1
4
FOUR! South Africa are off to a flurry here. They are wearing whites but playing like they are in colored clothes here. Stokes starts with a back of a length ball on off, Vernon gets on his back foot and pulls it over mid-wicket. The ball bounces inside the ropes and goes away to the fence.
Ben Stokes to bowl from the other end. 3-1-6-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
4
0
0
0
0
James Anderson 39/1(9)
44.6
1
Good length ball outside off, Vernon pushes it to deep cover and crosses over for a single.
44.5
4
FOUR! What a shot that is! Anderson bowls a half-volley outside off, Philander leans forward and creams the drive through covers for a boundary. First one in this session.
44.4
.
Fullish outside off, Philander makes a leave to the keeper.
44.3
.
Full delivery on off, Philander pushes it to mid off.
44.2
.
Back of a length on middle, Vernon stands tall and blocks it out.
44.1
.
Starts with a good length ball on middle, Philander works it to mid-wicket.
We are all set to begin the second session! Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander make their way to the middle. James Anderson will start for the visitors. South Africa lead by 300. How many more runs will they add?
... Day 3, Session 2 ...
So South Africa are head and shoulders ahead in this game. They already have a healthy lead but will look to add more and kill this game off. England are down but not completely out of it. If they can somehow get the remaining 3 wickets quickly then they certainly will think they still have a shot. What is in store for us in the second session? Join us after the break to find out.
It was a morning to forget for the tourists. Their bowlers were all over the place. They needed to get early wickets but failed in their pursuit to get rid of the nightwatchman. They have got three wickets with Jofra Archer picking up 2 and stand-in skipper, Ben Stokes getting 1 but they have been well below par. Illness to Joe Root and Jos Buttler has not helped their case as they look out of ideas out in the middle. The frustration in the English camp has been very much visible as Broad and Stokes got into an argument as well. The visitors need to find a way to get some inspiration and come back stronger in the second session.
A brilliant session for the hosts and they are completely in charge of this game here. Carrying a lead of 175, Rassie van der Dussen and nightwatchman Anrich Nortje took the game to the visitors. They added a 91-run stand with Rassie getting to his maiden Test 50. The partnership finally was broken as Rassie was caught in front of the stumps. Anrich Nortje, soon followed him and fell for a very well played 40. Pretorius too did not last long but Quinton de Kock came out with a plan. His plan was to treat this red ball as the white ball of T20 and his quickfire and unbeaten 30 has seen the lead swell up to 300. The hosts still have 3 wickets in hand and with de Kock still out in the middle, expect it to go up even higher.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
1
0
Ben Stokes 6/1(3)
43.6
.
Fullish delivery outside off, de Kock is happy to let the ball go to the keeper. LUNCH ON DAY 3.
43.5
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Philander works it to square leg and takes a single. The lead for South Africa is now 300.
43.4
.
On a length outside off, Philander shoulders arms to this one.
43.3
.
BEATEN! Excellent bowling from Stokes. Bowls a good length ball around off, Philander attempts to defend it but fails to get any bat on it.
43.2
1
Outside off, de Kock drives this uppishly to deep cover where the fielder collects it on the bounce.
43.1
.
Full delivery down the leg side, de Kock looks to flick it but misses it completely.
In over# 1
0
0
1
2
1wd
4
6
Jofra Archer 83/4(13)
42.6
.
Length delivery outside off, Vernon looks to defend it inside the line of the stumps.
42.5
.
Short again from Jofra. Vernon sways away from it.
42.4
1
Full on off and middle, de Kock throws his bat at it but the ball goes off the inner half of his bat and the ball goes towards fine leg for one.
42.3
2
Slightly slower now from Archer. It is on a length around off, de Kock strokes it through covers and gets a couple.
42.3
1wd
Wide! Bouncer bounces too high. De Kock was ready to play the pull but he sees it is going well over his head so he backs out of it.
42.2
4
FOUR! Short and pulled with power. It is a knuckle ball and short outside off, de Kock pulls it with confidence and power through mid on for a boundary.
42.1
6
SIX! Blink of an eye and de Kock has reached 22 already. He has come out in T20 mode here. Back of a length on the pads, de Kock picks it and lofts it over fine leg for a maximum. There is a man there but he is as good a spectator as us.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0W
0
Ben Stokes 4/1(2)
41.6
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Philander is off the mark with a lucky boundary. On a length outside off, Philander looks to defend it but it goes off the outside edge through the gully region and into the fence.
41.5
.
Good length ball on off, Vernon defends it to mid on.
41.4
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Philander ducks under it.
41.3
.
Full delivery outside off, Philander leaves this ball alone.
Vernon Philander walks out to bat next. He was the star with the ball in the first innings and he also did well with the bat. Can he hang in there with de Kock and take South Africa's lead over 320?
41.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Brilliant bowling from Stokes on his return to the attack. Bowled a short one first up and then sets the batter up with a beautiful ball. Fullish delivery outside off, Pretorius looks to drive it off the front foot but it goes off the outside edge towards first slip. Dom Sibley stationed there takes a simple catch. England taking wickets in a heap here. Can they finish off the tail quickly?
41.1
.
Bowls a bouncer, Pretorius lets it sail through to the keeper.
Th standing skipper, Ben Stokes introduces himself into the attack. He has bowled only 1 over so far and that was a maiden.
In over# 1
1
2
4
0
0
0W
Jofra Archer 69/4(12)
40.6
1
On the pads, Pretorius flicks it fine down the leg side for a single.
40.5
2
Another punch off the back foot. This time it is through cover-point and gets a couple.
40.4
4
FOUR! Back of a length ball outside off, Pretorius is quick to lash onto it. He gets on his back foot and punches it through covers for a boundary.
40.3
.
Another bouncer from Jofra. DP sits under this as well.
40.2
.
Bouncer! Pretorius ducks under it.
Dwaine Pretorius is the next batsman in.
40.1
W
OUT! Caught! Finally, finally England have got rid of the nightwatchman. Calling him a nightwatchman just does not sound right anymore as he has played a very, very good innings here. Nortje misses out on a well deserved fifty but he has done more than enough here. Jofra's pace finally gets the better of Anrich Nortje. It is quick and on the pads, Nortje looks to flick but the ball kisses his willow and then lobs off his pad towards short leg. Substitute Zak Crawley there takes an easy catch to bring an end to a wonderful innings from Nortje. Yes he has not scored a ton or even a fifty but he has played a gem of a knock here and has taken the gas out of the England players. He walks off to an applause from the crowd. The lead now stands at 273!
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
1
Stuart Broad 41/1(11)
39.6
4
FOUR! De Kock has come with an attacking intent. This is a beautiful shot. Full and outside off, de Kock leans forward and hammers the drive through covers for a boundary.
39.5
.
On a good length on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
39.4
.
On a length on middle, de Kock pushes it towards mid on.
39.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Quinton drives it back towards the bowler.
39.2
.
On a good length and outside off, de Kock looks to drive but misses it.
39.1
1
Short delivery on off, Nortje taps it towards point and takes a single.
In over# 1
0
6
6
0
0
0W
Jofra Archer 62/3(11)
38.6
.
Another short one down the leg side. De Kock throws his bat at it but misses it this time.
38.5
6
EDGED BUT SIX! Short again from Archer. De Kock goes for the pull but it goes off the upper half of his bat and sails over the fine leg fence for another biggie. Jofra has a smile on his face but he must be fuming from inside.
38.4
6
SIX! De Kock is off the mark with a bang! Bouncer around the eye line from Archer. De Kock gets on his back foot and hooks it with power and right off the meat over the fine leg fence for a maximum.
38.3
.
Archer misses his line and sprays it down the leg side.
38.2
.
Pacy length ball pitching on middle and leg. De Kock looks to defend but gets beaten by the pace and gets hit on the thigh pad.
The hero from the first innings, Quinton de Kock walks out to bat now. South Africa in a much better position than they were when he walked out to bat in the first innings.
38.1
W
OUT! Umpire's call it is and Rassie's good knock comes to an end. Full ball pitching on middle and swinging in. Rassie looks to play it across the line but misses. He misses and the ball hits him on his pad. The English players go up in a confident appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Van der Dussen takes it upstairs straightaway. Replay rolls in and Hawk Eye shows that the ball is just about clipping the leg pole. Rassie will have to walk back but he does not take the review with him.
Rassie van der Dussen has been adjudged LBW! He has taken it upstairs. The on-field call is out so even if the ball is clipping the stumps, he will have to continue his walk.
In over# 1
0
1wd
0
1
1
4
1
Stuart Broad 36/1(10)
37.6
.
Good length ball on middle, Nortje defends it off the back foot to the bowler.
37.6
1wd
BOUNCER! WIDE! It is bowled around middle, Anrich does well to duck under it.
37.5
.
On middle and leg, Nortje looks to whip it but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. No harm done though.
37.4
1
Good length ball on off, Rassie defends it out.
37.3
1
OUCH! Short delivery around middle and leg, Nortje hops to fend it uncomfortably but gets hit on the gloves. It flies to third man and the batters take a single.
37.2
4
FOUR! Take that! Back of a length ball outside off, Nortje punches it off the back foot to the deep cover region for a boundary.
37.1
1
FIFTY! Maiden Test fifty for Rassie van der Dussen! Beautiful innings from the debutant. He has taken the Proteas to safer shores. Good length ball on off, van der Dussen defends it to point and takes a single to get to the milestone. Can he score a ton?
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
1
Jofra Archer 50/2(10)
36.6
2
On a length and outside off, Anrich taps it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.
36.5
.
Bowls a bumper outside leg, Nortje ducks underneath it.
36.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Nortje ducks under it.
36.3
.
On a length on middle, Anrich flicks it to mid-wicket.
36.2
.
Bowls it down the leg side, Nortje looks to flick but misses it.
36.1
1
Full delivery on leg, van der Dussen flicks it through square leg for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
5wd
Stuart Broad 29/1(9)
35.6
.
In the air... but safe. Another well directed bouncer from Broad! Anrich Nortje takes his eyes off and looks to defend. It lobs off his glove and falls short of the man running in from mid-wicket. That could have gone anywhere but the fortune England are having this morning it was always going to fall away from the fielders.
35.5
.
Bowls a short delivery down the leg side, Nortje looks to nudge but misses it.
That is got to hurt. Anrich Nortje has been hit on his rib, just over his chest guard. He is down in pain but he is a tough lad. The physio is out now with an ice pack. Alos the floodlights are on as it has gone dark here in Centurion.
35.4
.
Bowls short on the body, Nortje looks to defend but gets hit on the body.
35.3
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Anrich looks to defend but misses it.
35.2
.
Short delivery on leg, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
35.1
1
Good length ball on middle, Rassie works it to deep square leg for a single.
35.1
5wd
FIVE WIDES! Poor keeping from Bairstow! Full delivery swinging away, outside off from the batsman, van der Dussen leaves it alone. Bairstow dives to his right to collect but fails to do so. The ball rolls to the third man fence.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
1
Jofra Archer 47/2(9)
34.6
.
Bowls again a short delivery, Nortje looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards point.
34.5
2
Length delivery outside off, Nortje taps it through point. The batsmen get two runs.
34.4
.
Bowls a quick short ball on middle, Nortje does well to defend it.
34.3
.
On a length on middle, Nortje nudges it towards the leg side.
34.2
.
Outside off, Anrich offers no shot to this one.
Joe Root is still off the field and is yet to come back. Stokes is the standing captain.
34.1
1
Length delivery on middle, van der Dussen flicks it through square leg for a run.
Drinks! An excellent hour of play for the Proteas. They have extended their lead to 236 and the overnight batsman of Rassie van der Dussen and Anrich Nortje are looking comfortable out there. England desperately need wickets otherwise the game will go away from them. Can they make their way back?
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
4
4
Stuart Broad 23/1(8)
33.6
.
Beauty to end the over! Broad hits the deck hard and makes the ball shape away off the pitch. Nortje looks to defend but gets squared up.
33.5
1
Edged but safe again. Good length ball in the channel of uncertainty around off. Rassie looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge. He plays it with soft hands and hence the ball goes to the right of the man at slips on the bounce. He dives and tries to stop it but cannot do so cleanly and they steal a single. Much better from Broad.
33.4
4
FOUR! Exquisite cover drive from van der Dussen. Broad is once again guilty of overpitching it on off, van der Dussen gets on his front foot and plays a crispy drive through covers for a boundary.
33.3
.
Now shows calmness and leaves this length ball away from the off pole alone.
33.2
4
FOUR! This is right off the meat. Fuller on off, Rassie gets on his front foot and creams his drive through covers for a boundary.
33.1
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Runs starting to leak here. Full on off, van der Dussen looks to drive but the ball takes the outside edge and goes to the right of gully. Ben Stokes there dives on that side but the ball goes wide of him and to the fence.
In over# 1
0
4
4b
0
1
2lb
Jofra Archer 44/2(8)
32.6
.
Bouncer to end the over and once again Nortje sways away from it.
32.5
4
FOUR! Nortje winning the battle here against Jofra. Fuller on middle, Anrich drives it through mid on and fetches himself a boundary.
32.4
4b
FOUR BYES! The pacy bouncer has beaten everyone. A very quick bouncer from Jofra. It is well directed as well. Nortje sways away from it. Bairstow behind the stumps stretches to his maximum but it goes over him and to the fence.
32.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Nortje keeps it out.
32.2
1
On a good length on off, van der Dussen taps it towards point and takes a single. 50-run stand between Rassie van der Dussen and Anrich Nortje.
32.1
2lb
NOT OUT! It is umpire's call on hitting the stumps. Good length ball on middle and leg, van der Dussen moves towards the offside and attempts to flick it. He gets hit on the pads. The England players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Stokes, who is captaining in place of Root goes for the review. Hawk Eye rolls in and it shows that it is umpire's call on hitting the leg stump. England don't lose the review. The ball goes towards the leg side and the batters take two.
An LBW appeal has been taken upstairs. Rassie van der Dussen is the man in question. It looks close but the replays show that it is umpire's call on hitting the leg stump.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
1
Stuart Broad 10/1(7)
31.6
2
Full delivery on middle, Nortje flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen pick up a couple.
31.5
.
On middle, Nortje keeps it out.
31.4
.
On a good length on middle, Anrich defends it off the back foot.
31.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Nortje blocks it off the front foot.
31.2
.
Outside off, Nortje offers no shot to this one.
31.1
1
On a good length on off, van der Dussen plays it towards mid off and takes a quick run.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 39/2(7)
30.6
1
Direct hit and it would have been close. Good length ball outside off, van der Dussen strokes it towards point and calls for a quick single. Denly gets to the ball and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. So Jofra's first has been dealt with relative ease by the duo. England are lacking ideas here and this partnership is starting to not just annoy them but take the game away from them.
30.5
1
Length delivery around off, Nortje nudges it to point and gets a single.
30.4
.
Once again goes close to the body, Anrich defends it.
30.3
.
This one skids off the surface. Back of a length around off, Nortje looks to play it towards point but misses.
30.2
.
Archer goes full on off, Nortje pushes it to mid off like a proper batsman.
30.1
.
Archer starts with a back of a length ball outside off, Nortje guides it to the right of gully. The fielder dives and saves runs for his side.
Finally Archer is being brought into the attack for the first time today.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Stuart Broad 7/1(6)
29.6
.
On a good length on off, Rassie taps it to point.
29.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Rassie keeps it out.
29.4
.
On a good length on off, van der Dussen blocks it off the front foot.
29.3
.
Full delivery on off, Rassie drives it to mid off.
29.2
1
On a length on middle, Nortje flicks it towards square leg for a run.
29.1
.
Good length delivery on middle, Nortje defends it towards mid-wicket. Rassie sets off and comes halfway down the track but Nortje does well to send him back. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it. Rassie van der Dussen would have been a goner.
Stuart Broad is into the attack. 5-2-6-1 are his figures.
In over# 1
1
4
0
0
1
0
Sam Curran 24/0(9)
28.6
1
On a good length on off, Nortje defends it towards the leg side and takes a quick single. Curran gets to the ball, picks it and goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it.
28.5
4
FOUR! Brilliant batting this! Nortje is batting like a proper batsman out there. Curran bowls a full delivery on middle, Anrich flicks this beautifully through mid-wicket for a boundary.
28.4
.
Length delivery on off, Nortje taps it to point.
28.3
.
On a good length on off, Anrich defends it off the front foot.
28.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Rassie drives it through mid on for a run.
28.1
.
Bowls a bouncer, van der Dussen lets it sail through to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
1
James Anderson 34/1(8)
27.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Nortje flicks it to mid-wicket.
27.5
.
Bowls a bumper outside off, Nortje sways away from it.
27.4
4
FOUR! Edgy but Nortje and South Africa will take it. Back of a length ball on off, Nortje looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge through gully and into the fence. The lead is 200 for South Africa.
27.3
.
Bowls a bouncer outside off, Nortje sways away from it.
27.2
.
Outside off, Anrich offers no shot to this one.
27.1
1
Length delivery on middle, Rassie flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 18/0(8)
26.6
4
EDGY FOUR! Valuable runs. Good length ball outside off, Nortje looks to drive it but takes the outside edge and goes through the vacant gully region for a boundary. The lead moves to 195 now.
26.5
.
Full delivery on leg, Nortje looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Bairstow, the keeper is seen signaling to the bowler that it is drifting down.
26.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Nortje ducks under it.
26.3
.
On a good length on off, Nortje blocks it off the front foot.
26.2
.
Good length delivery on leg, Nortje looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
26.1
.
On a good length on off, Nortje looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the slip region on one bounce.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
3
0
James Anderson 29/1(7)
25.6
1
Length delivery on middle, Nortje nudges it towards square leg for a run.
25.5
.
BEATEN AGAIN! Good length delivery outside off, Nortje looks to defend but misses it.
25.4
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Nortje looks to defend but misses it.
25.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Nortje lets it sail through to the keeper.
25.2
3
Full delivery on middle, van der Dussen flicks it through wide mid on. The fielder from wide long on does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.
25.1
.
Outside off, van der Dussen shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
1
1
Sam Curran 14/0(7)
24.6
.
NOT OUT! Nortje survives. It has gone off the shoulder! Excellent review from Nortje and South Africa. This though was a snorker of a delivery from Sam Curran. He bowls a short of a length ball around off, Nortje hops to defend but it seemed to have taken the outside edge of the bat. The England players put in an appeal immediately and the finger goes up. Nortje has reviewed it immediately and it is proved to be an excellent review. The Ultra Edge shows that it has not gone off the bat but has taken the shoulder and gone into the mitts of the keeper.
