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Woah, That brings us to the end of a Test match which will be remembered for a long time. The pendulum swung from England to South Africa a lot of times but it is England who in the end run away with the points. 30 to be precise in the ICC World Test championship. That's not all from this exciting series though. The caravan now moves to Port Elizabeth for the Third Test match. It will begin on 16th of January at 1000 Local (0800 GMT). Until then, ciao!

BEN STOKES IS NAMED MAN OF THE MATCH. He tries to drag Sibley with him as he wants to share the award with him but he pulls himself away from Stokes. Ben starts by saying that he came in to bowl in a do-or-die situation. Tells that Sibley deserves a lot of credit too. On his own performance, Stokes says that credit should be given to the whole group for the way they played the in entire game. On the catch by Crawley, Stokes says that he felt that it would go over but he did well to latch onto it. Tells that it is a game to remember for England and feels that South Africa too will remember this for a long time. Feels games like these are reasons why five day Tests should always be around.

England skipper, Joe Root, starts by saying that it was a great game of cricket. Tells that they believed every minute of the game that they could win the game and thanks the crowd for coming in large numbers. Tells that South Africa made things difficult for them but their 12th man, the crowd, was brilliant. On the bounce back after the defeat, Root feels that they had individual players standing up for him during tough situations. Feels that Stokes' impact once again helped them in this game. On the wicket of van der Dussen, Root says the credit goes to Stuart Broad for that wicket. On Ben Stokes' performance, Root says that he is one of those players who gives his 100 percent for the side. Adds that he is a world-class player and deserves every compliment that comes his way.

South Africa skipper, Faf du Plessis, says that they fought and fought throughout the game and it is unfortunate that there has to be a winner. Credits England for coming at them relentlessly. Tells that with the series level now, the next game is going to be an exciting one. Praises Malan's effort and feels that the transition phase is always worrying but Malan's effort helps the team in such a phase. Tells that he does not mind losing here as they fought really hard in this game. On the conditions, du Plessis said that conditions change everywhere. Tells that two tough and very good games have been played. Says that they will regroup and try to do better in the next game.

Quinton de Kock is now down for a chat with Shaun Pollock. De Kock starts by saying that the boys fought hard but credits the English bowlers for a superb performance. Tells that they tried to take the game as deep as they could. On his wicket, he says that it felt really bad. Tells that he will try to stay away from the game for a couple of days and then regroup for the next game. On Philander's last game at Newlands, and eventually his retirement post the series, de Kock says that he is a special player and that they will miss him in the dressing room. The players are now down again for the presentation.

Zak Crawley is down for a quick chat with Pommie Mbangwa. He starts by saying that it was an exceptional game. On Stokes' performance, says that he was very good. On the catch of Nortje, Crawley says that it came really quickly at him and the ball popped up. Feels he was lucky there as it went up and he managed to pouch it with his other hand. Dominic Sibley comes to talk to Mbangwa now. He says that it's an amazing win. On things not going their way, Sibley says that before this session, things looked really flat but they did not give up. Says that Stokes is an amazing player and he gets things done for the side.

Stuart Broad is down for a chat with Shaun Pollock. He starts by saying that this win is a special one and mentions that the crowd has been exceptional in this game. Reckons South Africa played brilliantly too but felt that they knew that they needed one magic moment and things will change. On the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen, Broad says that he did not plan that ball, adds that he actually sprayed down the leg side unintentionally and luckily it got him the big wicket. Tells that the wicket got slow as the final day approached and tells that Stokes' innings yesterday gave them a lot of time to bowl them out.

So, a summary of this Test match overall. South Africa put in a good performance in the first innings with the ball as they restricted England to only 269 with Nortje, Rabada and Philander being the pick of the bowlers. England responded even better with Anderson and Broad being the pick of the bowlers. Anderson picked up a 5-fer as they got a lead of 46. Dominic Sibley, then in the second bout, registered his maiden Test ton and contributions from Big Ben and others gave a target of 438 to the Proteas which ultimately proved to be enough as the English Lions won the game by 189 runs.

