Win Projections to be updated soon
4th Test, Johannesburg, January 24, 2020, 01:30 PM
England
400/10(98.2ov) & 248/10(61.3ov)
South Africa
183/10(68.3ov) & 274/10(77.1ov)
England beat South Africa by 191 runs
So, that will be all from this series! With this win, England bag another 30 points in the ICC World Test Championship and takes their total to 146 points. They have won the series 3-1 away from home and this will give a lot of confidence to a young English team who are gaining valuable experience. As for South Africa, the pressure continues to mount on skipper Faf du Plessis as his side fail to deliver and are losing by huge margins. They will need huge improvements in the coming months so that their transition can become smoother. For now, that is it from our side. Do join us for the ODI series that starts from the 4th of February, 2020. That game begins at 1300 Local (1100 GMT). Until then, cheers and take care!
Joe Root, the victorious England skipper, says that this is a very special series win and he is very proud of the boys and thanks the crowd for coming out in large numbers. Says that the retirement of players is opportunities for others and the sky is the limit for them. Says he is excited with the team coming through as many of them are at the start of their careers. Adds that they expected fierce competition against the South Africans and they were not disappointed. Thanks them for their hospitality and all that they have done for them.
MAN OF THE SERIES IS BEN STOKES for his incredible performances with bat, ball and in fielding as well. He starts by saying the most important thing is to win and that they walk away with a series victory and he hopes that this award brings a smile on his father's face. Says it is always a very competitive series against the South African's and he just enjoys playing against them. Credits Ollie Pope, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley and Sam Curran as they consistently stand up and deliver.
MAN OF THE MATCH IS MARK WOOD for his amazing performances with the ball. Says he was a bit of a doubt coming into the game but now he is over the moon. Says he has had a lot of dark days but the physios have helped him out very much along with his teammates and the crowd. Says the only advice that he can give to anyone is that give all that they have.
South African skipper, Faf du Plessis, says that they played well in the first Test but says that England were better than them from thereon, both with bat and ball. Says that Nortje has been a shining light for them and it is difficult to replace the likes of Morne Morkel. Also credits Hendricks for his 5-fer. Says that they did not bat well but Rassie played very well against a very good England attack. Credits Vernon Philander on his retirement as he is a champion on and off the pitch and he is sad that he could not give him the send off he deserves. Adds that he deserves everything he gets for a decade of service which he has given to Cricket South Africa.
Mike Haysman is down for the presentation ceremony. First up, he calls Vernon Philander as he is given a token of appreciation for his services to South African Cricket. Vernon Philander says this is not the way he wanted to end his career but credits the English team for the way they played. On the appreciation Philander received from the English players, he says they are all gentleman at the end of the game and he thanks his teammates as well as Cricket South Africa. Ends by saying that he plans to stay in cricket and he wants to mentor the young guys coming through and contribute as much as he can.
Earlier in the match, England outplayed South Africa as they powered their way to a score of 400 runs. The opening stand of Crawley and Sibley provided the foundation and the last wicket stand between Broad and Woakes added 82 runs of immense value. Nortje performed brilliantly as he came out with a 5-fer to his name. South Africa in reply scored a meager 183 runs. Quinton de Kock played an innings which saved his team from embarrassment as he scored 76 runs. Mark Wood picked up a 5-fer in the first innings and he ran through the Proteas' batting line-up. Woakes and Stokes chipped in with a couple of wickets each while Curran took one wicket. England did not enforce the follow-on and opted to bat. However, they did not play well with only skipper Joe Root scoring more than 50 runs as they finished on 248. Debutant Beuran Hendricks bowled superbly to bag a 5-fer and give his team a slim chance in the game.
The bowling from England was not superb in the first two sessions but they were persistent and they got their rewards exactly at the right times as well. The wicket of Dean Elgar right before Lunch was a setback for the Proteas. However, the biggest blow for the South Africans came when Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen departed in consecutive overs and from there on it was all England. The pick of the bowlers was Mark Wood as he picked up a 4-fer, taking the main wicket of Rassie van der Dussen. Ben Stokes took the crucial wickets of Elgar and du Plessis while Stuart Broad also chipped in with a couple of wickets. Woakes picked up a wicket as well.
The day started on a positive note for the South Africans as Pieter Malan and Dean Elgar looked strong for the first hour but Malan then departed. Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen formed a 60-run stand but then Elgar lost his wicket too just before the Lunch break. The most promising time for the Proteas came when Rassie van der Dussen and skipper Faf du Plessis were batting and stitched a 92-run stand. However, Stokes dismissed the South African skipper and that opened the floodgates for them. Van der Dussen played a brilliant knock of 98 runs but it went in vain as he departed soon after his skipper. After the Tea break, it was almost inevitable that England would win. Bavuma and de Kock played some strokes to cheer the fans up as they made a 48-run stand but once Bavuma departed, South Africa collapsed from 235/4 to 274 all out.
What a performance this has been from the English team! After losing the first Test match, they have bounced back in fantastic style and inflicted a defeat that has emphasized the flaws of this South African team. However, defeating any team at their home in such convincing fashion is always good and this will give England a lot of confidence.
77.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! ENGLAND HAVE WON THE MATCH! Nortje is the last man to depart. Wood takes the final one. Not the best of the balls but England and Root will take it. Wood bowls one down the leg side. Nortje looks to go for a fine tickle but fails to do so as it goes to Buttler. The England players immediately go up in appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Root immediately signals the 'T' and the replays roll in. Ultra Edge shows that there was a spike as the ball went past Nortje's glove. The umpire reverses his decision and that will be all. ENGLAND SEAL THE SERIES 3-1!
Review time! Root wants to go upstairs for a caught behind against Nortje. It looks out to the naked eye. Replays show Wood is fine on the front foot. The Ultra Edge comes in and spots a faint edge off the gloves.
77.1
1wd
Short ball on middle and leg, Nortje ducks under it.
Dane Paterson is the last man in for South Africa.
In over# 1
0W
2
1
2
0
0
Joe Root 37/0(7)
76.6
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Disaster strikes and that is a shambles as Hendricks departs now. Full ball on middle and leg, Nortje plays this one down to mid on and sets off for a run. Hendricks does not have eyes for his partner and is ball-watching. Nortje has reached the non-striker end and Hendricks is at the same end as well. Hendricks runs towards the striker's end but Sibley at mid on collects the ball and has the presence of mind to throw the ball at the striker's end. Buttler collects the ball and whips the bails off with Hendricks well short. England just a wicket away from victory!
76.5
2
On the pads, worked towards square leg for a couple.
76.4
1
The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single.
76.3
2
Just about misses the leg pole. Root floats it up on off, Hendricks looks to play at it but the ball goes off the inside edge past the leg pole and towards fine leg and the batters take a couple.
76.2
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
76.1
.
Tossed up on off, defended by Hendricks.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0W
Mark Wood 53/3(16)
75.6
1
A short delivery which has been pulled away. The batsmen have run through for a single.
75.5
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Hendricks pulls but straight to the man at square leg.
75.4
.
Way wide down the leg side, Hendricks goes after it but misses.
75.3
.
On middle and off, pushed towards the man at mid off.
75.2
.
Back of a length ball on middle and leg, defended by Hendricks by getting up on his toes.
Beauran Hendricks walks in to bat on debut. How long can the pair of Hendricks and Nortje keep England at bay?
75.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Chris Woakes takes the catch and this has to be the final nail in the coffin for South Africa. Back of a length ball on middle and off, Quinton de Kock looks to pull but he only manages to get a top edge on this one. The ball goes up in the air towards mid off where Chris Woakes runs across and takes the catch. De Kock throws his wicket away and England heading to a comfortable victory.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
0
Joe Root 32/0(6)
74.6
1
De Kock drives this through the covers. One run added to the total.
74.5
.
A loud appeal for LBW but it has been turned down. Root bowls a slider on off and middle, de Kock is late in bringing his bat down in time. The ball struck him high om the pads there. The English players appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Maybe, it hit the batsman high.
74.4
1
Tossed up on off, Nortje plays the reverse sweep and gets a single.
74.3
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
74.2
.
Floated on off, blocked out.
74.1
.
Tossed up on off, Anrich prods forward and defends.
In over# 1
4
1
0
0
0W
0
Mark Wood 52/2(15)
73.6
4
FOUR! Whatever happens at the other end, de Kock looks unfazed! Length ball outside off, de Kock rocks back and cuts this one through the point region for a boundary.
73.5
1
Shouts of catch it but no one there! Length ball on middle, Nortje looks to work this one towards the leg side but the ball goes off the leading edge uppishly towards cover-point but there is no one there and the batters take one.
73.4
.
Length ball on off, Nortje defends it out.
73.3
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended by Nortje.
Anrich Nortje is the new man in.
73.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Philander departs and the whole crowd stands up and applauds the great man. He raises his bat as he accepts the applause and walks down the tunnel being a proud man having given his all for the nation. Back of a length ball down the leg side, Philander looks to tickle it fine down the leg side but he gets a faint edge on that and Buttler does well as he dives low to his left and takes the catch. The England players appeal and the umpire raises his dreaded finger. England 3 wickets away from the victory.
73.1
.
Bouncer on middle and leg, Philander looks to hook but misses.
In over# 1
6
0
0
1
0
0
Joe Root 30/0(5)
72.6
6
SIX! A huge one and first one of the innings for Quinton de Kock! Floated delivery on middle and off, de Kock goes down on one knee and this time connects with his slog sweep as he sends this delivery into the stands at the mid-wicket region.
72.5
.
De Kock has played this one towards the man at mid on.
72.4
.
The batsman opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man.
72.3
1
Philander pushes this one down towards the leg side and takes a single.
72.2
.
Another one on the pads, defended out.
72.1
.
Floated on middle and leg, defended towards the leg side.
In over# 1
4
1
0
4
4
0
Mark Wood 47/1(14)
71.6
4
FOUR! Stand and deliver from Quinton de Kock! Full delivery on middle and off, de Kock just smashes this one over mid on for a boundary.
71.5
1
Length ball on the hips, Philander looks to pull but the ball goes off the inner half towards the leg side and the batters take a single.
71.4
.
Philander goes back in his crease and defends this one out.
71.3
4
FOUR! Another back of a length ball on middle, Philander rocks back and now pulls it in front of square leg for a boundary.
71.2
4
FOUR! Philander is off the mark in style in his final test innings! Length ball outside off, Philander rocks back and cuts this one through the point region for a boundary.
71.1
.
Length delivery on middle and off, defended.
Mark Wood is back into the attack. 13-3-34-1, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 23/0(4)
70.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, defended towards the off side.
70.5
.
Again de Kock drives towards the cover region but finds the man there.
70.4
.
Flatter one on off, defended by de Kock.
70.3
.
Tossed up ball outside off, de Kock tries to go for the slog sweep but misses it as the ball spins away.
70.2
.
Floated on off again, pushed to the man at cover.
70.1
.
Floated on off, driven towards the man at cover.
Joe Root is back on. 3-0-23-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0W
0
0
1
Stuart Broad 26/2(10)
69.6
.
Length ball on middle and leg, Philander looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.
69.5
1
Length ball outside off, de Kock plays an exquisite square cut but it goes straight to the man in the deep and the batters take a single.
Vernon Philander walks out to bat for his final Test match. The whole crowd stands up and applauds the man for his achievements.
69.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Stuart Broad is a tall man and it is very difficult hooking him and Pretorius departs in that very attempt! Bouncer on middle and leg, Pretorius goes back and looks to pull but gets a top edge on that one. It goes towards backward square leg where Sam Curran runs in and takes a very good catch diving forward. England 4 wickets away from the win.
69.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
69.2
.
Bouncer on middle and off, Pretorius does well to sway away from that.
69.1
1
On the pads, worked towards square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
1lb
Ben Stokes 49/2(16)
68.6
.
Pretorius shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
68.5
.
Another one outside off, left alone.
68.4
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
68.3
.
Length ball outside off, moving away, Pretorius shuffles but lets it be.
68.2
2
This time on the pads of Pretorius, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket and takes a couple. He is off the mark with this.
68.1
1lb
Good length ball on the pads, de Kock looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. De Kock crosses for a leg bye as the ball rolls towards the leg side.
Dwaine Pretorius walks in to bat next.
In over# 1
0W
4
1
4
0
0
Stuart Broad 24/1(9)
67.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Bavuma has to depart and that is a cracking nut by Broad! Broad bowls a bouncer on middle and off, Bavuma hops and first thinks about playing at it but then realises that it is too high. He tries to drop his hands but by then the ball goes off his gloves and into the mitts of Buttler who takes an easy catch. Broad gets his first wicket of the Test match and he has shown his class against the youngster. Half the side back in the hut for South Africa.
67.5
4
FOUR! Super shot from Bavuma! Back of a length ball on off, Bavuma has driven cut that one through the point region and the ball has raced away to the fence. Partnership moves to 48 runs with this one off just 51 balls.
67.4
1
The batsman defends it from within the crease. One run added to the total.
67.3
4
FOUR! Driven away! Full ball on middle and leg, de Kock has driven this one down the ground through mid on for a boundary.
67.2
.
On the hips, de Kock looks to flick but is hit on the thigh pad instead.
67.1
.
Full ball on middle, played towards the man at mid on.
Stuart Broad is back on. 8-1-15-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
0
1
1
4
0
Ben Stokes 45/2(15)
66.6
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Bavuma flirting with danger here. Almost a bouncer on off, Bavuma hops and looks to cut. The ball goes off the edge and above the man at third slip and into the third man fence. Matter of inches there and Stokes would be wishing that he was standing there instead of his skipper to add those extra inches.
66.5
.
Bouncer on middle and leg, Bavuma ducks under it.
66.4
1
On off again, this time de Kock plays it towards point for a single.
66.3
1
Length ball on off, pushed towards cover for a single.
66.2
4
FOUR! Smashed away! South Africa not hiding anymore! Back of a length ball on middle, Bavuma rocks back and pulls this uppishly towards square leg and the ball crosses the ropes on a couple of bounces.
66.1
.
Back of a length ball on middle, defended by Bavuma.
In over# 1
0
4
4
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 47/1(14)
65.6
.
Back of a length ball outside off, de Kock goes for the cut but edges it in the process. The ball rolls towards the slip cordon.
65.5
4
FOUR! Back to back boundaries. De Kock is showing his class here. He is not going to give up there. He comes on the front foot to this pitched up ball and drives it srisply through covers. Not a fielder moved as the ball met the fence.
65.4
4
FOUR! Pulled with disdain. Woakes goes short and on middle, de Kock pulls it off the back foot into the gap at mid-wicket to find the fence.
65.3
.
Full and on middle, de Kock drives it with a straight bat towards mid on.
65.2
.
Another back of a length ball on off, chopped towards point.
The ball is being checked by the umpires for its shape. The 8-shaped gauge is out and yes, it is not going through one of the sides. The ball will be changed and an official is out with a box of the Kookaburras. Finally, the ball has been changed and play will resume.
65.1
.
Good length and on off, pushed to mid off.
In over# 1
4
0
2
0
0
1
Ben Stokes 35/2(14)
64.6
4
FOUR! Back of a length ball on off, Bavuma punches it past point and the ball races to the fence behind.
64.5
.
BEATEN! Back of length ball on off, Bavuma looks to punch it off the back foot the ball bounces a bit more and goes past the outside edge.
64.4
2
Back of a length ball on middle, Bavuma flicks it towards fine leg. The fielder there was much squarer and that allows the batsmen to take a couple.
64.3
.
Bavuma looks to flick this back of a length ball to mid-wicket but the ball goes towards mid on.
64.2
.
Length delivery outside off, Bavuma lifts his bat and lets it go.
64.1
1
Length ball outside off, Quinton drives this one towards cover-point and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
4
4
1
0
Chris Woakes 39/1(13)
63.6
.
Another one outside off, Bavuma does not fiddle with it.
63.5
.
Outside off, Temba leaves it alone.
63.4
4
FOUR! This time an educational edge! Length ball outside off, Bavuma looks to guide this towards third man but it goes finer than he expected and the ball races away to the fence. 200 comes up for South Africa with this.
63.3
4
FOUR! Creamed! Full ball on off, Bavuma drives this one beautifully through the cover region for a boundary. Gets off the mark with probably the shot of the day!
63.2
1
Another back of a length ball on off, this time de Kock plays it in the gap at point and takes a single.
63.1
.
Back of a length ball outside off, de Kock plays this one towards the point fielder.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 28/2(13)
62.6
.
Length ball outside off, Bavuma guides this one towards the man at point.
62.5
.
Outside off, Temba does not bother to play at it.
62.4
.
On the pads of Bavuma, he works this one towards the leg side.
62.3
.
Outside off, Bavuma does not fiddle with it.
62.2
.
Another back of a length ball, Bavuma looks to defend but the ball hits his glove and falls down on the leg side.
62.1
.
Length ball on off, Bavuma rocks back and blocks.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 30/1(12)
61.6
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
61.5
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Lucky break for Quinton de Kock! A length ball, pitching and angling away from de Kock. He looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge between third slip and gully and the ball races away to the fence.
61.4
.
Full ball on the off pole line, de Kock defends it off the front foot onto the ground.
61.3
.
Good length ball on the off pole line by Woakes, de Kock defends it.
61.2
.
This time a fuller ball on the middle and leg pole line, played towards the man at mid-wicket.
61.1
.
Good length ball on middle and off, to start with by Woakes, de Kock blocks it out.
Welcome back for the final session of Day 4. South Africa after battling out the second session collapsed in the few overs before the Tea interval. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma walk in to resume the South African chase. Whereas, England players are out on the field with a new vigour. Chris Woakes will start the session with the ball.
... Day 4, Session 3 ...
The session started smoothly for South Africa as Rassie van der Dussen counter-attacked everything thrown at him whereas skipper Faf du Plessis grinding out his whole innings. They both combined to stitch a 92-run stand and everything was looking positive for South Africa. However, Ben Stokes came and once again provided the pivotal breakthrough of Faf du Plessis which shook the confidence of South Africa. In the very next over, Rassie van der Dussen fell after a brilliant innings and that has now opened the floodgates for England. Two new batters in the form of Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma are at the crease with the latter looking shakier than ever. Join us for the last session of Day 4 and possibly the whole series at 1530 Local (1330 GMT) as England will be looking to come out all guns blazing!
Another session comes to an end and England have struck gold right in the latter stages. For once it looked like South Africa were staging a comeback in this game and in this series but it all fell apart as Stokes and Wood shattered the dreams of the South African team.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Ben Stokes 28/2(12)
60.6
.
Length ball outside off, Bavuma leaves it to see of the session. TEA ON DAY4!
60.5
.
Length ball outside off, Bavuma plays it with an angled bat towards gully.
60.4
.
Full outside off, Bavuma shoulders arms to it.
60.3
1
Back of a length ball on middle and leg, de Kock tucks it towards fine leg and rotates the strike.
60.2
.
Short ball on off, Quinton lets it go through.
60.1
.
Length and outside off, de Kock lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
0
Mark Wood 34/1(13)
59.6
.
Outside off, pushed towards covers.
59.5
.
Length and outside off, left alone by Bavuma.
59.4
.
Lucky man! Bavuma is lucky not to lob this to the close in fielder. Bouncer on middle and leg, he looks to flicks it off the back foot but the ball goes off the glove and lobs wide of short leg and short of backward square leg. The fielder there looks interested a bit but the ball drops in front of him.
59.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
Temba Bavuma is the new man in.
59.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! The nervous 90s bug has bitten Rassie van der Dussen as he takes a long walk back to the dressing room. He looks dejected. Rassie was expecting some chin music there with the field spread out. However, Wood surprises him with a full ball on off. Seeing the length, van der Dussen's eyes lit up and he goes for the expansive cover drive. He does not time it perfectly and it goes a touch uppishly to the right of Stuart Broad who tumbles low in that direction to take a good catch. Wood deserves this wicket more than anyone as he has been bowling well all day. Van der Dussen misses his ton by two runs and England get two wickets in two overs.
59.1
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Rassie plays it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
1
0W
Ben Stokes 27/2(11)
58.6
.
Good length ball on middle and off, defended back towards the bowler.
58.5
1
On the pads, worked towards the leg side for a single.
58.4
4
FOUR! Good comeback by Rassie van der Dussen! Full ball on the middle and leg pole line, van der Dussen drives this one straight back down the ground through mid on for a boundary.
58.3
.
Another one which was almost chopped on! This is Ben Stokes at his best! Bouncer just outside off, van der Dussen looks to hop and defend. The ball goes off the inside edge onto the turf again but this time past the stumps. Van der Dussen survives and England smelling blood here.
58.2
1
Back of a length ball on off, Quinton de Kock punches this ball off the back foot towards cover for a single. Gets off the mark!
Quinton de Kock walks into bat. South Africa's hopes relies on him now. Can he script something special in this innings?
58.1
W
OUT! CHOPPED ON! Faf du Plessis departs after a fighting knock but for England, Ben Stokes is the man yet again! Stokes bowls a length ball just around off, it pitches and nips back in a bit. It also hits the crack and that makes the ball stay low. Faf du Plessis looks to come forward and defend but the ball goes off the bottom edge, onto the turf and then onto the middle pole to dislodge the bails. The skipper departs and a huge, huge blow for the Proteas!
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Mark Wood 34/0(12)
57.6
.
Another ill-directed bouncer, Rassie lets it go.
The physio is out in the middle and is giving treatment to Rassie van der Dussen.
57.5
.
Ouch! That might have sent shivers down the spine of Rassie van der Dussen. Wood goes short and directed on the body. Rassie looks to leave it by dropping hos wrists but the ball does not bounce as expected and it hits his chest hard. Rassie is onto his knees as he waits for the physio to attend to him.
57.4
.
Length and on off, pushed to the off side off the back foot.
57.3
.
Length and on off, pushed to cover off the back foot.
57.2
4
EDGED AND FOUR! That was an educational edge there. Rassie van der Dussen moves into the nervous 90s. He looks to keep out this length ball outside off but the ball just about manages to take the outside edge and fall short off the diving gully fielder. The ball goes past him and into the fence at third man.
57.1
.
Short ball but wayward. Rassie ducks it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
4
Ben Stokes 21/1(10)
56.6
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Faf hops inside the crease and defends it towards mid on.
56.5
.
Back of a length ball on off, Faf blocks it off the back foot.
56.4
.
Good length and outside off, Faf is in no mood to touch it.
56.3
1
Full and on the pads, Rassie flicks it towards fine leg and gets to the other end.
56.2
.
Length and outside off, left alone.
56.1
4
FOUR! Length ball outside off, van der Dussen cuts it off the back foot through cover-point and the ball runs to the fence at deep point.
Ben Stokes is back on. 9-3-16-1, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Mark Wood 30/0(11)
55.6
.
Outside off, kept out off the back foot.
55.5
.
Length ball outside off,Faf punches it off the back foot towards covers where Broad dives to his left and fields it.
55.4
.
Faf is happy to defend it towards covers off the back foot.
55.3
.
Faf flicks it off the back foot towards mid-wicket.
55.2
.
Full and on off, Faf defends it by going low.
55.1
4
FOUR! Du Plessis sees the length early and flicks it off his pads. The ball rolls all along the ground towards mid-wicket for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Joe Denly 19/0(3)
54.6
.
Tossed up on off, pushed to covers.
54.5
.
Outside off, defended to the off side.
54.4
1
Run off a misfield! Faf drives this full ball straight towards mid off where the fielder slides and parries it towards long on. The batsmen take a run.
54.3
.
Floated ball on off, Faf tucks it towards mid-wicket.
54.2
.
Tossed up on off, Faf drives it to find mid off to perfection.
54.1
.
Full on off, pushed to covers.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Mark Wood 26/0(10)
53.6
1
Length and on the pads, Faf tucks it to square leg and takes a run.
53.5
.
Another bumper in the over but down the leg side. Faf does not fiddle with it.
53.4
.
Length ball on off, Faf looks to defend it off the back foot. The ball bounces a bit extra and pings du Plessis on the glove. He loses his grip on the bat too as he throws it away.
53.3
.
Well-directed short ball, Faf sits under it.
53.2
1
Full and on off, Rassie drives it towards covers for a single.
53.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, Rassie hops and defends it from the crease.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
4
1
Joe Denly 18/0(2)
52.6
.
The batsman dances down the track but decides to defend it. Good over for the Proteas again.
52.5
1
Van der Dussen pushes this one towards the mid on region and takes a single.
52.4
.
Floated on off, defended towards cover.
52.3
.
Tossed up on off, pushed towards cover.
52.2
4
FOUR! A freebie by Denly and it has been hit away! Full toss on middle, van der Dussen dances down the track and he has smashed that down to the long on fence for a boundary.
52.1
1
Floated on off, pushed towards cover for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Mark Wood 24/0(9)
51.6
.
Full on the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket.
51.5
.
Full and on the off stump, Rassie defends it off the front foot towards the off side.
51.4
.
Short ball on middle, Rassie ducks under it.
51.3
.
Length ball on off, Rassie looks to lay bat on ball but it sneaks past the outside edge.
51.2
.
Length ball on off, pushed towards covers.
51.1
1
Length ball on off, Faf tucks it to mid-wicket for a run.
In over# 1
4
6
1
0
0
1
Joe Denly 12/0(1)
50.6
4
FOUR! Brilliantly done. Van der Dussen dances down once again and drives this towards long on for a boundary.
50.5
6
SIX! Tossed up on off, van der Dussen dances down the wicket and lofts this over the cow corner fence for a biggie.
50.4
1
Faf now drives this full ball towards mid on for a single.
50.3
.
Faf drives this full ball towards long on for a single.
50.2
.
Tossed up on off, driven towards covers.
50.1
1
Full on the off stump, Rassie pushes it towards covers and gets to the other end.
Joe Denly to try his luck and break this stand with his leg spin after the break.
Drinks Break! South Africa are not there yet but they are slowly and gently putting up a fight. Rassie van der Dussen is looking excellent out in the middle and is unbeaten at 67. Faf du Plessis is fighting it out and is helping South African fans dream. England need to break this stand, yes they have a lot of runs but they would not want to play close to the fire.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Mark Wood 23/0(8)
49.6
.
Full ball on off, played straight to the man at cover.
49.5
.
Length ball just around off, du Plessis defends it onto the pitch.
49.4
.
Good length ball on middle and off, pushed back towards the cover region.
49.3
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
49.2
1
Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
49.1
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Mark Wood to have another burst.
In over# 1
0
4
0
4
0
1
Sam Curran 38/0(11)
48.6
.
Length ball on middle and leg, du Plessis plays it back to the bowler.
48.5
4
FOUR! This time much better by du Plessis! Back of a length ball on middle, du Plessis rocks back and pulls this one through square leg for a boundary.
48.4
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended back towards the bowler.
48.3
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Length ball on off, du Plessis looks to drive but the ball goes off the outside edge through the slip cordon and the gully fielder for a boundary. 50-run stand comes up with this boundary.
48.2
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
48.1
1
Full ball on off, pushed towards cover for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
2
0
Chris Woakes 26/1(11)
47.6
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
47.5
.
Another one on the pads, again Faf looks to flick but misses.
47.4
.
Length ball on middle and off, du Plessis looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. The England players put in an appeal but it is waived away by the umpire.
47.3
4
FOUR! Better this time! Down the leg side again, van der Dussen just tickles it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
47.2
2
On the pads, flicked towards square leg for a single.
47.1
.
Good length ball on middle and off, defended towards the man at mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
1
0
Sam Curran 29/0(10)
46.6
.
Good length and on off, Rassie leaves it alone.
46.5
.
Full on the pads, Rassie flicks it to mid-wicket.
46.4
4
FOUR! Beautifully played that! Full and outside off, Rassie van der Dussen drives it off the front foot. The ball goes behind square on the off side and rolls to the fence there.