Anrich Nortje has been caught behind but he has taken the review straightaway. There was a definite noise but Nortje going upstairs straightaway indicates that the ball has hit him on his shoulder. Replay rolls in and it looks like it has hit his back shoulder. Ultra Edge comes next and it confirms that there was nothing as the ball goes past the bat it hit his shoulder.
24.5
.
On a good length on off, Nortje defends it off the front foot.
24.4
1
Full delivery on off, van der Dussen drives it towards mid off for a run.
24.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Rassie keeps it out.
24.2
1
Length delivery on off, Nortje taps it through point for a single.
24.1
1
On a good length on off, van der Dussen guides it towards third man for a run.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
0
James Anderson 25/1(6)
23.6
.
On middle, Nortje defends it back.
23.5
1
Fullish on off, van der Dussen drives it towards cover for a single.
23.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
23.3
1
Good length ball outside off, Nortje whips it to the leg side for a single.
23.2
1
Poor running! Almost threw his wicket there does Rassie van der Dussen! Back of a length delivery on off, Rassie defends it to cover and calls for a quick single. Sibley comes after it, slides and throws it at the bowler's end. He misses. Had he hit, van der Dussen would have been well out. This is not how Rassie would want to get out as he has got himself in on this difficult pitch. Lucky that Sibley missed the stumps.
23.1
.
Good length delivery on middle, Rassie defends it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
1
0
Sam Curran 11/0(6)
22.6
.
BEATEN! Beautiful piece of bowling from Curran! Full delivery outside off, Nortje looks to drive it but fails to get any bat on it.
22.5
.
On middle and leg, Anrich pushes it to mid on.
22.4
.
Good length on off, Nortje defends it out.
22.3
2
Fuller outside off, Nortje drives it through covers and picks up a couple before Sibley can come across and clean it up.
22.2
1
Good length delivery on off, Rassie defends it towards mid off and calls Nortje for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Nortje was well in though.
22.1
.
Fullish on off, van der Dussen pushes it to mid off.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
2
James Anderson 22/1(5)
21.6
.
BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Nortje looks to defend it off the back foot but the ball whizzes past his bat and into the mitts of the keeper.
21.5
1
Full delivery on middle, Rassie works it to the leg side for a single.
21.4
.
On off, pushed to point.
21.3
.
OHH! Rassie makes a risky leave! Good length ball around off tailing in, van der Dussen chooses to leave it but gets hit on the pads. The England players appeal but nothing from the umpire. They opt not to go for the review. Good decision in the end as the Hawk Eye later on shows that it was missing the off stump.
21.2
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, van der Dussen works it to mid-wicket.
21.1
2
Fullish delivery on middle, Rassie flicks it to deep square leg and Sam Curran comes across from fine leg and makes a good diving stop. Two taken.
James Anderson will bowl from the other end. 4-0-19-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 8/0(5)
20.6
.
BEATEN! Curran bowls a full delivery outside off, Nortje attempts to drive it but fails to put any bat on it.
20.5
.
BEATEN! Beautiful delivery! On a length outside off, Nortje attempts to defend it but fails to get any bat on it.
20.4
.
Full delivery on off angling into the batsman, Anrich blocks it out.
20.3
.
Good length on off, Nortje defends it to mid off off the back foot.
20.2
.
On a length outside off, Anrich shoulders arms to this one.
20.1
.
Starts with a full delivery outside off, Nortje lets the ball go to the keeper.
Sam Curran to start the proceedings for England. 4-2-8-0 are his figures so far. He has been the best bowler for England in the first innings.
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler has gone down with a bug and Jonny Bairstow will be taking the gloves for the time being. We are ready to begin Day 3. The England players are out in the middle. Rassie van der Dussen and Anrich Nortje will resume their innings for the hosts.
175 is the lead for South Africa at the moment. They bowled brilliantly in England's first innings, bowling them out for a paltry 181. In return they lost 4 wickets but still remain on top in this Test match. Aiden Markram has been ruled out of the series due to a fractured finger. The visitors are not out of this yet and if they can pick up the remaining wickets quickly and restrict the lead to around 225, they will feel that they are still in with a chance. Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers for England, picking up 2 wickets while Broad and Anderson picked 1 each. The first session will dictate terms because if South Africa can survive that, the lead might swell up to 250 and that will not be easy to chase. Can the visitors make a comeback in this game or will the Proteas continue to be on top? Join us in a while to find out.
... Day 3, Session 1 ...
So that is it from exciting Day 2. We now move to Day 3 which can not just be a crucial day but it also has the potential to be the final day of this Test. It is not an easy wicket to bat on and at this point of time the hosts are on top. But if England can manage to wrap them up under the lead of 250 then it will certainly be game on. Who will dominate Day 3? Join us on Saturday, 28th December 2019 to find out. The play begins at 1000 Local (0800 GMT). Till then, cheers!
England came back stronger in the day with the ball. Having given a big advantage to the hosts, England needed to strike early and they did coup 3 early blows. Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen counter-attacked and ensured that the lead went past 150 with 7 wickets in hand. Skipper Faf du Plessis surrendered in his counter-attack. Rassie and nightwatchman Anrich Nortje then added 10 runs and ensured they see off the day with the hosts potential 175/4.
Another falter with the bat saw England lose the grip of the game. At one stage they were on top of the match but once again their batting crumbled like a cookie and from 142/3 the visitors bundled out for an under-par score of 181, giving the hosts a big lead. No one apart from Denly, Root, Stokes and Curran could manage to score more than 20 and that led to the tourists downfall.
After batting for just under 10 minutes early on in the day, the hosts did an impeccable job with the ball. The bowling led by Vernon Philander's 4-fer wrapped up the visitors for a paltry score of 181 giving them a lead of 103. Philander was well supported by Rabada, Nortje and Pretorius who scalped 3, 2 and 1 wicket respectively.
Another eventful day of Test match cricket comes to an end. A day that belonged to the bowlers. 15 wickets have fallen on the day. A look at the scorecard and one would feel South Africa are struggling at 72/4 but add that 103-run lead and the scorecard reads 175/4 and you would realize it is the hosts who are on top of this game.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 0/0(1)
19.6
.
Good length ball angled into the batter, van der Dussen keeps it out. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 2.
19.5
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
19.4
.
Another bouncer. It is outside off, van der Dussen lets it pass to the keeper.
19.3
.
This is sprayed down the leg side now. Rassie lets it be.
19.2
.
Bouncer outside off, it is left alone.
19.1
.
On the pads, worked towards square leg.
Ben Stokes replaces Sam Curran. For the first time in this game Stokes is having a go with the ball.
In over# 1
0
1nb
0
0
1
4
0
Jofra Archer 37/2(6)
18.6
.
A dipping full toss. It is around the body. Nortje ducks under it. The square leg umpire signals it as no ball but Jofra is upset. He puts a very valid argument that the ball was dipping and the umpires after having a brief chat decide that they'll let that one pass. Lucky escape for Archer as that might have been end of his action with the ball.
18.6
1nb
No Ball! Maybe the ball slipped out of Jofra's hand there. Knuckle ball but it goes wrong and it ends up being a beamer. Nortje ducks under it.
18.5
.
Pacy and on top of middle. Anrich moves away and keeps his bat hanging. The ball hits the inner half of his bat.
18.4
.
Back of a length on the body. Anrich does well to defend it.
18.3
1
On the body, Rassie flicks it to the on side and gets a single.
18.2
4
FOUR! Poor ball from Jofra. Full on the pads, Rassie flicks it with ease through mid-wicket for a boundary.
18.1
.
Around off, it is defended.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 8/0(4)
17.6
4
FOUR! Full ball outside off, Nortje goes for the drive this time and connects it nicely. It races between point and gully and into the third man fence.
17.5
.
Good length ball around off and middle, Nortje keeps it out.
17.4
.
Superb bouncer but Nortje does well to duck under it. A bouncer aimed at the head of the batter there.
17.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, Anrich shoulders arms to it.
17.2
.
Length delivery away from off, Nortje does not go after it.
17.1
.
Full on off, Nortje defends it off the front foot and keeps that one out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 31/2(5)
16.6
.
In the channel outside off, van der Dussen looks to defend initially but pulls his bat away at the very last moment.
16.5
.
Shortish and around off, it is blocked off the back foot.
16.4
.
What a snorter this one! Brilliant brilliant stuff from Archer. He seems to have found his mojo for now. Bangs this one short around off, van der Dussen initially looks to defend but seeing the bounce on this one, tries to sway away. He ends up doing that well. Buttler behind the wicket makes a loud appeal but Archer goes up only after seeing Buttler appeal. The umpire shows no interest and England skipper does not opt for the review either.
16.3
.
Good length ball around off, van der Dussen keeps it out.
16.2
.
Another bouncer on middle, Rassie does well to sway away.
16.1
.
Short ball down the leg side. Van der Dussen lets it be. De Kock does well to dive to his left and pouch the ball.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 4/0(3)
15.6
.
Full and on middle, Nortje defends it back to the bowler.
15.5
.
Full toss outside off, Nortje lets it be.
15.4
.
Around off on a good length, this time Nortje pushes it towards cover.
15.3
.
Snorter now! Curran bends his back and bangs this one short around off. He has Nortje fending it off his toes but luckily for Nortje, the ball misses everything and goes in the mitts of the keeper.
15.2
.
Fuller and outside off once again, Nortje does not offer any shot again.
15.1
.
Curran goes full outside off to Nortje first up. He lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
1
4
2
Jofra Archer 31/2(4)
14.6
.
Huge appeal for caught behind but the umpire says no. Good length ball pitching around off, Rassie looks to defend away from the body. There is a noise as the ball goes past the bat. Jofra initially does not think there is bat involved but he sees Root go up so even he does. Jofra thinks he has his man but Buttler does not believe it. Root, Archer and Jos have a brief chat but Buttler is sure there is nothing on it. Root goes with his keeper's gut and does not opt for a review. Good decision from Root to back his keeper's thought as Ultra Edge later on rolls in and it shows no spike as the ball goes past the bat.
14.5
.
Bouncer! Rassie ducks under it.
South Africa have sent a nightwatchman as Anrich Nortje comes in next.
14.4
W
OUT! Caught! Faf du Plessis holes out! England fans, England fans, England fans. Wherever you are, please stand up and applaud. Not Jofra Archer. Not Sam Curran. But Nasser Hussain. His constant praise about Faf playing the pull shot has actually jinxed the Protea skipper. 'He will let the short ball go if he is playing for the World XI. But he can also play the pull shot while featuring in the World XI.' He mentioned this twice in the span of 5 minutes and it has worked. The jinx. The trick. Either ways, if you live by the sword, you need to be prepared to die by it as well. The ploy to go after Archer has backfired. Could du Plessis have held himself back in these final few minutes? But then, when you are in overdrive, it is very difficult to get back into first gear. And that is exactly what has transpired. Quick and back of a length delivery on middle, Faf instinctively goes for the pull but takes his eyes off the ball. He is on a knee while trying to pull that. That looks good in T20s or while featuring in the death overs of an ODI innings. But in this format, it seems pretty audacious, to be honest. And invitation of extreme criticism if you fail to pull it off. Faf is not in control while playing the pull and as a result, the ball hits the top half of his bat. It is not cleanly struck and the ball goes towards deep backward square leg. Sam Curran comes running in from fine leg and takes a good catch. Faf shakes his head while smiling at the same time. Big mistake. Jofra wins the battle. Just conceded a few runs in the process but he has got his side in a realistic chance to win this game now. 165/4 is the effective score. If the lead can be restricted to 225, this could be a cracker of a finish.
14.3
1
In the air and safe! Short ball from Archer. It gets quickly onto Rassie. He looks to pull but it goes off the upper half of the bat. It lobs towards the no man's land at mid-wicket and they take a single.
14.2
4
FOUR! Pulled with power and disdain. The South Africans have decided to take on Archer here. Back of a length on off, Rassie pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
14.1
2
Fuller on middle and off, Rassie flicks it through mid-wicket for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 4/0(2)
13.6
.
Full and going away from the right-hander from middle and off. Du Plessis plays it against the swing and tucks it to mid-wicket.
13.5
.
Very good ball. Yorker outside off. Faf looks to play it on the off side but it goes off the inside edge down to the leg side.
13.4
.
Full on off, du Plessis pushes it to mid off.
13.3
.
This one comes in. It is full outside off, Faf hits it back towards the bowler off the inner half of his bat.
13.2
.
Full on off, Faf flicks it to square leg.
13.1
.
Good length ball on off, du Plessis defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
1
6
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 24/1(3)
12.6
1
Good length delivery around off, it zips in. Faf taps it down towards third man and gets a single to get through the over.
12.5
6
SIX! Faf has just gone after the bouncer here and got out of it getting the maximum result. Bouncer from Archer, Faf gets on his back foot and pulls it with confidence and power over the square leg fence for a biggie.
12.4
.
Fuller on off, du Plessis pushes it to cover.
12.3
.
Back of a length on off, Faf punches it towards mid off.
12.2
.
Length delivery on top of the stumps. Du Plessis defends it back to the bowler.
12.1
.
Good length ball on middle and it comes back in. Faf tucks it to square leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
3
Sam Curran 4/0(1)
11.6
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
11.5
.
NOT OUT! Just short of Stokes at second slip, so the on-field umpire's decision will be overturned. Curran's celebrations will be short-lived. But a brilliant delivery. It is a fullish ball around off, van der Dussen looks to defend but the ball moves away and takes a thick outside edge. It goes to the left of Ben Stokes at second slip who dives to his left for the catch and Curran celebrates. But Stokes is not sure if that is a clean one though as he gives a wry smile. Rassie is very much sure that he is not out and shakes his head. However, the umpires get together and refer it upstairs with the soft signal as OUT! Here come the replays. The first look indicates that the ball bounces just before it goes in the hand of Stokes there. The second look, the side-on one, shows some doubt. The third umpire is checking various angles. They are taking their time and now they confirm it to be short of Stokes, so van der Dussen survives.
EDGED AND TAKEN! Or is it? Has that been taken cleanly? Stokes has taken a very low catch in the slips. He does not look that confident but does not deny that the catch was taken either. The on-field umpires have gone upstairs with the soft signal as OUT! Let's see what the replays have to say. Clear BOUNCE. Guess Stokes knew that the ball had not gone straight into the hands. As a fielder, you know when the ball goes straight in. The first replay, the front on one, shows the ball landed in front. However, looking at the side on angle, it is not exactly clear. Surely, when in doubt, go with the batsman. Not just umpire's call. Rassie can stay.
11.4
.
Good length ball on off, van der Dussen taps it towards point.
11.3
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
11.2
1
Landed on middle, du Plessis works it behind square leg for a run.
11.1
3
Curran starts with a fuller ball outside off, Rassie drives it through covers and before the mid off fielder can get to the ball, van der Dussen takes three.
Sam Curran to have a go with the ball for the first time in this innings after the break. He was very impressive in the first innings and finished with a 4-fer. Can he repeat his heroics?
Drinks Break! England have bowled well now and have put presssure on South Africa by taking three wickets. On the other hand, the hosts would look to increase their lead and would want a big partnership from here.
In over# 1
4
0
4
0
4
1
Jofra Archer 17/1(2)
10.6
4
FOUR! Third boundary of the over and it is a very good over for the Proteas. Length ball delivery outside off. Faf likes the width on offer and he gets on his back foot and cuts it through point for a boundary.
10.5
.
Now once again shows calmness and defends this length delivery astutely.
10.4
4
FOUR! Crunched away! Length ball away from off, du Plessis shows aggressive approach and slashes this through covers for a boundary.
10.3
.
Back of a length on off, Faf defends this off his back foot.
10.2
4
FOUR! Driven crisply! Slightly overpitched on off, du Plessis is onto it in a flash and creams his drive through covers for a boundary.
10.1
1
Back of a length on the body, van der Dussen flicks it to square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Stuart Broad 6/1(5)
9.6
.
Very full on off. Almost a yorker, Faf does well to defend.
9.5
.
Length delivery outside off, Faf shoulders arms to it.
9.4
.
The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
9.3
.
On a good length on middle, du Plessis keeps it out.
9.2
.
Good length delivery outside off, du Plessis defends it off the front foot.
9.1
1
On a good length on off, Rassie defends it towards the off side and takes a quick single.
In over# 1
0
0
1b
0
0W
4
Jofra Archer 4/1(1)
8.6
.
End of a very eventful over from Archer. A boundary and a wicket of it.
8.5
.
Length delivery outside off, Faf leaves it alone.
8.4
1b
Good length ball outside off. Rassie leaves it alone. The ball dies on its way to the keeper so Buttler misses it and it goes past him and they steal a bye.
8.3
.
Bouncer to welcome Rassie. It is down the leg side. Van der Dussen ducks under it.
Rassie van der Dussen walks out to bat next.
8.2
W
OUT! Caught! Three down and we still have close to an hour left for the close! How many more coming? Excellent ball but also a lovely catch from Jos Buttler. Superb comeback here from Jofra. He has the last laugh and got rid of Elgar with a peach. Good length ball pitching on off. It jags back in venomously. Elgar looks to defend but the ball comes back in a long way. It takes the inside edge of his defensive willow and goes over the stumps. Seems like it will race away to the fine leg fence but Jos Buttler dives to his right and takes a very good catch. Archer and Buttler put in an appeal and umpire Gaffaney raises his finger. Bang, bang, bang! The Proteas are effectively 132/3. Any chances of a reminiscence of the 2016 Jo'burg miracle? You never know with Broady and Archer...
8.1
4
FOUR! Done with ease! Not a welcome Jofra would have been looking for. Overpitched on off, Elgar just uses the pace of the ball and strokes it through mid off for an elegant boundary.
First bowling change of the innings and it sees Jofra Archer being brought on. He was not at his best in the first innings, can he make amends in the second?
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 5/1(4)
7.6
.
That is a beauty! In the channel around off. It swings in but straightens after hitting the deck. Du Plessis lunges forward to defend but gets squared up. He is lucky not to edge it as the ball just about misses the outside edge. That is a trademark Broad delivery.
7.5
.
Good length ball outside off, du Plessis leaves it alone.
Faf du Plessis is the new man in.
7.4
W
OUT! Caught! Another wicket which has come down the leg side. A very similar way to how Elgar got out in the first innings. Broad bowls one around the pads, down the leg side. Hamza is cramped for room as he tries to tickle it fine down the leg side. The ball kisses his bat and then the pads and goes to the left of the keeper. Buttler behind the stumps puts in a dive on that side and takes a very good catch. He puts an appeal along with the bowler and the umpire raises his finger. Zubayr does not wait and starts walking back.