The hosts, on the other hand, started well. They blocked whatever was thrown at them but maybe an extremely defensive approach hurt them. Pieter Malan was the star for them with a brilliant 84 on his debut in the second innings. He along with Rassie van der Dussen, who played 140 balls for his 17 looked the most comfortable batters out there. The Proteas skipper would be disappointed with himself as he threw his wicket away. Just when de Kock and van der Dussen were making things look easy, the former played a poor shot and he too got out. Rassie van der Dussen soon followed with a strangle down the leg side and then it all went downhill. The last four wickets fell in quick succession and that gave the visitors a hard-fought victory.

The second innings did not start well for the visitors. Elgar and Malan stood tall and gave a good start to the South Africans. Even Elgar's wicket did not stop the Proteas. Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock gave a fight but once the latter fell, England pounced upon that opportunity and finished things off quickly for the visitors. Despite Anderson being injured almost throughout the final session, the other bowlers bowled brilliantly especially Stokes in the end. He was the one with the three final wickets. Anderson picked up two wickets and all the other bowlers also chipped in with wickets. Overall, it was a very good performance from the visitors in the second innings.

Wow! What a Test match we have witnessed! A match surely to remember for a long time. Stokes you beauty! Brilliant! England deserve every bit of it. At Tea, it looked like Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen would bat out the session and settle for the draw but England persisted and it paid off in the end. It all started with the wickets of Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen who threw them away. Philander and Pretorius held fort for some time but then, it was the Ben Stokes show as he took two wickets off two balls. Philander was the last man to fall and that gave England the all-important victory, their first in this decade.

137.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Heartbreak for Vernon Philander and South Africa after coming so close. England have come out on top after what has been a riveting game. Stokes is the hero as he has harassed and dislodged three stubborn tailenders. Stokes bowls a length ball just outside off, Philander looks to fend at it and the ball goes off the splice of the bat and into the hands of Ollie Pope at gully who takes the catch. What a great advert this has been for Test cricket! ENGLAND WIN THE MATCH BY 189 RUNS!!!

137.3

.

Another length ball outside off, left alone by Philander.

137.2

.

In the channel outside off, Philander makes a leave now. The crowds getting into the act now as almost every ball is getting cheered.

137.1

.

Good length ball on off, defended.

136.6

.

Almost another one! Fires this just outside off, Rabada pokes at it but misses.

136.5

2

Fires this one outside off, Rabada strokes it through point. No one in the deep so an easy couple for Rabada. They don't matter though.

136.4

.

Floated one on middle, Rabada keeps it out.

136.3

.

Full again and on middle, pushed to covers.

136.2

.

Full again, Rabada pushes it back to the bowler. A bit uppish but does not carry.

136.1

.

Floats a very full ball on middle, Rabada easily blocks it out.

135.6

.

Over negotiated but the strike with Rabada now. Very full ball on middle and off, Philander blocks it out.

135.5

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Philander makes an easy leave.

135.4

.

A length ball just outside off, Philander stays tall and defends.

135.3

1

A very full ball on middle and leg, Rabada gets his bat down and turns the ball towards mid-wicket so that he can give the strike to the local boy Philander.

135.2

.

Bouncer on middle and off, Rabada ducks under it.

135.1

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Rabada looks to defend but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.

134.6

4

FOUR! Runs do not matter at this stage as the ball has crossed the boundary line and the strike will be with Rabada for the next over. Full ball on off, Philander softly drives but the ball trudges into the fence.

134.5

.

Philander defends it from within the crease. Will be looking to retain strike for the next over.

134.4

.

Again outside off, Philander defends towards cover.

134.3

.

Bess goes a touch too straight and lands the ball on middle. Worked towards the leg side.

134.2

.

Now tossed up closer to the off pole, Vernon prods forward and blocks.

134.1

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Floated outside off, defended towards the off side by Philander.

133.6

.

Shortish ball outside off, Rabada rides the bounce and taps it towards point.

133.5

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No hat-trick! An yorker attempt gone wrong and Stokes ends up dishing out a full toss. Rabada pushes it towards mid on.

Kagiso Rabada is the last man in. He will face the hat-trick ball. Remember, he is on a king pair.

133.4

W

OUT! Caught! Oh dear! What a blinder from Crawley. Stokes you champion. Crawley you little beauty. A good length ball angled away from wide of the crease. It pitches and shapes a hint away as Nortje looks to defend at it with hard hands. The ball takes the thick outside edge and goes to Crawley at third slip. It is traveling at him. He puts his right hand out to grab it but the ball does not stick and pops up. He keeps his eyes on the ball and sees it coming down. He then puts his left hand up and takes it easily. England celebrate. Just one wicket away from leveling the series. Stokes on a hat-trick. Absolute scenes here in Cape Town.