46.3
.
Length and on off, driven towards covers.
46.2
1
Full and on the pads, Faf flicks it to get an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls towards fine leg and the batsmen cross ends.
46.1
.
Length and angling into the batsman. Faf defends it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 20/1(10)
45.6
.
Back of a length ball on middle, van der Dussen defends it off the back foot.
45.5
1
On the pads, du Plessis has worked it off his pads behind square. One run added to the total.
45.4
.
Length ball on middle and off, du Plessis looks to defend but misses.
45.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
45.2
.
Good length ball on middle and off, du Plessis looks to defend but gets an inside edge on it. The ball rolls just past the off pole and misses by a whisker.
45.1
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot onto the pitch.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Sam Curran 24/0(9)
44.6
.
On the pads works this one towards the leg side.
44.5
.
Van der Dussen has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
44.4
.
The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
44.3
.
Length ball outside off, van der Dussen looks to defend but fails to do so. It hits something and lobs towards the slip cordon where the fielder comes forward, takes the catch and appeals. The umpire shakes his head. Replays roll in to show that this had hit the thigh pad.
44.2
.
Full ball on middle and off, van der Dussen drives this one towards cover but Sibley there makes a superb diving stop.
44.1
1
Good length ball on off, pushed towards cover-point for a single.
Sam Curran is on now. 8-2-23-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 19/1(9)
43.6
.
Length and on off, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot.
43.5
.
Full on the pads, van der Dussen flicks it straight to the man at mid-wicket.
43.4
.
Full and outside off, brilliantly driven but superbly fielded at covers by Dominic Sibley.
43.3
.
Full on off, driven towards mid on.
43.2
.
Full on off, Rassie drives this towards covers and shouts a loud no.
43.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, Rassie hops and defends it to the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Stuart Broad 15/0(8)
42.6
.
Length delivery on off, Faf pushes it to covers.
42.5
.
Good length on off, pushed to mid on off the back foot.
42.4
.
Length and outside off, Faf presents the full face off the bat as he blocks it off the front foot.
42.3
.
Length and on off, Faf looks to push this ball but he gets an inside edge onto the boots and the ball rolls towards point.
42.2
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
42.1
1
Good length ball on off, played towards point for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Chris Woakes 19/1(8)
41.6
1
Good length ball just outside off, Rassie looks to work it towards the leg side but the ball goes off the outside edge towards gully for a single.
41.5
.
Another one which stays low after hitting the crack! Short delivery around off, the ball pitches and stays low to hit Rassie van der Dussen on the hips as he hops and looks to defend.
41.4
.
Full ball on middle and off, driven towards the man at mid on.
41.3
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
41.2
1
Full ball on off, pushed towards cover for a single.
41.1
.
Bouncer on middle, a fierce one, du Plessis does well to sway away from it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1lb
1
0
Stuart Broad 14/0(7)
40.6
.
Good length ball on middle and off, van der Dussen looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge and onto the pads.
40.5
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
40.4
.
Rassie van der Dussen has now been hit on the glove. Not too bad though as he continues.
40.3
1lb
Down the leg side, du Plessis looks to flick this one towards the leg side but he misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads towards the left of the keeper who dives and the batters steal a leg bye.
40.2
1
Another good length ball, this time on middle, worked towards the square leg region for a single.
40.1
.
Good length ball outside off, left alone by van der Dussen.
DRINKS! After the break the Englishmen have come out on all cylinders firing. They are constantly peppering the two South African batsmen with some chin music. Rassie van der Dussen has surpassed his fifty and would hope to continue the good work. Faf is just looking to stand there and grind it out. Can the English bowlers make some further inroads or the South African batsmen continue to fight it out in the middle? Intriguing session awaits us.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
4
Chris Woakes 17/1(7)
39.6
.
Ouch! Nasty, nasty delivery! Du Plessis has taken off his glove and is looking in some pain. Back of a length ball on middle, Faf looks to defend it off the back foot but he is hit on the glove. Looks like this has impacted his thumb more than anything else. The physio has come out to aid the South African skipper.
39.5
.
Another bouncer, this time Faf does well to evade it.
39.4
1
On the pads, worked towards the leg side for a single.
39.3
.
Good length delivery on middle and off, defended back towards the bowler.
39.2
.
Woah! What a bouncer that one and it has been theatrically left alone by van der Dussen too! A short ball, 141 kph, van der Dussen first thinks about playing at it but leaves it alone in the end and falls down in the process.
39.1
4
FOUR! Supreme drive! Full ball on off, van der Dussen comes forward and he drives this one through the cover region for a boundary.
Chris Woakes is back. 6-2-12-1, his numbers so far!
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 13/0(6)
38.6
.
Back of a length ball on off, defended off the back foot.
38.5
.
Woah! What happened there? Broad bowls a length ball just outside the off pole line, the skipper chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. The ball pitched and kept very low. Had that come in enough, it would have meant trouble for Faf. Replays roll in and show that it had come off the crack and that is why it stayed so low. England will keep looking for those now!
38.4
4
FOUR! Flicked away! On the pads, du Plessis plays a wristy shot towards the mid-wicket region and the ball races away to the fence.
38.3
.
Length ball on middle and leg, worked towards mid-wicket.
38.2
.
Length ball just outside off, left alone comfortably by the skipper.
38.1
.
Good length ball on middle and off, defended back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Ben Stokes 16/1(9)
37.6
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Faf hops and flicks it toward short mid-wicket where the fielder fumbles and the ball rolls towards mid-wicket which allows Faf to retain the strike.
37.5
.
Length and on off, Faf pushes the ball towards covers.
37.4
.
Du Plessis looks to tuck this length ball on middle and leg towards mid-wicket but he misses to take the blow on the thigh pad.
37.3
.
Outside off, Faf is happy leaving it.
37.2
1
Full on the pads, Rassie flicks it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
37.1
.
Length and outside off, Rassie guides it to gully.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Stuart Broad 9/0(5)
36.6
.
Length and outside off, Faf punches it towards covers off the back foot.
36.5
.
Full ball on off, du Plessis pushes it back to the bowler.
36.4
.
Faf defends this length ball on off towards mid-wicket, who fumbles and the ball goes towards mid on.
36.3
.
Length ball on off, pushed back to the bowler off the back foot.
36.2
1
Length and outside off, van der Dussen taps it towards point and calls for a quick single. The batsmen get it easily.
36.1
.
Stuart starts his new spell with a length ball outside off, Rassie leaves it alone.
Change in bowling. Stuart Broad is back into the attack. 8 runs from his 4 overs today so far.
In over# 1
2
0
1
0
1wd
0
0
Ben Stokes 14/1(8)
35.6
2
Full ball on off, Faf looks to defend it but the ball goes past the short leg towards deep square leg. The batsmen get a couple.
35.5
.
Length ball on off, Faf pushes the ball towards mid on off the back foot.
35.4
1
Full toss outside off, Rassie punches the ball through covers and gets to the other end.
35.3
.
Back of a length on off, van der Dussen hops and defends the ball towards point.
35.3
1wd
Third one in a row and Rassie ducks under it. The umpire penalizes Stokes by giving it as wide.
35.2
.
Another bouncer and Rassie goes for the pull only to miss it as the ball sails over him. Buttler looked excited but aborted the appeal as the umpire was not interested.
35.1
.
The short ball barrage continues as van der Dussen drops his wrists and sways away from the line.
In over# 1
0
1
1
3
0
0
Mark Wood 22/0(7)
34.6
.
Du Plessis shoulders arms to let this one through.
34.5
1
50 for Rassie van der Dussen! His 3rd Test half ton and he will be delighted with this one. A good length delivery bowled near the off pole line, Rassie pushes it towards mid off and takes a single to get to this milestone. However, he knows that his work is not even half done and he needs to convert this into a big one if his side is to win this game.
34.4
1
On the pads again, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
34.3
3
Full ball on the pads, van der Dussen flicks it towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and cuts it off but the batters in the meantime take three quick runs. 100 up for South Africa with this too.
34.2
.
Length ball outside off, left alone by Rassie.
34.1
.
On the pads, played towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Ben Stokes 10/1(7)
33.6
.
Full and on middle, flicked straight to the man at mid-wicket.
33.5
.
Bumper once again, Faf is quick to spot it and sways away from the line of the delivery.
33.4
.
NOT OUT! Faf survives. Bad review from Root there. Stokes bowls a length ball outside off, Faf looks to leave it but gets something on it on the way to the keeper. Buttler there takes the catch and immediately goes up in appeal. The umpire shakes his head. Root straightaway signals the 'T' because he definitely heard something there. The replays roll in to show that yes, it did hit something but it was not the bat or the glove, and instead it was the elbow. Faf continues to fight it out in the middle for himself and the team.
A huge appeal for caught behind has been turned down and England have taken the review straightaway. They think they have their man let's see what the replays have to say.
33.3
1
Full on the pads, van der Dussen flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.
33.2
.
Effort ball from Stokes there. It is angled right on the body. Rassie looks to pull it only to miss it. The ball sails past the ears of van der Dussen and into the mitts of the keeper.
33.1
.
Short of length ball outside off, van der Dussen hops and defends the ball off the back foot towards covers.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
4
0
Mark Wood 17/0(6)
32.6
1
Short and on middle, van der Dussen pulls it all along the ground towards mid-wicket for a run.
32.5
.
Full and on off, Rasssie drives it towards mid on.
32.4
.
Short ball on middle and leg, van der Dussen ducks under it.
32.3
.
Length ball outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to it.
32.2
4
FOUR! Too full from Wood and van der Dussen pounces on it as he drives it past the bowler all along the ground showing the full face of the bat. No need to move there as the ball hurries to the long off fence.
32.1
.
Length ball on off, Rassie drives it towards covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 9/1(6)
31.6
.
Outside off, kept out off the front foot.
31.5
.
EDGED BUT SAFE! Length ball outside off, Faf looks to go for the drive through covers. But the ball takes the outside edge and rolls towards second slip.
31.4
.
Length ball on off, du Plessis looks to defend it but the ball takes the inside edge and hits Faf on the box.
31.3
.
Back of a length ball on off, Faf taps it towards short leg .
31.2
.
Length ball outside off, Faf lifts his bat and lets the ball through.
31.1
.
Back of a length and on off, Faf looks to flick it to the leg side. But extra bounce there means that the ball raps the gloves and rolls towards the off side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 12/0(5)
30.6
.
On a length and on off, Rassie taps it to covers off the back foot.
30.5
.
Fuller and outside off, Rassie drives it straight to covers.
30.4
.
Full ball on off, van der Dussen drives it back to the bowler.
30.3
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Rassie hops and defends it towards mid-wicket.
30.2
.
BEATEN! Beautiful delivery! Van der Dussen is squared up there as he looks to push this length ball outside off from the back foot.
Change of bats for Rassie van der Dussen.
30.1
.
Full and on off, Rassie drives if off the inside half of the bat towards mid on.
Mark Wood to partner Stokes first up in the second session.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Ben Stokes 9/1(5)
29.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Faf lunges forward and defends it towards cover and calls his partner to wait.
29.5
.
Closer to the off stump, du Plessis blocks it with a straight bat.
29.4
.
Oh! Stokes hits the deck hard around off, it swings away just a hint. Faf looks to defend but gets beaten.
29.3
1
Stokes goes full and close to off stump, van der Dussen squeezes it to deep point for a single.
29.2
.
Calm and composed start from van der Dussen as he once again does not go after a length ball away from his stumps.
29.1
.
First ball of the post Lunch session and Stokes bowls it on a length outside off. It comes back in but Rassie is aware of his off stump and lets it be.
We are back after the Lunch Break. The South African batsmen Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen walk out to resume their innings. All eyes will be on the South African skipper as he has been short of runs. For England, Ben Stokes will start the session with the ball.
... Day 4, Session 2 ...
So, an important passage of play awaits us in Johannesburg. Can the South African batters hold fort and perform a miracle of some sorts or will England do what is looking inevitable? Join us at 1140 Local (0940 GMT) to find out!
29 overs, 90 runs and 2 wickets. That is what has happened in the morning session at Johannesburg on Day 4 and England will be happy with their performance so far. After a wicketless hour of play, Pieter Malan and Dean Elgar looked strong and confident. The Proteas were becoming hopeful that these two can stitch a good stand but right after the Drinks break, Woakes struck to dismiss Malan as he was caught in slips by Ben Stokes. Rassie van der Dussen walked in then, and he combined with the southpaw Dean Elgar to stitch a 50-run stand. However, right before the Lunch break, Stokes was again in the thick of things as he dismissed Elgar and England returned to the pavilion with smiles on their faces. South Africa would have loved if Elgar could have kept his wicket intact but it was not to be.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Joe Root 23/0(3)
28.6
.
Floated on middle, du Plessis does well to block it back to the bowler. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 4!
28.5
.
Full ball on middle, du Plessis does well to turn it towards mid-wicket.
28.4
.
Tossed up on middle, Faf tucks it towards mid-wicket.
28.3
.
Full on middle, Faf defends it right under his eyes.
28.2
1
Full on leg stump, tucked past short leg and the batsmen take a run.
28.1
.
Tossed up on off, defended back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 8/1(4)
27.6
.
Hits the deck hard on the stumps, Faf du Plessis starts his innings with a back foot defense.
The skipper walks out to bat. Faf du Plessis is the new man in. He has been struggling for runs and there is a lot of pressure on him. His side needs him to be the messiah and take them out of troubled waters here. Can Faf deliver?
27.5
W
OUT! Caught! The budding stand has been broken and it is Ben Stokes who is once again in the thick of action. A very good ball this from the English all-rounder. He bends his back and bowls a very good short ball. The speed gun shows it is bowled at 136 kph but in real-time it looked quick. It is very close to Elgar's body and the ball skids off the surface. Elgar is hurried onto the pull and all he can do it lob it back to Stokes who takes an easy catch. Just when it looks like South Africa are onto something England put a brakes on it and dampen all the hopes. The pitch is hardly doing anything but Stokes once again shows why he is held in high regards and produces something special.
27.4
.
Good length ball just outside off, defended by Elgar back towards the bowler.
27.3
.
Bouncer on middle and off, Elgar ducks under it.
27.2
.
Outside off, left alone by Dean.
27.1
.
Length ball around off, defended back towards the bowler by Elgar.
In over# 1
0
6
4
0
0
4b
Joe Root 22/0(2)
26.6
.
Full on the pads, tucked to mid-wicket.
26.5
6
SIX! Van der Dussen is taking Root on. 50-run stand up between van der Dussen and Elgar. Rassie skips down the track and hoicks one over the fence at mid-wicket. The fielder there is a mere spectator as the ball sails way over him and into the stands.
26.4
4
FOUR! Now van der Dussen plays the conventional sweep and finds the fence. Full and on middle this time, Rassie sweeps it through fine leg and the ball meets the fence in no time.
26.3
.
Tossed up on off, kept out.
26.2
.
Root bowls one on the pads and Rassie tucks it to leg slip.
26.1
4b
FOUR BYES! The trap was set there. Root tossed one up on middle and leg, van der Dussen tries to tuck it but the ball just about bounce a tad and it evades the keeper and the leg slip fielder on its way towards fine leg. The umpire gives it as byes.
In over# 1
1
4
0
0
1
0
Ben Stokes 8/0(3)
25.6
1
On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
25.5
4
FOUR! Driven away! Full ball on off, van der Dussen comes forward and drives this ball through the cover region for a boundary.
25.4
.
Fullish ball on off, pushed to the man at mid off.
25.3
.
Good length delivery on middle and off, defended.
25.2
1
On the pads, flicked towards deep square leg for a single by Elgar.
25.1
.
Full ball on middle and leg, defended towards the bowler.
In over# 1
4
4
0
0
4
0
Joe Root 12/0(1)
24.6
4
FOUR! Three boundaries in the over for van der Dussen. Rassie is getting a move on here. Introduction of spin has helped the batter there as he once again reverse sweeps it to find the fence at third man.
24.5
4
FOUR! Tossed up on off, van der Dussen dances down the track and flicks this one. He hits it just over the leaping short mid-wicket fielder there and the ball has enough in it to roll over the boundary cushions at mid-wicket.
24.4
.
Tossed up on middle, tucked to short leg.
24.3
.
Tossed up on off, pushed back to the bowler.
24.2
4
FOUR! Beautifully played there by van der Dussen. Root bowls a full ball on middle, Rassie sees the length and promptly gets in position to reverse sweep it. He gets the placement right and the ball races to the third man fence for a boundary.
24.1
.
Tossed up on off, pushed towards covers.
Time for some spin. Skipper Joe Root to try his luck now.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 2/0(2)
23.6
1
Full ball on off, Rassie drives it towards mid off and keeps the strike.
23.5
1
Outside off, pushed to covers for a single.
23.4
.
Length ball on off, Elgar pushes the ball off the back foot towards point.
23.3
.
Length ball on off, played off the front foot there by Elgar.
23.2
.
Short ball on off, Dean ducks under it.
23.1
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Elgar blocks it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 23/0(8)
22.6
.
Full ball on off, defended off the back foot there by van der Dussen.
22.5
.
Length and around off, Rassie blocks it off the front foot.
22.4
.
Once again, outside off, van der Dussen leaves it for the keeper.
22.3
.
Angling away outside off, Rassie lets it go through to the keeper.
22.2
.
Full and angled away outside off, Rassie looks to lay bat on ball but he misses it.
22.1
.
Full on middle, Rassie flicks it straight to the man at mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 0/0(1)
21.6
.
Last ball of the over. Elgar keeps it out.
21.5
.
Elgar drives this full ball outside off towards point.
21.4
.
Dean defends this length delivery off the front foot and onto the ground.
21.3
.
Elgar blocks one off the back foot there.
21.2
.
Length ball on off, defended off the back foot.
21.1
.
Length ball outside off, further going away. Elgar lets it be.
Time for Ben Stokes to have a go with the ball.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
0
0
Sam Curran 23/0(7)
20.6
4
FOUR! Curran errs in line and dishes one onto the pads of van der Dussen. He just flicks it off the back foot and the ball rolls over the mid-wicket fence. The fielder in the deep cannot do anything there.
20.5
.
Back of a length ball on off, kept out off the back foot towards cover.
20.4
.
Van der Dussen just taps this length ball off the front foot towards covers.
20.3
1
On the pads of Elgar. He just flicks it through fine leg and gets an easy single there.
20.2
.
Elgar pushes this length ball straight towards covers.
20.1
.
BEATEN ! Curran makes the ball curve away from the forward push of Elgar. Dean is lucky there to not edge it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 12/1(6)
19.6
.
Rassie does well to keep this length ball out off the back foot.
19.5
.
Van der Dussen once again pushes this length delivery on off towards the bowler.
19.4
.
Length ball outside off, pushed back to the bowler off the back foot.
19.3
.
Back of a length ball on off, Rassie looks to pull but is beaten to get rapped on the thigh pads.
19.2
.
Rassie pushes the ball off the back foot towards the bowler.
19.1
.
Length ball outside off, pushed to covers off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Sam Curran 18/0(6)
18.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
18.5
.
Elgar keeps out this length ball outside off.
18.4
4
FOUR! Elgar has played that superbly. Dean pushes this length ball outside off straight down the ground and the ball beats the dive of the mid off fielder running to his left and it rolls towards the long off fence for a boundary. 50 comes up with this for South Africa.
18.3
.
Elgar blocks this length ball off the back foot and towards the covers.
18.2
.
Oh! That beats Elgar. He would have had his heart in his mouth. He looks to poke this length ball outside off but the ball sneaks past the outside edge and the ball lands into the mitts of the keeper.
18.1
.
Length ball outside off, Elgar defends the ball off the outside half of the bat towards covers.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
4
0
Chris Woakes 11/1(5)
17.6
2
Outside off, driven towards point for a couple.
17.5
.
Outside off, pushed to the man at cover.
17.4
.
BEATEN! Beauty of a nut there. Rassie is lured into poking this length ball outside off. Luckily he does not edge it behind.
17.3
.
Oh! The inside edge there. Rassie looks to defend this length ball off the back foot only to get an inside edge onto his pads.
17.2
4
FOUR! Short ball on middle and Rassie takes the full toll of it. He just pulls it with disdain and the ball races to the mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
17.1
.
Good length ball on off, Rassie blocks it off the back foot and into the ground.
In over# 1
0
1wd
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 14/0(5)
16.6
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
16.6
1wd
Wide! Bouncer on middle and leg, Elgar ducks as it is way too high.
16.5
.
Woah! Jaffa by Curran! Bowls a back of a length delivery just outside off, and this time gets it to nip back in. Elgar looks to defend but the ball cuts him in half and oohs and aahs all around.
16.4
.
Full ball on the off pole line, defended back towards the bowler.
16.3
.
Outside off, Dean leaves this one alone.
16.2
.
Length ball on middle and off, Elgar defends it towards the man at mid off.
16.1
.
Good length ball on middle and off, defended back towards the bowler.
Sam Curran is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Chris Woakes 6/1(4)
15.6
.
Another huge appeal but this time the umpire shakes his head. Very full on off and it nips back in. Rassie looks to play but gets a feather on it onto the pads. The English players are once again excited but this time the umpire is not.
15.5
.
NOT OUT! Rassie survives. Good referral by the South African no. 3! He lives to fight another day. Good length ball pitching around off, van der Dussen looks to defend but misses. The ball hits him high on the pads of his back leg. The English players go up in a huge appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Rassie has a word with his partner and then signals the 'T'. Replay rolls in and first Ultra Edge confirms that there is no bat involved. Ball Tracker then rolls in and it shows that the ball is pitching in line, the impact though is Umpire's call. Then time to see whether the ball is hitting the stumps or not. It shows that the ball was going over the stumps.
Review time! Rassie van der Dussen is the man in question. The umpire has adjudged him out and it looks close to the naked eye. The Ball Tracker rolls in and shows that this is going OVER the stumps.
15.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
15.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
15.2
.
Good length ball on off, van der Dussen blocks it.
Rassie van der Dussen is the new man in.
15.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Malan departs and maybe it is a commentator's curse after all. Just as we said the openers cannot lose their concentration, Malan loses his focus, maybe the break in play brought about his downfall. Woakes is the man who has drawn first blood here. Full and wide outside off, Malan goes chasing after it like a kid chasing candy. He ends up getting a thick outside edge which goes to the right of Ben Stokes. You cannot keep him out of the game and he takes a good catch. Catching practice at slip for Big Ben. The steady opening stand has been taken down.
Drinks! A good solid hour for South Africa but they cannot afford to lose their concentration here. It is a long, long ask and the pair of Malan and Elgar need to keep on going for a big period of time. England will not be too disappointed with not getting a wicket in the first hour of play. They have plenty of runs to play with but they will look to strike at least a couple before the end of this session.
In over# 1
1
0
4
0
0
0
Mark Wood 12/0(4)
14.6
1
Good length ball on off, Malan pushes it wide of cover for a run. He will keep the strike.
14.5
.
Short ball, Malan ducks under it.
14.4
4
FOUR! Classic cover drive. You can keep on watching this shot on loop and you will continue to admire this every single time. Full around off, Malan gets on his front foot and leans into the cover drive. The outfield is quick so the fielder has no chance stopping that.
14.3
.
Outside off, Malan lunges forward and lets it carry to the keeper.
14.2
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, Malan once again plays it well as he glances it onto the ground towards short leg.
14.1
.
On the hips of Malan, he tucks it on the bounce to short leg.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 6/0(3)
13.6
1
Length ball on off, Malan pushes it wide of cover for one.
13.4
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
13.3
.
Woakes goes full on off, PM once again uses a dead bat to see it off.
13.2
.
On a length on off, Pieter defends this.
13.1
.
Fuller on off, Malan blocks it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Mark Wood 7/0(3)
12.6
.
Absolute peach to end the over. Wood hits the deck hard outside off, it looks to be coming in with the angle but straightens up as it comes off the pitch. Elgar looks to defend but gets squared up.
12.5
.
After going short on the previous two balls, Wood goes very full on off. Elgar defends it to the left of the bowler. Wood goes to ground and gets his hand to it and deflects the ball to mid on.
12.4
.
Another short ball. This one is outside off and Dean sways away from it in a better way.
12.3
.
Bouncer! A very well-directed one by Wood. Elgar ducks under it awkwardly but no harm done.
12.2
.
Length delivery on off stump this time, Elgar defends this towards mid off.
12.1
4
FOUR! Just pure timing on this one! Good length delivery around off, Elgar hangs on his back foot and uses the pace of Wood and just taps it through point for a boundary.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 5/0(2)
11.6
4
FOUR! Another back of a length ball on off, Malan rocks back and cuts and it goes just above the man at gully and into the third man fence.
11.5
.
Back of a length ball outside off, left alone.
11.4
.
Outside off, Malan does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.
11.3
.
This time a louder appeal by England but again turned down! Good length ball just outside off, Malan looks to defend but fails to do so. The ball lobs towards the man at silly point who takes the catch and appeals. The umpire again shakes his head as he reckons this one has come off the pads of Malan. England opt against taking the review. Ball Tracker comes in and shows it was hitting the pad and the impact was outside off.
11.2
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
11.1
.
Good length ball outside off, Malan looks to bend and defend but he misses the ball and is hit on the thigh pad.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 3/0(2)
10.6
.
The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
10.5
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended.
10.4
.
Another appeal turned down! Length ball down the leg side, Elgar looks to flick this one fine but fails to do so. The ball deflects off his thigh pad towards Pope at short leg. He takes the catch and the England players appeal but the umpire turns it down. Replays confirm it did not hit the bat nor the glove.
10.3
.
Another length ball which is outside off, Elgar does not fiddle with it.
10.2
.
Another one outside off, left alone.
10.1
.
Length ball outside off, Elgar leaves this one alone.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 1/0(1)
9.6
.
Outside off, Elgar leaves this one alone and gets through the over. South Africa have scored 25 runs at the end of the the first 10 overs of the day, but more importantly, they have not lost a single wicket so far.
9.5
1
Back of a length ball on the off side, defended towards the man at point for a single.
9.4
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
9.3
.
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
9.2
.
Another one on the pads, played towards the man at mid-wicket.
9.1
.
On the pads, flicked towards the man at square leg.
Change from both the ends. Chris Woakes replaces Sam Curran from the other end.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
1
Mark Wood 3/0(1)
8.6
2
Full ball on middle and off, Malan pushes it down the ground past the man at mid on and the batters take a couple to end the over.
8.5
.
Bouncer down the leg side, Malan ducks and lets it go.
8.4
.
Length ball on off, played towards the man at point.
8.3
.
Full ball on middle and off, defended back towards Wood.
8.2
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, defended towards the man at short leg.
8.1
1
Good running! Wood starts with a full ball on off, Elgar plays it with soft hands towards the off side and takes a very quick single. Intent!
First bowling change of the game. The hero with the ball from the first innings, actually the English hero and antagonist for South Africa in this game so far, Mark Wood is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
1
2
Sam Curran 13/0(4)
7.6
.
Another one on off and fuller in length, defended towards the man at mid off.
7.5
.
Fullish delivery around off, pushed to the man at mid off.
7.4
1
Once again on the pads, played towards square leg again but this time just a run.
7.3
4
FOUR! Well played but a bad ball! On the pads of Elgar, he flicks this one in the gap near square leg and the ball races away to the fence.
7.2
1
On the pads of Malan, he flicks this one towards the mid-wicket region and the batters take a single.
7.1
2
Good length ball on off, Malan plays a beautiful shot through the cover-point region and the batters take a couple.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
1
0
Stuart Broad 8/0(4)
6.6
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
6.5
1
Length ball on off, defended towards the off side and Malan rotates strike.
6.4
.