7.3
.
Solidly defended now. Good length ball once again the line is the same. Hamza defends it off his back foot towards mid off.
7.2
.
Nicely played. Length delivery close to off pole. Hamza gets on his back foot and punches it to cover.
7.1
.
Broad goes full and on middle and leg, Elgar glances it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
4
4
James Anderson 19/1(4)
6.6
.
Length delivery outside off, DE shoulders arms to it to get through the over.
6.5
.
Away from the off pole, Elgar knows that he has already scored 12 runs off the over so there is no need to play that and he calmly leaves it alone.
6.4
4
FOUR! Third boundary off the over! Anderson is not looking like himself here. He now strays down the pads, Elgar flicks it with ease through the square leg fence. The man from fine leg gives it a chase but cannot stop the ball from reaching the fence.
6.3
.
Smart cricket this from Elgar. Anderson pulls his length back and goes to the off stump line. Dean leaves it alone.
6.2
4
FOUR! This one is straight down the ground. Anderson is once again guilty of going too full on off. Elgar gets on his front foot and drives it through mid off for a boundary.
6.1
4
FOUR! Uppish but well placed. Full outside off, Elgar stretches out and lofts his drive over point for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
1lb
1
0
0
Stuart Broad 5/0(3)
5.6
.
Full on off, Hamza blocks it to get through the over.
5.5
.
Around off, Hamza defends it with confidence.
5.4
1lb
Broad goes around the wicket and darts in on the pads with the angle. Elgar looks to flick but misses. The ball hits his pad and goes down the leg side. Broad goes up in a hopeful appeal but the umpire shakes it away. The batters meanwhile takes a single.
5.3
1
Full and on the pads, Hamza flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a single.
5.2
.
Broad hits the deck hard on off, Zubayr defends it off the back foot.
5.1
.
Fuller on off, Hamza defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
James Anderson 7/1(3)
4.6
.
Beaten! Good length ball outside off, Elgar pokes at the ball to get beaten.
4.5
.
Huge appeal but not out says the umpire. Root does not go for the DRS. Good call in the end as the replays show that it was going to miss the off pole. Coming to the ball, it's a good length ball outside off, Elgar looks to defend but misses as it comes back in a hint. A stifled appeal from England as Buttler grabs the ball low to his left.
4.4
.
On a good length on off, Elgar plays it to point.
4.3
1
On a good length on off, Hamza taps it towards point. The batsmen take a single.
4.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Hamza defends it towards point.
4.1
.
On a good length on middle, Hamza defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 4/0(2)
3.6
.
Full and on the pads, Elgar tucks it to mid-wicket.
3.5
.
Full and on off, defended towards mid off.
3.4
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
3.3
.
Beaten this time! Lands it just outside off and makes it move away from the poke of Elgar.
3.2
.
Good leave this time! Broad goes full just outside off, asking Elgar to drive. Elgar though is not interested as he covers his stumps and lets it be.
3.1
.
Almost dragged on! Broad has his hands on his head. A good length ball around off, Elgar looks to defend but gets an inside edge on the pads.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
1
James Anderson 6/1(2)
2.6
.
Outside off, Hamza lets it go.
2.5
1
Good length delivery on off, Elgar defends it towards the off side. The batsmen take a run.
2.4
.
On a length on middle, Elgar flicks it towards the leg side.
2.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Hamza looks to flick but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.
2.2
1
Length delivery on middle, Elgar flicks it through square leg for a run.
2.1
1
On a length on middle, Hamza nudges it towards fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 4/0(1)
1.6
.
On a good length on off, Elgar defends it off the front foot.
1.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Good length delivery on off, Elgar pokes at it with soft hands and the ball takes an outside edge. It goes between second slip and gully towards third man for a boundary.
1.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Elgar defends it out.
1.3
.
Outside off, Elgar offers no shot to this one.
1.2
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Elgar looks to defend but misses it.
1.1
.
Outside off, Elgar shoulders arms to this one.
Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0W
2
0
0
0
James Anderson 2/1(1)
0.6
.
Outside off on a good length, it is left alone.
Zubayr Hamza is the next batsman in.
0.5
W
OUT! That is dead plumb! Waste of a review. A fuller ball around off, Markram looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Massive appeal from the English players and the umpire raises his finger instantly. Markram is not sure. He slowly goes to his partner, they have a word and at the very end, he opts for the DRS. Ultra Edge confirms no involvement of bat. Where is it hitting? Hawk Eye rolls in, wow, crashing on the middle pole. Markram will not enjoy it when he sits down in the dressing room and sees the replays. Not sure how the Protea skipper will react either. Anyways, Anderson has struck for England in the first over, once again. Exactly the kind of start England would've wanted.
Given out LBW. That looks dead plumb to the naked eye. Markram has a word with his partner at the other end and signals the 'T'. No bat there. Here comes the Hawk Eye. Three reds it is. So, a review lost for South Africa in the very first over.
0.4
2
Just behind fuller length outside off, Markram pushes it through cover-point for a couple of runs to get off the mark.
0.3
.
James goes full for the first time on off. Markram pushes it to mid on.
0.2
.
Back of a length on off, Markram defends it with authority by getting right behind this.
0.1
.
Anderson starts with a good length delivery starting on off. It swings away from Markram but he gets behind it and blocks it confidently with a straight bat.
So South Africa have a 103 run lead and are comfortably in the command here. England will have to toil hard again and need to stay in the field for more than 90 minutes. Can they strike early and fight their way back in the game? Join us in a while to find out.
A superb bowling display from the hosts. They started off brilliantly and it was a collective bowling effort from them. Vernon Philander was the undisputed star with the ball. He asked question to the English batsmen every time he bowled and also kept things tight. He bowled 14.2 overs and gave away just 16 runs picking up 4 wickets. Kagiso Rabada struggled initially but ended up with 3 wickets. Nortje and Pretorius were good too, picking up 2 and 1 wicket respectively. Maharaj was the only bowler who did not get a wicket but he was very tight in the 4 overs they bowled.
Once again England collapse and after staying on the field for almost 85 overs, the visitors have failed to give their bowlers the rest they would have been looking for. After wrapping up South Africa 10 minutes into the morning. The hosts started off badly losing both the openers early on. Joe Root and Joe Denly then steadied the ship with a 55-run stand. Root though could not capitalise on their start. Stokes then continued the good work and at 142/3 it looked like England were in the driver's seat. But as has been the story with this English Test side one just cannot be confident. They are used to a collapse and that is what happened. The visitors started losing wickets left, right and centre and from 142/3 they have been bundled out for 181. Giving South Africa a head start of 103 heading into the 3rd innings.
53.2
W
OUT! Knocks over the off stump and England are all out. Outstanding bowling from Philander. He has his fourth. A good length ball on off which goes straight after pitching. Archer looks to defend but misses. The ball goes behind and disturbs the off pole. ENGLAND ARE ALL OUT FOR 181!
53.1
.
Full and on middle from Philander, Archer gets his bat down in time to keep it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
1
2
Kagiso Rabada 68/3(15)
52.6
.
Beaten! In the channel outside off, Anderson pokes at the ball to get beaten.
52.5
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
James Anderson walks out at number 11 on his 150th Test. Any runs he will add now will be a bonus.
52.4
W
OUT! Caught at gully! Terrific bowling from Rabada. Bowls a bouncer outside off, Broad can only push it in the hands of Elgar at gully. Bouncer has always troubled Broad and Rabada dished out one to send him back to the pavilion. 9 down and still behind 103.
52.3
.
Good length ball outside off, pushed to point.
52.2
1
Fuller and around off, pushed to point for a single.
52.1
2
Fuller and on off, Archer drives it through covers and before Maharaj from point gets to the ball, the batters take a couple of runs.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0W
Vernon Philander 16/3(14)
51.6
.
On middle, Broad looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the thigh pads.
51.5
.
Fuller and around off, Broad drives it to mid off.
51.4
2
Full and on off, driven for a couple of runs through covers.
51.3
.
Beaten! Superb from Philander. A good length ball outside off, Broad pokes at the ball to get beaten.
51.2
.
Shortish ball just outside off, Broad taps it off the back foot.
Stuart Broad joins his pace bowling partner Jofra Archer out in the middle.
51.1
W
OUT! Caught behind! Sixth catch of the match and it is a blinder behind the wicket from de Kock. Last recognized batsman is gone now and England are staring at a huge first innings lead. Sharp bouncer around off, Buttler hops to push but the ball takes the outside edge and goes to the right of the keeper. De Kock throws himself to his right and gobbles the ball with both hands, in front of the first slip. Philander has three and England are 8 down.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 65/2(14)
50.6
.
Short delivery on off, Archer looks to defend but gets hit on the glove.
50.5
.
Full delivery on off, Archer drives it to covers.
50.4
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Archer looks to defend but misses it.
50.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Archer blocks it off the front foot.
50.2
.
Length delivery outside off, Jofra taps it to point.
50.1
.
On a good length on off, Archer defends it towards point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 14/2(13)
49.6
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
49.5
.
This one shoots off. A ball on a good length outside off, it rises after pitching. Buttler is in two minds whether to play at it or let it be. He, at the very last moment pulls his bat out of the line of the ball.
49.4
.
That one kept low! Good length ball outside off, Buttler looks to drive but the ball keeps low and sneaks below the bat.
49.3
.
Good length ball outside off which is shaping away from the right-hander. Buttler lets it be.
49.2
.
Fuller ball around off this time, Jos comes forward and keeps it out.
49.1
.
Landed around off, it is defended by Buttler.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
0
4
Kagiso Rabada 65/2(13)
48.6
.
Rabada goes for the yorker around off, Archer does well to dig it out towards gully.
Jofra Archer walks out to bat. Did not have a great outing with the ball and he is capable with the willow in hand. Can he hang in there and support Jos Buttler?
48.5
W
OUT! Caught at short leg and Curran is out of here. Brilliant catch from Hamza. You need a very strong reflexes there and Hamza has that at this ball. A good length ball on middle, Curran flicks but hits it straight to Hamza at short leg. He gets down in time towards his left and pouches it nicely. Another timely wicket for the Proteas. It is second for Rabada and now South Africa are into the tail of England. South Africa still ahead by 108 runs.
48.4
.
Around off, Curran taps it towards point.
48.3
.
Back of a length ball outside off, Curran drops his wrists and lets it go to the keeper.
48.2
.
Rabada sprays down the leg side this time. Curran flicks but cannot make any connection.
48.1
4
FOUR! Superb timing! Rabada continues to leak runs here. A good length ball outside off, Curran goes on the back foot and punches it through the extra cover region. The mid off fielder gives the ball a chase but he cannot get there.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Vernon Philander 14/2(12)
47.6
.
Good length ball just outside off, defended towards mid off.
47.5
.
Shortish ball outside off, Buttler reaches out to cut but makes no connection.
47.4
.
Fuller and on middle, Buttler works it towards mid-wicket.
47.3
.
Landed around off, defended off the front foot by Buttler.
47.2
1
Shortish ball just outside off, Curran taps it through point for a single.
47.1
.
Landed around off, Curran pushes it towards mid off.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
2
0
Kagiso Rabada 61/1(12)
46.6
.
Bouncer and on middle, pulled to mid-wicket.
46.5
4
FOUR! Superbly driven! A good length ball outside off, Buttler takes a step forward and slams it through covers for a boundary.
46.4
.
Around off, defended off the back foot.
46.3
.
Beaten! Terrific line from Rabada. A good length ball around off, a hint of movement away from the batter is enough to beat the outside edge.
46.2
2
On the pads, Buttler tucks it behind square leg for a couple of runs.
46.1
.
Full toss on off, pushed to mid off.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
4
4
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 13/2(11)
45.6
.
Fuller and around off, pushed to mid off.
45.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Now, four lucky runs. A fuller ball around off, Curran looks to defend but the ball takes the outer half of the bat and goes to the third man fence between the slip cordon.
45.4
4
FOUR! First runs of the session and its 4 of them. Short and wide outside off, Curran goes on the back foot and crashes it through cover-point for a boundary.
45.3
.
On middle, Curran does well to defend it out off the front foot.
45.2
.
Fuller and on off, pushed to mid off by Curran.
45.1
.
That one kept really low! A full ball outside off, Curran drives away from the body but the ball sneaks through the bat to the keeper who cannot gather the ball cleanly.
We are back for the final session of the day. The South African players are out in the middle. Sam Curran and Jos Buttler will resume their innings for England. Vernon Philander will start the proceedings for the final session of the day.
... Day 2, Session 3 ...
South Africa would not be happy with how the first hour of the session played out. They bowled well but were unable to break that partnership. But the second hour saw the hosts get on top and take charge. Debutant Dwaine Pretorius provided his skipper the breakthrough they were desperately looking for. Anrich Nortje then joined the act and his two quick wickets has seen South Africa head into Tea being in the driver's seat. So what do we have in store for the final session? Can England make a comeback or will South Africa wrap it up early in the final session? Join us after the break to find out.
What a brilliant session of Test cricket we have witnessed here in Centurion. The pendulum of this match keeps moving. It looked like England were well and truly on top with Stokes and Denly going along their merry way. The latter got to his fifty and with the score reading 142/3, it looked like England will easily head into Tea with their noses well and truly in front. But as we have witnessed so many times in the recent past, and England collapse was not far away. From 142/3 the visitors found themselves reeling at 150/6. They lost 3 wickets in the space of 16 balls and now find themselves in a big spot of bother.
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
0
0
Anrich Nortje 47/2(12)
44.6
.
Good length ball around off, Buttler pushes it to point off the back foot. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2.
44.5
.
Landed on middle, flicked to mid on by Buttler.
44.4
1
Full and on middle, Curran pushes it to mid on for a single.
44.3
4
EDGY FOUR! On a good length on off, Curran looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
44.2
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Sam looks to defend but misses it.
44.1
.
Short of a length delivery, Curran looks to pull but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dwaine Pretorius 23/1(8)
43.6
.
Outside off, Jos leaves it alone.
43.5
.
Again outside off, Jos does not bother to play at that.
43.4
.
Outside off, Buttler shoulders arms to this one.
43.3
.
On a good length on off, Jos defends it off the front foot.
43.2
.
Outside off, Buttler lets it go.
43.1
1
On a length on leg, Sam flicks it through square leg for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Anrich Nortje 42/2(11)
42.6
.
On a good length on off, Jos keeps it out.
42.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Buttler defends it off the back foot.
42.4
.
Length delivery on middle, Buttler plays it to mid on.
42.3
1
On a length on middle, Curran flicks it through square leg for a run.
42.2
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Sam looks to defend but misses it.
42.1
.
On a good length on off, Curran defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 22/1(7)
41.6
.
Length delivery on off, Buttler taps it to point.
41.5
.
Outside off, Jos leaves it alone.
41.4
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Buttler looks to defend but misses it.
41.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Jos blocks it off the front foot.
41.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Buttler drives it to covers.
41.1
.
On a good length on off, Buttler defends it back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Anrich Nortje 41/2(10)
40.6
.
On a length and outside off, Curran plays it to the off side.
40.5
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Curran looks to defend but misses it.
40.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Curran flicks it to mid-wicket.
Sam Curran is in now. Bailed England out on a few occasions when India toured England in 2018. Can he do so here? England would certainly hope so. Two slips, a short leg and a gully fielder placed for him.
40.3
W
OUT! Caught behind! Nortje gets his second wicket of the game and no prizes for guessing who has caught it. It is Quinton de Kock. His 5th catch of the innings and England from a commanding position have their backs against the wall. This is proper Test match wicket. Nortje hits the deck hard on a length at 144 kph. The ball shapes away just a bit. Stokes looks to defend but that little zip troubles him enough to take the outside edge and goes straight into the mitts of Quinton de Kock. The Proteas are up in joy and celebration. England's crisis man is out of here and he is gutted with himself as he knows technically he was well below par on that shot. The visitors trail by 134 and have just 4 wickets in hand now.
40.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Ben defends it out.
40.1
.
On a good length on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
4
1
Dwaine Pretorius 22/1(6)
39.6
2
Length delivery on off, Buttler punches it through point. The batsmen get two runs. 150 up for England.
39.5
.
Outside off, Jos offers no shot to this one.
39.4
.
Just short of Pretorius. On a good length on off, Buttler hits it uppishly towards the bowler where it falls short of Dwaine Pretorius.
39.3
.
On a good length on off, Buttler defends it off the front foot.
39.2
4
FOUR! That is a gorgeous cover drive from Jos Buttler! Slightly overpitched around off, Buttler does not need second invitation. He just gets on his front foot and drives it deliciously through covers for a boundary.
39.1
1
On a good length on off, Stokes defends it towards point and takes a run.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 41/1(9)
38.6
.
Fuller around off, pushed to cover.
Jos Buttler is the new batsman in.
38.5
W
OUT! Knocks him over! Nortje is the man who strikes for the first time and half the English side is back to the pavilion. Brilliant line and length this from Nortje. A good length ball from him which pitches outside off and then comes in nicely. Bairstow without any feet movement looks to defend. But the ball keeps low and comes back in to beat the defense of Bairstow. It goes behind and rattles the timber. Bairstow's poor run in Tests in 2019 continues.
38.4
.
On a length on middle, Jonny tucks it towards mid-wicket.
38.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Bairstow flicks it to mid-wicket.
38.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Bairstow defends it off the back foot.
38.1
.
On a good length on middle, Bairstow looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
In over# 1
1
0W
0
0
4
0
Dwaine Pretorius 15/1(5)
37.6
1
Landed on middle, Bairstow tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a run to get off the mark.
Jonny Bairstow joins Ben Stokes out in the middle. He has not been in the best of forms in the longest format of the game with the bat and there have been a lot of talks about it. He needs to play a big innings here to not just justify his selection but also retain his place in this playing 11.
37.5
W
OUT! Caught behind! The Ultra Edge detects a faint inside edge and Denly has to depart. Pretorius gets his debut Test wicket and an important one too as South Africa have broken the partnership. 50 and gone, 6th time this has happened in Tests for Denly. His search for his maiden Test ton continues. A superb ball from Pretorius. It is just ahead of the back of a length. It pitches and then comes back in as Denly comes forward and looks to defend. He misses to do so and the ball goes behind. De Kock takes the catch and makes a confident appeal along with the bowler. The umpire though is unmoved. After a brief chat, South Africa opt for the review and the replays detect the small spike as the ball gets closer to the bat. So, the on-field decision will be overturned.
Is there an edge? The umpire doesn't think so but Faf du Plessis has signaled the 'T'. The front foot is fine. Looks like an inside edge there. Yes, a faint spike is confirmed by the Ultra Edge. Superb review from South Africa.