Anrich Nortje walks in. An Everest in front of him. 75 minimum balls to survive.

133.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one goes down and England are jubilant! Everyone has come up to Stokes and are giving him a hug and why not! It was a low, low catch and Root has done extremely well to take it. Maybe this is the price that the South Africans have to pay for not rotating the strike when a single is on offer. Length ball in the corridor of uncertainty, Pretorius looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge low to the right of first slip where Root takes a very good low catch.

133.2

.

This time on the off pole line, Pretorius defends it towards the off side.

133.1

.

Starts the over with a length ball on the hips, Dwaine defends it towards the leg side.

132.6

.

Fuller and outside off, Philander pushes it to deep point and does not take a single. Why would he do that? Probably planning to play out the spinner himself and let Pretorius face Stokes. Interesting!

132.5

.

Flighted fuller ball around off, pushed past the silly point fielder.

132.4

.

Full and on off, Philander comes forward and keeps it out.

132.3

.

Fuller again and outside off, pushed to covers.

132.2

.

Fuller and on off, it is defended.

132.1

.

Quicker one around off, Philander keeps it out.

Rise up England fans, cheer us on... that is the word from skipper Joe Root!!! He is trying to extract each and every ounce of energy that he can get from every source possible.

131.6

.

This time Pretorius keeps it out.

131.5

.

Beaten again! Another ball in the channel outside off, Pretorius once again looks to defend but misses out again.

131.4

.

That kept low! How did Pretorius manage to keep it out. A fullish length ball, hitting one of the cracks and keeping really low. Pretorius gets his bat down in time to block it out.

131.3

.

Another ripper! Brilliant from Stokes. Another length ball, this is closer to the off pole. This time Pretorius has to play. He looks to defend but gets beaten again.

131.2

.

Almost! Almost! Stokes looks for the heavens as he cannot believe it. A good length ball outside off, seaming away. Pretorius can leave it alone easily but he pokes to get beaten.

131.1

.

Back of a length ball down the leg side. Pretorius lets its be.

DRINKS! 15 more overs to go, and 3 wickets in hand. The match stays at a tantalising stage with so many factors in play. James Anderson is struggling badly with an injury, Stuart Broad already has 2 official warnings for running onto the danger area and Ben Stokes has run himself into the ground. Kumar Dharmasena signals the final hour is underway and Stokes will get us started for it. Nervous times for both teams!

130.6

.

OHH! Floated on off, Vernon looks to defend but it takes the inside half of the bat and goes wide of the short leg fielder.

130.5

4

FOUR! Bang! Flighted on off, Philander leans forward and drives it through covers for a boundary.

130.4

.

On off, defended to silly point.

130.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Vernon drives it straight back to the bowler.

130.2

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

Two short leg fielders in place now.

130.1

.

Floated on off, pitching on the rough. Vernon looks to defend but it hits the upper half of the bat and rolls to the leg side.

129.6

.

Almost! Stokes getting closer! Length ball in the corridor of uncertainty outside off, Pretorius looks to drive but the ball goes past the outside edge. Misses it by a whisker. Another over negotiated by this pair.

129.5

.

Another length ball outside off, Pretorius punches off the back foot.

129.4

.

Length ball on middle and off, Pretorius stands tall and blocks.

129.3

.

Full ball just outside off, Pretorius defends it onto the ground.

129.2

.

Another full ball attacking the stumps, worked towards the leg side.

129.1

.

Very full and outside off, Pretorius will not fiddle with it.

Ben Stokes is back on. 19-5-34-0, his figures so far.

128.6

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This time Bess drags his length back, Philander goes back and defends.

128.5

.

Floated on middle, Vernon is doing superbly well to defend.

128.4

.

Again Philander prods forward and does well to defend.

128.3

.

Floated ball on off, Philander drives it back to the bowler.

128.2

.

Another one which is outside off, Philander again looks to go towards the off side but the ball goes off the leading edge back towards the bowler.

128.1

.

Floated outside off, Philander tries to force it towards cover but misses.

127.6

.

Fullish and on off, it is blocked.