Appeal turned down! Good length ball just outside off, coming in. Malan looks to defend this off the front foot but misses to get hit on the back leg's thigh pad. The England players appeal but nothing from the umpire. The impact looks outside off and Ball Tracker confirms it.
6.3
.
The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
6.2
1
Another good length ball on the off side, this time Elgar defends it towards the off side with soft hands and takes a single.
6.1
.
Stuart Broad produces something special as soon as he comes around the wicket. Good length delivery just outside off, angling in. It pitches and nips away. Elgar looks to play at it but is completely beaten.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 5/0(3)
5.6
.
On the stumps, Malan defends it with a dead bat.
5.5
1
Full and swinging away from off, Elgar looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and rolls to third a for a single.
5.4
.
Full on off, Elgar pushes it to mid off.
5.3
.
Almost chopped on. Length ball just outside off. Elgar looks to cut but the ball is too close to the stumps and his body. He still goes for it, he ends up chopping it behind and luckily for him and his team the ball does not go onto hit the stumps.
5.2
.
Full on middle, Elgar strokes it to mid on.
5.1
.
Good length delivery outside off, Elgar lets it carry to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 6/0(3)
4.6
.
Follows the boundary with a calm push to mid off.
4.5
4
FOUR! Beautiful drive from Malan. Slightly overpitched on off and middle, Malan gets in a good position on his front foot and drives it with class through mid off for a boundary. This will give him a lot of confidence.
4.4
.
Full on off, Malan pushes it to mid on.
4.3
.
Broad goes full and closer to the off pole. Malan defends it with surety.
4.2
.
Good length delivery outside off, asking Malan to have a crack but he calmly leaves it alone.
4.1
.
Huge appeal for LBW but probably going down the leg side. Full on middle and leg, it goes with the angle. Malan looks to flick but misses. There is a huge appeal from the English players but the umpire turns it down.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Sam Curran 4/0(2)
3.6
.
Good length delivery on middle and off, defended towards the off side by Elgar.
3.5
.
Length ball on middle and leg, Elgar looks to defend but is hit on the thigh pad.
3.4
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Good length ball down the leg side, Elgar looks to work it towards that side but the ball goes off the leading edge behind the man at point and into the fence for a boundary. First boundary of the innings.
3.3
.
Defended off the back foot towards the man at cover-point.
3.2
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, pushed towards the man at mid on.
3.1
.
Jaffa! What a delivery by Curran! A length delivery just outside off, angling in. It pitches and then goes away as Elgar looks to play at it. He is completely squared up but the ball beats his outside edge.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 2/0(2)
2.6
.
Good length delivery outside off, Malan leaves it alone to finish the over.
2.5
.
Length delivery outside off, left alone by Malan again.
2.4
2
First runs of the day! On the pads of Malan, he flicks this one towards square leg and gets a couple.
2.3
.
The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
2.2
.
Fuller ball on the off pole line, Malan looks to defend but the ball goes off the outer half towards the man at point all along the ground.
2.1
.
Length ball outside off to start the over by Malan, he leaves this one alone.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 0/0(1)
1.6
.
Outside off, left alone by Elgar.
1.5
.
Length ball outside off, Elgar defends this one towards the off side.
1.4
.
Good length ball on middle and off, Elgar defends this one onto the pitch and the ball goes above Curran and the man from mid off runs to his left to gather the ball.
1.3
.
Length ball outside off, left alone by Elgar.
1.2
.
Curran goes fuller, he defends this one towards the man at mid off.
1.1
.
Length ball on off to start with by Curran, Elgar defends it off the back foot towards the man at point.
Sam Curran to partner Stuart Broad from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 0/0(1)
0.6
.
Ohh! Good delivery to end the over! Length ball on off, angling in, Malan offers no stroke but the ball comes in too much and is hit near the box. End of a good over as England look to attack the Proteas straightaway.
0.5
.
Good length ball attacking the middle pole, Malan defends this one towards the man at mid on.
0.4
.
Fuller one on off by Broad, Malan pushes this one towards the man at cover.
0.3
.
Another full ball attacking the off pole, Malan shuffles across and defends this towards the mid-wicket fielder.
0.2
.
Back of a length ball on middle and off, left alone by Pieter Malan.
0.1
.
Broad starts the day with a full length ball attacking the stumps, Malan does well to defend this ball out.
The England players are out in the middle. They will be looking to take all 10 wickets today itself and wrap up the match and the series. They are followed by the South African openers, Pieter Malan and Dean Elgar. Stuart Broad to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go!!!
6 sessions of the game remain! England need 10 wickets to seal the series. South Africa have a mammoth task of getting 466 runs to win the match and draw the series. The visitors are in the driver's seat and anything but an South Africa win will be nothing but a massive upset. The hosts have struggled with the bat so far in this series and will need to bat out of their skin to silence all their critics of becoming the tamed lions. Hello and welcome to the coverage of Day 4. This is a very important day not just for this Test and series but if the game ends today it might as well give wheels to the talks regarding 4-day Test. A very exciting day of Test cricket awaits us. Can South Africa rise from the ashes or will England put the Proteas in a deeper hole?
... Day 4, Morning Session ...
That's all we have from the moving day of the Johannesburg Test. England have taken a step closer to winning the series 3-1 and South Africa will have to play out of their skins to stop that from happening. Do join us on Monday for Day 4 to find out how things transpire. The action will begin here at 1000 local (0800 GMT). Cheers!
England didn't take the choice to enforce the follow-on and came out to swell their 217-run lead. To add to South Africa's woes, Vernon Philander injured his hamstring very early and he never returned after that, a sad end to a glorious Test career. The English batsmen took advantage of it and once again Zak Crawley and Dominic Sibley combined for a solid alliance upfront. From thereon, the Brits kept on adding runs in spite of wickets falling in clumps. Joe Root stroked yet another half century and was the last wicket to fall in the day's play.
Earlier in the morning session, South Africa fought bravely against all odds with Quinton de Kock leading the charge. His 79-run partnership with Dwaine Pretorius helped the Proteas to reduce the deficit but it wasn't good enough as they failed to avoid the follow-on. Mark Wood was the standout bowler with a fifer and he once again proved his worth in the side.
An enthralling day of Test cricket comes to a close! Things escalated fairly quickly and England have taken a firm control on this game. There was a flurry of wickets in the evening session as the visitors looked for quick runs and stretched their lead to 465 before getting all out. Beuran Hendricks walks away with a 5-wicket haul and it's a special moment for him as he leads his team off the park.
61.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Faf du Plessis takes a stunner to end the innings, the day and also gives Beuran Hendricks a 5-wicket haul on debut. Full ball around off, Root looks to whack it on the off side but gets a thick outside edge which flies to the right of gully. South African skipper, Faf du Plessis decides to show his flying skills and channel his inner Superman. He dives to his right, actually if you see it in real time, you will see him fly like Superman just without the cape and take a blinder with his right hand. People can talk about his age and poor run of form with the bat but boy this man fields like a 20-year old. Root's very good knock needed something special to come to an end and it has taken a spectacular effort to end it. ENGLAND ALL OUT FOR 248! With a lead of 465!
61.2
.
Outside off, Root punches it to deep point. No run taken.
61.1
.
Hendricks comes around the wicket and bowls a short ball outside off, Root punches it to deep cover. Does not take the single.
In over# 1
1
6
0
1
0W
1
Dwaine Pretorius 87/2(18)
60.6
1
Fullish ball on middle, Root works it to the leg side for a single.
60.5
6
SIX! What a shot! The sound of the bat meeting the ball was sweet. Full delivery on middle, Root swings it over the deep mid-wicket region for a maximum.
60.4
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Full delivery outside off, Root looks to heave it away to the leg side but misses.
60.3
1
Good length ball on the pads, Broad works it to square leg for a single.
The last man in is Stuart Broad!
60.2
W
OUT! TIMBER! Another wicket down. Will South Africa get to bat again today? Length ball on off, Wood moves to the off side and then looks to flick. He misses and the ball brushes his pad before going on to uproot the off stump. England are leading by 457 runs.
60.1
1
Very full delivery on middle, Root works it to deep square leg for a single.
In over# 1
1
4
0
0
1
4
Beuran Hendricks 64/4(15)
59.6
1
FIFTY! 48th Test fifty! The English skipper has made it back-to-back fifties in this Test. He might not be able to convert this into a ton but with this fifty he has given his side a massive lead. This has not been an easy pitch to bat on but he has fought it out in the middle and found a way past his struggles. Length ball on off, Root dabs it towards backward point to his milestone.
59.5
4
FOUR! Beautiful stroke! Full delivery outside off, Root drives it to deep cover for a boundary.
59.4
.
Length delivery outside off, Root puts on his dancing shoes and then looks to heave it away, misses completely.
59.3
.
Good length ball on middle, Root works it to mid-wicket.
59.2
1
Short ball on middle, Wood pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
59.1
4
FOUR! Clubbed! Full delivery on middle, Wood heaves it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
Joe Root is having some issue with his left eye. Looks like something has gone inside and he is getting it checked.
In over# 1
1
4
4
3
1
1wd
1
Dwaine Pretorius 79/1(17)
58.6
1
Good length ball on off, pushed to deep cover for a single. 15 runs from the over.
58.5
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Short of a length outside off, Wood looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge and over the slip cordon for a boundary.
58.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Good length delivery outside off, Wood guides it through gully for a boundary.
58.3
3
Short delivery outside off, Root looks to cut but it takes the inside edge and goes towards fine leg. Faf chases after it and makes a good stop. Three taken.
58.2
1
Full on off, Wood drives it uppishly towards long off for a single.
58.2
1wd
WIDE! Full delivery outside off, Wood leaves it alone. Wide signaled.
58.1
1
Inside edge! Full delivery on middle, Root looks to flick but it goes off the inside edge towards point. A single taken. An appeal is made for LBW but the umpire shakes his head.
In over# 1
0
0
2
1lb
1
1
Beuran Hendricks 54/4(14)
57.6
.
Length ball on middle, Wood defends it back to the bowler.
57.5
.
The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
57.4
2
IN THE AIR... SAFE! Short ball outside off, Wood stands tall to cut but it takes the top half of the bat and goes over towards third man. Faf du Plessis (from the slip cordon) and Temba Bavuma (from 1st slip) run after it but the ball lands safely. Two taken.
57.3
1lb
Fullish delivery on the pads, Root looks to play the reverse scoop but fails to get any bat on it. It hits the pads and the ball rolls to the leg side. Hendricks appeals but the umpire is not interested. The batters steal a leg bye.
57.2
1
Full delivery on off, Wood gets off the mark by driving this to deep cover for a single.
57.1
1
Good length ball outside off, Joe taps it to the third man region for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
1lb
1
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 64/1(16)
56.6
1
Good length ball outside off, Root guides it to third man for a single.
56.5
.
Fuller one on off, Root moves to the off side and then flicks it to mid-wicket.
56.4
1lb
Good length ball on the pads, Wood looks to work it to the leg side. It hits him on the pads and the ball rolls to point. A leg bye taken.
56.3
1
Fullish delivery on off, Root taps it to point and takes a single.
56.2
.
On a length on middle, Root defends it to the leg side.
56.1
.
Good length ball on off, Root defends it to cover.
The hero with the ball, Mark Wood walks out to bat now. Not just with the ball, it was his blitzkrieg at the end with Broad in the first innings that took England to 400.
In over# 1
0W
0
0W
0
0
1lb
Beuran Hendricks 50/4(13)
55.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Hendricks picks up his fourth wicket and England lose their 8th wicket. Short of a length ball outside off, Woakes looks to push at it tamely and it goes towards the keeper off the inner half of his blade. Quinton de Kock makes no mistake and adds one more to his tally of Test dismissals.
55.5
.
Good length ball on middle, Woakes looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
The new man in is Chris Woakes.
55.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Short ball does the trick and Curran makes his way back to the pavilion after playing a valuable knock. Hendricks bowls a short ball around middle, Curran looks to play the hook shot but does not time it well. It goes straight into the hands of Dane Paterson at fine leg. England lead by 423 runs.
55.3
.
Outside off, pushed to point.
55.2
.
Length ball down the leg side, Curran looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it.
55.1
1lb
Good length delivery on the pads, Root looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the slip cordon and the batters manage to take a leg bye.
In over# 1
4
1
0
1
0
1
Dwaine Pretorius 62/1(15)
54.6
4
FOUR! Super shot this from Curran. Length ball around off, Sam comes down the track a bit and whacks it through mid off for a boundary.
54.5
1
The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
54.4
.
Just above the stumps. Good length delivery just over the stumps. Root looks to pull but misses.
54.3
1
This time Curran manages to punch it through the off side and gets a single to bring up the 200 for England.
54.2
.
Length delivery just outside off, Sam looks to cut but misses and gets beaten by a whisker.
54.1
1
On the pads, Root flicks it in front of square on the leg side and gets a single.
Dwaine Pretorius is back. 54 from his 14 overs and also a wicket so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
2
0
4
Beuran Hendricks 50/2(12)
53.6
1
Good length ball outside off, Root guides it to third man for a single.
53.5
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Full delivery outside off, Root goes to play the reverse scoop but fails to get any bat on it. Interesting shot selection by the English skipper!
53.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Curran flicks it firmly to deep mid-wicket for a single.
53.3
2
Full delivery on middle, Curran whips it towards mid-wicket for a couple.
53.2
.
Play and a miss! Good length ball outside off, Curran looks to guide it down to third man. Gets beaten.
53.1
4
FOUR! Hammered! Short ball on middle, Curran pulls it over mid on for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
1
1
Dane Paterson 18/1(13.3)
52.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Root looks to drive but it goes off the inside half of the bat back to the bowler.
52.5
1
Back of a length ball on off, punched to deep cover for a single.
52.4
1
Good length delivery on the pads, Root flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
52.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, Root dances down the track and looks to heave it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
52.2
1
Full on middle, Curran taps it to point for a single.
52.1
1
Short ball on middle, Root pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
4
2
0
0
4
Beuran Hendricks 42/2(11)
51.6
.
Good length ball on off, defended towards point.
51.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Short delivery outside off, Curran punches it off the back foot towards the extra cover region for a boundary. Magical!
51.4
2
EDGY! Fullish delivery on off, Curran looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes towards backward point. Keegan Petersen (sub) comes across and cleans it up. Two taken.
51.3
.
Very full delivery on middle, Curran drives it straight back to the bowler.
51.2
.
Length ball on off, Sam pushes it to point for nothing.
51.1
4
FOUR! Pulled away nicely. Short ball on off, Curran stands back to fetch it from out there and nails his pull over wide mid on for a boundary.
Beuran Hendricks is back on. 10-1-32-2 are his figures.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
0
Dane Paterson 14/1(12.3)
50.6
1
Good length ball down the leg side, Curran flicks it to fine leg for a single.
50.5
1
Root defends this length ball on off to point for a single.
50.4
1
On a length on off, Curran taps it to point and crosses over for a single.
50.3
.
BEATEN! Length ball outside off, Curran prods forward to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
50.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Root moves to the off side, Root works it to deep square leg for a single.
50.1
.
Fullish delivery on off, Root looks to drive but it takes the inside edge and goes onto hit the back knee.
In over# 1
0
4
4
0
1
0
Anrich Nortje 61/2(11)
49.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Curran taps it to point.
49.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Full delivery outside off, Curran looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and goes over the slip cordon for a boundary.
49.4
4
FOUR! Hammered! Back of a length ball outside off, Curran smashes it through the extra cover region for a boundary.
49.3
.
Short ball on middle, Curran pulls but finds the mid on fielder.
49.2
1
Length delivery outside off, Root drives it to deep cover for a single.
49.1
.
Full delivery on off, pushed to mid off.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
1
Dane Paterson 10/1(11.3)
48.6
1
Good length ball outside off, jagging back in. Root looks to guide but it goes off the gloves towards point for a single
48.5
1
Length ball outside off, Curran pushes it to deep point for a single.
48.4
.
Short ball around middle, Curran ducks under it.
48.3
.
Full delivery on off, Curran defends it to cover.
48.2
.
Good length ball on middle, Sam defends it out.
48.1
1
Good length ball on the middle stump line, Root looks to flick but it hits the inside edge and goes onto the pads. The ball rolls to square leg and they steal a single.
Sam Curran is the new man in.
In over# 1
0W
0
2
1
0
0
Anrich Nortje 52/2(10)
47.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Make that 201 dismissals for Quinton de Kock in Tests. Another failure for Jos Buttler. Short ball outside off, Buttler, without moving his feet, looks to punch but the ball takes the outside edge and goes towards the keeper. Quinton de Kock won't miss those as he takes a safe catch. England losing wickets in a heap but a lead of 377 runs at this stage has kept them on top!
47.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Buttler looks to drive but it takes the inside edge and rolls to the off side.
47.4
2
On middle, Buttler works it to deep square leg and takes a couple.
47.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Root works it to deep square leg for a single.
47.2
.
Good length ball outside off, keeping a little low. Root looks to defend but it takes the bottom edge of the bat and goes to first slip.
47.1
.
OUCH! That's nasty! Good length ball outside off, Root looks to defend but it hits the inside edge and hits him around the box. Root screams in extreme pain and crouches to the ground.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Dane Paterson 7/1(10.3)
46.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Buttler shoulders arms to this one.
46.5
.
Full delivery outside off, Buttler leaves the ball alone.
46.4
.
Back of a length ball on off, punched to cover off the back foot.
46.3
1
Good length delivery outside off, Root punches it to deep point for a single.
46.2
.
Length delivery outside off, Root dabs it towards backward point and comes out for a single but Buttler sends him back.
46.1
.
Fuller on off, Root defends it off the front foot.
Dane Paterson is back on! 9.3-0-6-1, his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
2
0
0
0W
4
Anrich Nortje 49/1(9)
45.6
4
FOUR! Absolutely superb! Short delivery outside off, Buttler stands tall and drives it through the extra cover region for a boundary.
45.5
2
Full delivery on middle, Buttler works it to mid-wicket for a couple.
45.4
.
Full delivery, driven to mid off.
45.3
.
Good length ball on off, tailing into the batsman. Buttler looks to defend but it seems to have gone off the thigh pad. The ball lobs up in the air and goes towards gully. Faf du Plessis dives ahead and takes the catch. Nortje appeals for LBW but the umpire is not interested. Faf appeals for the catch as well but umpire shakes his head. The replays roll in and they show that the ball had hit the thigh pad.
Jos Buttler is the new man in.
45.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Nortje gets Pope the second time in this game. South Africa keep on chipping away at the wickets. Short ball outside off, Pope looks to cut but it is too close to him. It takes the outside edge and goes towards the keeper. De Kock makes no mistake and pouches it safely. He celebrates and so do the others. 200 Test dismissals for de Kock. England lead by 367 runs!
45.1
4
FOUR! Beautifully played! Full delivery on middle, Pope flicks it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
0
Dwaine Pretorius 55/1(14)
44.6
.
On middle, Root defends it solidly to mid-wicket.
44.5
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Root lets it go to the keeper.
44.4
.
Length ball on off, Root guides it to gully.
44.3
.
Length ball on off, Root charges down the track and defends it to cover.
44.2
2
Low full toss on middle, Root flicks it to fine leg and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.
44.1
.
Fullish delivery on off, Root defends it to cover.
In over# 1
0
0
4
1
0
1
Anrich Nortje 39/0(8)
43.6
.
Just short! Back of a length ball outside off, Pope looks to cut but it takes the outside edge and goes on one bounce to the first slip fielder.
43.5
.
Full on middle, Pope plays it back to the bowler.
43.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery on middle and leg, Pope drives it through the mid on region for a boundary.
43.3
1
Back of a length ball on middle, Root works it to square leg for another single.
43.2
.
Nortje dishes another full ball on off, Root pushes it to mid off.
43.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Pope works it to mid-wicket for a single.
Anrich Nortje is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 53/1(13)
42.6
.
Fullish on middle, Root blocks it to mid on.
42.5
.
Full delivery outside off, Root pushes it to cover.
42.4
1
Good length ball on the pads, Pope tucks it to deep square leg and crosses over for a run.
42.3
.
Full on off, Pope drives it but finds the cover fielder.
42.2
.
Full delivery on off, Pope lunges forward and defends it to cover.
42.1
.
Fullish ball outside off, Pope shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0W
1
0
Beuran Hendricks 32/2(10)
41.6
1
Short ball on middle, Pope gets off the mark by pulling this to deep square leg for a single.
41.5
.
On middle, Ollie tucks it to mid-wicket.
41.4
.
Good length ball on off, Pope defends it to cover.
Ollie Pope is the new man in. He's the in-form batsman for England and has another opportunity to add a few more runs to his Test tally.
41.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Stokes goes after playing a good cameo. He was looking good but now he departs. Good length ball outside off, Stokes goes for the drive without moving his feet. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to first slip. Rassie van der Dussen takes the catch with utmost ease. England leading by 353 runs.
41.2
1
Outside off, Root guides it towards point. The gully fielder comes across, dives but fails to make the stop. The batters take a single.
41.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Root pushes it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
4
4b
1
0
4
0
Dwaine Pretorius 52/1(12)
40.6
4
FOUR! Cut away nicely! Short ball outside off, Stokes cuts it through the point region for a boundary.
40.5
4b
FOUR BYES! Quinton de Kock was in all sorts of trouble there. Full delivery on off, Stokes jumps across the stumps and looks to scoop it but misses. It hits Quinton who's blinded and turns to evade the bat of Stokes. The ball races behind for a boundary.
40.4
1
Length ball on off, Root taps it to point and crosses over for a single.
40.3
.
Fullish delivery on off, pushed to mid off.
40.2
4
FOUR! Poor bowling and it has been put away. Low full toss on middle, Root whips it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
40.1
.
Good length ball on off, Root defends it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
4
2
1
0
Beuran Hendricks 30/1(9)
39.6
.
Short ball around middle, Stokes looks to pull but fails to get any bat on it. The keeper is interested for the caught behind but no one else is interested. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there was no bat on it.
39.5
.
Excellent response from the the bowler. Short ball outside off, Stokes does well to sway away from it.
39.4
4
FOUR! Superb timing. Full delivery on off, Stokes punches it through mid off for a boundary.
39.3
2
Short ball on off, Stokes thumps it over mid on. The ball lands and then stops. The fielder comes across and cleans it up. Two taken.
39.2
1
Fullish ball outside off, Root pushes it to mid off and takes a single.
39.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Root defends it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
4
Dwaine Pretorius 43/1(11)
38.6
.
Fuller on off, Stokes punches it to cover to get through the over.
38.5
4
FOUR! Powerful wrist, great eye and great ambition from Stokes. Full outside off, Stokes uses his wrists and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
38.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Stokes punches it to cover.
38.3
.
Length delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.
38.2
.
Length ball on off, Stokes taps it to backward point.
38.1
4
FOUR! Malan's effort to stop the ball before the fence goes in vain. On middle and off, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket. Malan gives it a chase and slides and pulls it before the ropes but the ball turns and eventually touches the ropes.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
4
0
Beuran Hendricks 23/1(8)
37.6
1
On a length outside off, Stokes punches it towards cover and keeps the strike.
37.5
.
Length delivery around off, Stokes dabs it to point.
37.4
.
Fuller on off, Stokes pushes it to mid off.
37.3
1
Back of a length on off, Root pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
37.2
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Almost chopped on. Good length delivery on off and middle, Root looks to cut but the ball comes in and takes the inside edge of Root's willow. The ball misses the stumps and goes to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
37.1
.
Seam movement and low bounce on this one. It is on a length outside off, Root looks to defend but the ball keeps low and beats him up.
In over# 1
0
4
4
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 35/1(10)
36.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Stokes bends to sweep but fails to get any bat on it.
36.5
4
FOUR! Bang! Good length ball on off, Stokes puts on his dancing shoes and hammers it over mid on for a boundary.
36.4
4
FOUR! Whipped away nicely. Full delivery outside off, Stokes whips it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
36.3
.
Good length ball on off, Stokes comes down the track and then pushes it to mid off.
36.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to it.
36.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Stokes takes a few steps forward and blocks it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0W
1
1
Beuran Hendricks 17/1(7)
35.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Root leaves it alone. End of a successful over!
35.5
1
EDGY! Full delivery on middle, Stokes looks to flick but gets a leading edge which goes towards deep point. A single taken.
35.4
.
Length ball on middle, Stokes defends it out to the bowler.
The vice captain, Ben Stokes joins the skipper out in the middle.
35.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Sibley goes after getting another start. This is not a wicket-taking delivery but Hendricks won't mind. Beuran dishes a short of a length ball on middle and leg. Sibley tucks it to mid-wicket off the back foot. It goes uppishly, Pieter Malan stationed at mid-wicket tumbles and takes a good low catch. England lead by 309.
35.2
1
Back of a length delivery outside off, Root punches it to deep cover for a single.
35.1
1
Full delivery on off, driven to covers for a single.
In over# 1
0
3
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 26/1(9)
34.6
.
Short of a length delivery on off, Root taps it to gully.
34.5
3
Fullish delivery on middle, Sibley drives it through the mid off region. Keegan Petersen (SUB) races after it and makes a good stop. Three taken.
34.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Sibley defends it out to cover.
34.3
.
On the fourth stump line, Sibley lets it carry to the keeper.
34.2
.
Another one outside off, Sibley has no intention to play that.
34.1
.
Good length delivery outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.
Dwaine Pretorius to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 14/0(6)
33.6
.
Good shot for nothing! Full delivery outside off, Root drives to the cover fielder.
33.5
.
Fullish ball outside off, Root goes for an expansive drive but fails to get any bat on it.
33.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Sibley works it to square leg for a single.
33.3
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Dominic blocks it out onto the pitch.
33.2
.
Length ball on off, Sibley defends it solidly to cover.
33.1
.
Hendricks starts with a full delivery on middle, Sibley pushes it to mid off.
The third session is set to get underway!!! The South African players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by Dominic Sibley and Joe Root. Beuran Hendricks will start the proceedings with the ball.
... Day 3, Session 3 ...
On the basis of just the afternoon session, one can say it has been a shared one but in the context of this game, it has been England's one. The opening pair of Sibley and Crawley added 56 runs for the opening stand before the latter was dismissed. Denly too did not last long but Sibley is still there out in the middle along with his skipper. The tourists have taken their lead past 300 and have further 8 wickets in hand. South Africa, on the other hand, need to plan some way to keep picking wickets. They are clearly on the back foot and need to find some source of inspiration. To add salt to their wounds, they have gone one bowler short as Vernon Philander is out with a hamstring injury. Pretorius and Paterson have been the bowlers to get one wicket apiece so far. Will England continue to call the shots and end the day on a high or will we see a fightback from the hosts? Join us after the break to find out.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Pieter Malan 5/0(2)
32.6
.
Full delivery on off, Root drives it to covers for nothing. TEA ON DAY 3.
32.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Short of a length ball outside off, Root plays the late cut which goes through the gully region for a boundary.
32.4
.
Fullish on off, Root defends it to cover off the front foot.
32.3
.
That kept very low! Length ball outside off, keeping very low. Root looks to cut but misses it altogether.
32.2
.
Good length ball on middle, Root solidly blocks it out.
32.1
.
Very full delivery on middle, Root defends it out.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 6/1(9.3)
31.6
.
Good length ball on off, Sibley defends it back to the bowler.
31.5
1
OVERTHROWS! Full delivery on middle, Root works it to mid-wicket. The fielder throws it at the keeper's end and hits the stumps. The ball rolls to deep cover allowing the batters to take a single.
31.4
.
Down the leg side, Root looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it.
31.3
.
BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Root looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge and goes into the mitts of the keeper.
31.2
.
Fullish ball on middle, Root whips it to mid-wicket where the fielder makes a half stop and the ball rolls to mid on.