37.4
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
37.3
.
What a response from Pretorius. Lands this one on a good length just outside off and makes the batter poke at it.
37.2
4
FOUR! Gets to his 6th Test half ton in style! Brilliant shot. A full ball outside off, Denly leans into the drive and creams it through the covers. He has been superb so far and look to convert this into a big one.
37.1
.
Fuller and off, pushed to mid off.
Pretorius replaces Maharaj. 4-1-10-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
4
0
4
Anrich Nortje 41/0(8)
36.6
1
Good length ball angled into the right-hander, Denly works it towards fine leg for a single.
36.5
1
On middle, Stokes tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
36.4
.
Good length ball around off, pushed to point.
36.3
4
FOUR! Improvisation at its best. Short and outside off, Stokes goes on the back foot and at the very last moment guides it over the slip cordon. One bounce and into the fence.
36.2
.
Around off, it is defended.
36.1
4
FOUR! Effortless from Stokes! Fullish ball on off, Stokes punches it beautifully. It reaches to the long on fence quickly. Sweet timing.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 18/0(4)
35.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly punches it to point.
35.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Denly drives it to mid on.
35.4
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it through square leg for a single.
35.3
.
Full delivery on off, Stokes drives it back towards the bowler.
35.2
.
Tossed up ball on middle, it is defended off the front foot.
35.1
1
Mix up but safe. The throw is at the wrong end. A shortish ball around off, Denly taps it towards point. There is a bit of confusion in the mind of Denly but seeing Stokes rushing at the other end, Denly too takes off. The throw comes at the striker's end but Stokes was quick to reach his crease. De Kock throws the ball back to the bowler at the non-striker's end but by the time it reaches, Denly is home.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
5wd
0
0
Anrich Nortje 31/0(7)
34.6
.
On a good length on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.
34.5
1
Length delivery on middle, Denly flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
34.4
.
Outside off, Joe leaves it alone.
34.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly keeps it out.
34.3
5wd
FIVE WIDES! Bowls a bouncer down the leg side, Denly does well to duck under it. It goes way past the keeper towards fine leg for a boundary.
34.2
.
On a good length on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
34.1
.
Outside off, Denly offers no shot to this one.
Drinks! After losing the wicket of Root early in the session, the duo of Denly and Stokes have added 50-run stand between them in just 64 balls and are taking England towards a strong position. Rabada has been not at his best and has leaked runs. Philander from one end has kept things tight but has not got support from the other end. The Proteas need wickets quickly or else these two will add quick runs and take England's total closer to South Africa quickly. Interesting hour awaits.
In over# 1
0
6
6
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 16/0(3)
33.6
.
Restores calmness and defends it off the front foot.
33.5
6
SIX! Two in a row. This one is a flat hit but once again hardly hit. Floated on off, Stokes once again gets down on one knee and slogs it flat over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. 50-run stand is up between Ben Stokes and Joe Denly.
33.4
6
SIX! Don't bother looking that was six the moment it left the bat. Flighted on off, Stokes gets down on one knee and smashes it over the mid-wicket fence for a big six.
33.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes defends it out.
33.2
.
Floated delivery on off, Stokes blocks it well.
33.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.
Keshav Maharaj returns.
In over# 1
4b
0
0
1
1
0
Anrich Nortje 25/0(6)
32.6
4b
FOUR BYES! Bowls a bumper, Denly ducks under it. It goes towards Quinton de Kock who jumps and tries to stop by leaping but he can only get a glove on it. It ends up going to the third man fence.
32.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Denly does well to duck under it.
32.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
32.3
1
On a length on middle, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.
32.2
1
Length delivery on off, Denly taps it towards point and takes a single.
32.1
.
On a length on middle, Denly nudges it towards the leg side.
Anrich Nortje replaces Philander. 5-0-23-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
1
Kagiso Rabada 55/1(11)
31.6
.
On a length on middle, Stokes tucks it to mid-wicket.
31.5
.
On a good length on off, Ben blocks it off the back foot.
31.4
.
Length delivery on off, Stokes taps it to point.
31.3
4
FOUR! Whipped nicely! Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it through mid on for a boundary. 100 up for England.
31.2
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
31.1
1
Brilliant from Maharaj at gully. A full ball outside off, Denly drills the drive nicely but Maharaj dives full length to his right to make a half stop. The ball rolls just away and before he can get up and get to the ball, the batters cross.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 5/2(10)
30.6
.
Bowls it down the leg side, Stokes looks to flick but misses it.
30.5
.
On a good length on middle, Stokes defends it off the back foot.
30.4
1
Landed on middle, Denly flicks it between mid on and mid-wicket and takes a single.
30.3
.
Good length ball angled into the batter, Denly does well to keep it out.
30.2
.
Fuller ball around off, pushed to cover.
30.1
.
Around off on a length, Denly blocks it out.
In over# 1
0
4
2
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 50/1(10)
29.6
.
On a good length on off, Ben blocks it off the front foot.
29.5
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Stokes pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
29.4
2
Good length delivery on middle, Stokes pushes it through mid on. The batsmen get two runs.
29.3
.
On a good length on off, Stokes plays it back to the bowler.
29.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Stokes offers a solid defense on this one.
29.1
.
On a good length on off, Stokes looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Change of ends for Rabada as well. 9-0-44-1, his numbers so far. He has struggled a bit post Lunch. Let's see whether the change of ends does the trick for him.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
1
Vernon Philander 4/2(9)
28.6
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
28.5
2
Flicked nicely! A good length ball on the pads, Denly whips it to mid-wicket. The mid on fielder chases it down and keeps the batters to a couple of runs.
28.4
.
Fuller and outside off, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
28.3
.
Landed around off on a good length, Denly keeps it out.
28.2
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
28.1
1
Full and around off, pushed to mid off. The fielder there fumbles and allows Stokes to take a single and get off the mark.
Change of ends for Vernon Philander. He has created havoc from the other end. Can he do the same from this side.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 4/0(2)
27.6
4
FOUR! Over mid off! This time Denly reaches the pitch of this tossed up ball outside off and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. Looking really impressive ever since the first run he got.
27.5
.
On off, Denly keeps it out.
27.4
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
27.3
.
Full around off, Denly this time skips down the track and looks to go downtown over long on. However, the ball hits the lower part of the bat and goes to mid on who fumbles but no runs costed.
27.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly plays it to point.
27.1
.
Tossed up on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
Keshav Maharaj to bowl now. Just a over in the first session. A slip and a short leg in place for him.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 44/1(9)
26.6
.
Around off, it is defended.
3 slips and a gully are in place for Ben Stokes.
26.5
1
Shortish around off, Denly works it behind square leg and takes a single.
26.4
4
FOUR! Nicely done! A short ball outside off, Denly hangs back and guides it between the second slip and gully fielder. It races to the third man fence. Another boundary off Rabada.
26.3
.
Good length ball around off, Denly defends it towards cover off the back foot.
26.2
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
26.1
.
Back of a length ball around off, Denly pulls but finds mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 1/2(8)
25.6
.
Uppish but safe! Fuller and outside off, Stokes drives away from the body. The ball takes the outer half of the bat and goes to point uppishly. A lot of oohs and aahs from the slip cordon.
25.5
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
25.4
.
Almost chopped on! A good length ball around off, Stokes defends it away from the body. The ball hits the lower part of the willow and balloons near the stumps. Stokes though is aware about it as he looks to keep the ball away. He does not need to do so as it does not go on the stumps anyway.
25.3
.
Fullish ball outside off, asking the left-hander to go for the drive. Stokes though is not interested as he makes a leave by covering his stumps.
25.2
.
Landed on off, Stokes comes forward and pushes it back to the bowler.
25.1
.
Good length ball around off, Stokes taps it towards the gully fielder.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
4
Kagiso Rabada 39/1(8)
24.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
24.5
.
Good length ball just outside off, Denly tucks it to point once again.
24.4
.
Around off, tapped towards point.
24.3
4
FOUR! Sprays down the leg side and gets the punishment. A ball on the pads on a good length, all Denly has to do is tickle it fine down the leg side. He does that nicely and the ball races to the fine leg fence. Rabada is leaking runs here. Not doing good to his partner who is bowling brilliantly at the other end.
24.2
.
Brilliant from Hamza at gully! A good length ball around off, Denly goes on the back foot and looks to run it down towards third man but Hamza dives to his right and saves runs for his side.
24.1
4
FOUR! Crashed away! Short ball on middle, Denly rocks back and pulls it wide of the long on fence for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Vernon Philander 1/2(7)
23.6
.
Make that third leave in a row as Philander dishes out another ball outside off on a length.
23.5
.
Another ball outside off which is shaping away from the left-hander. Stokes has his stumps covered as he lets it go to the keeper once again.
23.4
.
Outside off for the left-hander and on a good length, Stokes allows it to go to the keeper.
Philander steams in and once again pulls off from his bowling stride. Has his arms up in apology. Done a couple of times already. Not sure about the reason.
23.3
.
On middle again, Stokes is right behind the line of the delivery to defend.
23.2
.
Landed on middle, it is defended.
The captain is replaced by the vice captain. Ben Stokes, England's new superstar is the new man in. It has been Stokes' year and he has taken his side out of trouble a lot of times. He will once again need to do the same. Can he produce another rabbit out of the hat?
23.1
W
OUT! The England skipper is out of here and it is a body blow for England. Brilliant from Philander once again. Spot on with his line and length once again. Another ball in the channel outside off, Root can easily leave these alone. He though decides to have a poke at it. Joe ends up getting a tickle behind the wicket. De Kock takes the catch and celebrates. The umpire too raises the finger instantly and Root walks off. As he goes to the pavilion, punches his bat. Did all the hard work and then threw it away.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0
0
4
Kagiso Rabada 31/1(7)
22.6
4
FOUR! Glorious! Overpitched from Rabada and Denly pounces on it. He leans into the shot and creams it through covers.
22.5
.
Around off, it is defended.
22.4
1
Shortish around off again, Root goes on the back foot and taps it towards cover and takes off for a single. Maharaj gets to the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses.
22.3
.
Shortish outside off again, Root hops and pushes it towards point.
22.2
.
On middle, Root defends it off the back foot.
22.1
4
FOUR! Shot! A short ball outside off to start the fresh over. Root goes on the back foot and slashes it past point. It races to the fence.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end post the Lunch session. 6-0-22-1 so far from him.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 1/1(6)
21.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Denly stays on the back foot and pushes it towards cover.
21.5
.
Good length ball around off, it is blocked.
21.4
1
First runs off Philander after 33 dot balls. Brilliant stuff so far from Vernon. A good length ball around middle, Root takes a step forward and tucks it towards the leg side for a single.
21.3
.
Beaten! This time he plays the defensive shot but is beaten. Kept slightly low as well. Another good length ball which is in the channel outside off. Root does not move his feet at all and drives to get beaten.
21.2
.
Root was in two minds there. A shortish length ball just outside off, Root first thinks to defend but at the last moment pulls his bat out of the line of the ball.
21.1
.
Good length ball around off, pushed to covers by Root.
We are back for the second session. The South African players are out in the middle. Joe Denly and Joe Root will resume their innings for England. Vernon Philander is marking his run-up and will start the proceedings for the second session.
... Day 2, Session 2 ...
Now, how will the afternoon session pan out? Will Root and Denly continue adding runs to this stand to take England in a commanding position in the game or will we see the Protea bowlers break the stand and get into the middle-order of England? Join us after the break to find out.
Earlier in the day, England needed only 11 deliveries to get the final wicket of South Africa's innings to bundle them out on 284 runs. Curran who was shy of a wicket could not get the fifer and it was Broad who got the wicket of Philander.
Rabada and Philander started for the Proteas brilliantly with the ball. Philander struck first when he removed Rory Burns in his second over. He has bowled very tight lines and length and has bowled 5 successive maidens. Rabada got rid of Sibley to put England in a troubled situation. Since then, South African bowlers could not manage to get another one. Nortje and Pretorius did bowl well too but without any success. The one over from the spinner was easily negotiated by the English batters.
An even session for both sides then. England though have done well to recover from the early blows, courtesy, a fighting unbeaten stand between Denly and skipper Root. England was in trouble early on when Burns and Sibley departed early without troubling the scorers much. Denly got a life on 0 when Rassie spilled a chance at the first slip. Since then, Denly is looking solid out in the middle and Root too has himself set for a big one.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
1
Anrich Nortje 23/0(5)
20.6
1
Length delivery on off, Root pushes it towards covers. The batsmen cross ends. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2!
20.5
.
Outside off, the skipper leaves it alone.
20.4
1
On a length on middle, Denly drives it towards mid on for a run.
20.3
.
Bowls a bumper, Denly ducks under it.
20.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
20.1
1
On a good length on off, Root plays it towards point. The batsmen take a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 0/0(1)
19.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly keeps it out.
19.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle and leg, Denly offers a forward defense on this one.
19.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Denly keeps it out.
19.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
19.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
19.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the front foot.
Keshav Maharaj is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Anrich Nortje 20/0(4)
18.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Root defends it out.
18.5
.
Bowls a quick bouncer on leg, Root ducks under it. It goes to de Kock who makes a one-handed stop.
18.4
.
On a length on middle, the skipper flicks it to mid-wicket.
18.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Root does well to duck under it.
18.2
.
On a good length on off, Root blocks it off the back foot.
18.1
2
Full delivery outside off, Root drives it through point. Maharaj chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen pick up a couple.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 10/0(4)
17.6
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
17.5
.
Good leave now! A ball on a good length and in the channel. Denly covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper.
17.4
4
FOUR! Clipped nicely! A good length ball on middle, Denly is very strong there. He flicks it with power and it beats the mid-wicket fielder and races to the fence. He is starting to look settled out in the middle now.
17.3
.
Full and on the stumps, Denly drives it to mid on where Rabada fumbles but no runs taken.
17.2
.
Fuller around off, pushed to covers.
17.1
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
0
4
Anrich Nortje 18/0(3)
16.6
.
Huge appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes it away. Very good ball this from Nortje. Pacy and coming in, Root looks to defend but it hits him on the pads. There is a huge appeal from the Proteas players but the umpire is not interested. Faf du Plessis does not go for the review as they feel there is a slight inside edge on this.
16.5
1
Length delivery on off, Denly plays it towards covers. The batsmen take a run.
16.4
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Second boundary of the over. Full delivery on middle, Denly drives it through mid on for a boundary. 50 up for England.
16.3
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Denly looks to defend but misses it.
16.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
16.1
4
FOUR! First one for him. That was boundary the moment it left the bat. A good length on middle, Denly uses his wrists and whips it to deep mid-wicket fence. That raced to the fence in a jiffy.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 6/0(3)
15.6
4
FOUR! Nicely played! On a good length on off, Root plays it with soft hands and guides it towards third man for a boundary.
15.5
.
Length delivery on off, Root punches it to point.
15.4
.
On middle, Root offers a back foot defense on this one.
15.3
.
On a good length on off, Root defends it off the front foot.
15.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Root plays it to mid on.
15.1
.
On a good length on off, the skipper defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
4
Anrich Nortje 9/0(2)
14.6
.
A real spicy delivery this from Nortje. Touches 150kph. It is on the pads, Denly looks to flick but misses. Nortje goes up in appeal but the umpire says no.
14.5
1
Good length delivery outside off, Root taps it towards covers and takes a run.
14.4
.
Short delivery on off, Root cuts it to point.
14.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Root defends it off the back foot.
14.2
.
On a good length on off, Root blocks it off the back foot.
14.1
4
FOUR! Length delivery outside off, Root goes on the back foot and punches it past the diving gully fielder towards third man for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 2/0(2)
13.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Denly keeps it out.
13.5
.
On a good length on off, Denly blocks it well.
13.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Denly flicks it to mid-wicket.
13.3
2
Length delivery on off, Denly looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.
13.2
.
On a good length on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
13.1
.
Outside off, Denly does not bother to play at that.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 4/0(1)
12.6
4
FOUR! Educational edge this from Root! A 149 kph delivery bowled on a length around off, Root looks to defend but opens the face of the bat in the last moment to send it wide of the man at gully and the ball races away to the fence.
12.5
.
Outside off, Root shoulders arms to this one.
12.4
.
A very intent-ful bouncer but good take from Quinton de Kock. It is around off, Root ducks under it. The ball keeps getting high on de Kock. He jumps, one might feel he even flew there to take it and save runs for his side.
12.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Root taps it to point.
12.2
.
On a good length on off, Root defends it to covers.
12.1
.
Nortje starts with a back of a length ball outside off. He bowls this at 147 kph and makes the ball shoot up off the deck. Root leaves it alone.
Rabada gets a rest Anrich Nortje has been brought back into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 0/0(1)
11.6
.
Just away from the stumps. Good length ball on off, Denly looks to defend but he is a bit late on it. It hits the upper part of his bat and rolls behind. It goes past the stumps by just mere inches.
11.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Joe blocks it off the back foot.
11.4
.
On a good length on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
11.3
.
Another ball outside off, it is left alone.
11.2
.
On middle, tucked towards mid-wicket.
11.1
.
In the channel outside off to bowl the first ever ball in Tests from Pretorius. It is left alone.
Debutant Dwaine Pretorius is on.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 22/1(6)
10.6
1
Denly is off the mark and the crowd applause. A good length ball around off, Denly taps it towards cover. 28th ball it is and Denly has a run.
10.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
10.4
.
Sprayed down the leg side. Denly looks to flick but misses.
10.3
.
Dropped! Initially, it looked like it did not carry but it did. Oh, dear! Van der Dussen is the man. Probably de Kock came in the way as he dived to his right to pouch the ball. A brilliant ball from Rabada once again and he cannot believe it as he has his face covered with his hands. A back of a length ball outside off, Denly pokes at it. The ball takes the outside edge and goes towards the first slip. De Kock throws himself to his right but cannot reach there. The ball goes in the hands of debutant Rassie but it quickly pops out. It went straight in so one would feel he should've had taken it. Probably the dive of de Kock distracted him there. It can be really costly because Denly can get himself in and play a really big knock.
10.2
.
Good length ball around off and middle, it is defended.
10.1
.
Shortish around middle, pushed to mid on.
In over# 1
0
1lb
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 0/1(5)
9.6
.
Landed around off, Root comes forward and defends. 5 maidens in a row from Philander. He has be so accurate in this spell.
9.5
1lb
Fuller ball on middle, Denly looks to flick but misses. The ball hits the pads and goes fine leg for of leg byes. Still trying to get off the mark.