127.5

.

Fuller and on off, pushed.

Second official warning for Stuart Broad as he runs on the danger area on the pitch. If he does so again, Broad will be taken off.

127.4

.

Back of a length ball down the leg side. Pretorius lets it be.

127.3

.

Good length ball hits the crack and goes miles away as Pretorius lets it be.

127.2

.

Full and on middle this time, Pretorius gets solid behind the line of the delivery.

127.1

.

Fullish and on off, Pretorius defends it.

126.6

.

Quicker one outside off, Philander lets it be.

126.5

.

Full and on off, blocked out by Philander.

126.4

.

Flatter one around off, pushed to mid off again.

126.3

.

Fuller and outside off, Philander drills it down the ground but the mid off fielder makes an excellent stop.

126.2

.

Quicker one around off and middle, Philander defends it off the front foot.

126.1

.

Fuller and on middle, it is defended by Philander.

125.6

.

First ball to Pretorius, outside off. He has left it alone.

Dwaine Pretorius replaces Rassie van der Dussen out in the middle.

125.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Disaster strikes as the last recognised batter and the pillar for the Proteas in this innings, Rassie van der Dussen departs! It was a clear trap and Rassie has completely fallen for it. A leg gully was in place and the ball has gone straight to him. Broad sprays this one down the leg side, van der Dussen gets tempted and looks to flick. He does so but the ball goes very fine for his liking. Rassie turns and watches Anderson take an easy catch. Van der Dussen is in distraught and so are his teammates in the pavilion. He walks back after a gritty and fantastic knock, facing 140 balls. Has he done enough to help his team drag this match to a draw? Only the remaining batters can complete the story now.

125.4

.

Again Broad sprays one outside off, not troubling van der Dussen.

125.3

.

This time Broad attacks the stumps but van der Dussen does well to prod forward and defend.

125.2

.

Outside off, left alone. Too easy for van der Dussen.

125.1

.

Down the leg side, van der Dussen has no need to go after it.

124.6

.

Another one on middle, Philander defends off the back foot.

124.5

.

Outside off, played towards point.

124.4

.

Philander goes back in his crease and now defends it towards the short leg fielder.

124.3

.

Another one which is on the pads, worked towards square leg.

124.2

.

Tossed up on middle, worked towards the leg side.

124.1

.

Floated on off, Philander prods forward and defends.

Dominic Bess is back into the attack. 26-10-47-1 are his figures so far.

123.6

.

Broad dishes one outside off, tempting van der Dussen to drive but he is not interested as he makes another leave to the keeper.

123.5

.

Very full delivery on middle, Rassie blocks it to silly mid on.

123.4

.

Fullish on middle, pushed to mid-wicket.

123.3

.

Broad goes full on middle, Rassie defends it out to the leg side.

123.2

.

On a length outside off, van der Dussen shoulders arms to it.

123.1

.

Length ball on off, Rassie defends it off the back foot to cover.

122.6

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Vernon stands tall and defends it out.

122.5

.

Low full toss on middle, worked to mid on.

122.4

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

122.3

.

Flighted ball on middle and leg, Philander bends on his knees and defends it back to the bowler.

122.2

.

Looped up ball on off, defended to silly point off the front foot.

122.1

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Philander defends it out to the bowler.

121.6

.

Back of a length ball outside off, van der Dussen shoulders arms to it.

121.5

.

Length ball on off, Rassie stands tall and defends it out to cover.

121.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to this one.

121.3

.

Length ball on middle, Rassie defends it to the leg side.

121.2

.

Outside off, left alone by Rassie van der Dussen.

121.1

.

Full delivery on off, pushed to cover.

120.6

.

NOT OUT! That's off the pad first and then maybe the elbow. England lose both their reviews and honestly, this is a bad call from Root. Floated outside off by Denly, Philander does not attempt to play a shot and leaves. The ball hits his pad as it is turning away from him. It loops towards the fielder at silly point who takes it. The England players put in an appeal but the umpire has turned it down. They mull over a review and take it in the end. Replays roll in and show that it has hit Philander's pad first. There is no chance of LBW as the ball has pitched outside off and is spinning further away. Ball Tracker does not even come in and the game resumes as Philander survives.