31.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Root drives it straight to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Pieter Malan 1/0(1)
30.6
.
Length ball outside off, Sibley does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.
30.5
.
Outside off, left alone by Dominic.
30.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
30.3
.
Very full delivery on middle, Sibley digs it out back to the bowler.
30.2
1
Short delivery outside off, Root cuts it to deep point for a single.
30.1
.
Malan starts with a full delivery on off, pushed to point.
Pieter Malan is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 5/1(8.3)
29.6
.
On a length on off, Sibley looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
29.5
.
BEATEN! That's really well bowled by Paterson. Good length ball outside off, Sibley attempts to defend but fails to get any bat on it. Paterson appeals but nothing from the umpire.
29.4
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Sibley solidly blocks it to short leg.
29.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
29.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Sibley pushes it to mid on.
29.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Sibley defends it to the mid on region.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 23/1(8)
28.6
.
Root solidly defends this length ball on off to cover.
28.5
.
Full delivery outside off, Root looks to defend but it takes the inside half of the bat and goes towards mid-wicket.
28.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Root whips it towards mid on.
28.3
.
Full delivery outside off, Root leaves it alone.
28.2
.
Pitches it up and around off, Root is tempted into a drive and does so slightly uppishly. Not carrying to short cover though.
28.1
.
Angles in a fuller length ball on middle, Root is right behind the line and offers a straight bat in defense.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 5/1(7.3)
27.6
.
Short ball outside off, Sibley punches it to cover.
27.5
.
Full delivery, defended towards cover.
27.4
.
NOT OUT! Beats the inside edge comfortably and it has gone off the thigh pad. Clear day light! South Africa lose their one review. Good length ball on off, nipping back in a shade. Sibley looks to defend after getting across the stumps but it seems to have gone off the thigh pad. De Kock and Paterson are convinced that he has edged that one. They ask du Plessis to go for the review and he obliges. The replays roll in and they show that there is daylight between the ball and the bat. It had brushed the thigh pad and then went into the keeper's gloves.
Huge shout for a caught behind! Quinton de Kock is celebrating. Dane Paterson is hopeful. Umpire Rod Tucker is shaking his head. A little conference among Faf du Plessis, de Kock and Paterson and South Africa opt for the DRS. DAYLIGHT in the replays. No bat. Review wasted.
27.3
.
Short ball outside off, Sibley sways from it.
27.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Sibley works it to mid-wicket.
27.1
.
Full delivery on off, Sibley defends it to cover.
In over# 1
0
0
4
1
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 23/1(7)
26.6
.
Outside off, left alone by the English skipper.
26.5
.
On off, Root blocks it.
26.4
4
FOUR! Tickled away fine down the leg side. It is a full ball on the pads, Root looks to flick but it goes off the inner half and kisses the pads. The ball goes fine down the leg side and goes to the fence.
Just in - Vernon Philander has been sent for scans on his right hamstring. If you remember, he pulled up in his second over and left the field. Seems we won't be seeing him in action again. What a sad end that would be!
26.3
1
Back of a length on off, Sibley defends it with soft hands towards the off side and gets a single.
26.2
.
Away from the off pole and Sibley leaves it alone.
26.1
.
Full on off, Sibley defends it off his front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Dane Paterson 5/1(6.3)
25.6
.
Full on off, Root blocks it to get through the over. Very good first over of his new spell from Paterson. It's a wicket maiden.
25.5
.
Back of a length on off, JR blocks it off his back foot.
25.4
.
This time Root defends it right off the meat of the bat.
25.3
.
Ohh! That was a beauty from Paterson. Full outside off, Root looks to defend but the ball moves away from him squaring him all ends up.
25.2
.
Fuller on off, Root looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge.
Joe Root, the skipper, is the new man in.
25.1
W
OUT! Played on! The change in bowling has done the trick for the Proteas and Denly joins Zak Crawley in the pavilion. Paterson bowls it full just around off. It nips in a bit. Denly looks to defend but leaves a good amount of gap between the bat and pad. The ball takes the inside edge, hits his pad and then goes onto uproot the off pole. Big wicket for South Africa as Denly has been one of the best batters in this English lineup.
Dane Paterson is back on. 5.3-2-5-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
1
Dwaine Pretorius 18/1(6)
24.6
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
24.5
.
Good length ball outside off, Sibley shuffles and looks to defend but gets an inside edge low onto his bat.
24.4
.
Length delivery outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.
24.3
1
Good length ball on off, Joe pushes it to cover for one.
24.2
.
A tempter this from Pretorius. It is full and at a nice pace to drive outside off. Denly does not fall in this honey trap and leaves it alone.
24.1
1
On off, Sibley plays it to point and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
1
3
0
0
4
1
Anrich Nortje 33/0(7)
23.6
1
Full on off, Sibley pushes it to covers and keeps the strike.
23.5
3
Very good shot but a half stop from Elgar. Full outside off, Denly gets on his front foot and drives it off the middle of the bat in a textbook fashion. Elgar at short cover dives to his left and gets his hands to it. He slows down the ball and Beuran Hendricks tries to pull it back before the ropes and does so successfully. Three taken by the batters.
23.4
.
Fuller on off, Joe blocks it.
23.3
.
Now sensibly leaves this ball outside off alone.
23.2
4
FOUR! Nicely tucked away from Denly. He is a good timer of the ball and gets off the mark in style. On middle and leg, Denly tucks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
23.1
1
Length delivery around off, Sibley shuffles and turns it to fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 16/1(5)
22.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Denly defends it out.
22.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
22.4
.
An appeal for LBW shut down. Full delivery on the pads, Denly looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Pretorius and the rest put up an appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Pretorius asks the skipper for the review but Faf thinks that it is going down the leg side. The Ball Tracker confirms that it was going over and away from the stumps.
22.3
.
Length ball on middle, Denly solidly defends it out.
22.2
.
Fullish delivery on off, Denly drives it to mid off where the fielder dives and makes a stop.
22.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Denly defends it out.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
4
Anrich Nortje 24/0(6)
21.6
.
Full delivery on off, Sibley pushes it to mid off.
21.5
.
On off, tapped to gully.
21.4
4
FOUR! This one is timed nicely though! Full delivery outside off, Sibley lunges and drives it through the extra cover region for a boundary.
21.3
.
Length ball on middle, Sibley tucks it to mid-wicket.
21.2
.
Length ball on middle, Sibley defends it to mid on.
21.1
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Good length ball on off, Sibley attempts to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge past the gully fielder for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
4
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 16/1(4)
20.6
.
Fullish on middle, worked to mid-wicket. Successful over comes to an end from Pretorius.
20.5
.
Full delivery outside off, Denly leaves the ball alone.
Joe Denly walks out at number 3!
20.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Pretorius finds the edge finally and Crawley has to go. This is brilliant bowling. Dwaine bowls a length ball around off, moving away with some extra zip. Crawley looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes to the right of the keeper. De Kock makes no mistake. Crawley is visibly disappointed on his way back to the pavilion. Once again he has wasted a start. England lead by 273!
20.3
4
FOUR! Creamed! Full delivery outside off, Crawley drives it through the cover region for a boundary.
20.2
.
Length ball on off, Crawley defends it out to cover.
20.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Crawley works it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 16/0(5)
19.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Sibley blocks it to cover.
19.5
.
Short ball around middle, Sibley ducks under it.
19.4
1
Fuller one on middle and leg, Crawley flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
19.3
.
Outside off, punched off the back foot to point.
19.2
.
Short ball on middle, Crawley pulls it and it goes on one bounce to the mid-wicket fielder.
19.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Crawley works it to mid-wicket.
Anrich Nortje is back on. 4-1-15-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
1
Dwaine Pretorius 12/0(3)
18.6
.
Now calmly leaves this one alone outside off.
18.5
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Sibley stretches and looks to drive but the ball goes off the outer half of his bat and flies through backward point. Pieter Malan tries to stop it with a dive after coming in from deep point but he fails to do so. Brings up the 50-run stand between the pair. These two ended the century run opening stand drought for England in the first innings and are well on course to achieve that once again.
18.4
.
On a length on off, Sibley blocks it.
18.3
.
Fuller on middle, DS pushes it to mid on.
18.2
.
Outside off, Dominic shoulders arms to it.
18.1
1
Huge appeal but nothing from the umpire. Good length delivery pitching outside off and coming back in. Crawley looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is an appeal but the umpire is unmoved and they take a run as the ball goes towards cover-point. It has been awarded as a run so the ball has kissed the bat.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
1
0
Beuran Hendricks 13/0(5)
17.6
.
On the pads, Sibley looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
17.5
1
In the air but safe. Back of a length on off, Crawley looks to pull but it comes off the upper half of his bat. Luckily for Zak it falls short of Petersen (sub) at deep mid-wicket. A little more of contact on that one and it would have gone straight to him.
17.4
1
On off, Sibley defends it with soft hands towards point and takes a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Would have been close had he hit.
17.3
.
Length ball on middle, Sibley looks to defend but it goes off the inner half of his bat towards mid-wicket.
17.2
1
Good length ball on off, Crawley gets on his back foot and pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a single.
17.1
.
Length delivery outside off, Crawley leaves it alone.
Drinks! The opening pair of Sibley and Crawley have strengthened England's position. They have slowly but steadily gone about their business and increased the lead to 260. The only way South Africa can make a comeback is by taking wickets and that too rapidly. An interesting passage of play awaits.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
1
Dwaine Pretorius 7/0(2)
16.6
4
UPPISH BUT FOUR! Just wide of the diving fielder at gully. Good length delivery outside off, Sibley looks to guide it past the man at gully but he does so uppishly. The fielder there dives but it goes just wide of his fingers and to the fence.
16.5
.
Pretorius pulls his length back and bowls it closer to the off stump. Dominic gets right behind the line of it and defends it.
16.4
.
No swing on this one. It is outside off and Sibley does not disturb that.
16.3
.
Around off, Sibley blocks it.
16.2
.
Full outside off, Sibley looks to defend but once again it goes off the outer half of the bat.
16.1
1
Full and shaping away just a tad. Crawley looks to push it straight but it goes off the outer half through covers for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 10/0(4)
15.6
.
Length ball on off, DS looks to defend but it goes towards point off the outer half of his bat.
15.5
.
Good ball from Hendricks. It just about pitches on leg and it straightens a bit. Sibley looks to defend but misses and gets hit high on the thigh pad off his back foot. Ohhzz and ahhzz from the South African players but nothing more.
15.4
.
On the pads, Sibley looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal for an lbw from the bowler but the umpire is unmoved.
Hendricks has been warned here. First official warning given to him for running on the danger area of the pitch. He will need to be careful here.
15.3
.
Bowls it in the channel of off stump, Sibley defends it with a straight bat.
15.2
.
Length delivery on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot.
15.1
.
Ouch that must have bruised him. Hendricks hits the deck hard on middle. The ball shoots up off the surface. Sibley looks to defend but the ball hits him on his glove and goes to the on side.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 2/0(1)
14.6
1
Good length ball on middle, Sibley works it to mid on and takes off for a single. The fielder comes ahead but fails to collect it cleanly.
14.5
.
BEATEN! Excellent delivery! Good length delivery outside off, Sibley looks to defend but it goes in between the bat and pad before travelling into the mitts of the keeper.
14.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Sibley lets it through to the keeper.
14.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Crawley drives it to mid on and takes a single. Nortje has a shy at the bowler's end and hits but Crawley has made his way in the crease before that.
14.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Crawley lets it go to the keeper.
14.1
.
Good length ball on off, Crawley defends it to point.
Dwaine Pretorius is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 10/0(3)
13.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Sibley blocks it towards mid on.
13.5
.
Short ball down the leg side, Sibley lets it go to the keeper.
13.4
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Sibley hops and blocks it out onto the pitch.
13.3
1
Length ball on the pads, Crawley tucks it to deep square leg for another run.
13.2
.
Full delivery on off, Crawley pushes it to mid off.
13.1
.
Play and a miss! Shorter in length outside off, Crawley looks to cut but misses the ball altogether.
In over# 1
1
4lb
0
2
0
0
Dane Paterson 5/0(5.3)
12.6
1
Short ball outside off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
12.5
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! Good length ball down the leg side, Crawley looks to flick but it goes off the pads towards fine leg for a boundary.
12.4
.
On a length on off, Crawley defends it out.
12.3
2
Well fielded! Short of a length ball on middle, Crawley pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Keegan Petersen, the substitute, comes across from deep mid-wicket, dives and makes an excellent save. Keeps the batsmen down to two.
12.2
.
Paterson dishes one on off, Zak defends it to the leg side and shouts a loud no to his partner.
12.1
.
Good length ball on off, Crawley blocks it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 9/0(2)
11.6
.
On middle and leg, Sibley works it to mid-wicket.
11.5
.
Back of a length ball on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot.
11.4
.
Full delivery on off, driven to mid off.
11.3
1
Fullish delivery on middle, Crawley works it to the leg side for a single.
11.2
.
Ohh! Good length ball, with extra bounce on it. Crawley looks to defend but it takes the top half of the bat and lobs off towards cover. It lands safely.
11.1
.
BEATEN! Lovely delivery! Good length ball on off, tailing in, Crawley looks to defend but the ball goes in between the pad and bat.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dane Paterson 2/0(4.3)
10.6
.
Good length delivery outside off, Sibley lets the ball through to the keeper.
10.5
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Sibley ducks under it. One for the over signals the onfield umpire.
10.4
.
Outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
10.3
.
Full delivery outside off, Sibley makes a leave to this one.
10.2
.
Short ball around middle, Sibley ducks under it.
10.1
1
Good length ball on middle, Crawley tucks it towards square leg for a single.
In over# 1
2
0
4
1
0
1
Beuran Hendricks 8/0(1)
9.6
2
Good length ball outside off, Sibley guides it towards gully where the fielders from point and gully converge but the ball goes in between them. The batters take a couple.
9.5
.
Outside off, left alone by Sibley.
9.4
4
FOUR! Thrashed! Full delivery outside off, Sibley takes a stride forward and then drives it through the cover region for a boundary.
9.3
1
Length ball on middle and leg, Crawley flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
9.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Crawley defends it to mid off.
9.1
1
Hendricks starts with a length ball on off, Sibley pushes it to cover and sets off for a single. The fielder from point runs ahead and then has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Had he hit, it might have been close.
Beuran Hendricks is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 1/0(3.3)
8.6
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Short delivery outside off, Crawley looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
The umpires get together to check the shape of the ball and they decide to change it.
8.5
.
Good length ball on middle, Crawley defends it back to the bowler.
8.4
.
Full delivery on off, driven to cover off the front foot.
8.3
.
Length ball on middle, Crawley defends it towards mid on.
8.2
.
On middle, Zak whips it to mid-wicket.
8.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Crawley drives it towards mid on for nothing.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
0
0
Anrich Nortje 15/0(4)
7.6
4
FOUR! Full delivery outside off, Sibley prods forward and slashes it through the gully region for a boundary.
7.5
.
Length ball on off, Sibley taps it to gully.
7.4
.
Full delivery on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
7.3
1
Good length ball on middle, with extra bounce on it. Crawley looks to defend but it goes off the gloves towards square leg. A single taken.
7.2
.
Short ball outside off, Crawley sways away from it.
7.1
.
Good length delivery on middle, Crawley works it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 1/0(2.3)
6.6
.
Length ball on middle, Sibley blocks it back to the bowler.
6.5
.
Full delivery outside off, left alone.
6.4
.
Good length ball on middle, Sibley works it to mid-wicket.
6.3
.
Outside off, left alone by Sibley.
6.2
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Sibley leaves the ball alone.
6.1
.
Full delivery outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1lb
0
0
Anrich Nortje 10/0(3)
5.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Crawley pushes it to mid on.
5.5
.
Length delivery outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to this one.
5.4
.
Full delivery outside off, Crawley defends it out.
5.3
1lb
Length ball on middle, Sibley looks to flick but it goes off the pads towards square leg. A leg bye taken.
5.2
.
On the bounce! Full delivery outside off, Sibley attempts to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes to second gully on the bounce.
5.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Sibley defends it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Dane Paterson 1/0(1.3)
4.6
.
Good length ball on middle, tucked to mid on.
4.5
.
On middle, Crawley solidly defends it to cover.
4.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Crawley looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
4.3
1
Good length ball on middle, Sibley works it to mid-wicket for a single.
4.2
.
Good length delivery on off, bouncing a little more. Sibley defends it with soft hands to square leg.
4.1
.
BEATEN! Very good delivery from Patterson. Fullish delivery outside off, Sibley is late in getting his bat down and the ball sneaks under his bat and into the mitts of the keeper.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 10/0(2)
3.6
.
Good length ball on middle, Crawley works it to mid-wicket.
3.5
4
FOUR! Hammered! Short ball on middle, Crawley stands tall and pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
3.4
.
Length ball on the pads, Crawley looks to work it to the leg side. He misses and gets hit on the pads.
3.3
.
Good length ball on off, Crawley guides it to gully.
3.2
.
Short ball outside off, Crawley sways away from it.
3.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Crawley pushes it to mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dane Paterson 0/0(0.3)
2.6
.
Good length delivery swinging into the batsman. Sibley decides to leave it but gets hit on the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head.
2.5
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Sibley allows it through.
2.4
.
Paterson starts with a good length delivery outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one as well.
Looks like Philander has injured himself and he is walking off the field. Dane Paterson to finish off his over. Philander was eager to continue but Faf du Plessis has made a smart choice here sending his bowler back to the pavilion and get checked by the physio. Good to lose him for a couple of overs than the whole of the innings.
2.3
.
Good length ball outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
2.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Sibley leaves the ball alone.
2.1
1
Full delivery on off, Crawley pushes it to cover and takes a single.
In over# 1
4
1
1
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 6/0(1)
1.6
4
EDGY FOUR! Nicely bowled from Nortje. Full delivery on off, Sibley looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes through gully for a boundary.
1.5
1
Back of a length ball on off, Crawley tucks it to the leg side and crosses over for a single.
1.4
1
England are underway! Full delivery on off, Sibley defends it to cover and takes a single.
1.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Sibley defends this ball back to the bowler.
1.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Sibley makes a leave to this one.
1.1
.
Nortje dishes a full ball outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
Anrich Nortje to partner Philander from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 0/0(1)
0.6
.
Length ball outside off, Crawley makes another leave.
0.5
.
Good length ball outside off, Crawley does not fiddle with it and leaves the ball alone.
0.4
.
Length ball outside off, Crawley makes a good leave to this one.
0.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Crawley pushes it to mid on.
0.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to this one.
0.1
.
Philander starts with a length ball on middle, with no swing whatsoever. Crawley stands tall and defends it out.
The news is that England have not enforced the follow-on. They will bat again and will build on their 217-run lead.
The question on everyone's mind is that whether England will enforce the follow-on. It looks highly unlikely as Root might want his bowlers to rest. South Africa are way behind in the game and they need a miracle to make a comeback. Join us in a while to find out what decision does England make.
South Africa, on the other hand, were disappointing as they have been all series. They were 88/6 at the start of Day 3 and things did not start well at all when Vernon Philander fell in the first over. Quinton de Kock and Dwaine Pretorius tried to resurrect the innings with a 79-run stand. Pretorius fell and the rest soon followed. They failed to avoid the follow-on and it remains to be seen whether England will enforce it or not.
What a bowling performance from England! They have bowled out South Africa for just 183 and have a chance to enforce the follow-on. The bowlers were right on the money since they came on to bowl on Day 2. They left South Africa reeling at 88/6 at the end of Day 2. They started well on Day 3 as well picking up the wicket of Vernon Philander in the first over of the day. Then came a partnership between Quinton de Kock and Dwaine Pretorius. Once Pretorius fell, it took the visitors few minutes to wrap up the innings. Mark Wood was the pick of the bowlers, picking up five wickets while Woakes and Stokes chipped in with two.
68.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! 5-fer for Wood! Brilliant performance from Mark Wood and he thoroughly deserves it. Full delivery outside off, Paterson looks to drive it off the front foot but it takes the outside edge and goes towards the keeper. Buttler takes the catch. SOUTH AFRICA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 183.
68.2
4
EDGY FOUR! Valuable runs! Full delivery outside off, Paterson looks to swing it away but it takes the outside edge and goes over the slip cordon for a boundary.
68.1
.
Good length ball on off, Paterson defends it to cover.
Lunch has been extended for half an hour.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
1wd
Ben Stokes 47/2(11)
67.6
.
Short ball on off, pushed to the off side.
67.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Full delivery on middle, Hendricks looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and the ball goes towards the point region for a boundary.
67.4
.
Good length delivery outside off, Hendricks pushes it to cover.
67.3
.
On middle, punched back to the bowler.
67.2
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
67.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Hendricks defends it back to the bowler.
67.1
1wd
WIDE! Short ball outside off, Hendricks looks to pull but misses. Wide signaled.
Dane Paterson is the last man in.
In over# 1
0W
0
1
0
1
0
Mark Wood 42/4(14)
66.6
W
OUT! BOWLED! What a delivery from Wood to get his fourth wicket. Brilliant stuff from de Kock. Full delivery on off, tailing in sharply. De Kock looks to drive but misses it altogether. The ball goes onto hit the top of middle stump. End of an excellent innings from de Kock. South Africa still 26 behind to avoid the follow-on.
66.5
.
Full delivery on the pads, de Kock looks to flick but misses. Gets hit on the pads.
66.4
1
Short of a length on middle, Hendricks works it to the leg side.
66.3
.
Full delivery on middle, defended back to the bowler.
66.2
1
Short ball on middle, de Kock pulls it with disdain towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder comes across and cleans it up. Only a single.
66.1
.
Good length ball on off, de Kock defends it out.
Mark Wood is back on.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
4
0
4
Ben Stokes 42/2(10)
65.6
.
The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man.
Beuran Hendricks is the new man in.
65.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Brilliant from Stokes and Crawley. Finally the stand is broken! Good length ball on off, bounces a little extra then expected. Pretorius looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes towards gully. Zak Crawley dives forward and takes an excellent catch. How long will they take to wrap up the innings?
65.4
1
Full delivery on middle, de Kock works it to deep square leg for a single.
65.3
4
EDGY FOUR! Back of a length ball on middle, de Kock looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and the ball goes towards deep point. The fielder from deep cover tries to cut it off but fails to cut it off. A boundary signaled.
65.2
.
Good length ball on off, defended towards gully.
65.1
4
FOUR! Cut away nicely! Short ball outside off, de Kock cuts it through the point region for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 38/2(17)
64.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Pretorius defends it back to the bowler.
64.5
1
Short ball outside off, de Kock punches it to deep cover for a single.
64.4
.
Full delivery outside off, de Kock drives it to cover.
64.3
.
Length ball on off, de Kock defends it to point.
64.2
.
On off, Quinton blocks it solidly towards the mid off fielder.
64.1
.
Full delivery on off, de Kock defends it to mid off.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 33/1(9)
63.6
.
On off, pushed towards mid off.
63.5
4
FOUR! Driven nicely. Full delivery on middle, Pretorius drives it straight past the bowler for a boundary.
63.4
.
Driven towards the mid off region.
63.3
.
BEATEN! Nicely bowled! Good length ball outside off, Pretorius looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it. Stokes appeals but the umpire shows no interest. Stokes wants Root to go for the review. Root asks Buttler whether there was an edge but Buttler says no.
63.2
.
Short ball outside off, Pretorius sways away from it.
63.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, Pretorius defends it off the back foot to gully.
Joe Root is not happy with the ball and has asked for a change in ball. The umpire obliges and calls for a new set of balls.
In over# 1
0
0
4
1
0
0
Chris Woakes 37/2(16)
62.6
.
Outside off, defended off the back foot.
62.5
.
Good length ball on middle, Quinton defends it to the bowler.
62.4
4
FOUR! Beautiful shot from de Kock. Fullish delivery on off, de Kock drives it through extra covers. Wood chases after it and then dives forward but the ball wins the race and enters the fence for a boundary.
62.3
1
On middle, Pretorius tucks it to deep square leg for a single.
62.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Pretorius shoulders arms to this one.
62.1
.
Good length ball on off, defended out solidly by Pretorius.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Ben Stokes 29/1(8)
61.6
.
Good length ball outside off, de Kock shoulders arms to this one.
61.5
.
BEATEN! Excellent bowling! Length ball outside off, de Kock attempts to defend but misses it altogether.
61.4
.
BEATEN! Nicely bowled! Good length delivery outside off, de Kock looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
61.3
.
Good length ball on off, de Kock defends it off the back foot to the bowler.
61.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Pretorius looks to defend but it takes the inside half of the bat and the ball goes to deep square leg. A single taken.
61.1
1
Short of a length ball outside off, punched to deep point for a single.
Ben Stokes is back into the attack. 7-1-27-1 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 32/2(15)
60.6
.
Full delivery on off, pushed to mid off.
60.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
60.4
.
Good length ball on off, Pretorius looks to defend but the ball hits the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head.
60.3
.
Full delivery on off, Dwaine blocks it back to Woakes.
60.2
.
Very full delivery on middle, Pretorius digs it out to mid on.
60.1
.
Full delivery on off, Pretorius pushes it to mid off.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
1
0
Sam Curran 25/1(12)
59.6
4
FOUR! Lovely batting! Full delivery outside off, de Kock lunges and drives it through the extra cover region for a boundary. 150 up for the hosts.
59.5
.
On middle, blocked back to Curran.
59.4
.
Fullish delivery on off, de Kock pushes it back to the bowler.
59.3
.
Good length ball on off, de Kock blocks it to point.
59.2
1
Fullish delivery on middle, Dwaine tucks it towards square leg for a single.
59.1
.
Good length ball down the leg side, Pretorius looks to flick but misses.
In over# 1
1
1
0
2
0
0
Chris Woakes 32/2(14)
58.6
1
Length ball on middle, Pretorius works it to the leg side for a single.
58.5
1
On middle, whipped to deep square leg for a single.
58.4
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
58.3
2
Full delivery outside off, de Kock looks to flick but it takes the inside edge and goes towards deep square leg. Two taken.
58.2
.
NOT OUT! It is going over the stumps. Good length delivery around off, swinging into the batsman. De Kock looks to leave the ball but gets hit on the pads. The English players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Woakes convinces Root to go for the review. The Ball Tracker rolls in and it shows that the ball was going over the stumps. England lose their first review.
Joe Root has gone for the review for LBW. Quinton de Kock is the man in question. It looks like it is going high. Let's see what happens.
58.1
.
Short ball on off, de Kock guides it to point.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 20/1(11)
57.6
.
Full delivery on middle, pushed towards mid on.
57.5
4
FOUR! What a shot that is! Full delivery on off, Pretorius prods forward and drives it through extra cover for a boundary.
57.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Pretorius defends it towards mid off.
57.3
.
On off, blocked to cover.
57.2
.
Full delivery on off, Pretorius pushes it to mid off.
57.1
.
Good length ball on off, Pretorius defends it to the off side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 28/2(13)
56.6
.
Fullish on off, de Kock pushes it to mid off.
56.5
.
On a length on middle, de Kock pushes it to point.
56.4
.
Good length ball on off, guided to gully.
56.3
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock pushes it back to the bowler.
56.2
.
Good length delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the back foot.
56.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Quinton pushes it to mid off.
Drinks! After the early loss of Vernon Philander, Quinton de Kock and Dwaine Pretorius have done well. The hosts are just 62 runs away from avoiding the follow-on and they would want this pair to continue on their good work. England, on the other hand, would look to finish off the tail as quickly as possible. Chris Woakes is back on. 12-5-28-2 are his figures.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Sam Curran 16/1(10)
55.6
.
Comes around the wicket and bowls a length ball outside off, Pretorius shoulders arms to this one.
55.5
.