9.4
.
Good length ball around off, Denly looks to leave the ball first but is late in removing his bat down. Ends up tapping it towards the off side.
9.3
.
Full and around off, Denly looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
9.2
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
9.1
.
Around off, it is defended off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
4lb
0
0
4
Kagiso Rabada 21/1(5)
8.6
.
Another length delivery outside off, it swings back in after the stumps. Root leaves it alone.
8.5
.
Good length ball outside off, Root does not disturb that.
The physio is out for the concussion test. A routine these days. Root looks absolutely fine but the umpires do not want to take any risks and the concussion test will be conducted. The umpires seize this opportunity and call for drinks as well.
8.4
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! But off the helmet. A well directed bouncer from Rabada. Root is late in ducking under it. The ball hits the helmet and goes to to third man fence over the slip cordon. Root takes his helmet off and checks it. He seems fine.
8.3
.
Angled into the batsman this time from a good length. Root looks to tuck it towards the leg side but ends up getting hit high on the thigh pads.
8.2
.
Bumper which goes way to high and it is outside off too. Root shows no interest.
8.1
4
FOUR! Timed superbly! Rabada bowls it full around off, Root comes forward and punches it through point for his first boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 0/1(4)
7.6
.
Fullish ball inviting for the drive but Denly is not lured into the shot. He lets it go to the keeper.
7.5
.
Outside off, Denly makes a leave.
7.4
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
7.3
.
Soft hands again! A good length ball around off, Denly waits for the ball to come to him and defends. The ball takes outside edge and goes towards second slip. The fielder there dives to his right to stop the ball.
Philander was steaming in but the bails fell off at the non-striker's end and the umpire stops the bowler and asks him to steam in again.
7.2
.
Landed around off, it is blocked by Denly. Still searching for that run to get off the mark.
7.1
.
Fuller around off, Denly comes forward and pushes it towards cover.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 17/1(4)
6.6
.
Shortish ball on off, Root goes on the back foot and defends it out. Testing over this from Rabada.
6.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
6.4
.
Another play and a miss! A good length ball in the channel outside off, Root once again feels for the ball and goes for the drive. Only to get beaten. Lucky not to edge that one.
6.3
2
A brilliant bouncer now! It is on the body of Root. He hops and looks to fend it away. The ball hits the handle of the bat and goes to fine leg for a couple of runs.
6.2
.
Another peach from Rabada! Fullish ball, closer to off pole. Root without moving his feet pushes at the ball with hard hands. He makes no connection and is beaten for the outside edge. Could've easily gone on to hit the off pole there.
6.1
.
In the channel outside off, Root covers his sticks and lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 0/1(3)
5.6
.
Beauty to finish the over! Good length ball around off, the ball zips away a bit. Denly looks to defend but gets beaten.
5.5
.
Away from the off pole, JD shoulders arms to it.
5.4
.
On the fourth stump line, Denly leaves it alone.
5.3
.
Close, close call this. Looks like height has saved Denly. Good length ball pitching on off and middle and jagging back in. Denly looks to defend but misses. The ball hits him over the knee roll and there is a huge appeal. The umpire though does not agree and shakes it away. Faf du Plessis does not review it and it is a good decision as the Hawk Eye later on shows that the ball was going to miss the stumps.
5.2
.
Once again it is on the pads, Denly looks to flick but once again misses.
5.1
.
On the pads, Denly looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
England off to a disastrous start and out walks skipper Joe Root to rescue them. Can he help them?
In over# 1
0W
4
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 15/1(3)
4.6
W
OUT! Caught! Some drama though! Sibley has been given not out by the umpire. Faf du Plessis without even having a word with the bowler signals the 'T' straightaway. However, after he takes the DRS, Sibley starts going off. He did not do that immediately but after the decision has been taken upstairs, he starts walking. The umpire there stops him, probably to get everything confirmed. Now, time for the replays, front foot is okay. And a clear spike on the Ultra Edge. So, now, please keep walking, Mr. Sibley. Coming to the ball, whatta ripper from Rabada. Back of a length ball around off, the right-hander has to play at it. Sibley hops and pokes at the ball but only manages an outside edge to the keeper. England are in all sorts of trouble early on.
Given not out but Faf du Plessis goes for the DRS straightaway. Wait, what? Sibley is walking. He thinks he has nicked it. The umpire stops him and asks him to wait for the confirmation. The confirmation is that there is a clear spike on Ultra Edge. Sibley has to depart.
4.5
4
FOUR! Flicked nicely! First boundary for Sibley! A fullish ball on middle of the right-hander. Sibley is really strong on anything on the pads. He flicks it to the mid-wicket fence nicely.
4.4
.
BEATEN! Good shape on this one! On a good length and outside off, Sibley looks to defend but misses it.
4.3
.
Bowls it down the leg side, Sibley lets it go.
4.2
.
Outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
4.1
.
On a good length on leg, Sibley flicks it towards the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Vernon Philander 0/1(2)
3.6
.
Length delivery on off, Denly gets right behind the line of the ball and defends it with a straight bat. End of a very successful over from VP.
3.5
.
Back of a length on off, Denly defends it off his back foot.
3.4
.
On the pads, Denly glances it to mid-wicket.
3.3
.
Good ball this. Inswinging from off, JD looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
3.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Denly shoulders arms to it.
Joe Denly walks in way too early than he would've thought. 3 slips in place.
3.1
W
OUT! Caught behind! This time there is no need to review it as Burns knows he has got something on it. Absolute jaffa from Vernon Philander. He is one of the best bowler to left-handers and he has struck gold in the very second over here with a peach. Vernon bowls it on a length, in the channel of uncertainty. The ball goes with the angle but then straightens a bit. Rory looks to defend but gets a feather on it of his glove on its way to the keeper. De Kock takes it and goes up in celebration. Burns does not even wait for long and starts walking back. South Africa needed early wicket and they have got just that. Perfect start for Philander in his final series.
In over# 1
1
0
4
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 11/0(2)
2.6
1
On the pads, Burns tucks it to the leg side and keeps the strike.
2.5
.
A good solid front foot defense from Burns. On the stumps, RB blocks it.
2.4
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Rabada is troubling Burns in every possible way here. Full and swinging away. Burns looks to drive it to the on side but gets squared up. It goes off the outside edge through the backward point region for a boundary.
2.3
.
Bouncer! A very well directed one. It is right around his eye line. Burns does well to sway away from it.
2.2
.
Bounce, pace and good carry on this one. Excellent ball. Rabada steams in and hits the deck hard with a 143 kph delivery around off. Burns looks to defend but the ball shapes away squaring Rory all ends up. It shoots on its way to the keeper and reaches Quinton over his head.
2.1
.
Back of a length ball outside off, Burns sways away from it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 0/0(1)
1.6
.
Sibley makes another leave as Philander lands this one outside off on a good length.
1.5
.
Just short! Brilliant line this from Philander. A good length ball around off, Sibley this time pokes at the ball but with soft hands. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to du Plessis at the second slip but on the bounce. Soft hands saved Sibley there.
1.4
.
In the channel outside off, Sibley makes another leave.
1.3
.
Another length ball which is closer to off pole than the previous one but not enough to make Sibley play at it.
1.2
.
Fullish one around off, it is defended.
1.1
.
Philander starts with a good length ball around off, it shapes away from Sibley. He lets it go to the keeper.
Vernon Philander to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
5nb
1nb
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 6/0(1)
0.6
.
Just short! Rabada fires one on the pads, Burns looks to flick but it goes off the edge and falls short of the diving man at short leg.
0.5
.
On the pads, Burns once again looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
0.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Burns looks to defend but misses.
0.3
.
On the pads, Burns looks to flick but misses and the ball hits the thigh pad.
0.3
5nb
NO BALL AND FOUR! Superb ball this but Rabada has overstepped here. Full and swinging in on off. Burns looks to play it on the on side but the ball goes off the outside edge through the gully region for a boundary. First runs off the bat.
0.3
1nb
NO BALL! Poor start for Rabada. After the first ball he has gone way wide outside off, Burns shoulders arms to it. Rabada has overstepped and it has been caught by the umpire.
0.2
.
Wild ball. Length ball way outside off, Burns has no interest in playing that.
0.1
.
NOT OUT! Excellent review and actually the credit has to be given to Sibley. Burns was not sure whether the ball had kissed the bat or not so he reviewed it after having a brief chat with Dominic. South Africa almost had a perfect start just like England. Full and swinging away from the southpaw. Burns looks to drive it straight but misses. There is a noise as the ball goes to the keeper. De Kock takes the catch and goes up in a confident appeal. The umpire agrees and raises his finger. Burns is unsure and has a word with his partner. After consulting Sibley, Rory signals the 'T'. Replay rolls in and it shows that the ball has missed the bat and the sound is of the bat hitting the pad. Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there is a very little spike as the ball goes past the bat but there is also a gap so the on-field decision has to be reversed.
So South Africa have 284 on the board. The pitch has some assistance for the bowlers and it will not be an easy task for the England players. How will the openers fare? Join us after a brief break to find out.
It was a controversial decision to bowl first but the English bowlers backed their captain's decision and were good with the cherry in hand. Broad and Sam Curran were the stars with the ball. The pair scalped 8 wickets equally amongst themselves. Archer was good in patches but was pretty inconsistent. James Anderson was good as well but got just a wicket on his 150th Test. All in all the visitors will be happy with their performance.
So the innings has lasted just under 10 minutes on Day 2! The hosts have put up a fighting total after struggling at 111/5. All the batters except Quinton de Kock failed to get going after getting starts. De Kock's 95 along with supports from Dwaine Pretorius and Vernon Philander ensured that South Africa reach a score close to 300.
84.3
W
OUT! Caught! There is a spike on Ultra Edge and Philander has to go. A good length ball which is outside off and it is shaping further away from Philander. He pokes at it away from his body and ends up nicking behind. Buttler catches it and celebrates. The umpire raises his finger but Philander goes for the review. Probably because it is there at his disposal. Don't think it is going to save him though. Here comes the replay. The front foot is okay. There seem to be a deflection as the ball passes the bat and the Ultra Edge clearly detects it. The decision stays OUT and that is the end of the innings for South Africa. 284/10 IT IS.
Given caught behind by Philander reviews quickly. Surely some noise there. Let's see where it is coming from. Front foot is fine. There is a deflection as the ball passes the bat. Here comes the Ultra Edge. Clear edge and that will be end of the innings.
84.2
2
A better throw would've made things interesting but two runs for Philander and South Africa nonetheless. A good length ball just around off, Philander pushes it through covers and looks to take two. Nortje is little slow in responding and the throw from sweeper cover comes but Broad is in front of the stumps to collect. He ends up disturbing the stumps with his hands.
84.1
4
FOUR! Nicely done and important runs these. A short ball outside off, Philander goes back and slashes it wide of the gully fielder. It races to the third man fence.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Sam Curran 58/4(20)
83.6
.
Fuller and on off, Nortje comes forward and defends it towards mid off.
83.5
.
In the channel outside off, Nortje covers his stumps and shoulders arms.
83.4
.
Beaten! A full ball just outside off this time. Nortje this time is lured into the shot. He drives but makes no connection.
83.3
.
Good length ball angled away from the right-hander. Nortje makes a leave.
83.2
1
Good length ball around off, Vernon pushes it towards cover and takes a single.
83.1
.
Fuller ball from Curran to start his spell on a fresh day. Philander pushes it to mid off.
Sam Curran to bowl from the other end to start the day. 1 wicket remaining and Sam needs that one to get his maiden fifer. Can he get it?
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
1wd
1lb
Stuart Broad 52/3(18)
82.6
.
Another ball which is outside off on a good length. It is easily left alone by Nortje.
82.5
.
Broad starts the day with a back of a length ball but it is way too wide outside off to trouble Nortje. He drops his wrists and lets it go to the keeper.
We are ready to begin Day 2. The England players are out in the middle. Vernon Philander will be joined by Anrich Nortje. Stuart Broad will finish his over.
Almost an even first day in SuperSport Park. However, England would've been slightly disappointed after their effort in dismissing the tail. After removing half the side just over 100, England faced resistance from Quinton de Kock and Dwaine Pretorius. The duo added quickfire 87 runs. After their dismissal, Philander made sure they added further important runs. Broad struck on the last ball of the day to remove Rabada and finish the day on a high. Now, on Day 2, England would want to get rid of the last man as early as possible while the hosts would look to score a few quick runs to take their total around 300. Let's see what is on the cards. Welcome to our coverage for Day 2.
... Day 2, Session 1 ...
So, 277/9 is how we finish Day 1 here in Centurion. The pitch has something on offer for both, the batters as well as the bowlers. But as the saying goes, don't judge a pitch before both sides have bowled on it. So will South Africa be able to add any runs to their overnight score or will England get the final wicket early and come to bat? Join us to find out which way the match turns on Day 2. Join us on Friday, 27th December 2019 at 1000 local (0800 GMT) to find out. Till then, goodbye and cheers!
England will be happy with their efforts but they had their struggles as well. They got off to a dream start as James Anderson struck gold on the very first ball of the game in his 150th Test. Broad who has been struggling fought well to get 3 wickets and ended the day on a positive note. Jofra Archer struggled too but will be happy to get into the wickets column. However, the real star of the day was Sam Curran. In all honesty, whenever it looked like South Africa were getting on top, Sam got his skipper the breakthrough they were looking for. He finished the day with 4 wickets and ensured England are slightly ahead heading into Day 2.
South Africa after being put into bat got off to a horrible start losing Dean Elgar on the very first ball of the Test. Zubayr Hamza and Aiden Markram then tried to steady the ship but after a 32-run stand Markram too joined his opening partner back in the pavilion. Hamza looked good for his 39 but could not convert his start. Faf too failed to make the most of the start he got. Rassie van der Dussen failed to make a mark on his debut. Quinton de Kock though walked out with intent and started counter-attacking as England were getting on top. He put up a vital 87-run partnership with debutant Dwaine Pretorius. The latter fell against the run of play but Quinton continued his good work. He put up a gritty 47-run stand with Philander but he fell 5 short of a very well-deserved ton. Keshav Maharaj and Rabada ate away a few balls but both of them departed before stumps but ensured that the hosts walk out to bat at least for a ball on Day 2.
Perfect way for England to end the day. Broad strikes on the very last ball of the day. End of a gritty, fighting and even Day 1 of the Test. The series has started off showing us that it is not going to be a walk in the park for either side.
82.4
W
OUT! Through the gates! Superb from Broad. And South Africa lose the 9th wicket. A brilliant ball that pitches around off and comes back in with the angle. Rabada looks to defend but the ball comes back in sharply to beat the inside edge of the bat. It brushes the thigh pad and then goes to disturb the timbers behind. And, with that the umpires have called for STUMPS ON DAY 1.
82.3
.
On a good length on off, Rabada blocks it off the back foot.
82.2
.
Outside off, Rabada leaves it alone.
82.2
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, Rabada does not bother to play at that.
82.1
1lb
On a good length on leg, Philander looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
In over# 1
4
0
0
4
0
0
James Anderson 69/1(20)
81.6
4
FOUR! Brilliant drive and it reaches the fence. A fuller ball outside off again, Rabada drills it towards cover. The fielder there makes a half stop diving to his right but this has been drilled really hard. The ball eventually reaches the fence before the fielder can chase it down. Second boundary of the over for Rabada. These are very valuable runs for South Africa.
81.5
.
Landed around off on a shortish length, Rabada keeps it out.
81.4
.
Around off, it is defended off the back foot towards cover.
81.3
4
FOUR! Nicely done! A fuller ball outside off, Rabada gets his bat down and guides it between gully and point. It races to the third man fence and Rabada has his second boundary.
81.2
.
Another good length ball outside off, Rabada covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper.
81.1
.
In the channel outside off, Rabada lets it be.
James Anderson is back on. 19-4-61-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 51/2(17)
80.6
4
FOUR! Terrific shot. Full delivery outside off, Philander drives it through covers for a boundary.
80.5
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Philander looks to defend but misses it.
80.4
.
Bowls it down the leg side, Philander looks to flick but misses it.
80.3
.
On a good length on off, Philander keeps it out.
80.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Philander flicks it to mid-wicket.
80.1
.
On a good length on off, Philander defends it off the back foot.
Second new ball is available and England have taken it straightaway. Stuart Broad will have a go with it first up. 16-4-47-2 for him.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Joe Denly 4/0(3)
79.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Rabada defends it off the back foot.
79.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Rabada keeps it out.
79.4
1
Floated delivery on middle, Philander flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
79.3
.
Loopy delivery outside off, Philander shoulders arms to this one.
79.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Vernon drives it towards mid on.
79.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Philander drives it to mid on.
Joe Denly is back on. 2-0-3-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 65/1(19)
78.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Rabada looks to defend but misses it.
78.5
1
Length delivery on middle, Philander flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
78.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander does well to duck under it.
78.3
.
Full delivery on off, Vernon drives it to covers.
78.2
.
On a length on off, Philander plays it to point.
78.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Philander offers a back foot defense on this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Sam Curran 57/4(19)
77.6
.
On a good length on off, Rabada defends it out.
77.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Kagiso blocks it well.
77.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Rabada drives it back towards the bowler.
77.3
4
FOUR! On a good length and outside off, Rabada looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
77.2
.
Bowls a yorker on middle, Rabada does well to dig it out.
77.1
.
On a good length on off, Rabada defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 64/1(18)
76.6
.
Short delivery on leg, Philander looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
76.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander ducks under it.
76.4
4
FOUR! That is punished! Short and outside off, Philander cuts it hard through point for a boundary.
76.3
.
Length delivery on off, Philander plays it to covers.
76.2
.
On a good length on off, Philander taps it to point.
76.1
.
Outside off, Philander offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Sam Curran 53/4(18)
75.6
.
On a good length on off, Rabada looks to defend but gets hit on the hand.
75.5
.
Length delivery on middle, Kagiso nudges it towards the leg side.
75.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Rabada ducks under it.
75.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Rabada keeps it out.
75.2
.
On a good length on off, Rabada defends it off the back foot.
75.1
1
Length delivery on off, Philander taps it through point for a single.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
0
4
Jofra Archer 60/1(17)
74.6
.
On a good length on off, Rabada defends it off the front foot.
Kagiso Rabada is the new man in.
74.5
W
OUT! Yes, the soft signal stays and Jofra has a wicket, he finally has one. A shortish length ball just around off, Maharaj plays looks to defend it coming forward. The ball takes the outside edge and goes low to Ben Stokes who pouches it inches above the turf. Maharaj is not sure if that carried to Stokes and he stands waiting. The umpire refers it upstairs with the soft signal being out. First the front foot is getting checked, it is fine. Now, did that carry? Yes, it did, Stokes did really well to get his fingers under the ball and grab it safely. England are just two away from bundling the hosts.