Is that another one? Will Philander also walk back? The umpire disagrees but England think that Philander has got either bat or glove on that one as Root opts for the review. It is an appeal for a catch at silly point. Replays roll in and show that the ball has hit the pad first and then maybe hits the elbow. Philander made the leave but the ball is in no way hitting the wickets as well. Review wasted!

120.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Vernon Philander walks out to bat for the last time on his home ground. Can he grind it out along with Rassie and save his nation from the jaws of defeat?

120.4

W

OUT! Caught! Oh dear, de Kock, what have you done? Pulled it straight to the short mid-wicket fielder. He cannot believe it. A long hop from Denly on middle, de Kock looks to hammer it over mid-wicket but ends up slamming it straight to Crawley at short mid-wicket. He does not make any mistake there and England have got the breakthrough they were after. 4 wickets away now. De Kock is distraught as he walks off.

120.3

.

Another one pitched outside off and turning in. It is defended.

120.2

.

On off, it is blocked.

120.1

.

Fuller and outside off, forced towards cover.

Joe Denly to bowl now. First time in this session. 16-2-42-1 are his figures so far.

119.6

.

Good length ball around off, van der Dussen keeps it out.

119.5

.

Broad goes outside off this time and van der Dussen is back to leaving it alone.

119.4

.

Beaten! Nicely bowled! Fuller and outside off, van der Dussen this time is drawn into the shot as he comes forward and looks to drive. The ball moves away just a hint to go past the bat.

119.3

.

Finally on the stumps line on a good length, van der Dussen blocks it off the front foot.

119.2

.

And another one. No problems for van der Dussen in leaving it.

119.1

.

Broad too starts with a good length ball outside off, van der Dussen makes a leave.

Stuart Broad comes on now, replacing James Anderson. 18-3-37-0, his figures so far.

118.6

4

FOUR! Fifty for de Kock. What a fighting innings from him. Probably slowest of his career but that's what is need of the hour. Very full ball outside off, de Kock creams it through covers and it races to the fence. He is not done yet though and would look to bat it out.

118.5

.

Good length ball around off, blocked.

118.4

.

Landed on a good length around off, blocked.

118.3

.

Fullish on off, de Kock comes forward and defends it out.

118.2

.

Fuller and on off, worked towards the leg side.

118.1

.

Shortish outside off, tapped to point.

117.6

.

Sixth leave of the over as Anderson dishes it outside off again.

117.5

.

Outside off again, another leave.

117.4

.

Now goes further outside off on a length. No problems for van der Dussen to make a leave.

A much more ordinary field with James Anderson bowling. Two slips, a gully and a silly point in place.

117.3

.

Gets closer to the off pole on a fuller length but not enough to lure van der Dussen.

117.2

.

Another ball in the channel outside off, van der Dussen makes another leave.

117.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

116.6

4

FOUR! Second from the over! There was a field change just before this ball. The first slip fielder went to fly slip. And Curran bowls a good length ball outside off, hoping for an edge which can fly towards that fielder. That does not happen and de Kock stands tall and taps it to the third man fence.

116.5

.

Shortish around off, blocked.

116.4

.

On middle, it is defended.

116.3

4

FOUR! Nicely guided! Curran rolled his fingers on this one and bowled it outside off, de Kock waits and then runs it down to third man. No protection there and the ball races to the fence.

116.2

.

Landed around off, it is easily defended.

116.1

.

Good length ball on middle, de Kock keeps it out.

Sam Curran to bowl from the other end. 14-4-25-1 are his numbers so far. The keeper is up to the stumps. One slip in place, short leg, leg slip, silly mid off, short cover and silly mid on. Piling on the pressure to say the least.

115.6

.

And another one. Anderson needs to get closer to the off pole.

115.5

.

Outside off, another leave from van der Dussen.

115.4

.

Outside off on a good length again, van der Dussen makes another leave.

115.3

.

Good length ball around off, it is defended off the back foot.

115.2

.

Another one in the channel outside off, van der Dussen covers his stumps and lets it go.

115.1

.

Good length ball in the channel outside off from Anderson first up. It is left alone.

We are back for the final session of the game. England need 5 wickets to win while the hosts need to survive 30 odd overs to draw this Test and remain 1-0 up. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen make their way out to the middle. The England players follow them out to the middle. James Anderson will start the proceedings for the visitors. He has figures of 16-7-23-2.