Good length delivery on the pads, Pretorius looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. No harm done.
55.4
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Pretorius ducks under it.
55.3
.
On a length on off, Pretorius stands tall and blocks it to the cover fielder.
55.2
.
Good length ball on middle, Pretorius defends it back to the bowler.
55.1
1
Back of a length delivery outside off, de Kock pushes it to deep cover and takes a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Stuart Broad 27/0(14)
54.6
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Pretorius ducks under it.
54.5
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Short of a length delivery outside off, Pretorius goes for the cut but misses to get anything on it.
54.4
.
Short ball outside off, Pretorius looks to play the pull but fails to get any bat on it.
54.3
.
Good length ball on middle, Pretorius works it to mid on.
54.2
1
Short delivery outside off, Quinton pushes it to deep cover for a single.
54.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, de Kock taps it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Sam Curran 15/1(9)
53.6
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Pretorius looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it.
53.5
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Pretorius flicks it to mid-wicket.
53.4
.
Short of a length ball on middle, Dwaine tucks it to mid-wicket.
53.3
.
Curran lands it on a length on middle, Pretorius defends it back to the bowler.
53.2
.
On a length on middle, Pretorius works it to mid-wicket.
53.1
4
EDGY FOUR! Good length ball outside off, Pretorius looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and the ball goes past the gully fielder for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Stuart Broad 26/0(13)
52.6
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Qdk whips it to mid-wicket for nothing.
52.5
.
Length delivery on middle, Quinton defends it towards to mid on.
52.4
.
Length ball on middle, de Kock defends it out.
52.3
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock pushes it towards mid off.
52.2
.
On middle, defended back to the bowler.
52.1
2
FIFTY! 21st Test fifty! Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it to deep cover for a couple. Only one who has looked good in this innings so far. Can he continue to score a ton here?
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 11/1(8)
51.6
.
Length ball on middle, Pretorius looks to work it to the leg side but gets hit on the pads.
51.5
.
Full delivery down the leg side, Pretorius attempts the flick but fails to get any bat on it.
51.4
.
Full on middle, whipped to mid-wicket.
51.3
.
Good length delivery on middle and leg, Pretorius looks to flick but get hit on the thigh pad. There is a mild appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested.
51.2
.
Length ball down the leg side, Pretorius looks to flick but misses.
51.1
.
Curran starts with a full delivery on off, Pretorius defends it to cover.
Sam Curran is into the attack for the first time today. 7-3-11-1 are his figures.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Stuart Broad 24/0(12)
50.6
1
Length delivery on middle, Pretorius defends it towards mid off for a single.
50.5
.
Outside off, left alone by Pretorius.
50.4
.
On a length on middle, Dwaine pushes it back to the bowler.
50.3
.
Length ball on middle, Dwaine defends it to mid-wicket.
50.2
.
Full ball on off, Pretorius lunges and pushes it to mid off.
50.1
1
Very full delivery on off, Quinton looks to dig it out but it takes the inside edge and rolls to square leg. A single taken.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
4
0
Mark Wood 40/3(13)
49.6
.
Full delivery on off, Pretorius defends it to cover.
49.5
.
Length delivery outside off, Pretorius shoulders arms to it.
49.4
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Pretorius ducks under it.
49.3
1
Short ball outside off, de Kock punches it to deep cover for a single.
49.2
4
FOUR! Very well played from de Kock. Short ball around middle, de Kock plays the upper cut over the keeper's head for a boundary.
49.1
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock defends it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Stuart Broad 22/0(11)
48.6
.
Edgy! Fullish outside off, Pretorius looks to drive but it takes the inside edge and goes onto hit the pad.
48.5
.
Full delivery on off, Pretorius pushes it to cover.
48.4
.
Full delivery outside off, Pretorius shoulders arms to this one.
48.3
.
Full delivery on off, Pretorius pushes it to mid off.
48.2
.
Length ball on off, Pretorius defends it out off the back foot to cover.
48.1
4
EDGY FOUR! Full delivery outside off, Pretorius looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge and the ball goes past the gully fielder for a boundary. The fielder chases after it but fails to get there in time.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
2
Mark Wood 35/3(12)
47.6
.
Length delivery on middle, de Kock works it to mid-wicket.
47.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Just wide of Stokes! Fullish delivery around off, de Kock attempts to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes past the diving Stokes at second slip and into the third man fence.
47.4
.
OHH! That was close! Short of a length ball around middle, de Kock looks to defend but it takes the top half of the bat and lobs up in the air. It lands just short of the bowler.
47.3
.
Full on middle, Quinton prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.
47.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, de Kock defends it to mid-wicket.
47.1
2
Fullish delivery on off, de Kock pushes it to deep cover and picks up a couple.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 18/0(10)
46.6
.
Outside off, left alone by Dwaine.
46.5
4
FOUR! That's a top shot from Dwaine Pretorius! Back of a length ball outside off, Pretorius creams the drive through the cover region for a boundary.
46.4
1
On a length on off, de Kock stands tall and then defends it to cover for a single.
46.3
.
Full delivery on off, pushed to cover.
46.2
.
On middle, de Kock works it to mid on.
46.1
.
Just short! Very lucky for Quinton de Kock. Broad starts with a full delivery on middle, de Kock looks to defend but gets squared up. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to first slip where the fielder collects it on one bounce.
Stuart Broad is back on. 9-3-13-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
0
3
0
0
1
Mark Wood 29/3(11)
45.6
4
FOUR! This is excellent batting from Pretorius. Wood bowls a full delivery on off, Pretorius lunges and then drives it through mid off for a boundary.
45.5
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Pretorius defends it back to the bowler.
45.4
3
Full delivery outside off, de Kock drives it through the cover region and takes three before Sam Curran can chase it and clean it up.
45.3
.
Very full delivery on middle, Quinton pushes it back to Wood.
45.2
.
Length ball outside off, de Kock shoulders arms to this one.
45.1
1
Back of a length delivery on the pads, Pretorius tucks it to deep square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
4
Chris Woakes 28/2(12)
44.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
44.5
.
On middle, defended back to the bowler.
44.4
1
Woakes dishes a good length ball on middle, Pretorius looks to defend but the ball takes the inside half of the bat and it goes to backward square leg. The batters take a single. 100 up for the hosts.
44.3
.
Full delivery on off, Pretorius defends it to cover.
44.2
.
Length ball outside off, Dwaine lets it through to the keeper.
44.1
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery outside off, Pretorius lunges and drives it through mid off for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 21/3(10)
43.6
.
Length delivery outside off, de Kock leaves it alone. Maiden over from Wood.
43.5
.
Good length delivery on the pads, de Kock looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The ball lobs off to square leg.
43.4
.
Fullish outside off, de Kock lets the ball through to the keeper.
43.3
.
De Kock shoulders arms to this good length ball outside off.
43.2
.
Length ball outside off, Quinton makes another leave to the keeper.
43.1
.
Fullish delivery outside off, de Kock shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
2
0W
4
1
0
Chris Woakes 23/2(11)
42.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Pretorius defends it back to the bowler.
42.5
2
On a length on off, Pretorius looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge and past the diving point fielder. Pretorius is off the mark with a couple.
Dwaine Pretorius is the new man in.
42.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Not the best ball that Woakes bowled but it has fetched him a wicket. Fullish delivery on the pads. Philander looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and goes way up in the air towards cover. Stuart Broad settles himself under it and takes the simplest catches. South Africa still 107 runs behind to avoid the follow-on.
42.3
4
FOUR! Punched away nicely! Short ball outside off, Philander stands tall and punches it through the cover region to get his first boundary.
42.2
1
Back of a length ball on off, de Kock guides it to gully and takes a single. First run of the day.
42.1
.
Woakes starts with a fuller one outside off, de Kock shoulders arms to this one.
Chris Woakes will bowl from the other end. 10-5-16-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
0
0
0
Mark Wood 21/3(9)
41.6
.
Wood starts with a full delivery on middle, Philander defends this solidly to the bowler.
We are all set to get underway! Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander make their way out to the middle with the hosts struggling at 88/6. The England players are in a huddle and take their respective positions in the field. Mark Wood will finish his over.
Day 3, called the moving day but things have already moved in favour of the visitors. They have left South Africa reeling at 88/6 and are still leading by 312 runs. They would look to take the remaining 4 wickets quickly and then decide to enforce the follow-on or not. The hosts, on the other hand, would look upon Quinton de Kock to get them to 200 first and avoid the follow-on. Good news is that there is no rain at the moment in Johannesburg and we are going to have a prompt start. It promises to be an exciting Day 3. Do join us in a while.
... Day 3, Session 1 ...
So, what to expect on Day 3? England will be looking to pick up the remaining wickets quickly while South Africa will look to get runs and their first target will be to avoid the follow-on. Will they be able to avoid it or will the visitors continue to dominate them? Join us for Day 3 on 26th January, Sunday for an engrossing Day of Test match cricket. Till then, take care.
Now coming onto the batting of the Proteas. They have been poor throughout the series and here it was no different. They started cautiously and were going at a run rate of around 1. That cost them and they lost wickets at regular intervals. None of the batsmen applied themselves and they faltered. Quinton de Kock, like he has done all series was the only one to fight it out. They are still 312 runs behind and it looks highly improbable that they will even get close to that score.
England bowlers came out all guns blazing. They could not pick a wicket before Tea but were outrageous in the session after that. They have reduced the hosts to 88/6 at the stroke of Stumps and South Africa are reeling at the moment. Except Broad, whoever bowled got into the wickets column with Wood picking up three. Woakes, Curran and Stokes bowled with extreme precision and were exceptional.
What a day it has been for England! It all started with that 100-run stand between Root and Pope where they helped their side to reach around 250. They lost their way a bit and looked set to be bowled out below 320 but the last wicket stand between Broad and Wood was like a thorn in the flesh for the hosts. They added 82 runs in quick time and got England to 400. It was a very good score on this wicket.
41.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! The nightwatchman is sent packing and that also is STUMPS ON DAY 2! Coming to the ball, it was a full ball angled into the off stump, Nortje tries to push it straight to the bowler. In the process he gets an outside edge which flies low towards gully where Joe Denly takes a superb catch.
41.4
1
Once again a short ball on off, de Kock pulls it towards mid-wicket for a single.
41.3
.
Back of a length and outside off, de Kock hops and looks to keep it out only to get an inside edge. The ball goes over the stumps and rolls towards the keeper.
41.2
.
Short ball outside off, de Kock pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple.
41.1
.
Full ball outside off, it keeps low too. De Kock looks to drive it only to get beaten as the ball sneaks between the bat and pad.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
4
0
Ben Stokes 27/1(7)
40.6
.
Full on middle, Nortje defends it to short leg this time.
40.5
.
Once again, Nortje defends it to mid on.
40.4
.
Nortje blocks the ball off the back foot towards mid on.
40.3
1
Length delivery on off, driven towards mid off for a single.
40.2
4
FOUR! Short ball on middle and leg, de Kock just helps it on his way through fine leg and the ball runs to the fence.
40.1
.
De Kock pushes this full ball on middle back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Mark Wood 20/2(8)
39.6
.
Length ball on off, defended off the back foot.
39.5
.
Length ball down the leg side, Nortje looks to flick it to the leg side but fails to get ball on ball.
39.4
.
Back of a length ball around off, Nortje looks to defend it to the off side but the ball bounces a tad more and goes past the outside edge as Anrich hops to block it.
39.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, Nortje chooses not to play at it.
39.2
.
Back of a length ball on off, Nortje hops and defends it back to the bowler.
39.1
1
Full ball outside off, de Kock drives it through covers. The ball will not reach the fence as there is protection out there. The batsmen are content with a single.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
1
Ben Stokes 22/1(6)
38.6
.
Length ball outside off, Nortje lets it be.
38.5
2
Nortje now drives this full ball through mid on and gets a couple.
38.4
.
Outside off, Anrich leaves it alone.
38.3
.
Another back of a length ball on off, Nortje once again is surprised as he defends it in a confused way.
38.2
.
Short ball on off, well-directed one too. Nortje hops and defends it awkwardly towards short leg, where it just falls short of Ollie Pope.
38.1
1
Full ball outside off, de Kock pushes it towards long off and takes a single.
In over# 1
0
4
0W
0
0
0
Mark Wood 19/2(7)
37.6
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
37.5
4
FOUR! Nice way to get off the mark. Full delivery on the pads, Nortje flicks it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.
Anrich Nortje is the new man in. He is sent as a nightwatchman here.
37.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Stokes has collected it cleanly and Bavuma has to make his way back to the pavilion. Short of a length ball on off, Bavuma looks to defend off the back foot but gets an outside edge towards second slip. Ben Stokes lunges forward and takes the catch. He gets up and starts celebrating. Bavuma is not going anywhere as he is not sure that it is a clean catch. The umpires want to check and they go upstairs. The soft signal is out. The replays roll in and they show that Stokes had his fingers underneath the ball. South Africa keep on crumbling.
The umpires are going upstairs to check whether it is a clean catch. The soft signal is out.
37.3
.
Length ball on middle, Bavuma looks to defend but get hit near the box.
37.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Temba shoulders arms to this one.
37.1
.
BEATEN! Short ball outside off, Bavuma attempts the cut but fails to get any bat on it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 19/1(5)
36.6
.
Back of a length ball on off, de Kock defends it off his back foot towards the slip cordon.
36.5
.
Another length ball outside off, de Kock is not interested to play at it.
36.4
.
Length delivery angling away from Quinton, he lifts his bat and lets the ball through.
36.3
.
Short ball on off, de Kock does well to drop his wrists and sway away from the line of the delivery.
36.2
.
Length ball outside off, de Kock decides to not touch it.
36.1
.
Full and on middle, de Kock drives it straight to the man at mid on.
Ben Stokes is back on. 4-0-19-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Mark Wood 15/1(6)
35.6
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Bavuma hops inside the crease and defends it towards short leg.
35.5
.
Bavuma lets the ball go outside his off stump.
35.4
.
Once again the batsman leaves it alone as it is outside off and not in his playing zone.
35.3
.
Outside off, Bavuma lets it go.
35.2
1
Full and on the pads, de Kock flicks it to fine leg and goes to the other end.
35.1
.
BEATEN! De Kock plays a rash shot only to not get an edge. Wood serves one on a length and outside off, de Kock frees his arms but fails to get wood on the ball.
Mark Wood is back into the attack. 5-1-14-1 , his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
1
Stuart Broad 13/0(9)
34.6
1
Full on the pads, de Kock flicks it through square leg and retains the strike.
34.5
1
Bavuma drives this full ball towards covers and gets to the other end.
34.4
.
Bavuma leaves this length ball outside off for the keeper.
34.3
.
BRAVE LEAVE! Now, Broad brings one into the right-hander. Bavuma shoulders arms to it. The ball is not far away from kissing the off pole.
34.2
.
BEATEN! Length delivery swinging away. Bavuma looks to just punch it off the back foot. The ball further swings away and goes past the outside edge.
34.1
1
Length delivery outside off, de Kock drives it through covers for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 16/1(10)
33.6
.
Outside off, pushed off the back foot towards point.
33.5
.
Full delivery down the leg side, Bavuma looks to flick that but he misses it.
33.4
.
Good length and on off, Bavuma drives but not from the middle of the willow. He finds cover there.
33.3
.
Length delivery outside off, Bavuma is happy to let that go.
33.2
.
Back of a length ball on off, angling into Bavuma, who hops and looks to fend it only to get hit on the belly.
33.1
.
Length ball around off, Bavuma compactly defends it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Stuart Broad 10/0(8)
32.6
.
Outside off, de Kock drives it only to find mid off.
32.5
.
Full ball on off, de Kock does well to dig it out.
32.4
.
De Kock looks to drive this through the off side but gets it off the inside half of the bat towards mid-wicket.
32.3
.
BEATEN! De Kock is lucky not to edge that one behind. He looks to defend this length ball outside off but the ball goes past the outside edge.
32.2
.
Quinton drives this length delivery straight to mid off.
32.1
1
Length ball outside off, Bavuma taps it towards gully and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
1
0
Chris Woakes 16/1(9)
31.6
.
Outside off, punched off the back foot to the off side.
31.5
4
FOUR! Beautiful timing on that. Full ball on middle, de Kock presents the full face of the bat and drives it past the bowler. The ball hurries towards the fence at long off for a boundary.
UNDER-19 WORLD CUP UPDATE - Great news for South African fans! The colts have emerged victorious over their match against the United Arab Emirates and have qualified for the quarter-finals. They meet Bangladesh at Potchefstroom on Thursday, 30th January, 2020. All the best to them!
31.4
1
Length delivery outside off, Bavuma drops it in front of covers and takes off for a quick single.
31.3
.
Good length and outside off, Bavuma plays it to point.
31.2
1
De Kock punches the ball off the back foot through covers and scampers for a single.
31.1
.
Back of a length and on off, de Kock taps it towards point and looks for a single. He is sent back by his partner who is ball watching at the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 9/0(7)
30.6
.
Once again Bavuma is content with leaving the ball outside off.
30.5
.
Outside off, Bavuma leaves it.
30.4
.
BEATEN! Nicely bowled by Broad there. He goes a bit fuller and swings away from the forward push of Bavuma. The ball goes past the outside edge.
30.3
.
Length ball outside off, Temba leaves it for the keeper to do the rest.
30.2
.
Back of a length and on middle, Bavuma defends it towards short leg.
30.1
.
Full and outside off, Bavuma drives it to point.
In over# 1
3
0W
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 10/1(8)
29.6
3
Full delivery outside off, Bavuma drives it through the cover region for three. The fielder chases after it and slides to make the stop.
Temba Bavuma walks in to bat. South Africa are in need of a partnership. But before that, they need to avoid any more wickets falling tonight.
29.5
W
OUT! LBW! Umpire's call it is and du Plessis fails yet again. This is brilliant bowling from Woakes though. Good length ball on off. Gets the ball to come back into the batsman. Du Plessis looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. Woakes and the rest appeal and the umpire gives it out. Faf discusses with Quinton and goes for the review. Woakes is fine on the no ball front. The Ball Tracker then comes in and it shows that it is umpire's call on hitting the stumps. Review retained but they lose their skipper. Woakes deserves this wicket as he has been brilliant since he came into the attack. Can South Africa survive without losing any more wickets till Stumps?
Faf has gone for the review for LBW! He has been given out. It looks like it is going over the stumps. Let's see what happens.
29.4
.
Good length ball on off, Faf solidly blocks it out.
29.3
.
Full delivery on off, du Plessis lunges forward and blocks it to cover.
29.2
.
Full delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it to mid on.
29.1
.
Good length ball outside off, du Plessis shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Stuart Broad 9/0(6)
28.6
.
Fuller one outside off, de Kock shoulders arms.
28.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
28.4
.
Fullish ball outside off, de Kock lets the ball go to the keeper.
28.3
.
Length ball on middle, de Kock defends it to mid on.
28.2
4
FOUR! Whipped away nicely. Fullish ball on the pads, de Kock whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
28.1
.
Broad starts with a good length ball on off, de Kock defends it out.
DRINKS! Stuart Broad is back on. 5-2-5-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 7/0(7)
27.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Faf shoulders arms to this one.
27.5
.
Length ball on off, du Plessis defends it out to the bowler.
27.4
.
Back of a length ball outside off, Faf does not fiddle with it and leaves the ball alone.
27.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
27.2
.
Good length ball outside off, du Plessis makes a leave to this one.
27.1
.
Full delivery outside off, du Plessis shoulders arms to this one.
Chris Woakes is back on. 6-3-7-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
0
4
1
0
0
Sam Curran 11/1(7)
26.6
2
Full and on the pads, de Kock flicks it through square leg. The fielder from mid on and fine leg both run towards the ball and the latter runs across to his right to save a couple.
26.5
.
Full ball on off, de Kock is happy to keep it out.
26.4
4
FOUR! Back of a length ball outside off, de Kock cuts it late and goes through vacant gully for a boundary at third man.
26.3
1
Full and on the pads, Faf flicks it towards fine leg and gets off strike.
26.2
.
Du Plessis defends this length ball off the back foot.
26.1
.
Length delivery outside off, Faf does not fiddle with it.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
2
Ben Stokes 19/1(4)
25.6
4
FOUR! Shot that has been crunched. Stokes overpitches slightly around off and de Kock is quick to get on the front foot and drive it through covers for a boundary.
25.5
.
Length ball angled into de Kock pushes it off the back foot towards mid on.
25.4
.
Length ball on off, pushed back to the bowler.
25.3
.
Short and outside off, Quinton leaves it alone.
25.2
.
Length and on middle, pushed to mid-wicket.
25.1
2
Full and on middle, de Kock flicks it through mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a couple.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 4/1(6)
24.6
.
On middle, Faf defends it solidly onto the pitch.
24.5
.
On middle, whipped to mid-wicket.
24.4
.
Full delivery outside off, du Plessis lets the ball go to the keeper.
24.3
.
Short of a length ball on the pads, du Plessis works it to square leg.
24.2
.
Full delivery on middle, du Plessis works it to mid-wicket.
24.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, du Plessis defends it to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 13/1(3)
23.6
.
Nasty! Good length ball on off, bouncing a little more than expected. De Kock looks to defend but gets hit on the gloves.
Quinton de Kock is the new man in.
23.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Soft dismissal for Elgar. Dean plays it irresponsibly to go back to the pavilion. Stokes goes short and wide outside off and Elgar goes to cut it uppishly. But he fails to clear the in-field and gives a simple catch to Chris Woakes at point. Completely uncharacteristic way to get out. South Africa reeling now!
23.4
1
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
23.3
.
Stokes bowls one on a length and on middle and leg. The ball Faf looks to take evasive action but the ball hits his ribs and goes to fine leg fence. Since du Plessis was not offering any shot it is called as a dead ball.
23.2
.
Back of a length ball on off, Faf defends it towards mid on.
23.1
.
Length delivery outside off, du Plessis defends it off the front foot towards cover.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 4/1(5)
22.6
.
BEATEN! Elgar is facing the heat here. He gets beaten once again while poking at a length ball outside off.
22.5
1
Length ball on the pads, du Plessis flicks it off his hips towards fine leg and gets to the other end.
22.4
.
Length ball on off, Faf defends it with the full face of the bat towards mid off.
22.3
.
Full and on middle, driven straight to the man at mid on.
22.2
.
On middle and off, Faf defends it off the back foot to mid off.
22.1
.
Curran bowls one down the leg side and Faf lets it go through.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Ben Stokes 12/0(2)
21.6
.
Length ball outside off, Elgar shoulders arms to it.
21.5
.
Length ball outside off, Elgar looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.
21.4
.
Good length ball on middle, Elgar works it to the leg side.
21.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Elgar tucks it to mid-wicket.
21.2
.
Outside off, left alone by Elgar.
21.1
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Elgar has really been lucky here! Edges has not gone to hand. Full delivery outside off, Elgar looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and the ball goes through the gully region for a boundary.
Faf du Plessis is the new man in.
In over# 1
0W
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 3/1(4)
20.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Curran into the wickets now. He was bowling superbly and was constantly hitting the hard length. This time he bowls a wobble-seam delivery on middle and gets a hint of away movement as Rassie looks to defend it off the back foot. The ball catches the shoulder of the bat and flies towards second slip where Stokes accepts the catch gleefully. South Africa's same old story continues.
20.5
.
Length delivery defend off the front foot towards mid-wicket.
20.4
.
Rassie defends the length ball off the back foot.
20.3
.
Length ball on middle, Rassie drives it to mid on.
20.2
.
Rassie leaves this length ball outside off alone.
20.1
.
Cracker of a nut there. He bowls one on a length and takes the ball away from Rassie. Van der Dussen looks to defend it from within the crease and has a feel for the ball as it sneaks past the outside edge.
Sam Curran is back on. 3-1-3-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
4
0
Ben Stokes 8/0(1)
19.6
.
On off, defended off the back foot.
19.5
4
FOUR! Length ball on off, Elgar looks to defend it off the back foot only to get an outside edge. The ball rolls past the second slip fielder and into the third man fence for another boundary.
19.4
.
Once again outside off and Elgar leaves it for the keeper to do the rest.
19.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
19.2
4
FOUR! On the pads and Elgar says thank you as he flicks this one through mid-wicket and the ball runs to meet the boundary cushions.
19.1
.
BEATEN! Elgar is beaten on the outside edge for the umpteenth time in this innings. This time Stokes angles one away and Elgar looks to run it down only to miss it.
Ben Stokes is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
1
0
Mark Wood 14/1(5)
18.6
.
Van der Dussen leaves this length delivery outside off to begin with.
Rassie van der Dussen is the new man in.
18.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Finally Wood's persistence pays off. He was constantly probing that line outside off and this time Malan cannot resist his instincts and pokes at a delivery which was leaving him. He gets a thick outside edge and goes to the keeper. Buttler there makes no mistake and starts celebrating. Wood is over the moon and why won't he be? Wood and England have been excellent after Tea.
18.4
.
Wood goes full and angles one into Malan and then straightens it. Malan looks to drive only to get a thick outside edge which falls just short of the man at gully.
18.3
.
Malan is not going to fiddle with any delivery outside off as he shoulders arms once again.
18.2
1
Full and on middle, Elgar just pushes it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
18.1
.
Good length and outside off, Elgar is not interested to play it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Chris Woakes 7/0(6)
17.6
.
On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
17.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Malan defends it out to the bowler.
17.4
.
The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
17.3
.
BEATEN! Full delivery outside off, Malan looks to defend but gets beaten. They appeal but the umpire is not interested. The English do not go for the review. Wait a minute, the Ultra Edge rolls in and it looks close. There is a spike on it. Not sure whether the ball has gone off the outside edge or the noise is off the bat hitting the pad.
17.2
1
Full delivery on off, Elgar pushes it back to Woakes who makes a half stop. The ball rolls towards mid on and the batters take a single.
17.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Malan works it to short leg and takes off for a single. Woakes runs across, picks up the ball and throws it at the keeper's end. He misses.
In over# 1
0
4
1
4
0
0
Mark Wood 13/0(4)
16.6
.
Short ball and Elgar ducks under it. The keeper there leaps in the air to collect it.
16.5
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Elgar is a lucky man there. He once again goes for the drive on this length ball outside off without any footwork and once again gets an inside edge on it. The ball goes past the stumps and falls just near the keeper who is diving to his right. The ball evades him and runs to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
16.4
1
Malan now gets an inside edge on the defense. The ball goes past the short leg fielder and the batsmen manage to rotate the strke.
16.3
4
FOUR! Back of a length ball outside off, Malan throws the kitchen sink at it as he gets a top edge and the ball flies over the slip cordon and into the fence at third man for a boundary.
16.2
.
Once again Malan looks to leave the ball that is coming in and once again he is struck on the arm.
16.1
.
Outside off, pushed to the off side off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Chris Woakes 5/0(5)
15.6
.
Second time in a row Elgar is beaten on the outside edge as he looks to defend this length ball.
15.5
.
Another delivery where the batsman gets beaten. Length ball outside off, Elgar looks to defend only to get beaten on the outside edge.
15.4
.
Full and on off, pushed to mid-wicket.
15.3
.
BEAUTY OF A DELIVERY! Elgar is completely squared up on this. Woakes bowls in the channel outside off and Elgar looks to defend but the extra bounce on the ball once again means that the ball goes past the outside edge.
15.2
.
outside off, Elgar defends it off the back foot.
15.1
4
EDGY FOUR! Elgar is lucky there to not edge it behind to the slips. He sees the width and goes for a drive only to get a thick outside edge as the ball flies past the vacant gully region. The ball had some extra bounce on it too as it raced to the fence for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 4/0(3)
14.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
14.5
.