The umpires have gone upstairs to check the legitimacy of the catch. The soft signal is OUT! Let us see what the replays have to say. It looks clean and it is clean. Maharaj will have to go back here.
74.4
.
On a good length and outside off, Maharaj does not bother to play at that.
74.3
.
Outside off, Keshav leaves it alone.
74.2
.
Bowls a bouncer, Maharaj does well to duck under it.
74.1
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short and outside off, Maharaj cuts it hard through point for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
1
0
Sam Curran 52/4(17)
73.6
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
73.5
1
On the pads, Maharaj flicks it to fine leg for a single.
73.4
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
73.3
.
NOT OUT! There is a clear inside edge on this one as Ultra Edge detects. On a good length on middle, Maharaj looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw and the umpire raises his finger. Maharaj straightaway takes the review. Ultra Edge clearly detects an inside edge.
Philander has been given out LBW but he has taken the decision upstairs straightaway. Front foot is fine. But a big inside edge. Not out it will be and the decision will be changed.
73.2
1
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it through point for a single.
73.1
.
On a good length on off, Philander defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 56/0(16)
72.6
.
Outside off, Maharaj offers no shot to this one.
72.5
.
Bowls a bouncer outside off, Maharaj lets it sail through to the keeper.
72.4
.
Outside off, Keshav leaves it alone.
72.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Maharaj does well to duck under it.
72.2
.
Full delivery on off, Maharaj drives it to mid off.
72.1
.
Outside off, Maharaj shoulders arms to this one.
Jofra Archer is back on. 15-3-56-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0W
1
0
0
0
Sam Curran 50/4(16)
71.6
1
Maharaj is off the mark. Good length ball which shapes in viciously. Keshav does well to flick it late on to the on side and get a single.
Keshav Maharaj walks out to bat next.
71.5
W
OUT! Caught behind! De Kock falls in nervous 90s and he misses out on a well deserved hundred here. Big wicket and once again it is Sam Curran who has given Root the breakthrough. This young lad is some cricketer. His 4th wicket of the innings. Good length ball around off and shaping away. De Kock looks to defend it away from the body but the ball kisses the outside edge of the willow and goes straight into the mitts of Buttler. The 47-run stand is broken and England have a chance now to wrap this up and maybe even bat again for an over or two. There was no need for de Kock to have a feel of that but he still went for it and he will be gutted with himself to miss out on a deserving ton. He walks off to an applause from the crowd and his teammates alike. He has single-handedly taken the hosts to a very good, fighting total here. Quinton will not be happy having missed out on his personal milestone.
71.4
1
Bouncer! A well directed one from Curran. It is right around the body line but Vernon sits under it but the ball clips his bat and goes towards fine leg and they take a run.
71.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Philander blocks it well.
71.2
.
On a good length on off, Vernon keeps it out.
71.1
.
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it to mid off.
Sam Curran is back on. 15-5-48-3 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Joe Denly 3/0(2)
70.6
.
Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it to covers.
70.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, de Kock defends it out.
70.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, de Kock keeps it out.
70.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
70.2
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Philander drives it through mid off for a run.
70.1
1
Flighted delivery on leg, de Kock drives it through mid on. The batsmen take a single.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
1
0
James Anderson 61/1(19)
69.6
.
Again outside off, Philander shoulders arms to this one.
69.5
.
Outside off, Vernon lets it go.
69.4
4
FOUR! Nice shot. On a good length on off, Philander guides it towards third man for a boundary.
69.3
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Philander looks to defend but misses it.
69.2
1
Full and coming in with the angle. It is on middle, de Kock flicks it to square leg and gets a single.
69.1
.
Full and outside off, de Kock defends it off the front foot towards cover.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Joe Denly 1/0(1)
68.6
.
Around the pads, Philander flicks it to mid-wicket to get through the over.
68.5
.
Flighted leg spinner on the stumps, Vernon keeps it out.
68.4
.
Flighted and turning away sharply from VP. He does well to defend it.
68.3
.
Tossed up on off, Philander hits it straight to the left of the bowler. Denly gets down and deflects it towards mid on. Does not cost any runs.
68.2
.
Flatter on off, Philander hits it straight back to the bowler.
68.1
1
Denly starts with a flighted ball on the pads, de Kock turns it behind square on the leg side and gets a single to move to 93.
Time for some leg spin. Joe Denly to operate with the ball. It will be interesting to see whether this is just a solitary over for change of ends or is he given a couple of overs to try and break this stand.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
James Anderson 56/1(18)
67.6
.
A little bit of an extra bounce to end the over. Good length ball outside off, Philander looks to play it with a slant bat but misses.
67.5
.
Length ball around off, Philander defends it solidly from within the crease.
67.4
.
Good leave. Length ball swinging in from outside off. Philander reads it well and offers a very solid leave as the ball goes past the stump.
67.3
.
Back of a length on off, Philander hops up and keeps the ball down with a straight bat.
67.2
1
Length delivery outside off, de Kock strokes it through point for a single.
Also, there is a good news for the visitors. Ben Stokes is back on the field. So the issue is not as serious as one expected and they will be happy to have their vice-captain back on the field.
67.1
.
Good length ball around off, de Kock pushes it to cover.
Drinks Break! Quinton de Kock has looked solid till now and Philander has done well to support him. They lost the only wicket of Pretorius but have done well after that. On the other hand, England would look to wrap up the innings as quickly as possible. Interesting final hour awaits.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Stuart Broad 47/2(16)
66.6
.
On a good length on middle, Philander looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
66.5
.
Outside off, Philander leaves it alone.
66.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Vernon blocks it off the back foot.
66.3
.
Again outside off, Philander shoulders arms to this one.
66.2
.
Outside off, Philander offers no shot on this one.
66.1
1
Full delivery on middle, de Kock flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Ben Stokes is off the field right now as he has been struggling with dehydration. Not a good sign for the visitors.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
4
1
James Anderson 55/1(17)
65.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Philander defends it out.
65.5
.
Bowls it wide outside off, Philander shoulders arms to this one.
65.4
1
On a length on leg, de Kock flicks it towards fine leg for a run.
65.3
.
On a good length on off, de Kock taps it towards the off side.
65.2
4
FOUR! Classic shot. Full and outside off, de Kock drives it through mid off for a boundary.
65.1
1
Length delivery on middle, Philander flicks it through square leg for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
4
0
Stuart Broad 47/2(15)
64.6
.
On a good length on off, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
64.5
.
Full again on off, Quinton plays it to covers.
64.4
.
Full delivery outside off, de Kock drives it to mid off.
64.3
2
Fuller and on off, de Kock works it towards wide mid on and scampers for a couple of runs.
64.2
4
FOUR! Another edgy boundary! Short and outside off, de Kock looks to slash but gets an outside edge. It goes over the slip region and towards third man for a boundary. He moves into the 80s with that boundary.
64.1
.
Outside off, Quinton does not bother to play at that.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
1
James Anderson 49/1(16)
63.6
4
FOUR! On a good length and outside off, Philander looks to punch but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
63.5
.
On a good length on off, Vernon blocks it well.
63.4
.
Length delivery on off, Philander taps it to point.
63.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Philander blocks it off the back foot.
63.2
.
On a good length on off, Philander looks to defend but gets hit on the hand. That could be nasty.
63.1
1
Short and outside off, de Kock cuts it through point. The batsmen take a single.
In over# 1
1lb
0
0
0
0
4
Stuart Broad 41/2(14)
62.6
1lb
On the pads again, de Kock looks to work it to the leg side but the ball hits is pads and goes towards square leg. The batters cross for a leg bye.
62.5
.
Another fullish ball around off and middle, de Kock tucks it towards mid on.
62.4
.
Full and on middle, flicked straight to mid on.
62.3
.
Appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. Good length ball around the pads, de Kock looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal follows but nothing from the umpire. No DRS from England either and replays roll in and suggest it to be a good call as the ball pitched outside leg.
62.2
.
Around off, pushed to mid on.
62.1
4
EDGY FOUR! Shout for catch but nobody will as it lands uppishly in no man's land and ends up going to the third man fence. A fuller ball outside off to start the fresh over. De Kock reaches out and goes for the drive away from his body. The ball takes thick outside edge and goes to third man fence.
Stuart Broad returns. 13-4-36-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
James Anderson 44/1(15)
61.6
1
On a good length on middle, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It misses the leg stump and it goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run.
61.5
.
Outside off, Quinton leaves it alone.
61.4
.
Good length delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
61.3
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes to mid on.
61.2
.
On a good length on off, de Kock blocks it off the back foot.
61.1
.
Full delivery outside off, de Kock offers no shot to this one.
James Anderson is back on. 14-4-43-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
2
Sam Curran 48/3(15)
60.6
.
On a length on middle, Philander tucks it towards the leg side.
60.5
.
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it to mid off.
60.4
.
Bowls a yorker on middle, Philander does well to dig it out.
60.3
.
Outside off, de Kock shoulders arms to this one.
60.2
1
Length delivery on middle, Quinton flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.
60.1
2
On a length on middle, de Kock flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 56/0(15)
59.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Philander blocks it off the back foot.
59.5
.
Outside off, Vernon offers no shot to this one.
59.4
.
Bowls a bumper outside off, Philander watches it sail through to the keeper.
59.3
.
On a good length and outside off, Philander looks to cut but gets a bottom edge on this one.
59.2
.
Length delivery on off, Philander taps it to point.
59.1
.
Bowls a bouncer outside off, Philander lets it sail through to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1wd
0
0
Sam Curran 45/3(14)
58.6
.
Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it to mid off.
58.5
.
On a good length on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets a bottom edge on this one.
58.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Quinton defends it off the back foot.
58.3
.
On a good length on off, de Kock defends it off the back foot.
58.3
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, de Kock does not bother to play at that.
58.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
58.1
.
Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
1lb
0
Jofra Archer 56/0(14)
57.6
1
On a length on middle, de Kock nudges it towards square leg for a run.
57.5
.
BEATEN! Short and outside off, de Kock looks to play an upper cut but misses it.
57.4
.
On a good length on middle, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
57.3
1
Length delivery on off, Philander taps it towards point. The batsmen take a run.
57.2
1lb
On a good length on leg, de Kock looks to flick but gets it off the thigh pad. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
57.1
.
BEATEN! Short and outside off, de Kock looks to cut but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
1
0
Sam Curran 44/3(13)
56.6
.
Huge appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. Curran goes full and on the stumps line, Philander looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Curran makes a loud appeal but the umpire is unmoved. This time Root does not go for the review.
56.5
.
Around off, it is defended.
56.4
4
FOUR! Nice way to get off the mark. Slightly fuller ball outside off, Philander comes forward and slams it through covers for a boundary.
56.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Philander drives it to mid on.
56.2
1
Length delivery on middle, de Kock nudges it towards square leg. The batsmen take a single.
56.1
.
Full delivery on off, de Kock plays it to mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Jofra Archer 54/0(13)
55.6
.
Good length delivery on leg, Vernon keeps it out.
55.5
.
On a good length on off, Philander keeps it out.
55.4
.
Outside off, Philander offers no shot to this one.
55.3
1
Short delivery on middle, de Kock pulls it through square leg for a single.
55.2
.
Edged but safe. What a delivery this is from Jofra. Trademark Archer this. Hits the deck hard on off and the ball shoots up off the surface. It is bowled at 140 kph but it looks like it comes a lot quicker than that. De Kock looks to defend on the on side but it rises on him and the ball hits the top of the bat. Luckily for Quinton and South Africa it falls in no man's land at point.
55.1
.
On a good length on middle, de Kock drives it back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
2
4
1
Sam Curran 39/3(12)
54.6
.
Full on the pads, Philander flicks but Sibley at short mid-wicket makes an excellent stop diving to his right.
Vernon Philander, the man who is going to retire after this series walks out to bat.
54.5
W
OUT! Caught! Once again it is Sam Curran who has got the breakthrough. Brilliant ball this from Curran. Good length ball around off, in the channel of uncertainty. Pretorius expects the ball to come in but it goes away with the angle. Dwaine looks to defend hoping that it would shape in but it does not. He ends up getting a thick outside edge which goes straight to the man at first slip. Joe Root there takes another simple catch, his third of the innings. They lost one of their reviews in the previous ball but it has not cost them a lot as he has struck gold in the very next ball. The 87-run stand is broken and England have their first wicket of the session.
54.4
.
NOT OUT! Pitching outside leg and Pretorius stays. England though loses the review. A fullish length ball on the pads, Pretorius looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Curran along with the wicket keeper and entire slip cordon appeal but the umpire is unmoved. After a long chat, Root signals the 'T' and takes the decision upstairs. Here comes the replays, the front foot is okay. Hawk Eye time now, well, it has pitched outside leg so no need to check where it is hitting. England lose their one of the two reviews.
Pretorius has been given not out and England after a long chat goes for the review. Looks to be pitching outside leg to the naked eye. Yes, it is pitching outside leg so no need to check the impact. England lose their review.
54.3
2
Now a couple to fine leg. A delivery on the pads of Pretorius clips it towards fine leg. The deep square leg fielder dives and makes a fine stop.
54.2
4
FOUR! Hammered! A short ball outside off, Pretorius goes on the back foot and slams it wide of the mid on fence.
54.1
1
Short and wide outside off, de Kock cuts it through point for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
1
Jofra Archer 53/0(12)
53.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Pretorius looks to defend but misses it.
53.5
.
Shortish and on middle, Pretorius goes on the back foot and pushes it towards cover.
53.4
1
Full and on the pads again, this time de Kock's flick goes to deep square leg and the batters cross ends.
53.3
.
Good length ball outside off, de Kock cuts but finds the gully fielder this time.
53.2
.
Full and on middle, de Kock flicks but can't beat the mid-wicket fielder.
53.1
1
Good length ball on middle, Pretorius tucks it behind square leg for a single.
Jofra Archer to bowl from the other end after Tea. 11-2-51-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
1
Sam Curran 32/2(11)
52.6
.
Good length ball on off, de Kock defends it towards mid on.
52.5
.
Back of a length around off, de Kock looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
52.4
1
Pretorius gets off the mark for the session. Full on off, Dwaine pushes it to the right of mid off and calls for a quick single. Archer gets to the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Even if he had hit, DP would have been in.
52.3
.
On the leg side but close to the body. Pretorius looks to tickle it fine down the leg side but misses. There is a stifled appeal from the English players but the umpire says no.
52.2
.
Closer to the off pole from Sam. Dwaine defends it confidently towards cover-point and calls a loud wait.
52.1
1
Run straightaway in the final session. Good length ball outside off, de Kock punches it to deep point and gets a single.
The English players are back in the middle for the final session. Quinton de Kock and Dwaine Pretorius stride out in the middle too. The duo has looked solid and they would look to continue taking South Africa towards a good total. Sam Curran to start the proceedings for the visitors in this session.
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
Now, in the final session, how will things pan out for the hosts? Will these two continue to add runs quickly or will we see a flurry of wickets from the English bowlers? Interesting final session awaits us. Do join us in a short while.
The session started with Sam Curran coming to bowl and once again break the budding stand between van der Dussen and du Plessis. Broad then dismissed well set du Plessis to peg the hosts further. However, since then, a couple of chances did not go to hands as de Kock and Pretorius played their shots and got runs quickly.
A solid unbeaten 76-run stand means that the hosts crawl back in the game and share this session with the visitors. Quinton de Kock is amidst a quickfire 64 off just 69 balls and he seem to be sighting the ball well. He got an able support from Pretorius after the wicket of skipper du Plessis.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1nb
0
4
Jofra Archer 51/0(11)
51.6
1
On a length on middle, de Kock flicks it through square leg for a single. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1!
51.5
.
Again outside off, de Kock leaves it alone.
51.4
.
Outside off, Quinton shoulders arms to this one.
51.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Quinton blocks it well.
51.3
1nb
NO BALL! Archer oversteps! On a good length on off, de Kock defends it off the back foot.
51.2
.
Bowls a bouncer outside off, de Kock sways away from it.
51.1
4
FOUR! Glorious from de Kock! Just a push but it races to the fence. Fullish length ball on off, de Kock comes forward a hint and presents the full face of the bat. It races to the mid on fence quickly. Looking in a brilliant nick there, is de Kock.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 36/2(13)
50.6
.
Fuller and on off, driven towards mid on by Pretorius.
50.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
50.4
4
FOUR! Uppish but flicked nicely! A fuller ball on middle, Pretorius flicks it between short mid-wicket and mid on. Timed it brilliantly.
50.3
.
Outside off, Dwaine shoulders arms to this one.
50.2
.
Full delivery on off, Pretorius drives it to covers.
50.1
.
Outside off, de Kock offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Jofra Archer 45/0(10)
49.6
.
Almost dragged on! Good length delivery on off, Quinton looks to cut but gets an inside edge on this one. It just misses the leg stump.
49.5
.
BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery! On a good length and outside off, de Kock looks to defend but misses it.
49.4
.
Length delivery on middle, Quinton flicks it to mid-wicket.
49.3
.
On a good length on off, de Kock offers a solid defense on this one.
49.2
4
FOUR! Poor line from Archer. He bowls it full but too straight. De Kock simply flicks it to the fine leg fence.
49.1
.
BEATEN! Loose shot from Quinton. Full and outside off, de Kock looks to play away from the body but misses it.
Jofra Archer is back on. 9-2-41-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
3
0
Stuart Broad 32/2(12)
48.6
.
On middle, it is defended.
48.5
.
Fuller and on off, driven to long off.
48.4
.
Outside off, Pretorius lets it go to the keeper.
48.3
.
On the pads, Pretorius flicks but misses to get hit on the pads. A stifled appeal but it clearly looked to be going down the leg side and hit high too.
48.2
3
Brilliant fielding from Bairstow! A full ball around off, de Kock whips it through mid-wicket. Bairstow from mid on chases the ball down and then makes a diving stop just before the ropes. Saves a single and then quickly gets up and throws the ball to the keeper.
48.1
.
Broad starts with a good length ball around off, de Kock pushes it back to the bowler.
Stuart Broad is back into the attack. 12-4-43-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
0
1
0
0
0
James Anderson 43/1(14)
47.6
2
Shortish ball around off, Pretorius taps it through point and takes a couple of runs.
47.5
.
Landed outside off on a good length, Pretorius lets it go to the keeper.
47.4
1
Good length ball on the pads, de Kock works it behind square leg for a single.
47.3
.
Fuller around off, pushed to covers.
47.2
.
Another ball outside off, de Kock makes second leave of the over.
47.1
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
4
1
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 26/0(4)
46.6
4
FOUR! Just short! Floated on off, Pretorius lofts it over long off. It looks like the ball hits the ropes on the full but the umpires go upstairs to check if that has hit the rope or not. Replay rolls in and after a few views the third umpire says it is a boundary to the on-field umpire as the ball hit the turf just before the ropes.
46.5
1
Floated delivery on off, Quinton drives it through covers. The batsmen take a run.
46.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Quinton punches it to point.
46.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, de Kock blocks it off the back foot.
46.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Quinton taps it to point.
46.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock plays it to point.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
4
0
James Anderson 40/1(13)
45.6
1
There it is. Fifty for Quinton de Kock, his 18th in Tests. A brilliant hand this from Quinton. A short ball on middle, de Kock pulls it towards mid-wicket and takes a run to reach the landmark. Brilliant attacking innings and he would be looking to reach the three figure mark from hereon.
45.5
.
Fuller around off, pushed to cover by de Kock.
45.4
1
Full and on off, pushed towards cover for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two and these runs have come in quick time and against the run of play.
45.3
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
45.2
4
Edgy FOUR! Now the edge flies to the fence off Pretorius' bat. A full ball outside off, Pretorius goes for the drive away from the body. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to the third man fence.
45.1
.
In the channel outside off, Pretorius makes a leave by covering his stumps.
In over# 1
0
2
2
0
0
0
Joe Root 21/0(3)
44.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Quinton offers a forward defense on this one.
44.5
2
Loopy delivery on middle, de Kock drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.
44.4
2
What was that! Another ball outside off, a tossed up one too. De Kock goes for the sweep again but the ball takes the outside edge and goes over the leaping Ben Stokes. A couple of runs.
44.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, de Kock sweeps it to mid-wicket.
44.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, de Kock sweeps it towards the leg side.
44.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
4
0
James Anderson 34/1(12)
43.6
.
Good length ball around off, pushed to point.
43.5
1
Fuller and around off, pushed through point for a single.
43.4
4
EDGY FOUR! Another one off the outside edge! 150 comes up for South Africa. Another fuller ball which is just outside off. De Kock once again goes for the drive. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to the third man fence, past the diving attempt of the gully fielder. 9th boundary for de Kock.
43.3
.
Slightly short and just outside off this time, de Kock shoulders arms to this one.
43.2
4
FOUR! Up and over! De Kock is no mood to calm down as he once again throws his willow to this fuller ball outside off. This time the ball takes the outside edge and it flies over the slip cordon and into the fence.
43.1
.
Outside off, de Kock offers no shot to this one.
James Anderson is back on. 11-4-25-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
6
1
1
Joe Root 17/0(2)
42.6
1
Floated on off, de Kock plays it towards cover and keeps the strike with a single.
42.5
.
Just shot! It has not carried. Slightly quicker from Root around off. De Kock looks to defend but the ball spins away from him. It takes the outside edge and goes towards first slip. Ben Stokes there looks to take it on the full, inches above the ground but looks like it has fallen short judging by Root and Stokes' reaction. The umpire takes it upstairs with the soft signal as 'Not Out'. Replay rolls in and it shows that the ball fell just short as it goes into the hands of Stokes.
Has that carried? Looking at the England players reaction it looks like it hasn't but let's see what the replays have to say.
42.4
1
Follows the maximum with an easy single towards cover.
42.3
6
SIX! Oh that is a monster. Floated on middle and off, Pretorius who is known for his T20 exploits shows what he is capable of as he hammers it over the long on fence, using the arc for a biggie.
42.2
1
Tossed up delivery outside off, de Kock drives it through covers. The batsmen take a single.
42.1
1
Floated delivery on middle, Pretorius drives it through mid on for a single.
In over# 1
4
0
4
0
0
0
Sam Curran 30/2(10)
41.6
4
INSIDE EDGE AND FOUR! Length ball outside off, De Kock throws his bat at it looking to slam it through point. The ball though takes the lower half of his bat and goes to the right of the keeper. Buttler is wrong-footed and he dives but he cannot save it. The ball races away to the fine leg fence.
41.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, de Kock blocks it off the back foot.
41.4
4
FOUR! Very well controlled pull from de Kock. Curran bangs it in short, Quinton picks it up early and gets on his back foot. He pulls it with control and power through mid-wicket for a boundary.
41.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, de Kock defends it out.
41.2
.
On a good length on off, Quinton defends it off the back foot.
41.1
.
Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it to covers.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
0
4
Joe Root 7/0(1)
40.6
1
Floated delivery on middle, de Kock flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
40.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
40.4
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Pretorius flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
40.3
1
In the air... but Anderson cannot reach there. The bait of coming to bowl almost paid off for Root. A flighted ball just outside off, inviting de Kock for the drive. He obliges and looks to slam it over long off. But the bat turns in his hand and he ends up lobbing the shot high towards mid off. Anderson hares from covers to get under the ball but he cannot get there and ends up missing out the chance of dismissing de Kock.
40.2
.
Outside off, de Kock shoulders arms to this one.
40.1
4
FOUR! Poor start from Root as he dishes this way to outside off. De Kock reaches it out and guides it to third man fence.
England have no front line spinner in this game so skipper Joe Root will roll his arm over. He is a wicket-taker and can be handy with the ball.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 22/2(9)
39.6
.
Shortish around off, Pretorius taps it towards the off side off the back foot.
39.5
.
Huge appeal for LBW but it dies down quickly. A fullish length ball on the pads, Pretorius looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. They appeal but the umpire says not out. Hawk Eye comes in and shows that it was pitching outside leg. So a good call once again from England skipper to not go for the review.
39.4
.
Around off, it is defended.
39.3
.
Loose from Pretorius. Curran goes fullish and outside off, inviting the batter for the drive. Pretorius does that and drives away from his body. He once again makes no connection.
39.2
.
Around off and middle, pushed to point.
39.1
.
Brilliant line and length from Curran. Another good length ball that pitches on middle and shapes away nicely. Pretorius looks to drive but makes no connection as the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
Drinks Break! Around 3 hours of play has been done and all the three hours have belonged to the visitors. England have sent half the South African side back in the hut and have their back against the wall. Quinton de Kock is looking good but he needs a partner to hand around with him. Can the debutant, Dwaine Pretorius be that man who can support the South African wicket-keeper and take his side out of troubled waters?
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 29/2(11)
38.6
.
Another ball outside off, it is left alone.
38.5
2
Another nice drive from de Kock. A full ball outside off, de Kock drills it through covers. Denly from third man hares after the ball and makes a diving stop. The umpires are not sure if the attempt is clean as they refer it upstairs. The third umpire checks multiple replays and then deems it in the favour of the fielding side.
38.4
.
In the channel outside off. de Kock makes a leave.
38.3
.
Around off, defended towards mid off.
38.2
.
Outside off, this time de Kock shoulders arms.
38.1
.
Broad starts the over by going full and outside off. He has seen de Kock going for the drive and that's why he tempts him there. Quinton though lets it go to the keeper
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 22/2(8)
37.6
.
On middle, it is defended.
37.5
.
Full ball on off, pushed to mid on.
37.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Pretorius drives it to mid on.
37.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Pretorius defends it off the back foot.
37.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Pretorius drives it to point.
37.1
.
On a good length on middle, Pretorius looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0W
0
0
Stuart Broad 27/2(10)
36.6
4
FOUR! De Kock seems to be playing on different surface. An overpitched ball alright but it still needs to be put away. He leans into the shot and slams this through covers. It whistles to the fence. Fourth boundary for de Kock in no time. However, end of a successful over by Broad.
36.5
.
Fuller and outside off, driven to the fielder at short extra cover.
36.4
1
Pretorius is off the mark straightaway. A good length ball on middle, it is worked towards square leg for a single.
Dwaine Pretorius walks out to bat in his first outing in Tests. With half the side back in the hut and Broad having his tail up, he will have to justify his selection with the bat.
36.3
W
OUT! Gone this time as the ball finds the edge this time. Broad follows the ripper with another one. He once again lands this one just around off. The ball once again shapes a hint away as du Plessis pokes at it by coming half forward. The ball this time takes the outside edge and goes to Root at first slip once again. The English skipper makes no mistake and takes the catch with ease. Faf departs after making a start and with it, half the side is back in the hut.
36.2
.
Absolute jaffa from Broad! Lands this one on a good length and on closer to off pole. The ball shapes away and goes past the outside edge of du Plessis.
36.1
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
2
4
0
0
4
4
Sam Curran 22/2(7)
35.6
2
Length ball on off, de Kock punches it through extra cover and gets a couple to get through the over. Expensive from Sam Curran, 14 off it.
35.5
4
FOUR! Third boundary of the over and de Kock is pouncing on all the mistakes from Curran. Once again Sam goes wide outside off, de Kock slashes it with ease and power through point for a boundary.
35.4
.
Good length ball on off, de Kock blocks it.
35.3
.
Length ball on off, de Kock looks to defend but does so off the outer half of his bat.
35.2
4
FOUR! Now on the leg side. Curran is guilty of bowling on de Kock's pads. Quinton's eyes lit up looking at it and he flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
35.1
4
FOUR! De Kock is off the mark in style. You give a southpaw some width outside off, he will punish you. If you give it to de Kock he will just oblige and hit you the way he wants. Good shot this. Length ball outside off, de Kock just hits it right off the middle through point for a boundary. 100 up for the Proteas.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 22/1(9)
34.6
.
Good length ball on off, Faf defends it to get through the over.
34.5
.
Outside off, Faf leaves it alone.
34.4
.
Another one on the fourth stump line, Faf is happy to watch it carry to the keeper.
34.3
.
Broad goes full and on off. Faf pushes it to mid on.
34.2
.
Once again Broad asks Faf to go for the drive by serving it outside off. Du Plessis has no interest to oblige to Broad's demand.
34.1
.
Broad starts his new spell with a length ball away from the off pole. Du Plessis shoulders arms to it.
Stuart Broad is back on. 8-3-22-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
0
Sam Curran 8/2(6)
33.6
.
Good length ball outside off, de Kock taps it to the right of the fielder at point. Quinton comes out looking for a quick run but Faf straightaway turns it down. The fielder there makes a very good stop and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Even if he had hit, QdK would have been in.
33.5
.
Back of a length on off, de Kock blocks it.
33.4
.
Length delivery which comes back in on off. Quinton looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
33.3
.
Good length ball around off, de Kock taps it to point to start his innings.
Quinton de Kock walks in with his side in a very poor situation. 4 already in the hut. He will look to make a handy contribution in this innings to bail the Proteas out. Not gonna be easy against this English bowling lineup though.
33.2
W
OUT! Caught! Yes, Sam can get the breakthrough. The bowling change does the trick for the visitors. The previous one came in to the right-hander, this one moves the other way. It is pitched on off, van der Dussen gets on his front foot and tries to play the classical front foot defense. The ball shapes away and finds the outside edge of the bat and goes straight towards first slip. England skipper, Joe Root there makes no mistake and takes a simple catch. Once again Curran gets the breakthrough. This young man has the knack of doing so and he is doing his reputation no harm. Not a long lasting start to his Test career for Rassie. Just 6 on his maiden outing.
33.1
.
Sam starts with a length delivery which nips back in to the right-hander. Van der Dussen defends it with a straight bat.
Sam Curran is back for the first time in this session. 5-2-8-1, his figures so far. He was troublesome in his first spell. Can he once again get the breakthrough?
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 41/0(9)
32.6
.
Bouncer down the leg side. Du Plessis ducks under it.
32.5
.
Fuller around off, pushed to cover.
32.4
.
In the channel outside off, Faf makes a leave.
32.3
.
Landed on middle, worked to mid-wicket.
32.2
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
32.1
.
NOT OUT! The decision is overturned and du Plessis survives. Very full and very wide from Archer. Du Plessis chases it and goes for the drive away from the body. He does not make any connection and Buttler behind the wicket catches and appeals along with Archer and the entire slip cordon. The umpire thinks and raises the finger. However, Faf does not think much and signals for the review straightaway. Let's see what the replays show. No problems with the front foot. Now, the Ultra Edge, there is a spike on it as the ball passes the bat but it is not sure from where it is coming from as there is a gap between the bat and ball. Tricky call for the third umpire to make. Not out is the decision from the third umpire then. Looks like a correct call has been made.
Given caught behind but du Plessis goes for the DRS straightaway. Front foot is fine. Is there an outside edge? Could be a massive blow. There is a gap as the ball goes past the bat but there is also a little spike on the Ultra Edge. It might be adjudged Not Out as there is a gap but with the on-field call going the other way, it can go either way as there is a spike. NOT OUT! The on-field umpire reverses his decision and that's a good call as there was a good gap between the bat and ball. So not sure what that spike on Ultra Edge was.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
James Anderson 25/1(11)
31.6
.
Good length ball around off, it is blocked off the back foot.
31.5
.
Beaten! Beauty from Anderson. It lands on a fuller length, van der Dussen this time goes for the drive but the ball shapes away and goes past the outside edge.
31.4
.
Another ball which is outside off and it does not tempt van der Dussen into playing any fancy shot.
31.3
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
31.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Rassie defends it out.
31.1
.
On a good length on off, van der Dussen defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 41/0(8)
30.6
4
FOUR! Poor ball to finish the over. Short and wide outside off, du Plessis hammers it through the cover region. It races to the fence in a jiffy.
30.5
.
BEATEN! An absolute jaffa from Archer. Slightly shortish length around off, du Plessis has to play at it. He hops a bit and pokes, luckily the ball goes a hint away and whizzes past the outside edge.
30.4
.
On a good length on leg, du Plessis looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
30.3
.
Outside off, Faf leaves it alone.
30.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it off the back foot.
30.1
.
On a good length on off, du Plessis keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
James Anderson 25/1(10)
29.6
.
Fuller one just outside off, pushed to cover by Rassie.
29.5
.
Shortish around off, van der Dussen stays on the back foot and blocks it towards point.
29.4
.
Full and outside off, pushed to point.
29.3
.
Huge appeal but not out says the umpire. No review from England. A big inside edge there saves van der Dussen. Good call from England to not go for the review. It pitches around off and draws batsman half forward. Rassie pushes at the ball and luckily manages an inside edge onto the pads.
29.2
.
Good length ball just outside off, Rassie has the stumps covered as he lets it go to the keeper.
29.1
.
Landed around off on a good length, van der Dussen defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
1lb
0
0
1
1
Jofra Archer 37/0(7)
28.6
.
Back of a length ball around off, du Plessis drops his wrists and allows the ball to go the keeper.
28.5
1lb
On the pads again, van der Dussen looks to work it fine down the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball goes behind and before Buttler can pick the ball, the batters cross ends for a leg bye.
28.4
.
Landed on a good length around off, van der Dussen looks to defend but the ball takes the inside half of the bat and goes to mid on.
28.3
.
Fuller and around off, it is defended.
28.2
1
Fuller and around off, this time Faf pushes it wide of the cover fielder for a single.
28.1
1
On the pads, Rassie tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
James Anderson 25/1(9)
27.6
.
Another leave as Anderson bowls this one on a good length outside off once again.
27.5
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
27.4
1
Good length ball coming into van der Dussen this time. He tucks it towards fine leg to get a run.
27.3
.
Fuller and on off, van der Dussen does well to keep it out.
27.2
.
Full one on middle, worked to mid-wicket.
27.1
.
Anderson starts with a poor ball down the leg side. Van der Dussen lets it go to the keeper.
James Anderson to bowl from the other end. 8-2-24-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
4
2
Jofra Archer 35/0(6)
26.6
.
Bouncer way over the head of ducking du Plessis. End of a top over for South Africa. Solid start of the session for them. 10 from the over.
26.5
.
Fuller one on off, du Plessis keeps it out.
26.4
4
FOUR! Second boundary of the over and du Plessis is on the move now. Another ball which is on the stumps line, du Plessis nicely flicks it. The ball races to the deep mid-wicket boundary.
26.3
.
Around off, it is defended.
26.2
4
FOUR! This time clipped through mid-wicket. Another fuller length ball around off and middle, du Plessis uses his wrists and whips it to the deep mid-wicket fence.
26.1
2
Archer starts with a ball on the pads of du Plessis. He clips it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.
We are back for the second session. The England players are out in the middle. Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen will resume their innings for the hosts. Jofra Archer will start the proceedings for the second session.
... Day 1, Session 2 ...
Now, Faf du Plessis is battling it out there. He has debutant van der Dussen for company. The duo will look to bail the side out with a solid stand. England, on the other hand, would fancy getting another 2-3 wickets in the next session to take complete control of the game. Will they be able to do so or will they face resistance from the Protea batters? Do join us after the break to find out.
As far as English bowling is concerned, Anderson struck on the very first ball of the over and along with Broad kept things tight in the first hour. Archer too bowled tight lines and did not allow the runs to come freely. Curran in his very first over got the wicket of Markram. Broad then broke another budding stand between Faf and Hamza as he removed Hamza.
James Anderson removed Dean Elgar on the very first ball of the Test match to start the game on a superb note. Markram along with Zubayr Hamza added 32 runs to provide some resistance but Curran in his very first over removed Markram to break the stand. Skipper Faf du Plessis joined Hamza in the middle and the two added 39 runs between them. And when it looked like the Proteas are in for a big stand, Hamza fell to Broad. Du Plessis along with Rassie van der Dussen saw off the remaining few overs to go to Lunch.
A brilliant session for England! They have struck thrice and have not allowed South Africa to score freely either. After winning the toss, Root would've wanted similar returns from his bowlers and they have delivered for him so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 22/1(8)
25.6
.
Length ball on the stumps, van der Dussen defends it with a straight bat to negotiate the final over of the session without any casualty. That will be Lunch on Day 1!
25.5
.
On a good length on middle, van der Dussen defends it off the back foot.
25.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Rassie drives it to mid on.
25.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Rassie blocks it off the back foot.
25.2
.
On a good length on off, van der Dussen defends it off the back foot.
25.1
.
Outside off, van der Dussen offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 25/0(5)
24.6
.
Bouncer to end the over. It is around the body, du Plessis sits under it.
24.5
.
Back of a length on off, du Plessis defends it off his back foot.
24.4
.
Good stop. On the pads, du Plessis flicks it but Bairstow at short leg shows good reflex and saves runs for his side.
24.3
.
Archer misses his line and sprays one down the leg side. Faf is not interested in playing that.
24.2
.