OUCH! That must have pinged Malan there. Back of a length ball on middle, It comes back into Malan. Pieter there looks to leave it by dropping his wrists but the ball hits his arm and rolls towards point.
14.4
.
This time Wood makes Malan play by bowling close to off stump. Malan defends it to point off the front foot.
14.3
.
Malan chooses not to fiddle with this length delivery outside off.
14.2
.
BEATEN! Wood angles the ball into Malan and then makes it to straighten it. Malan plays for the original line and gets beaten on the forward push.
14.1
.
Outside off, Malan lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 1/0(4)
13.6
.
Elgar is not tempted to play any ball outside off as he lifts his bat and lets the ball go through.
13.5
.
Once again outside off and Elgar is happy to leave it.
13.4
.
Length delivery on off, pushed back to the bowler.
13.3
.
Length ball on off, Elgar taps it to point.
13.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Left alone.
13.1
.
BEATEN! Angled away from the left-hander. Woakes pitches on a length and around off, Elgar goes for a drive without any footwork only to get beaten on the outside edge.
Chris Woakes will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Mark Wood 4/0(2)
12.6
.
Malan shoulders arms to this length ball outside off without any fuss.
12.5
.
On off, kept out.
12.4
.
Length ball outside off, going away from Malan. He just lets it be.
12.3
2
Full and on middle, Malan looks to flick but it takes an inside edge and goes through square leg for a couple.
12.2
.
Full and angled into middle, Malan pushes it to mid on.
12.1
.
Length ball outside off, Malan shoulders arms to it.
We are back for the final session. Dean Elgar and Pieter Malan walk out to bat. Mark Wood will start the proceedings for the visitors in the final session with the ball.
... Day 2, Session 3 ...
So, South Africa survive the tricky phase before the Tea break. They were good in leaving the balls outside off and not fiddling with everything thrown at them by the English bowlers. The England bowlers were spot on as usual. They kept it simple and made the ball talk on a few occasions. Earlier, South Africa fluffed the chance of bowling England under 350 and they had to pay a heavy price for it as the last wicket pair of Broad and Wood frustrated them with an 82-run stand. An intriguing final session awaits us after the break. Do join us to find out how many overs more can the South African openers survive?
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Chris Woakes 1/0(3)
11.6
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Elgar defends it out to the bowler. TEA ON DAY 2.
11.5
.
Play and a miss! Full delivery outside off, Elgar looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it.
11.4
.
Full delivery outside off, Elgar shoulders arms to this one.
11.3
1
Fullish delivery on off, Malan looks to defend off the front foot but it takes the inside edge and goes towards square leg. The batters take a single.
11.2
.
Full delivery on off, Malan lunges forward and defends it out to point.
11.1
.
Full delivery outside off, Malan lets the ball go to the keeper.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Mark Wood 2/0(1)
10.6
1
Good length ball on middle, Malan works it to mid-wicket for a single.
10.5
.
Good length ball on middle, Malan defends it to the bowler.
10.4
.
Good length ball on off, pushed to point.
10.3
.
Length ball on middle, Malan tucks it to short leg.
10.2
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Malan shoulders arms to this one.
10.1
1
Short ball outside off, Elgar punches it off the back foot to cover and takes a single.
Mark Wood is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 0/0(2)
9.6
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Pieter pushes it to mid on.
9.5
.
Full delivery outside off, Malan defends it to point.
9.4
.
On middle, whipped to mid-wicket.
9.3
.
BEATEN! Beautiful piece of bowling! Length ball outside off, tailing away. Malan looks to defend but misses it altogether.
9.2
.
Fuller one outside off, Malan shoulders arms to this one.
9.1
.
Good length ball on middle, Malan defends it towards the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
1
0
Stuart Broad 5/0(5)
8.6
.
BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Elgar looks to defend off the back foot but the ball angles away and beats the outside edge of the bat.
8.5
.
On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
8.4
.
Length ball on off, Elgar defends it to point.
8.3
1
Full delivery on middle, with some movement taking it down the leg side. Malan looks to flick but it takes the inside edge of the bat and goes towards fine leg for a single.
8.2
1
Full delivery on off, Elgar defends it to point and takes off for a single. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Had he hit, it would have not mattered as the batter was in though.
8.1
.
Full delivery outside off, moving in. Elgar shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chris Woakes 0/0(1)
7.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Malan defends it back to the bowler.
7.5
.
Good length ball on off, Malan blocks it to short leg.
7.4
.
Full delivery outside off, Malan makes another leave.
7.3
.
Fullish ball outside off, Pieter has no problems in leaving this ball alone.
7.2
.
Length ball outside off, Pieter shoulders arms to this one.
7.1
.
Woakes starts with a good length ball on off, Malan stands tall and then defends it to point.
First change! Chris Woakes is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 3/0(4)
6.6
.
Full delivery outside off, Elgar pushes it to mid off.
6.5
1
On the pads, worked to deep square leg for a single.
6.4
.
Fullish ball outside off, Malan looks to drive but it takes the inside edge and goes onto hit the pads.
6.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Malan pushes it back to the bowler.
6.2
.
Good length ball, nipping back into the batsman. Malan attempts to defend but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.
6.1
.
Length ball on off, Malan blocks it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Sam Curran 3/0(3)
5.6
.
Good length ball down the leg side, Elgar attempts the flick shot but misses.
5.5
.
Length ball outside off, Dean shoulders arms to this one.
5.4
.
Back of a length ball on middle, which straightens after pitching. Elgar stands tall and then defends it off the back foot.
5.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, shaping away from the batter. Elgar shoulders arms to this one.
5.2
.
Very full delivery on middle, Elgar defends it back to the bowler.
5.1
1
Short ball on middle, Malan pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Stuart Broad 2/0(3)
4.6
.
BEATEN! Excellent bowling from Broad. Good length delivery around off, Elgar looks to defend but the ball sneaks between the bat and pad. Almost kissed the inside edge.
4.5
.
Fullish delivery down the leg side, Elgar attempts the flick but fails to get any bat on it.
4.4
.
On a length on middle, Elgar looks to whip it to the leg side but gets hit high on the pads.
4.3
.
Fullish delivery outside off, Dean does not fiddle with it and leaves the ball alone.
4.2
1
Length ball on middle, Pieter flicks it to backward square leg for a single.
4.1
1
Good length ball on the pads, Elgar works it to fine leg for a single.
Why is Sam Curran getting the ball to move while Beuran Hendricks struggled on Day 1? Here is Nasser Hussain explaining the root cause. Sam Curran has a side-on action and bowls from close to the stumps. Beuran Hendricks on the other hand has a chest-on action and stays fairly away from the stumps. Moreover, Curran's wrist is behind the ball and not leaning in like Hendricks. Difference is there to be seen. Sam is getting the ball to move both ways at the moment and is troubling the batsmen.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 2/0(2)
3.6
.
Very full delivery, shaping into the batsman. Malan gets his bat down in time and defends it out.
3.5
.
On off, defended towards the point region.
3.4
.
Fullish delivery on off, Malan looks to defend but get hit on the pads.
3.3
.
Length ball outside off, moving into the batsman, Malan shoulders arms but gets hit on the body. No harm done though.
3.2
.
Good length delivery on the pads, Malan works it to square leg for nothing.
3.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Pieter pushes it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 0/0(2)
2.6
.
Down the leg side, Elgar looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it.
2.5
.
On a length on the pads, Elgar whips it to square leg.
2.4
.
Length ball outside off, Dean shoulders arms to this one.
2.3
.
Full delivery down the leg side, Elgar looks to flick it but fails to get any bat on it.
2.2
.
Back of a length ball outside off, Elgar shoulders arms to this one.
2.1
.
Full delivery outside off, Elgar leaves the ball alone to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
Sam Curran 2/0(1)
1.6
.
Length ball outside off, Pieter lets the ball go to the keeper.
1.5
.
BEATEN! Beautiful bowling from Curran. Length ball outside off, going away from the batsman. Malan looks to defend off the front foot but gets beaten.
1.4
1
Elgar is underway! Length ball on off, Elgar taps it towards the point region and takes a single.
1.3
1
South Africa are underway! Fullish delivery on middle, angling in. Malan whips it to backward square leg for a single.
1.2
.
Length ball on middle and leg, Malan works it to square leg.
1.1
.
Full delivery outside off, swinging into the batsman. Malan spots that and then makes a leave to the ball after covering his stumps.
Sam Curran to share the attack from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 0/0(1)
0.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Elgar shoulders arms to this one. Maiden to start with from Broad.
0.5
.
On a length outside off, nipping away from the batsman. Elgar makes another leave.
0.4
.
Good length ball outside off, Elgar lets the ball through to the keeper.
0.3
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, Elgar looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. There is a stifled appeal for LBW but the umpire is not interested.
0.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Elgar leaves the ball alone.
0.1
.
Broad starts with a good length ball outside off. The ball has some bounce on it but Elgar is not disturbed as he leaves the ball alone.
Given the nature of this surface, 400 as a first innings' total appears to be a handful. England have a good variety in their pace attack well-capable of utilizing the conditions. There is certainly some movement on offer and we are in for a riveting second innings. Stay tuned for South Africa's reply.
Let's quickly summarize England's first innings. It was a tale of three partnerships and plenty of wickets falling either side of them. Electing to bat on a rain-marred first day, England chose to bat and their openers put together a 107-run stand. Post that, South Africa bounced back to claim four quick wickets last evening but failed to capitalize this morning. Joe Root and Ollie Pope settled into a handy stand to propel the visitors but then came a tsunami named Anrich Nortje. He breathed fire in his spell in the second hour of the first session and enforced a mini-collapse. The young bowler finished with a 5-wicket haul, his best effort in Test cricket.
The 82-run torture for South Africa comes to an end but that has zoomed England's total to 400! It was a massive frustration for the Saffas after they picked the remaining two wickets fairly quickly after Lunch but then lost the plot.
98.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, South Africa have broken through. What a partnership this was for England! They were not looking like they will reach 400 but Wood and Broad have propelled them to that. Short ball on middle, Broad looks to pull but the ball takes the top edge. It goes up in the air and goes towards deep square leg. Malan stationed there settles himself and takes the catch. Some relief for the Proteas. ENGLAND HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 400.
98.1
4
FOUR! What placement from Broad and it brings up 400 in style. Short ball on middle, Broad whacks the pull towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
In over# 1
6
1
4lb
1
1
6
Beuran Hendricks 111/1(23)
97.6
6
SIX! Hammered! Full delivery outside off, Wood thrashes it over the deep cover region for a biggie.
97.5
1
Short ball on off, Broad looks to pull but it takes the top edge and the ball goes towards deep mid-wicket. A single taken.
97.4
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! This is poor bowling! Full toss down the leg side, Broad looks to flick but misses it. The ball goes off the thigh pad and into the fine leg fence.
97.3
1
Good length ball outside off, Wood punches it to deep cover for a single.
97.2
1
Just short! Slower delivery on middle, Broad does not hard on his pull and just paddles it. The ball lands in front of the deep square leg fielder. The batters take a single.
97.1
6
SIX! Short ball on off, Broad camps on the back foot and pulls it with disdain to the deep square leg region for a biggie.
Drinks! What a partnership this has been for England. Stuart Broad and Mark Wood have added 59 runs in no time and England will feel safer now. South Africa, on the other hand, would want to pick the last wicket as soon as possible. How many more runs can Broad and Wood add to the total?
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
1
Dane Paterson 82/1(20)
96.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Wood defends it back to the bowler.
96.5
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Wood ducks under it.
96.4
1
Paterson dishes a full ball on middle, Broad heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
96.3
1
Yorker on middle, Wood gets his bat down in time and digs it out. It hits his back pad and goes towards square leg. A single taken. The fielders from the slip cordon appeal but the umpire is not interested.
96.2
.
BEATEN! Slower length delivery outside off, Wood looks to drive but the ball whizzes past the outside edge of the bat and goes into the mitts of the keeper.
96.1
1
Very full delivery on middle, Broad pushes it down to long off for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
1wd
1
0
Beuran Hendricks 96/1(22)
95.6
.
Shorter delivery outside off, Wood sways away from it. Frustration continues for South Africa.
95.5
.
Short of a length delivery outside off, Wood rocks on his back foot to pull but fails to make any connection with it.
95.4
1
Fullish delivery outside off, Broad looks to drive but the ball takes the inside half of the bat and goes towards long on. A single taken.
95.3
1
Yorker on middle, Wood digs it out towards square leg for a single.
95.3
1wd
WIDE! Short delivery way outside off, Wood moves a bit to the off side and then looks to cut but misses. The umpire signals it a wide.
95.2
1
Back of a length ball on off, Broad taps it towards the point region for a single.
95.1
.
Good length delivery down the leg side, Broad hops to flick but misses it.
In over# 1
1
0
0
6
0
1
Dane Paterson 79/1(19)
94.6
1
EDGY! Full delivery on off, Broad looks to drive but it takes the inside edge and rolls to square leg. The batter takes a single.
94.5
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around off, Broad looks to hook but misses it altogether.
94.4
.
Yorker outside off, Broad attempts to drive but fails to get any bat on it.
94.3
6
SIX! Amazing piece of hitting! Full ball on middle, Broad hammers it over the bowler's head for a biggie. 50-run partnership is up between the two. Adding crucial runs for their side.
94.2
.
Yorker! It is bowled outside off, Broad looks to drive but misses.
94.1
1
EDGY! Full delivery outside off, Wood looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and goes towards third man. A single taken.
In over# 1
1
0
0
6
4
4
Beuran Hendricks 92/1(21)
93.6
1
Short delivery on middle, Wood pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
93.5
.
Swing and a miss! Length ball outside the off stump line, Wood looks to heave it away but fails to get any bat on it.
93.4
.
Outside off, on a length, Wood slashes hard but misses.
93.3
6
SIX! SMOKED! It is raining boundaries at the Bull Ring. A short ball now, Wood backs away and heaves. The connection is excellent and the ball sails over mid-wicket!
93.2
4
FOUR! Up and over! Clean hitting. Full and around middle, Wood backs away and swings this over mid on for a boundary!
93.1
4
FOUR! That is squeezed away! Tail-end torture from England. Full and outside off, Wood just about gets his bat down in time to eke it past gully to the third man fence!
Beuran Hendricks returns. 20-3-77-1 so far.
In over# 1
6
2
0
0
6
0
Dane Paterson 71/1(18)
92.6
6
SIX! SMASH! Broad, o Broad, o Broad... where were you all these months? Broad is doing horrible damage to South Africa here. He has raced to 20 from just 12 balls, with 16 of those coming in boundaries! A short ball, outside off, Broad goes deep in his crease and hooks this over square leg!
92.5
2
Gets a top edge now. A short ball, SB looks to hook but gets a top edge. However, the ball lands in no man's land near mid-wicket. Two runs taken.
92.4
.
The batsman fails to put bat on ball.
92.3
.
A short ball, outside off, Stuart goes for the hook but is beaten.
92.2
6
SIX! That is a fabulous shot from Broad. So fabulous that the umpire has to raise both his arms in the air. A length ball outside off, Broad swings this through the line and lofts it as clean as a whistle over long off!
92.1
.
A short ball outside off, Broad swings but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
0
0
Anrich Nortje 110/5(24)
91.6
.
Backs away down the leg side, Nortje follows him, Wood swings hard but only gets an inside edge onto his pads.
91.5
.
Around off, watchfully defended.
91.4
1
This time he stays on the back foot and meekly pushes at the ball. Gets an outside edge, through the vacant gully position to third man. A single taken.
91.3
4
FOUR! STUPENDOUS! That is the Stuart Broad we all know! A length ball outside off, Broad backs away and slams it over cover!
91.2
.
A short ball outside off, Stuart flashes hard but misses.
91.1
.
A length ball outside off, angling away, Broad plays inside the line and is beaten.
In over# 1
6
1
0
1
2
0
Dane Paterson 57/1(17)
90.6
6
SIX! SLAUGHTERED! That is an extraordinary shot from Wood. A short ball, outside off, Wood backs away, picks the slower ball and then smashes it over cover. There is a man stationed at sweeper but it flies over him!
90.5
1
There comes the full ball, Stuart backs away and swings hard. Just about manages to get his bat down in time and the ball goes off the inside edge, towards fine leg. A single taken.
90.4
.
A bouncer, Broad ducks.
90.3
1
Full and outside off, Wood hammers this powerfully back. Paterson tries sticking his right hand out but the ball whizzes past his hand and hits the stumps at the other end. The ball deflects towards cover and a single is taken.
90.2
2
On middle and leg, helped through mid-wicket for a couple.
90.1
.
Landed outside off, played straight to point.
Dane Paterson to bowl as well. 16-3-47-1 so far.
Stuart Broad is the last man in.
In over# 1
0W
0
2
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 105/5(23)
89.6
W
OUT! Edged and this time Faf du Plessis has taken the catch! MAIDEN TEST 5-FER FOR ANRICH NORTJE. South Africa have had very few moments to celebrate in this series and this is one of them. A length ball, outside off, Woakes looks to drive but all he manages is a thick outside edge. The ball flies slightly wide of first slip where Faf du Plessis takes it nicely to his right.
89.5
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
89.4
2
Outside off, Chris gets it through point for a couple of runs.
89.3
.
OUCH. That hurts. Thankfully, Woakes is okay. A length ball outside off, Chris looks to defend initially but then takes his eyes off the ball. Looks to fend it but the ball pings him on his gloves and then hits him on his body.
89.2
.
Half volley outside off, driven straight to mid off.
89.1
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 50/2(20)
88.6
.
Landed outside off again, on a length, MW feels for it but is beaten.
88.5
.
Landed outside off, let through.
88.4
.
A terrific yorker on middle and off, Mark just about digs it out.
88.3
.
A length ball, around off, well defended.
88.2
.
Outside off, on a length, Wood plays inside the line but the ball straightens and beats the outside edge.
88.1
.
Full and outside off, played straight to point.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
4
0
Anrich Nortje 103/4(22)
87.6
1
A length ball, down the leg side, helped through square leg for a run.
87.5
.
A bouncer now, Mark ducks.
87.4
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
87.3
1
Outside off, played through point for a single.
87.2
4
FOUR! Nicely done. Full on middle, Woakes flicks it through mid-wicket and finds the boundary.
87.1
.
Around off, blocked from the crease.
UNDER-19 WORLD CUP UPDATE - Both teams playing today have their colts featuring in the Under-19 World Cup. The Proteas have put on a commanding 299/8 in 50 overs against the United Arab Emirates with Bryce Parsons (the future de Kock) and Luke Beaufort scoring 84 and 85 respectively. In another game, England have already finished their contest, trouncing Nigeria by 8 wickets after bundling them out for 58. Sadly for the Brits, they have already been knocked out of the tournament and will only be contesting for the Plate final.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 50/2(19)
86.6
.
EDGE, DID IT CARRY? Nope. Full and outside off, Wood looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge. Does not quite carry to Faf du Plessis at second slip.
86.5
.
Around off, well blocked out.
86.4
1
Full and outside off, driven wide of cover for a single.
86.3
.
Fuller in length, well blocked out.
86.2
.
Around off, watchfully defended.
86.1
.
Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 97/4(21)
85.6
.
Another solid forward defense to end the over.
85.5
.
Back of a length outside off, defended with a leap.
85.4
.
A length ball now, watchfully defended.
85.3
.
Full and straight, watchfully defended.
85.2
.
On a length outside off, Mark plays inside the line but the ball shapes away to beat the outside edge.
85.1
.
A bouncer but down the leg side, Wood ducks.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
2
0
0
Vernon Philander 49/2(18)
84.6
.
On a good length outside off, Woakes shoulders arms. A successful over for Vernon!
Mark Wood comes in to bat now. Not sure about his batting but he will certainly be a handful with the ball on this deck.
84.5
W
OUT! That's a tremendous catch! Never easy to run back and catch those. Well done, Dean Elgar. Philander has his second scalp and the crowd just loved it. Buttler tries to dominate the bowler by giving him the charge. It's a shortish length delivery outside off at 125 kph, Jos shimmies down the track to muscle it across the line but gets a thick top edge. It flies in the air at covers where Elgar runs back, keeps his eyes on the ball and pouches the skier safely. Buttler has thrown away his wicket and South Africa will be relieved that this partnership didn't hurt them much. Can they now restrict England under 325?
84.4
.
Stays back-footed to a shortish ball and pushes it to covers.
84.3
2
Easy pickings! Shortish and around leg, Jos nudges it to fine leg where Nortje moves across to his right to make the stop. They manage to come back for the second.
84.2
.
Angles in a good length ball on middle, Buttler covers the line and bunts it towards mid on.
84.1
.
False shot! Back of a length delivery outside off, shaping away off the seam, Buttler sticks back to punch it through the line but misses.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 97/4(20)
83.6
4
FOUR! Good timing and placement! A length delivery around middle, Woakes turns inside the crease and eases it with good timing through mid-wicket for a boundary.
83.5
.
Too full and on middle, speared into the batsman, Woakes keeps it out to mid on.
83.4
.
Clocks 146 kph this time, Woakes shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
83.3
.
Shortish delivery on middle and leg, Woakes initially shapes up to glance it across the line but is caught in an awkward point. He somehow stays back inside the crease and avoids the ball by taking evasive action.
83.2
.
Angles into the batsman, Woakes gets forward and pushes it to mid on.
83.1
.
Full in length and outside off, at 142 kph, Woakes needlessly hangs his bat out and gets beaten.
Anrich Nortje (19-0-93-4) to steam in from the other end. He was on fire in the second hour of the morning session and is in search of his maiden Test fifer. Richly deserves it also.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
1
0
Vernon Philander 47/1(17)
82.6
.
Fullish ball on off, it's driven to extra cover where the fielder makes a half stop and parries it to mid off.
82.5
.
Good leave. On a length around off, shaping in a bit, Buttler trusts the bounce and shoulders arms. It goes over the stumps.
82.4
2
Half the bat there! Philander serves it on a fuller length on off, Buttler slices his attempted cover drive to deep point for a couple of runs.
82.3
.
The length is very full again, it's on middle, Buttler pushes it down off his pads to mid on.
82.2
1
Pitches it up and around middle, Woakes flicks it from the inner half through backward square leg for a run.
82.1
.
Starts with a good length delivery outside off, shaping away, Woakes allows it through to the keeper.
We're back for the afternoon session. The players are also making their way out in the middle. This session will be an extended one (by 15 minutes) to make up for the overs lost on Day 1. Bright sunshine is such a relief for us as the forecast this morning was not promising. The current partnership is the key. England would be hoping that they maximize their first innings' total while South Africa would wish that the second new ball will help them to pick the remaining 3 wickets quickly. As expected, Vernon Philander to begin the second session. Two slips waiting along with a gully.
...DAY 2, 2ND SESSION...
The second new ball will be extremely crucial. England will come hard, aiming to score quick runs and South Africa must aim to stop them from doing just that. A query though - Why was the Vern not given the second new ball? Perhaps he might come after Lunch. Join us back at 1.25 pm local (1125 GMT).
England can blame themselves for being in this position. There was a loss in concentration after the Drinks break and that saw both Pope and Root being dismissed in quick succession. They have managed to get to 300 though and that could be a good score on this deck.
End of an intriguing session. The first hour was full of runs - 66 in 14.4 overs. Then after Drinks, 3 wickets went quickly and the complexion of the game has changed. South Africa, after an ordinary opening hour, have come back strongly, thanks to Anrich Nortje. His triple strike rocked the Brits hard. Hendricks and Pretorius found some swing as well.
In over# 1
0
4
1
4
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 77/1(20)
81.6
.
Another delivery in the channel outside off, this time Buttler shows respect and allows it through. LUNCH ON DAY 2!
81.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Unfortunate for South Africa. This new nut is leaking runs. A length delivery in the zone outside off, Buttler pushes inside the line with soft hands and gets a thick outside edge. It though falls short and wide of second slip before speeding behind for a boundary at third man. 300 up for England!
81.4
1
Inside edge this time. On a length around off, Woakes brings his bat down to defend but it takes the inside edge and goes towards square leg for a run.
81.3
4
FOUR! Not in control but still a boundary. Hendricks pitches it up and around off, nipping away a shade, Woakes tries to unveil a cover drive but it takes the outer half of his blade and spears through point for a boundary.
81.2
.
Beaten this time. Hendricks takes a full length ball away from the right-hander. Woakes stays back to push inside the line but is beaten by the angle of the bowler.
81.1
.
A length ball on middle and off, Woakes defends it from the crease.
In over# 1
1
0
4
2
0
1
Dwaine Pretorius 34/0(11)
80.6
1
Slightly short and around off, Woakes once again gets an inside edge and it goes behind square leg for a run.
80.5
.
Woakes has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
80.4
4
FOUR! Poor start with the new nut. Too straight and full, Woakes picks it off his pads and clips it through mid-wicket. Good timing and it races away to the fence in no time. The hard ball will come onto the bat nicely too.
The reserve umpire charges out to the middle and hands the second new ball to the onfield umpire. South Africa have taken it now!
80.3
2
Pretorius gets close to the off stump line and forces the batsman to play at it. Woakes tries to flick and gets it away off the inner half. It rolls in front of square leg and they cross for a couple of times.
80.2
.
A tempter by Pretorius. It's on a fuller length outside off, there to be driven, Woakes shows good patience as he makes a leave.
80.1
1
Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Second new ball is now available. Not taken though by South Africa.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Beuran Hendricks 68/1(19)
79.6
.
Once again Woakes works a length ball on the leg side but finds mid-wicket.
79.5
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, Chris stays back and taps it down to mid-wicket.
79.4
.
Fuller length ball on middle and off, Woakes defends it from the crease.
79.3
.
Digs it short and just outside off, Woakes sways away from the line.
79.2
1
Back of a length delivery outside off, Buttler rocks back and cuts it through point for a single.
79.1
1
Hendricks begins this over from over the wicket. Serves a good length ball around leg, Woakes goes back and eases it to the right of mid on for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 26/0(10)
78.6
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. Maiden!
78.5
.
Fuller length ball around off, at 77 mph, Buttler falls over a bit as he tries to flick. It goes slightly uppishly but safely to mid-wicket.
78.4
.
The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
78.3
.
A gentle delivery, on a fuller length around off at 126 kph, Buttler defends it from the toe end of his bat to mid on.
78.2
.
Fullish and around off, Jos presses forward and drives it to mid off.
78.1
.
Lands it on a length and outside off, Buttler remains on the back foot and dabs it down in front of gully.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
4
Beuran Hendricks 66/1(18)
77.6
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
77.5
1
Short delivery in the line of the stumps, Buttler eases it from the crease to long leg for a single.
77.4
1
This time the line is straight, Woakes uses the angle of the bowler and tucks it behind square leg for one.
77.3
.
Movement off the deck again. Hendricks delivers it full and close to off, Woakes gets forward to block but it takes the inside edge and strikes him on the pads.
77.2
.
Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
77.1
4
FOUR! Crunched! Fullish delivery around off, Woakes drives it straight down the ground. Excellent timing and it first beats the bowler and then mid off for a glorious boundary.
Beuran Hendricks (17-3-60-1) is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 26/0(9)
76.6
.
The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
76.5
.
Inside edge again! Fullish and close to off, moving off the deck, Buttler tries to unfurl an off drive but gets a fat inside edge onto the pads.
76.4
.
This time it's an outswinger outside off, Buttler allows it through to the keeper.
76.3
4
FOUR! Off the inside half! Fuller length ball on middle and shaping down, Buttler gets forward to flick it through mid-wicket but it catches the inner half and races fine down the leg side for a boundary.
76.2
.
Too full around off, Buttler brings down a straight bat in defense.
76.1
.
Pitches it up and outside off, Buttler leans on the front foot and drives it to mid off.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 93/4(19)
75.6
.
Back of a length ball on off, Chris sticks on the back and defends it back to the bowler.