Another very good inswinging ball. This time Faf gets a bit of bat on it. Length ball, jagging back in from off. Du Plessis looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
24.1
.
OHH! Just a tad too high maybe. Excellent ball this from Jofra. Steams in and bowls a inswinging length ball around off. Faf looks to defend but the ball comes in viciously and hits him on the thigh pad of his back leg. There is a huge appeal from the English players but the umpire is unmoved. Joe Root has a brief thought about a review but opts against it. Good decision from Joe as Hawk Eye later on shows that the ball was going well over the stumps.
Jofra Archer for the final burst before Lunch. 4-0-25-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 22/1(7)
23.6
4
FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery on middle, van der Dussen flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
23.5
.
Again outside off, van der Dussen lets it go.
23.4
.
Outside off, Rassie offers no shot to this one.
23.3
.
On a good length on off, van der Dussen blocks it off the front foot.
23.2
.
Full delivery on off, van der Dussen drives it to mid off.
23.1
.
On a good length on off, van der Dussen defends it back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
James Anderson 24/1(8)
22.6
.
Outside off, du Plessis lets it go.
22.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the front foot.
22.4
.
Outside off, du Plessis offers a calm leave on this one.
22.3
.
On a good length on off, du Plessis defends it to covers.
22.2
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Good length ball around off, it moves away from Faf. He looks to defend it with soft hands but gets an outside edge which goes wide of the man at slip and races away to the fence. Had he played that with hard hands then it might have carried to the fielder there.
22.1
.
Fuller ball on off, pushed to point.
Debutant Rassie van der Dussen is the new man in. Not an ideal condition for him to walk out to bat on his debut. He now has a big task in hand as he will have to bail out his side from trouble along with his skipper.
In over# 1
0W
4
0
3nb
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 18/1(6)
21.6
W
OUT! Caught next ball. Broad has broken the stand. A good length ball outside off, shaping away from the right-hander. Hamza can easily leave these but he pokes at it. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to Stokes at second slip. He pouches it with both hands and sends Hamza packing. Broad and England celebrate. Timely wicket for the visitors.
21.5
4
FOUR! Magnificently timed! Slightly overpitched and Hamza pounces on it nicely. Fuller and outside off, Hamza leans into the drive and creams it through covers. Poses for the cameras there.
21.4
.
Outside off, Hamza does not bother to play at that.
21.4
3nb
NO BALL! Broad oversteps! Length delivery on middle, Hamza flicks it through mid-wicket. Bairstow chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs.
21.3
.
On a good length on off, Hamza keeps it out.
21.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Hamza defends it back towards the bowler.
21.1
.
On a good length on off, Hamza blocks it well.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
James Anderson 20/1(7)
20.6
1
Length delivery on leg, Hamza flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends.
20.5
.
Outside off, Hamza shoulders arms to this one.
20.4
.
Full delivery on off, Hamza drives it to mid off.
20.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Hamza defends it to mid off.
20.2
1
On a length on middle, Faf flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
20.1
.
Full delivery on off, du Plessis plays it to covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 11/0(5)
19.6
.
On a length on off, Hamza taps it to point.
19.5
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Hamza looks to defend again but misses it.
19.4
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Hamza looks to defend but misses it.
19.3
.
Again outside off, Hamza leaves it alone.
19.2
.
Outside off, Hamza does not bother to play at that.
19.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Hamza drives it towards mid on where Anderson dives and does well to stop it.
Stuart Broad returns for his second spell. 4-1-11-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
James Anderson 18/1(6)
18.6
.
Outside off, Faf leaves it alone.
18.5
.
On a good length on off, the skipper defends it out.
18.4
1
Length delivery on middle, Hamza flicks it through square leg for a single.
18.3
.
On a good length on middle, Hamza defends it off the back foot.
18.2
.
Full delivery on off, Hamza drives it to mid off.
18.1
.
Anderson starts the fresh spell but spraying down the leg side on the first ball. Hamza flicks but makes no connection.
James Anderson is back on. 5-2-17-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Sam Curran 8/1(5)
17.6
.
Fuller ball way outside off, Faf lets it go to the keeper.
17.5
.
Landed around middle, du Plessis works it towards mid-wicket.
17.4
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
17.3
.
Full and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
17.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, du Plessis blocks it off the back foot.
17.1
2
Good length ball just outside off, Faf punches it through point for a couple of runs.
In over# 1
1
4
0
1
4
4
Jofra Archer 25/0(4)
16.6
1
Fuller and off, driven wide of the cover fielder for a single. 14 from the over.
16.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Tight line this from Archer. He lands it on a shortish length around off, du Plessis hops and looks to defend but the ball takes the thick outside edge and goes past the diving Ben Stokes. However, it is wide of him and ends up going to the fence. Four for du Plessis and South Africa but Archer won't mind this.
16.4
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
16.3
1
On middle, Hamza nudges it to fine leg and crosses for a run.
16.2
4
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Hamza. A good length ball around off, Hamza this time strokes this through mid off. Brilliant followthrough on this shot. Held the pose for the cameras there. 50 up for South Africa.
16.1
4
FOUR! Overpitched and punished! Full and wide outside off, Hamza leans into the drive and slams it through covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 6/1(4)
15.6
.
Outside off, du Plessis leaves it alone.
15.5
.
On a good length around off, du Plessis blocks it off the back foot.
15.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Faf offers a solid defense on this one.
15.3
.
On a good length on off, du Plessis plays it to covers.
15.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, the skipper keeps it out.
15.1
.
On a good length and outside off, du Plessis plays it to covers off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Jofra Archer 11/0(3)
14.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and just outside off, Hamza looks to defend but misses it.
14.5
.
Bowls a bouncer outside off, Hamza does well to duck under it.
14.4
.
A bit of indecisiveness from Hamza! Good length ball just around off. It is shaping away from Hamza. He initially looks to defend but then sees that it is going away from his off pole so he retracts on his decision.
14.3
4
FOUR! Don't bother running that was four the moment it left the bat. Poor ball from Archer. Short and wide outside off. Hamza is quick to pounce on it and punches it right off the meat through point for a boundary.
14.2
.
Outside off, Hamza offers no shot to this one.
14.1
.
Archer bowls it on a good length on off, Hamza stands tall and defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1wd
0
0
1
Sam Curran 6/1(3)
13.6
.
Full and on off again, du Plessis is solid in his drive towards mid off.
13.5
.
Full and off, defended back to the bowler.
13.4
.
Good length ball just outside off, du Plessis taps it towards cover off the back foot.
13.4
1wd
WIDE! A bouncer this time but it is way over du Plessis. Called wide.
13.3
.
Fuller ball around off, du Plessis keeps it out.
13.2
.
Slightly shortish and outside off, du Plessis allows it go to the keeper.
13.1
1
Curran starts the fresh over post the drinks break by spraying on the pads. Hamza flicks it to fine leg for a run and crosses over.
Drinks Break! Brilliant start for the visitors. They won the toss and decided to bowl and so far that decision is paying off. They have got rid of both the openers and they are also bowling with great intent and vigor. They will look to strike at least one more before Lunch. South Africa need to build a partnership and they will hope that Zubayr Hamza and skipper Faf du Plessis can bat out till Lunch.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
1
Jofra Archer 7/0(2)
12.6
.
On the length around off, du Plessis defends it out.
12.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
12.4
.
Just short of Bairstow at short leg. A back of a length ball on middle, du Plessis hops to defend but the ball hits the upper part of the bat and lobs right of Bairstow at short leg. Bairstow dives to his right to catch but the ball ends up just short.
12.3
2
Low full toss outside off, du Plessis reaches out and squeezes it through covers. He is off and running with a couple of runs.
12.2
.
Outside off, left alone.
12.1
1
Quick single! A good length ball around off and middle, Hamza works it towards mid on and takes off for a single. Broad gets there quickly, picks the ball and has a shy at the striker's end. He though misses but du Plessis had made his ground anyway.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 4/1(2)
11.6
.
Beaten! Peach to finish the over! Superb delivery from the left-armer. Lands it on a good length and around off. Once again makes it shape away from the poke of Faf. Lucky not to edge that one.
11.5
.
This time Curran bowls it full on middle, Faf flicks it nicely but finds mid-wicket.
11.4
.
On off, it is blocked.
11.3
.
Brilliant ball from Curran again. Another ball that lands on middle and off and it shapes just a hint. Faf has to play at it and as he does that, he is squared up. The ball takes the thick outside edge and goes to the gully fielder.
11.2
.
Back of a length ball on middle, du Plessis hops and blocks it on the leg side.
11.1
.
Good length ball shaping away from the right-hander. Faf lets it go to the keeper.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Jofra Archer 4/0(1)
10.6
4
FOUR! Flicked nicely! A full ball on middle, Hamza easily flicks it towards deep square leg. The ball races to the fence quickly. Poor ball by Archer to finish the over.
10.5
.
Looses his line and sprays this one down the leg side. Buttler moves to his left and does well to pouch the ball on that side.
10.4
.
Big bouncer on middle, Hamza easily ducks under it.
10.3
.
Wide outside off this one, Hamza lets it be.
10.2
.
Good length ball angled into the right-hander, Hamza defends but the ball takes inside edge and hits on the body.
10.1
.
Brave leave! A brilliant start for Archer though! This wasn't too far away from the top of off. Good line and length. This one pitches just outside off and then comes back in. Hamza lets it go to the keeper.
Change from both the ends. Jofra Archer is introduced into the attack. What do we have in store? Batters watch out for some vicious bouncers here and there.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
4
Sam Curran 4/1(1)
9.6
.
Full and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.
9.5
.
Fuller ball on off, it is defended.
South Africa in trouble and out walks their skipper, Faf du Plessis. He will need to play a big innings here as his side need him to take them out of early troubles.
9.4
W
OUT! Caught at mid-wicket. Another soft dismissal. Curran with the knack of picking wickets has struck in the very first over. A good length ball on middle, Markram looks to work it on the leg side. However, he ends up chipping it towards mid-wicket. Bairstow there gets low down and pouches the catch inches above the turf. The good-looking stand is broken.
9.3
.
Edged but just short! A good length ball, closer to the off pole, Markram once again pokes. This time the ball catches the outside edge. It goes to the first slip on the bounce.
9.2
.
Beaten! Curran gets his line and length right and bowls it just outside off, Markram pokes to get beaten.
9.1
4
FOUR! What a welcome for him into the attack. A fuller ball around off, Markram leans forwards and lofts this over the cover region beautifully. A top shot.
Sam Curran is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
James Anderson 17/1(5)
8.6
.
Good length ball around off, Hamza pushes it towards point.
8.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
8.4
.
Good length ball, this one comes back in nicely. Hamza does well to get his bat down in time to defend.
8.3
.
In the channel outside off, left alone.
8.2
.
Fuller and just outside off, defended towards mid off.
8.1
.
Good stop! A full ball down the leg side, Hamza looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Buttler behind the wicket dives to his left and stops the ball.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
2
Stuart Broad 11/0(4)
7.6
.
Fuller ball just outside off, Markram has his sticks covered and lets it be.
7.5
.
Landed on middle, it is defended towards mid-wicket.
7.4
1
Good length ball on middle, Hamza works it wide of the mid on fielder and takes a single.
7.3
.
Bends his back and bowls it short but once again the line is down the leg side which will not trouble Hamza. He ducks under it.
7.2
.
Sprays down the leg side on a length. Hamza lets it go to the keeper.
7.1
2
Good length ball on middle, Hamza works it towards deep square leg. Before the fine leg fielder can come around to pick the ball up, the batters get a couple of runs.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
James Anderson 17/1(4)
6.6
1
Full and on off again, Hamza pushes it right of the short extra cover fielder and takes a quick single.
6.5
.
Goes full on off, Hamza drives it straight to short extra cover.
6.4
.
Good length ball on off, Hamza stays on the back foot and punches it straight to gully.
6.3
.
In the channel outside off, Hamza lets it be.
6.2
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
6.1
.
Confusion but safe... A good length ball around off, Hamza defends it towards point. Markram quickly takes off for the single but Hamza sends him back. Markram is almost halfway in the middle. Denly gets to the ball and fires the throw at the non-striker's end. He misses his shy but Markram had returned well in time.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 8/0(3)
5.6
.
Good length ball this one which is aimed into the batter. Markram in the defense gets squared up. The ball takes the outer half and goes to the gully fielder on the bounce.
5.5
.
Good length ball outside off, left alone.
5.4
.
Landed around off, it is defended.
5.3
.
Outside off, Markram is not interested as he shoulders arms to this one.
5.2
.
Good length ball around off, Markram makes a solid defensive shot off the back foot.
5.1
.
Broad starts the fresh over by bowling a fuller ball around off, Markram blocks it away.
In over# 1
0
0
0
3
4
4
James Anderson 16/1(3)
4.6
.
Hamza makes third consecutive leave to end a good over for South Africa. 11 from the over, all coming from Markram's bat though.
4.5
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
4.4
.
Outside off this time, Hamza lets it go to the keeper.
4.3
3
Three more! This time through the covers. Slightly short and outside off, Markram rides the bounce and punches it nicely. Denly hares after the ball and makes a sliding stop just before the fence. A single saved.
4.2
4
FOUR! Make that two in a row! They say, slash and slash hard. That's what Markram does. A good length ball outside off, he throws the kitchen sink at it. The ball takes the thick outside edge and flies over the leaping second slip fielder.
4.1
4
FOUR! Driven handsomely! Full and wide outside off, inviting the batter to go for the drive. Markram accepts it and creams the drive through covers. It races to the sweeper cover fence in a jiffy.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
1
Stuart Broad 8/0(2)
3.6
.
Good length which is again outside off and Hamza has no problem letting this go to the keeper.
3.5
.
Slightly fuller but once again way outside off, it is Broad this time. Hamza lets it be.
3.4
.
Good length around off, Hamza works it towards mid on and thinks of a run but they decide against it as the ball went to the mid on fielder quickly.
3.3
.
Just behind good length but outside off, Hamza allows it to go to the keeper.
3.2
2
Nicely punched! A slightly fullish ball, Hamza strokes it past mid on and picks a couple of easy runs before the mid on fielder can get to the ball.
3.1
1
Fuller and on off, Markram tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
James Anderson 5/1(2)
2.6
.
Fullish but once again outside off, Hamza shoulders arms once again. Anderson needs to get closer to off pole and make the batter play.
2.5
.
Around off on a length, Hamza defends it out.
2.4
.
Make that third leave in a row as Zubayr allows this good length ball outside off go to Buttler behind the wicket.
2.3
.
Fuller but very wide outside off, Hamza shows no interest as he shoulders arms.
2.2
.
Good length ball way outside off, Hamza lets it be.
2.1
.
Good length ball around off and middle, it is angled in. Hamza looks to defend but gets an inside edge on the thigh pads.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
1
Stuart Broad 5/0(1)
1.6
.
Fuller and outside off, Markram is not into driving as he lets it go to the keeper.
1.5
.
Outside off, Markram makes a leave.
1.4
.
Beaten! Beauty from Broad. A good length ball outside off, shaping away nicely. Markram plays at it but the ball goes away beating the outside edge and to the keeper.
1.3
.
Around off on a length, it is defended.
1.2
4
FOUR! Shot! A fuller ball around off, Markram just comes forward and pushes it defensively. The mid on fielder dives to his left to stop but fails to do so. It races to the fence and Markram is off the mark in a nice fashion.
1.1
1
Archer starts with a fuller ball on middle, Zubayr flicks it to deep square leg and changes end.
Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
0
0W
James Anderson 5/1(1)
0.6
.
In the channel outside off, Markram makes a leave. End of the first over and a successful one too.
0.5
.
Good length ball around off, Markram defends it with a straight bat.
0.4
1
On the pads, Hamza works it fine down the leg side for a single.
0.3
4
Edgy FOUR! Hamza is off the mark! Anderson goes full just outside off, Hamza comes forward and defends. The ball takes the thick outside edge and goes to the third man fence. First boundary off the game! Not the way the hosts would have wanted it to come but they will take it.
0.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Hamza makes a leave.
Zubayr Hamza is the new batsman in, quite early than he would've hoped.
0.1
W
OUT! Caught down the leg side! Wow! What a start! Dean Elgar is out of here on the first ball of the Boxing Day Test. Just a feather down the leg side but Anderson and England won't care. 150th Test for Jimmy and what a start for England. A gentle length ball down the leg side. Elgar looks to tickle it fine off his pads but he can only get a feather behind. Buttler behind the wickets makes no mistake and England are off to a perfect start and well, South Africa, not sure what to say. Such a soft dismissal, this one.
We are all set to begin. The England players are out in the middle. Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar will open the batting for South Africa. James Anderson will start the proceedings for England. Here we go...
The players from both the sides are coming out for the National Anthems first up. First it is for England and then that will be followed by South Africa.
Faf du Plessis, South Africa skipper, says that they expected England to bowl first provided the kind of bowling unit they have. Tells that Day 2 and Day 3 will be good to bat on and then the coming days will see the cracks open up and wicket will get tricky. On Pakistan and England tour, Faf says that lot of things have happened for them but they are still standing and mentions that they're looking forward to the new year. On retired experienced players like Smith, Boucher and Kallis taking important roles in South African Cricket, du Plessis says that these are experienced players and they bring a lot on table for the game of cricket. Tells that they will try to make sure they put on a good performance for the fans.
Joe Root, England captain, says that the decision to bowl first is quite a tricky one but they would like to explore the grass on the wicket. Tells that Leach is unfit and hence the 5-seam attack for them. Talking about Stokes' return, The England skipper says that the time is tough for him right now but he has decided to play this game. On Anderson's 150th Test, Root says that as a fast bowler playing 150 Tests is a massive achievement.
SOUTH AFRICA (PLAYING XI) - Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Rassie van der Dussen (Test DEBUT), Faf du Plessis (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Dwaine Pretorius (TEST DEBUT), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.
ENGLAND (Playing XI) - Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favour of England. THEY WILL BOWL FIRST.
Christmas is over but not the festive season and as long as cricket is concerned, the next day after Christmas is always an important one. Why? Because in Australia and South Africa, both the teams host a Boxing Day Test. One in Australia has already started and the hosts are in a commanding position there. What will happen in this game? Here, South Africa is hosting England for a 4-Test series with the first one starting on the historic Boxing Day. England have a few health issues with several players set to miss out this Test due to illness. For the hosts, Vernon Philander has announced that this series is going to be his last one. How will it pan out for him? How will 150th Test match pan out for James Anderson? We have plenty of questions that need answers. We will have them all in the course of this Test. Stay with us for the Toss and team updates.
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