75.5
1
Arrows in a full ball on middle, a bit of reverse movement in the air, Buttler flicks it in front of square leg for a run.
75.4
1
It's been driven superbly through the covers. They pick up a single. Woakes opens his account.
75.3
.
Bowls it in the line of the stumps, on a good length, Woakes gets behind the line and pushes it to mid on.
75.2
.
Excellent lines once again from Anrich. Delivers it on a length close to off and it skids on after landing, Chris shoulders arms.
75.1
.
Left alone. No hat-trick. It's a length delivery in the channel outside off, Woakes covers his stumps and has an easy leave.
Nortje on a hat-trick... Two slips and a gully. Woakes on strike. Buzz around the stadium as well.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 22/0(8)
74.6
.
Landed outside off, another one let through to the keeper.
74.5
.
Full and outside off, gently placed to cover.
74.4
.
Landed outside off, more outswing, let through.
74.3
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
74.2
.
Around off, worked off the inner half towards short mid-wicket.
74.1
.
Full and outside off, some away movement from the right-hander, Buttler shoulders arms.
Chris Woakes walks in next with England in a spot of bother.
In over# 1
0W
0W
0
4
0
0
Anrich Nortje 91/4(18)
73.6
W
OUT! Nortje is on fire. What did he consume at the Drinks break? Breathing fire in his bowling spell and has brought South Africa back in with a shout in this match. A delivery which has been served on a fuller length outside off. Curran flashes his bat at it but only manages to edge a 145 kph ball. One thing was again missing - Footwork! A healthy edge is gobbled by Quinton de Kock and this is now Nortje's best effort in Test cricket. Take a bow, young man! What a spell! This will truly be the stepping stone of his Test career. We will have to wait to see his hat-trick ball as this splendid over has come to a close.
Sam Curran is the new batsman.
73.5
W
OUT! Caught behind! Nortje gets his man this time. The speed merchant wins his battle with one of the best Test batsmen going around. Probing line from him and Root falls prey. Lack of footwork once again shown by the English skipper and that has brought his downfall. Anrich clocks 143 kph and serves it on a length close to off. It shapes away a bit late. Root has a needless poke inside the line and gets a fat outside edge behind. Quinton de Kock stretches to his right and grabs the catch safely. Anrich smiles.
73.4
.
Play and a miss this time. On a length and around off, shaping away, Root pokes inside the line, once again flat-footed, and misses.
73.3
4
FOUR! Just uses the extra pace of the bowler. A 146 kph delivery, short and outside off, Root arches back and ramps it over first slip. It drops once and then crosses the fence. Good battle between these two!
73.2
.
A length delivery outside off, Root forces it off his back foot but finds extra cover. The fielder makes a half stop.
73.1
.
Fullish and straightish, pushed down to mid on with a straight bat.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 22/0(7)
72.6
.
BEATEN! It's all happening after the Drinks break. Pretorius gets a length ball to move considerably off the pitch. Buttler is forward to push it through the line but it nips back in and beats the inside edge. Excellent passage of play for the Saffas. Just need some luck to get on top!
72.5
.
Good length ball around off, Buttler punches it off his back foot to covers.
72.4
1
Pitches it up around off, Root pushes it down towards mid on for a run.
72.3
.
Full and around off, Faf is solid in defense.
72.2
.
Around off, watchfully defended.
72.1
.
Full and around off, swinging in late, flicked nicely but straight to short mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 87/2(17)
71.6
1
DROPPED BY DU PLESSIS! Poor Anrich Nortje. He is amidst a great spell and has the rhythm going and would have struck twice after the Drinks break but his skipper lets him down. After delivering a heavy last ball, he serves it on a length around off. Root has a gentle push inside the line, sans any footwork, and gets a healthy outside edge to wide first slip. Faf moves across to his right swiftly, pouches the ball at first but then it pops out. Du Plessis is frustrated but spare a thought for this young bowler. He's giving his all in this spell and needs support from his teammates.
71.5
.
Clocks 144 kph and sends across a speedy short delivery just outside off. Root drops his wrists and leans back to evade it. Wears a smile after that as Anrich gives him a stare.
71.4
.
Good length ball around off, Root is solidly behind the line in defense.
71.3
.
Very full and straight again by Nortje, Root flicks it on the leg side but finds mid-wicket.
71.2
.
Spears in a very full ball on middle at 142 kph, Root falls across a bit as he pushes it out to mid on. The ground is now bathed in sunshine and it's looking like great conditions, especially for batting.
71.1
.
Good length close to off, Root stays back-footed and taps it down to backward point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 21/0(6)
70.6
.
Yet another watchful leave by Buttler to round off the over.
70.5
.
This one is on a driving length around off, once again a lovely shape away from the batsman, Buttler covers his stumps and allows it through.
70.4
.
A hint of away shape on this delivery but the line is quite wide outside off to bother the batsman.
70.3
1
Lands it full and outside off, Root presses forward and pushes it with gentle hands through cover-point. They pick up a single.
70.2
.
Around middle, Root plays it with the angle and taps it down to mid-wicket.
70.1
.
Root has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0W
Anrich Nortje 86/2(16)
69.6
.
Close to off, on a length, Buttler strokes it from the front foot to covers. End of a successful over for South Africa!
69.5
4
FOUR! That's a terrific way to get off the mark! Not a half-volley, it's proper length but with plenty of width outside off, Buttler takes his front leg forward and smashes it through covers. He has not been in good form of late and this shot will make him feel a lot better about himself.
69.4
.
This one is closer to the off pole, fuller in length, Buttler pushes it to covers.
69.3
.
Yet another speedy delivery, it's in the zone outside off and Buttler has nothing to do with it.
69.2
.
Hurls a good length delivery in the channel outside off, it's left alone by Jos.
Jos Buttler walks in next after the century stand is broken.
69.1
W
OUT! Pope drags it on! Drinks break followed by a fall of wicket, how many times have we seen that? Plenty for sure. Nortje provides the much-needed breakthrough for the Saffas this morning. He dishes out a full length delivery outside off at 144 kph, it lands and skids straight on as Pope decides to make a leave. But he keeps his bat hanging out there needlessly and the ball catches the inside half before destroying the stumps. Anrich becomes rich by one more wicket in Tests and South Africa will be relieved to see Ollie's back. That little bit of indecision has cost him his wicket and a golden chance to score back-to-back hundreds.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 20/0(5)
68.6
.
That is a nice outswinger. Full and outside off, Root looks to drive but the ball swings away and beats the outside edge. When you move the ball, you can trouble the best of the best, even in the best of their form.
68.5
1
Short and outside off, cut through point for a single.
68.4
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
68.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
68.2
.
Fuller in length, around off, watchfully defended.
68.1
.
A huge shout for an LBW but it is turned down. Too high, perhaps. A length ball, around off, Pope looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. A closer look reveals that the ball bounced, took the elbow and hit the pads.
Dwaine Pretorius returns. 4-1-19-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
0
0
Anrich Nortje 82/1(15)
67.6
1
100-RUN STAND IS UP! Yes, this everyone realized was coming. It has hardly been an hour since the two have been batting this morning, but it seems like they have batting for the last two days. Outside off, short in length, Pope arches back and steers it behind point for a run.
67.5
1
Outside off, steered through point for a run.
67.4
.
Full and around off, watchfully blocked out.
67.3
1
The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single.
67.2
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
67.1
.
Outside off, punched towards cover.
In over# 1
2
0
0
4lb
1
0
Dane Paterson 47/1(16)
66.6
2
Full and around middle, driven through mid on for a couple. THAT IS RUN NUMBER 50 FOR JOE ROOT in this innings. Please stand up and pat your back if you realized this was happening. Because we didn't. This is not a snooze fest but so many runs are coming and the two batsmen are so similar that it is hard to understand who is actually scoring. 47th Test fifty for the record!
66.5
.
On middle and leg, flicked straight to square leg.
66.4
.
Outside off, left alone.
66.3
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! Badly lined. Full and down the leg side, Root misses his flick but the ball takes the pad and deflects to the fine leg fence.
66.2
1
Down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
66.1
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
4
0
1
1
4
0
Anrich Nortje 79/1(14)
65.6
4
FOUR! Aha... classic Root. But the Saffas might as well have a fly slip in place if they are going to bowl that line and length. A short ball, outside off, coming in, Root arches back and then deftly ramps it over first slip to the third man fence!
65.5
.
Outside off, a half volley, driven straight to cover.
65.4
1
Works this through mid-wicket for a run.
65.3
1
Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
65.2
4
FOUR! That is a controlled pull shot. That is a very short boundary too. Cannot imagine a shorter boundary in Test cricket, including Auckland and Wellington. A short ball, around middle, Root pulls this through mid-wicket and finds the boundary. With such small boundaries, all you need is put bat to ball and give it direction.
65.1
.
Oohhh.... a short ball outside off, Root looks to punch but the ball rises suddenly and beats the outside edge.
In over# 1
0
1
0
4
0
0
Dane Paterson 44/1(15)
64.6
.
Short again, outside off, cut straight to point.
64.5
1
Short and outside off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
64.4
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
64.3
4
FOUR! Short and outside off, Root lashes out a cut shot and gets it past a diving point fielder for a boundary.
64.2
.
Outside off, Root looks to defend but gets a bottom edge.
64.1
.
Full and outside off, solidly defended.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
4
2nb
1
Anrich Nortje 69/1(13)
63.6
.
Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it.
63.5
1
TOP EDGE, SAFE! Would you believe it? A short ball, outside off, Root looks to pull but gets a top edge. The ball is in the air but does not carry to deep mid-wicket. A run taken.
63.4
1
On middle, pushed through to long on for a single.
63.3
.
On middle and leg, flicked through fine leg but short backward square leg dives to his left to stop.
63.2
4
FOUR! Stylish way to get to a half century! A short ball, around off, Pope swivels and pulls it through square leg for a boundary! The in-form man gets his third 50-plus score of this series! Coming on the back of a splendid 132, on the back of an unbeaten 61 and do not forget - a 135 not out in the warm-up game as well. England have found their new Ian Bell / Joe Root.
63.2
2nb
A short ball, now Root pulls the ball away for a single. We have a delayed call for a no ball here. Umpire Joel Wilson at cover-point spots three men behind square on the leg side - a backward square leg, a fine leg and now, the man who is standing behind short leg is to the other side of the line. As per the rules, you can have only two men behind square on the leg side in any format. For all guys in T20 mode, the next delivery WILL NOT be a FREE HIT.
63.1
1
That is in the air but well short of fine leg. A short ball, around middle, Pope swivels and pulls it in the air. Lands well in front of fine leg. A run taken.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 39/1(14)
62.6
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
62.5
.
Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
62.4
.
That is a shot which needs to be put away inside the locker. And Joe Root understands that. Hence he immediately turns away, hitting the air with his bat in frustration. A length ball outside off, Root gets across and taps it down to gully. A typical one-day shot, not needed here.
62.3
.
This is let through to the keeper.
62.2
.
Around off, solidly defended.
62.1
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
Dane Paterson now as we see a double bowling change. 13-2-39-1 so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
4
0
1
Anrich Nortje 60/1(12)
61.6
1
Around middle, helped through square leg for one.
61.5
.
A tad short, Root hops and punches it through point for a run.
61.4
1
Pushes this through mid on for a single.
61.3
4
FOUR! HANDSOME! Overpitched from Nortje and Pope drives this straight down the ground. Beats mid on comfortably.
61.2
.
JUST SHORT OF SLIP! But why is he standing so deep? On second thoughts, that probably did not hit the edge at all. Yes. Replay confirms. A length ball, around off, Pope looks to defend but the ball moves away and squares him up. Goes off his right thigh and lands short of Rassie van der Dussen at first slip.
61.1
1
Outside off, Root pushes it with soft hands to the off side and scampers through for a single.
Anrich Nortje to bowl for the first time this morning. 11-0-53-1 so far.
In over# 1
1
2
1
0
4
0
Beuran Hendricks 60/1(17)
60.6
1
Down the leg side, nudged towards fine leg leg or a run.
60.5
2
Full and outside off, this is driven through the covers for a couple.
60.4
1
This stays low, around middle, Ollie flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
60.3
.
A bouncer now, Pope ducks.
60.2
4
IN THE AIR... JUST WIDE! FOUR! Almost hit it down the throat. A short ball, outside off, Pope throws his bat at it, getting it over point. Now, there is Dane Paterson stationed in the deep at point. He starts just a second late and that costs him. Races to his left and then dives but the ball eludes him. Had he not taken that extra second to judge, he could have taken a well-judged catch. The Wanderers can be a difficult ground to sight the ball.
60.1
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 44/1(16)
59.6
.
Around off, again Root gets right behind it to defend.
59.5
.
That is a good solid front foot defense. An in-form Root, or a Root in good touch would be confident about getting bat on ball, getting himself right behind the ball. A struggling Joe would be a bit twitchy, fidgeting around, looking to feel bat on every ball that is bowled and playing and missing. The Root we are seeing now, looks to be the former one. Good signs for England.
Some issues for Joe Root. He walks up to Joel Wilson and indicates towards a few members in the stands above the sightscreen.
59.4
.
Tentative. A length ball, outside off, Root initially looks to defend but at the last moment, takes his bat away.
59.3
.
There comes the fuller length again, well blocked out.
59.2
.
Fuller in length, just around off, watchfully defended, this time off the front foot.
59.1
.
A good length around off, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
1
4
Beuran Hendricks 52/1(16)
58.6
.
Full and down the leg side, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
58.5
1
Ben Laughlin for Australia. Manish Pandey for India. Temba Bavuma for South Africa. These people should be there in the team just for fielding. Outside off, Root punches this towards point and calls for a single. But Pope is not sure. He hesitates but eventually takes off for the run. Bavuma charges in to the ball from backward point, dives and then throws it sideways, at the striker's end, with every inch of his body in the air. Ollie Pope dives to save himself. Anyone remembering David Warner here? He would certainly remember the way he was run out by Bavuma. The replays show that even in the case of a direct hit, the full length dive would have saved Ollie.
58.4
.
Back of a length outside off, pushed towards point.
58.3
.
This is just around off, solidly defended.
58.2
1
Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
58.1
4
FOUR! Are South Africa a host of some of the quickest scoring grounds in the world? Has to be. Once the runs come, they come at a thick rate. Short and outside off, Pope cuts it behind point for a boundary!
In over# 1
0
1
0
2
0
0
Vernon Philander 44/1(15)
57.6
.
A length ball around off, Root stays back and defends.
57.5
1
Landed outside off, played through point for a single.
57.4
.
Around off, solidly defended.
57.3
2
Philander now goes the fullest, perfect length to get the LBW. But the line is a bit too straight. Flicked towards fine leg for a couple.
57.2
.
This is close too! Much fuller than the previous one, Ollie looks to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. Was there an inside edge?
57.1
.
Oohhh... that was very close! On a good length, around off, Pope came forward to defend but the ball jagged back off the seam, hit the front pad, then the right groin.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 46/1(15)
56.6
.
A length ball, outside off, coming in with the angle, watchfully defended.
56.5
.
A bouncer now, sharp aggression, ducked under.
56.4
.
Make that three leaves in a row.
56.3
.
Outside off, on a length, angling away, let through to the keeper again.
56.2
.
Down the leg side, left alone.
56.1
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 41/1(14)
55.6
.
Full and outside off, the outswinger, allowed to pass.
55.5
.
Landed outside off, watchfully left alone.
55.4
4
FOUR! That is a cracking shot. Fractionally short in length, outside off, Pope goes back and cuts it behind gully. Finds the boundary!
55.3
.
This is full and just around off, watchfully defended.
55.2
.
Around off, watchfully defended.
55.1
.
Full and just around off, watchfully defended.
Vernon Philander it will be from the other end.
In over# 1
0
2
0
1
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 46/1(14)
54.6
.
Down the leg side, Root misses his flick.
54.5
2
That is short and outside off, Root leaps and looks to play the upper cut. But he mistimes it really badly, not as if ever you could mistime any sweetly. Luckily for him, there is no one at point and by the time backward point gets across, the ball lands safely. Two runs taken.
54.4
.
Signs of swing. This one comes into the right-hander and Root misses his flick. Is hit in the pads and there are mild appeals for LBW but the angle was taking it down the leg side.
54.3
1
The first ball of the day is around the wicket and Pope tucks it between short leg and leg gully for a single to fine leg.
All in readiness now! The men concerned are out in the centre. Beuran Hendricks to complete his over. There is a slip, gully, short leg and a leg gully in place for Ollie Pope. The sun is peeping from the clouds as well. Here we go...
Update 1013 local (0813 GMT) - Welcome news for all the cricket fans. The umpires have inspected the conditions and we will be starting Day 2 at 1045 local. So brace yourself, folks. We are not too far away from the first ball.
Update 0941 local (0741 GMT) - Sadly, there won't be a prompt start as the umpires have decided to inspect the conditions in another 20 minutes or so. Since it's not raining at the moment, we can expect a start by 1100 local. Stay tuned for more updates...
Weather report - The forecast is not too promising for today with rain expected to be a regular visitor. It rained incessantly overnight and this morning as well but currently it has cleared and the groundsmen are at work to provide us with a prompt start. Let's wait to find out whether we get it or not.
It rained and rained on Day 1 making it a very frustrating day for everyone. But once it stopped and made way for the day's play, we got to witness some engrossing Test cricket. Joe Root once again got lucky with the coin and his decision to bat first was backed by a fluent opening stand between Crawley and Sibley. When we thought that the hosts are going to be rolled over, they made a resounding comeback in the final session to hand the English team not one or two but four blows. In short, a smashing partnership was followed by a complete disintegration of the top order and that has put this Test in the balance after the first day. What will Day 2 bring? Stay tuned to find out...
...DAY 2, SESSION 1...
Now, there is rain forecast on Day 2 as well. Let's hope that the forecast does not come true like many a times and we get a full day's play. South Africa would hope to bundle the visitors out as soon as possible while England would look at their skipper and Pope for a good first innings total. It promises to be one exciting day of cricket. Do join us for the same on 25th January, 2020 to find out all the action. Till then, its goodbye from our side. Cheers!
Earlier in the day, when the match finally started after the entire first session was washed out, England started positively and scored runs at a decent pace. Their two openers, Dominic Sibley and Zak Crawley were excellent in the first session. Crawley brought up his maiden Test half ton during his 100-plus run stand for the opening wicket with Sibley. However, they could not convert their starts into a huge score individually.
Yes, the umpires realize that and it is STUMPS ON DAY 1. South Africa would've loved to bowl a few more overs but that's not in their control. However, they would be more than happy from their performance in the third session. It looked like the visitors are in for a huge first innings total after the openers raked up a brilliant 100-run stand in the first session. However, that did not happen as the South Africans bounced back by sending 4 batters back to the pavilion for 50 runs. The 4 South African pacers, Philander, Paterson, Hendricks and Nortje took a wicket each and showed that there is something in the pitch for the bowlers as well. They managed to get rid of the dangerous and in-form Ben Stokes. Root, the English skipper, although did really well to see off the remaining overs through his unbeaten stand with Ollie Pope.
The two umpires get together. Seems like the light has got poorer. And off they send the two batters. Faf du Plessis is not a happy man as he has a word with both the umpires. Not sure if the lights are going to get any better!
54.2
.
Angled into the pads, Pope looks to flick but misses.
54.1
.
Fuller and around off, Pope comes forward and makes a solid block.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 37/1(13)
53.6
.
Full ball on middle, Root flicks it to mid-wicket.
53.5
1
Short and just outside off, Pope stays on the back foot and cuts it to deep point for a run.
53.4
.
Fuller and around off, Pope defends it out.
53.3
.
Fuller ball on the off pole line, played towards the man at mid on.
53.2
.
Good length ball now, defended back towards the bowler.
53.1
.
Extremely full ball on the off pole line, blocked out.
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
1
0
Beuran Hendricks 43/1(13)
52.6
1
Shortish and around off, Pope taps it to deep point for a single.
52.5
.
What a bouncer! It is angled into the batter from outside off. Pope does really well to sway away from the firing line. Falls down in the process but one can say that he played this one really well.
52.4
.
Another back of a length ball on the body, Pope somehow manages to squirt it away to the leg side. There is leg slip and a short leg in place for such chances.
A leg slip comes in now!
52.3
4
FOUR! Hendricks bowls a back of a length ball but it goes down the leg side. Pope just glances it fine down the leg side and it races away to the fence.
52.2
1
Shortish and outside off, punched towards point for a single.
52.1
.
On middle, pushed to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Vernon Philander 36/1(12)
51.6
1
Oops! Inside edge and straight into the delicate area! A length ball around off, Root looks to defend but gets an inside edge which goes between his legs and to fine leg. Root looks in pain but completes the run. He keeps running in the attempt of giving himself some time to get relieved.
51.5
.
Full ball on off and middle, driven to mid on.
51.4
.
Outside off on a length, Root lets it be.
51.3
1
Full and just outside off, it is stroked through covers for a run.
51.2
.
Landed on middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket.
51.1
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
0
Beuran Hendricks 37/1(12)
50.6
.
Shortish and around off, it is defended.
50.5
1
Short and outside off, Pope flays it through point for a single.
50.4
.
Back of a length on middle, it goes down the leg side with the angle. Pope lets it be.
50.3
1
Another ball which is angled in from outside off, Root tucks it towards wide of the man at mid on for a single.
50.2
1
Length ball angled in, it is worked towards mid-wicket for a run.
50.1
.
Hendricks starts with a full ball on off, it is defended.
Beuran Hendricks returns. 11-2-341 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 34/1(11)
49.6
.
Good length ball on off, Root keeps it out.
49.5
1
Short of a length ball just outside off, Pope is cramped for room but he does well to cut it towards the man in the deep. A single taken.
49.4
.
Another length ball around off, Pope pushes it towards covers.
49.3
.
Landed on a length and around off, Pope lunges and defends it onto the pitch.
49.2
.
On a length and just outside off, Pope pushes it towards the off side.
49.1
.
In the channel outside off, Pope lets it go to the keeper.
Vernon Philander returns. 10-0-33-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
2
0
1lb
1
0
0
Dane Paterson 39/1(13)
48.6
2
Full again but it is on the pads of Root. He flicks it to deep mid-wicket and runs for a brace.
48.5
.
Full and around off, Root watchfully defends it under his eyes.
48.4
1lb
Angled into the batsman from middle and leg, Pope looks to tuck it around the corner but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards square leg and the batters cross over for a leg bye.
48.3
1
Shortish and just outside off, Root rides the bounce and taps it through point for a single.
48.2
.
Outside off, Root shoulders arms now.
48.1
.
Good length ball angled into the batsman. It keeps a bit low there. Root does well to block it out.
In over# 1
1
1
2
0
4
0
Anrich Nortje 53/1(11)
47.6
1
Good length ball on the off pole line, defended towards the man at cover and the batters take a quick single.
47.5
1
On the pads, worked towards square leg for a single.
47.4
2
Full ball on off, driven towards the cover region where Pieter Malan does well to keep it down to two as he slides and saves the ball from reaching the fence.
47.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
The floodlights have been turned on.
47.2
4
FOUR! What a shot! Full ball just near the off pole line, Pope drives this one straight back past the bowler and into the fence down the ground. Signs of a man in supreme touch.
47.1
.
Good length ball on off, defended out.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
0
1
Dane Paterson 36/1(12)
46.6
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
46.5
4
FOUR! Back of a length ball on off, Root pulls this one through the square leg region for a boundary.
46.4
1
Length ball on the hips, worked towards square leg for a single.
46.3
.
Good length ball just outside off, Pope makes a nice leave.
46.2
.
Full ball just outside off, played towards the man at mid off.
46.1
1
Outside off, played towards the point region for a single.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0W
Anrich Nortje 45/1(10)
45.6
4
FOUR! Off the mark in style! Full ball on the middle and leg pole line, Pope flicks it nonchalantly through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.
45.5
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
45.4
.
Good length ball on middle and off, played towards mid on.
45.3
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
45.2
.
Full ball on off, driven towards cover.
Ollie Pope, the Man of the Match of the last Test, comes in next.
45.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT AT SLIPS! And it is the big fish, Ben Stokes, who has been dismissed! A full length ball outside off, angling away from Stokes. He looks to go for the drive away from his body but the ball goes off the outside edge towards the gap at first slip and second slip. Rassie van der Dussen takes another catch as he moves to his left. This is the wicket that the South Africans really wanted and Nortje has provided this crucial breakthrough.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 30/1(11)
44.6
1
Full ball on middle and off, played towards the man at mid on for a single. With this single, he gets to 1000 runs against the Proteas in Test matches.
44.5
.
Another one outside off, Stokes lets it be.
44.4
.
Bouncer outside off, left alone.
44.3
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
44.2
.
Full length ball on the off pole line, defended towards the man at mid on.
44.1
.
The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 41/0(9)
43.6
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Back of a length ball just outside off, Root ducks and looks to leave that ball. However, it stays low and hits the top edge of Root's bat. It flies over the slip cordon and into the third man fence.
43.5
.
Back of a length ball outside off, left alone by Root. Bowled at a speed of 149 kph! Fierce!
43.4
.
Length ball just outside off, played towards point.
43.3
.
Bouncer on middle and leg, ducked under.
43.2
.
Good length ball on middle and off, defended towards the man at mid off.
43.1
.
Length ball just around off, Root leaves this one alone.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0W
1
Dane Paterson 29/1(10)
42.6
1
Full and on middle, it is flicked to deep square leg for a single.
42.5
1
Stokes is off the mark. Paterson makes him play this ball as he dishes it out on middle. Stokes nudges it behind square leg and takes a single.
42.4
.
Another length ball outside off, Stokes again shoulders arms.
42.3
.
Outside off, Stokes lets it go to the keeper.
Ben Stokes, the player that has been the star for England and arguably the best all-rounder in the world, is the new man in.
42.2
W
OUT! Caught! Denly is not going to survive this time. Paterson has his first. A length ball just outside off, it pitches and then moves away. Denly has a poke at it with hard hands. The ball takes the outside edge and goes straight to Rassie van der Dussen at first slip. He is not going to miss it out. He pouches it safely and Denly finally runs out of his luck. A very good phase for the hosts.
42.1
1
On the pads on a length, it is worked to fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
4
1
Anrich Nortje 37/0(8)
41.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
41.5
2
Dropped! Another chance goes abegging! A short ball on middle, Denly rocks on the back foot and pulls it powerfully. The ball goes to Pretorius at mid-wicket very quickly. Pretorius jumps and looks to catch but the ball touches his fingertips and goes to deep mid-wicket. A couple of runs.
41.4
.
Full ball on middle, pushed to mid on.
41.3
.
Slightly shorter and around off, blocked towards covers.
41.2
4
EDGY FOUR! Denly is riding on his luck right now! A full ball outside off, Denly comes forward and looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes past the second slip fielder. It races away to the fence.
41.1
1
Nortje starts with a poor line as he bowls this length ball on the pads, Root flicks it to deep square leg and takes a run.
Anrich Nortje returns. 7-0-30-0 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
4
0
2
4
0
0
Dane Paterson 26/0(9)
40.6
4
EDGED AND FOUR! How lucky can you get? Well, Denly certainly is very lucky. Length ball just outside off, Denly looks to play at it but does so outside the line of the delivery. The ball takes the inside edge of the bat and goes right above the leg pole and into the fine leg fence for a boundary.
40.5
.
Bouncer on middle and leg, ducked under.
40.4
2
Length ball on off, played past the point fielder and the batters take a couple.
40.3
4
FOUR! Third ball on the trot which is full and outside off and this time Paterson pays for it as Denly drives it through the cover region for a boundary.
40.2
.
Another full ball outside off, played to the man at mid off again.
40.1
.
Full ball on off, played towards the man at mid off.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1
4
Vernon Philander 33/1(10)
39.6
1
On the pads, flicked towards deep backward square leg for a single.
39.5
1
Outside off, played towards deep point for one.
39.4
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at cover.
39.3
.
The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
39.2
1
On the pads, worked towards the leg side for a single.
39.1
4
FOUR! Punched away! Back of a length ball outside off, Denly stands tall and punches this one through the cover region for a boundary.
In over# 1
2
0
1
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 16/0(8)
38.6
2
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot towards third man. Two runs added to the total.
38.5
.
The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
38.4
1
Good length ball on the pads, Denly gets an inside edge on this one and the ball rolls towards fine leg. The batters take a single.
38.3
.
The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery.
38.2
.
Length ball on middle and leg, Denly looks to flick but is hit on the thigh pad.
38.1
.
DROPPED! What an effort here by Pieter Malan! It has just about popped out but had that stuck, this would have been a blinder. Paterson bowls a full ball outside off, Denly looks to drive it through point but does so uppishly. Pieter Malan there, dives full stretch to his right, gets one hand on the ball, but the ball does not stick and pops out. What a catch that would have been. Denly survives and he will be looking to make the most of this.
Dane Paterson is back on. 7-2-13-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
3
0
1
0
0
Vernon Philander 26/1(9)
37.6
.
Punched off the back foot by the batsman back towards the bowler.
37.5
3
Wonderful drive! Back of a length ball on off, swinging away. Denly drives this one beautifully through the cover region off the back foot but the ball does not have the legs to cross the fence and the batters take three.
37.4
.
On middle and leg, defended from within the crease.
37.3
1
Length ball just outside off, played towards cover off the front foot for a single.
37.2
.
Good length ball on the leg pole line, Root plays this one towards the man at mid-wicket off the back foot.
37.1
.
Length ball outside off, played towards point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Beuran Hendricks 34/1(11)
36.6
.
Fuller ball this time, on the middle pole line, pushed down towards the man at mid on.
36.5
.
Bouncer on middle and leg, Denly ducks under this one.
36.4
.
Good length ball on middle and off, defended by Denly.
36.3
.
Another ferocious delivery, back of a length and angling in. Denly looks to work it towards the leg side but the ball goes off the inside edge onto the thigh pad and rolls towards the leg side.
36.2
.
Ouch! Hit on the thumb! Back of a length ball on middle, Denly looks to defend but the ball hits his thumb and onto the ground.
36.1
1
Good length ball on off, played towards cover and Root takes an easy single.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0W
Vernon Philander 22/1(8)
35.6
.
Good length ball on middle and off, defended by Denly.
35.5
1
On the pads of Root, he works it behind square and takes a single to get off the mark.
35.4
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
35.3
.
Length ball just around off, Joe Root defends off the back foot.
35.2
.
Another back of a length delivery near the off pole line, Root defends.
England skipper, Joe Root is the new man in.
35.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT AT SLIPS! Crawley departs and he is livid with himself after getting off to such a good start. Back of a length ball just around off, it nips away just a bit. Crawley looks to have a poke at it but the ball goes off the outside edge towards first slip where Rassie van der Dussen takes a very good catch at chest height. It looked like Crawley was in two minds, whether to play at it or leave and that has caused his downfall. Both the openers now depart and South Africa have a real opening here.
Vernon Philander is into the attack. 7-0-21-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1wd
1
0
4
0
Beuran Hendricks 33/1(10)
34.6
.
Bouncer on middle, Denly ducks under it.
34.5
.
Shortish ball around off, it is angled into the batter again. Denly looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.
34.5
1wd
WIDE! Bouncer on middle, Crawley ducks under it. It is wided by the umpire.
34.4
1
Short and around off again, Crawley easily pulls it to the man at deep square leg for a run.
34.3
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
34.2
4
FOUR! Another bouncer from Hendricks and this time Crawley nails the pull powerfully! It goes to the deep mid-wicket fence in a flash.
34.1
.
Brilliant bouncer from Hendricks once again. It is on the body. Crawley takes his eyes off and looks to sway away but the ball comes into him and hits him on the arms.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
1
Dane Paterson 13/0(7)
33.6
.
Full ball on middle, it is stroked to mid on.
33.5
.
Length ball around off, it is blocked.
33.4
1
Length ball angled in, Crawley flicks it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.
33.3
1
He is off the mark now as Paterson bowls it on middle and on a length. Denly works it to deep square leg and takes a run.
33.2
.
In the channel outside off this time, Denly makes his third leave in as many balls.
33.1
1
Shortish ball outside off, Crawley slaps it to deep cover for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
1
0
Beuran Hendricks 27/1(9)
32.6
.
Another length ball outside off, Denly makes another leave.
32.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
Joe Denly walks in next.
32.4
W
OUT! Caught down the leg side! An excellent catch from de Kock and Hendricks has a Test wicket. He bowls it short one which is going down the leg side. Sibley looks to glance it towards fine leg but gets a faint tickle which goes behind. De Kock flies to his left and pouches the ball with his right hand. South Africa have broken the opening stand.
32.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
32.2
1
Full ball on off, pushed towards mid on for a single.
32.1
.
Length ball angled into the batter, Crawley looks to defend but gets hit high on the pads.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 10/0(6)
31.6
.
Outside off this time, Sibley lets it go to the keeper.
31.5
.
Length ball around off, it is defended.
31.4
4
FOUR! Width offered and Sibley pounces on it. It is slightly short and outside off, Sibley goes on the back foot and punches it through backward point for a boundary.
31.3
.
Make that third leave as Paterson bowls it on a length and outside off.
31.2
.
Outside off again, Sibley leaves it alone again.
31.1
.
Paterson starts with a length ball outside off, Sibley lets it be.
Dane Patterson to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 26/0(8)
30.6
.
Good length ball angled into the batter, Crawley looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. A muted appeal follows but dies down instantly.
30.5
1
Shortish and outside off, it is punched through the off side but a single.
30.4
.
Length ball on the pads, Crawley looks to flick but gets an inside edge. The ball hits the pads and goes uppishly towards the leg side.
30.3
1
Another short of a length ball on middle, it is pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
30.2
.
Shortish ball on middle, Crawley blocks it off the back foot.
30.1
.
A lose short on the first ball post the break! A good length ball outside off, Crawley goes chasing after it and looks to drive but misses. Luckily, does not get an edge on that one.
Both the English openers walk out to the middle. The Protea players already out in the middle. Beuran Hendricks to start the proceedings for the hosts with the ball.
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
So, England have finished the session unscathed, bringing up the unbeaten 100-run opening stand off the last ball of the session. That is some achievement and it finally looks like England have found the solution to their opening batsmen woes. Crawley has taken the charge, scoring freely nd getting to his maiden half ton in the process. As for Sibley, he has been solid after getting a life as he was caught by Bavuma at backward point only for umpire Joel Wilson to rule that delivery as a no ball for overstepping. These are solid foundations for England and they would be looking to go big from here on in. Coming to the South African bowlers, they have been poor and not giving anything tough to the England batters to face. Can they turn it around in the final session of the day? Join us after the Tea break at 1600 Local (1400 GMT) for all the action!
30 overs, 100 runs and no wickets. What a session this has been for England after they elected to bat first and as for South Africa, well their misery continues.
In over# 1
4
1
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 30/0(7)
29.6
4
FOUR! 100 up for England. Brilliant opening stand for the visitors. A length ball on middle, Sibley goes on the back foot and flicks it past the short leg fielder. There was shout of 'catch it' but it was flicked with power and there was no chance the fielder would've been even getting his hands to it. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1.
29.5
1
Length ball angled into the batter, Crawley flicks it to deep square leg for a run.
29.4
.
Full and around off, flicked to mid-wicket by Crawley.
29.3
.
Slightly short and on the body, Crawley blocks it off the back foot.
29.2
.
Full ball around off, worked towards mid-wicket.
29.1
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
In over# 1
2
0
2
0
0
2
Beuran Hendricks 24/0(7)
28.6
2
Nicely bowled and equally well played! A very full ball on middle, almost a yorker, Sibley does well to flick it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.
28.5
.
Appeal for LBW but this one was probably pitching outside leg. A length ball around middle and leg, Sibley looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Huge appeal from the bowler but the umpire not interested. No review from du Plessis.
28.4
2
Shortish ball around off, Sibley taps it through covers and bags a couple of runs.
28.3
.
On the pads, worked towards the leg side.
28.2
.
A bouncer on middle, Sibley ducks under it.
28.1
2
Landed around off, it is worked towards square leg. A quick single is taken. The fielder there in the attempt of running the batter out concedes an overthrow as he misses his shy at the non-striker's end.
In over# 1
0
1wd
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 25/0(6)
27.6
.
Outside off, left alone. Finally the over ends.
27.6
1wd
Bouncer and just outside off, it is left alone. Called wide by the umpire as it was way over the batsman. Wided by the umpire.
The England physio is out in the middle to check Crawley. A few questions will be asked by the physio and if there is no issue, he will continue. Looking fine though. Mandatory concussion protocol going on. South Africans get a breather and they might want to use the time to regroup and work out their strategy. The physio is now checking the helmet and is probably not happy from the new helmet which came for Crawley. Another one has been asked and the wait goes on. And, finally, the 12th man comes running in with the new one. We are finally ready to go, again.
27.5
.
Ouch! Straight on the helmet! Crawley quickly takes off his helmet and walks across to the leg side. It is another short of a length ball which comes into the batter. Crawley swivels and looks to pull but is early in the shot. He misses and the ball hits him on the right side of the helmet. That was a pacy delivery too.
27.4
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
27.3
.
Another shorter length ball on middle, Crawley looks to pull but mistimes it towards mid-wicket.
27.2
.
Shortish ball on middle, Crawley once again makes a solid block.
27.1
.
Back of a length ball around off, it is blocked off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 18/0(6)
26.6
.
Full ball around off, Sibley watchfully defends it.
26.5
.
Bouncer on middle, Sibley ducks under it.
26.4
1
Short of a length ball around off, Crawley pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
26.3
4
FOUR! Straight as an arrow! This is brilliant batting from Crawley. Hendricks overpitches it outside off, Crawley just times it down the ground firmly. Sibley takes the evasive action at the non-striker's end and falls in the process. The ball goes past him and then races to the fence.
26.2
.
Fullish and just outside off, Crawley covers his stumps and lets it be.
26.1
.
Full ball on middle, pushed to mid on.
Hendricks is back into the attack. 5-2-13-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
0
Anrich Nortje 24/0(5)
25.6
.
Landed on middle on a length, Sibley looks to work it around the leg side but gets hit on the pads.
25.5
1
On middle, it is flicked to deep square leg for a run.
25.4
.
Slightly shortish ball angled into the batter, Crawley looks to defend but gets an inside edge. The ball hits the pads and rolls towards the off side.
25.3
1
Slightly short and on the body, it is worked towards mid-wicket for a single.
25.2
.
Outside off, Sibley lets it go to the keeper.
25.1
.
Fuller ball around off, it is defended.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
4
1
Dwaine Pretorius 19/0(4)
24.6
.
In the channel outside off, Crawley leaves it alone.
24.5
.
Very full ball on off, it is defended.
24.4
1
Length ball on middle, Sibley looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes to square leg for a run.
24.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
24.2
4
FOUR! Driven handsomely! A full ball on off, Sibley leans into the shot and drills it down the ground. Need not run for that one.
24.1
1
Leading edge! Full ball on middle, Crawley looks to flick but the ball takes the leading edge and goes to point for a run. Crawley gets to his maiden half ton with that run.
In over# 1
0
0
1wd
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 22/0(4)
23.6
.
Shortish ball on middle, Sibley hops and blocks it off his back foot.
23.5
.
Another length ball outside off, left alone.
23.5
1wd
WIDE! Bouncer outside off, it is left alone. Called wide by the umpire.
23.4
.
Slightly shortish ball outside off, pushed to point.
23.3
.
Beaten! A length ball that pitches around off and shapes away. Sibley pokes at it without any feet movement and gets beaten.
23.2
.
Outside off, left alone.
23.1
.
Slightly short and on off, pushed back to the bowler.
In over# 1
4
0
0
4
0
4
Dwaine Pretorius 13/0(3)
22.6
4
FOUR! All timing! Another full ball from Pretorius. Crawley drives it straight down the ground. Pretorius gets down to get a hand to the ball but misses and it goes to the fence.
22.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
22.4
.
Shortish ball around off and middle, it is blocked off the back foot.
22.3
4
FOUR! Whipped off his pads. Poor line this from Pretorius. He bowls it on the pads on a fuller length, Crawley flicks it off his pads and it races away to the fence.
22.2
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
22.1
4
FOUR! Drilled through the covers! A full ball outside off, Crawley takes a good stride forward and drills it through covers for a boundary.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
1
0
Anrich Nortje 21/0(3)
21.6
4
FOUR! Length ball outside off, Sibley guides it through backward point for a boundary.
21.5
.
Length ball outside off, Sibley covers his stumps and lets it be.
21.4
.
Another length ball around off, it is tapped towards point.
21.3
.
Full ball around off, it is defended.
21.2
1
Good length ball angled into the batter, it is worked towards mid-wicket where fielder misfields and allows a single.
21.1
.
Good length ball on off, pushed back to the bowler.
Anrich Nortje is back into the attack.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 6/0(5)
20.6
.
Another length ball outside off, left alone.
20.5
1
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
20.4
.
Another ball outside off , left alone.
20.3
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
20.2
.
Edged but it does not carry! Good length ball around off, Crawley pokes at it but the ball shapes away and takes the outside edge but falls short of the second slip fielder.
20.1
.
Short ball around off, worked towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 1/0(2)
19.6
1
On the pads this time, nudged towards fine leg for a single.
19.5
.
Length ball on middle, Crawley looks to defend but the ball goes to short mid-wicket off the inner half of the bat.
19.4
.
Shortish ball around off, it is defended off the back foot.
19.3
.
Length ball around off, it is tapped towards point.
19.2
.
Very full ball on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
19.1
.
Shortish ball around off, it is defended.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 5/0(4)
18.6
.
A leave to get through the over! It is outside off on a length. It is left alone.
18.5
.
Another length ball outside off, it is defended off the back foot.
18.4
1
Back of a length ball on middle, it is pulled to deep square leg for a single.
18.3
.
In the channel outside off, left alone.
18.2
.
Fuller and just outside off, Crawley drives it straight to the man at mid off.
18.1
.
Another fuller ball around off, Crawley defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dwaine Pretorius 0/0(1)
17.6
.
Full ball outside off, pushed to mid off.
17.5
.
In the channel outside off, shaping further away. Sibley shoulders arms.
17.4
.
Another full ball around off, this time, Sibley drives it towards mid on.
17.3
.
Full ball on off, defended.
17.2
.
Another fuller ball around off, it is pushed towards covers.
17.1
.
Full ball on off, defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Dane Paterson 4/0(3)
16.6
.
Full ball on middle and off, driven towards the man at mid on.
16.5
.
Beauty! Back of a length ball on off, Crawley looks to defend this one off the back foot but gets completely squared up as the ball moves away.
16.4
.
Outside off, left alone.
16.3
4
FOUR! Length ball on off, Crawley drives this one off the back foot through the cover region. Pieter Malan gives it a chase but he cannot keep it in despite his dive.
16.2
.
On the pads, worked towards the leg side.
16.1
.
Crawley has defended that one off the front foot towards the leg side.
Drinks! An excellent first hour for the visitors. They are scoring at a decent pace right now. South Africa haven't been able to put too much pressure on the openers. They would've had one under their belt but Philander had overstepped and that might prove to be costly for them. Both the openers are looking solid out in the middle and would look to continue batting. Interesting to see if South Africa can manage to bag a wicket or two before the break.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
2
0
Vernon Philander 21/0(7)
15.6
.
Full ball outside off, Sibley drills the drive but straight to the cover fielder.
15.5
.
Length ball around off, it is pushed to point.
15.4
.
Beaten! Brilliant response from the bowler. Philander bowls it on a length around off and makes it shape away from the forward prod of the batter. It beats the outside edge and goes to the keeper.
15.3
4
FOUR! 50 up for England. A full ball on middle, Sibley strokes it through mid on and it races away to the fence.
15.2
2
Shortish ball around off, it is tapped through covers for a couple of runs.
15.1
.
Another ball in the channel outside off, an easy leave for the batsman.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 0/0(2)
14.6
.
Length ball around off, it is defended.
14.5
.
Full ball on off, driven straight to mid off.
14.4
.
Another length ball outside off, Crawley lets it go to the keeper.
14.3
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
14.2
.
Good length ball outside off, Crawley looks to play at it but fails to put bat on ball.
14.1
.
Another one outside off, Crawley leaves it alone.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 15/0(6)
13.6
1
Good length ball on middle and leg, pushed towards the man at mid on for a quick single.
13.5
.
The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
13.4
1
Finally one ball which is bowled on the stumps, worked towards square leg for a single.
13.3
.
Okay now this seems to be some sort of a strategy as Philander bowls another delivery outside off but Sibley is patient and does not fiddle with it.
13.2
.
Fullish ball now, but again outside off and left alone. The South African bowlers need to straighten their line here and attack the stumps.
13.1
.
The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 0/0(1)
12.6
.
This is poor stuff and Crawley leaves this ball too as it is outside off.
12.5
.
The bowlers need to bowl better lines here. Outside off again, Crawley shoulders arms again.
12.4
.
Another one outside off, left alone by Crawley.
12.3
.
Length ball outside off, left alone by the batsman.
12.2
.
Good length ball on off, left alone by the bowler.
12.1
.
Full ball on off, pushed towards mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1nb
0
Vernon Philander 13/0(5)
11.6
.
Sibley shoulders arms to let that one through.
11.5
.
The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
11.4
.
Good length ball on middle and off, driven towards mid off.
11.3
.
The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
11.2
.
Full ball around off, driven towards the man at cover.
11.2
1nb
No ball! OUT! What! Wait, no! It has been called a No ball! Drama all around and Faf du Plessis just cannot believe it. Length ball outside off, Sibley goes hard at it and cuts. The ball goes to the left at Temba Bavuma at backward point who dives to his left and takes a superb catch but umpire Joel Wilson has called it a no ball as Philander has overstepped. Superb umpiring by Joel Wilson.
Now, Sibley has been dimissed, out caught, but the umpire has decided that this is an illegal delivery. Yes, Philander has overstepped!!!
11.1
.
Good length ball on middle and off, defended off the front foot.
Vernon Philander is back into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 16/0(2)
10.6
.
Outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to let that one through.
10.5
.
Good length ball down the leg side, Crawley looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pad.
10.4
4
FOUR! Full length ball on middle and leg, Crawley flicks this ball nicely in the gap at mid-wicket for a boundary.
10.3
.
Another one outside off, played towards point.
10.2
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended.
10.1
.
Good length ball around the off pole line, defended off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 13/0(5)
9.6
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
9.5
.
Down the leg side, Sibley looks to flick but misses.
9.4
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
9.3
.
Length ball on middle and leg, Sibley gets an inside edge on this one and the ball rolls towards fine leg.
9.2
.
Good length ball on the off pole line, it is defended.
9.1
.
Sibley looks to come down the track, Hendricks spots that and bowls it down the leg side. Sibley looks to flick but misses.
In over# 1
1
3
4
0
0
4
Anrich Nortje 12/0(1)
8.6
1
Another one on middle, this time it is flicked in front of square leg and the batters take a single.
8.5
3
Full ball on middle and off, Crawley has flicked this one towards the mid-wicket region. The batters manage to run three while the fielders mop it up.
8.4
4
FOUR! Creamed! Outside off delivery yet again, Crawley drives it through the cover region superbly for a boundary.
8.3
.
Full ball swinging in towards the off pole line, pushed towards the man at mid on.
8.2
.
Length ball just around off, Crawley looks to defend off the back foot but the ball goes off the thick outside edge towards the man at gully on the bounce.
8.1
4
FOUR! Welcome to the attack, Anrich Nortje. He bowls a full ball on middle and off, Crawley flicks this one towards the mid-wicket region for a boundary.
Anrich Nortje is into the attack now.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
2
Beuran Hendricks 13/0(4)
7.6
.
Shortish ball around off, pushed to short fine leg.
7.5
1
Good length ball around off, Crawley looks to defend but gets an inside edge. The ball goes towards fine leg and a run is taken.
7.4
1
Shortish ball around off, it is punched through covers for a single.
7.3
.
NOT OUT! Hendricks will have to wait for his debut Test wicket. It is a good length ball down the leg side. Sibley looks to flick but misses. The bowler though makes a loud appeal along with the keeper. The umpire takes his time and then raises his fingers. Sibley quickly takes the decision upstairs which means he is quite confident that he did not nick it. The replays roll in and confirm the same. The Ultra Edge detects nothing as the bat crosses the bat. The noise was off the ball hitting the thigh pad. So, the on-field decision has to be changed and Sibley stays. Excellent review from him.
Sibley has been given caught behind but he immediately signals the 'T'. The bowler was confident there, so was the keeper. However, Sibley was quick to refer it upstairs too. Here comes the replays. Front foot is fine. Time for the Ultra Edge. Nothing on it. The on-field decision will be reversed.
7.2
.
Outside off, left alone.
7.1
2
Landed on middle on a length, Sibley works it behind square leg for a couple of runs.
In over# 1
0
4
2
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 12/0(4)
6.6
.
In the channel outside off, Crawley lets it go to the keeper.
6.5
4
FOUR! Creamed through the covers! A full ball outside off, Crawley gets forward and creams it through the covers and it races away to the fence.
6.4
2
This one is on a length and it is angled into the batter, Crawley tucks it to deep square leg for a couple.
6.3
.
Shortish ball outside off, it is pushed to mid off.
6.2
.
Full ball outside off, Crawley looks to drive but ends up hitting it off the toe end of his willow. It goes straight to the man at covers.
6.1
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Beuran Hendricks 9/0(3)
5.6
.
Length ball around off, it is defended off the front foot.
5.5
.
Length ball around off, it is pushed towards point.
5.4
.
Shortish and on middle, Sibley does well to tuck it towards the leg side.
5.3
.
Length ball which is shaping away after pitching on middle, Sibley lets it be.
5.2
4
FOUR! Cut away! A shortish length ball outside off, Sibley rocks on the back foot and cuts it through backward point to bag his second boundary of the innings.
5.1
.
Bouncer on middle, Sibley ducks under it.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 6/0(3)
4.6
.
Another length ball outside off, Crawley makes another leave.
4.5
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
4.4
4
FOUR! Driven firmly! A full ball just outside off, Crawley drills it past the man at mid off. That was timed really nicely by Crawley to bag his first boundary.
4.3
.
That wasn't too far away from the off pole. A length ball just outside off, Crawley covers his stumps and lets it be.
4.2
.
Slips it down the leg this time, Crawley looks to flick but misses.
4.1
.
Length ball around off, Crawley defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Beuran Hendricks 5/0(2)
3.6
.
Full ball on off, pushed back to the bowler.
3.5
.
Another leave as Hendricks delivers a length ball outside off.
3.4
.
Good leave! A length ball in the channel outside off, Sibley covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper. Good carry to the keeper there.
3.3
.
Landed on middle on a length, Sibley is solid in his defense once again.
3.2
.
Length ball around off, it is defended.
3.1
.
Beauty! A length ball which pitches around off and moves away by a long way. Sibley looks to defend initially but pulls his bat away at the last moment.
In over# 1
0
0
1nb
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 2/0(2)
2.6
.
Good length ball around off, it is blocked off the back foot.
2.5
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
2.5
1nb
No ball! Another ball which is around off, Crawley comes forward and keeps it out. Philander has overstepped though and it is a no ball.
2.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
2.3
.
Shortish around off, tapped towards point.
2.2
.
Muted shout from the bowler now. It is a length ball which comes back in sharply. Crawley though is expecting the ball to go away and shoulders arms. He gets hit high on the pads.
2.1
.
Length ball outside off, it is left alone.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
1
0
Beuran Hendricks 5/0(1)
1.6
4
FOUR! First one of the innings! Hendricks strays on the pads of Sibley on a shortish length, Sibley just helps it down to fine leg and it races away to the fence.
1.5
.
This one goes away from a length. However, it is way outside off and Sibley shoulders arms.
1.4
.
Another ball which comes back in from a length. Sibley looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit high on the pads.
1.3
.
In the channel outside off, it is left alone.
1.2
1
Good length ball on middle, driven towards mid on for a single.
1.1
.
Hendricks starts with a nasty one! Bangs it on back of a length on middle, Crawley looks to pull but is hit hard on the thigh pad. The ball rolls towards the off side.
Beuran Hendricks to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Vernon Philander 1/0(1)
0.6
.
Huge appeal for LBW but not out says the umpire. Length ball coming into the batsman, Sibley looks to defend but misses to get struck on the pads. Philander makes a loud appeal but nothing from the umpire. Philander suggests Faf to go for the review but the skipper tells him that it was probably going over the top.
0.5
.
Shortish ball outside off, it is left alone.
So, these are the revised timings for Day 1 - Session 1: 1320 hours to 1540 hours Tea: 1540 hours to 1600 hours Session 2: 1600 hours - 1800 hours Extra 30 minutes to bowl any remaining overs - 1830 hours 65 overs will be bowled in the day, weather permitting.
0.4
.
Good length ball around off, Sibley pushes it back to the bowler.
0.3
1
England and Crawley are underway! Full ball around off, Crawley looks to drive but the ball takes the thick inside edge and it goes to square leg for a single.
0.2
.
Full and outside off again, Crawley once again lets it go to the keeper.
0.1
.
Fuller length ball outside off, Crawley covers his stumps on this first ball and lets it go to the keeper. Some away movement on this first ball.
Finally, it is the players who are out in the middle and not the groundsmen. Zak Crawley and Dominic Sibley, the two England openers walk out. Vernon Philander takes the ball first up. Here we go...
SOUTH AFRICA (PLAYING XI) - Pieter Malan, Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma (in for Zubayr Hamza), Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Dane Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dwaine Pretorius (In for Keshav Maharaj), Beuran Hendricks (Test debut, in for Kagiso Rabada), Anrich Nortje.
ENGLAND (PLAYING XI) - Zak Crawley, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Chris Woakes (In for Dominic Bess), Stuart Broad, Mark Wood.
Toss - Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of England. Joe Root has elected to bat first.
So finally, we welcome you to the 4th and final match of the Test series between South Africa and England. It has been raining overnight in Johannesburg and the first session has already been washed out on Day 1. It will be interesting to see how the outfield will play out from now on. Now, for a quick rewind, the hosts did win the first Test match and gave the home fans some hope that this team was turning a corner but in the following 2 Test matches, England and especially, Ben Stokes, showed his class as they have now taken a 2-1 lead in the series. The 2nd Test match went to the final hour of the final day but in the 3rd Test, one must say it was men against boys as England romped to a victory. This Test match is a must-win for South Africa if they want to draw the series. As for England, they would be pleased with a draw but even they would be looking to win to get some extra points on the ICC World Test championship table. Coming to the team news, Kagiso Rabada, the main strike bowler for South Africa has been suspended for this Test match as he collected his 4th demerit point for his celebration after taking the wicket of Joe Root in the 3rd Test match. It is unknown as of now who will replace him in the bowling department. This will also be a farewell match for Vernon Philander and South Africa will be expecting that he delivers for them one last time. In the batting department, Zubayr Hamza will be replaced by Temba Bavuma and it will be interesting to see how he copes after not a very good tour of India. Coming to England, Mark Wood was a doubt for this game but it looks like he will be fit to make it to the starting XI. However, during the warm-up, Jofra Archer injured his elbow and looks like he will miss out and Chris Woakes will come on for him. Stay tuned for the Toss and pitch report.
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