... Day 5, Session 3 ...

31 overs are left in the day. 16 of those, without a wicket, could force Joe Root into shaking hands. Can South Africa survive? England look a bit tired but we all know what boost a wicket can make. They still have a very good chance of leveling the series. Let's see how things pan out in the final session. Join us back at 3.30 pm local (1330 GMT) for the final session. Expecting a cracker!

England, on the other hand, would've hoped that the wicket of the debutant will give them an opening but that's not how things panned out for them. They have not bowled badly, but they have also not been able to break this stubborn stand between Rassie and Quinton. Here and there, we have witnessed some grubbers while a couple of balls have shot up as well. So it could well be a matter of a wicket before a collapse ensues.

That ends a nervous session for the Proteas. Having lost Malan quickly after Lunch, they would have had their hearts in their mouths but van der and de Kock have held forte nicely. Still, a long way to go though.

114.6

.

Just short! Floated outside off, de Kock looks to defend but takes the outside edge and goes towards first slip. It bounces just short. TEA ON DAY 5.

114.5

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

114.4

.

Full delivery on middle and leg, Quinton defends it out.

114.3

.

Floated on middle, de Kock defends it out.

114.2

4

FOUR! Fine shot from de Kock! Full delivery outside off, Quinton leans and squeezes it through the cover region for a boundary.

114.1

.

Full on middle, defended off the front foot to silly point.

113.6

.

Length ball on off, de Kock defends it out onto the pitch.

113.5

1

Full delivery on middle, de Kock works it to mid-wicket and a single is taken. 50-run stand is up between the two.

113.4

.

Fullish on off, pushed to cover off the front foot.

113.3

.

Short delivery outside off, Quinton lets it go to the keeper.

113.2

1

Full delivery on middle, tucked towards mid on and crosses over for a single.

113.1

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, van der Dussen ducks under it.

112.6

.

Flatter one outside off, Quinton lets the ball go to the keeper.

112.5

.

Short ball outside off, pushed to cover.

112.4

.

Full delivery on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

112.3

.

Floated on middle, worked to short mid-wicket.

112.2

.

Loopy delivery on off, defended off the front foot.

112.1

.

Flatter one on middle, de Kock defends it out.

Dominic Bess returns into the attack. 24-9-43-1 are his figures so far.

111.6

.

Back of a length ball on off, Rassie pushes it to cover.

111.5

.

Fullish outside off, Rassie leaves the ball alone.

111.4

1

Full delivery on off, de Kock pushes it down to mid off and takes off for a run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

111.3

1

Short ball on middle, Rassie pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

111.2

.

Nicely bowled and well played too. Short of a length ball, bounced a little more than expected. Rassie hops and defends it out onto the pitch.

111.1

.

Length ball on the pads. Rassie looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball lobs off to the leg side.

110.6

.

Floated on off, Quinton gets on his knees and blocks it to cover.

110.5

.

Loopy delivery on off, defended off the front foot to the off side.

110.4

.

Very full delivery outside off, pushed to point.

110.3

1

Flatter one outside off, Rassie pushes it through covers for a single.

110.2

.

Floated on off, Rassie defends it out.

110.1

1

Fuller ball outside off, driven wide of the cover fielder for a single.

109.6

.

Fuller around off, Rassie comes forward and defends it out.

109.5

1

Shortish and outside off again, de Kock slashes it to deep point for a single.

109.4

2

A couple! Short of a length ball outside off, this time de Kock taps it through backward point for a couple of runs.

109.3

.

Effort ball from Stokes this one. 144 kph it is and a well directed one too. It is just outside off. De Kock sways away from it.

109.2

.

Shortish ball just outside off, de Kock waits and then taps it towards gully.

109.1

.

Good length ball around off, de Kock blocks it onto the pitch.

108.6

.

Flatter one on middle, pushed back to Root.

108.5

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

108.4

.

Floated ball down the leg side, Rassie pads it away. There is a mild appeal for LBW but turned down by the umpire.

108.3

.

Down the leg side, Rassie lets it go to the keeper.

108.2

1

Loopy on middle, worked to the leg side for a single.

108.1

.

Some spin there? Floated ball outside off, spinning away. De Kock looks to defend but misses it altogether.

Change of ends for Root.

107.6

.

Full delivery on middle, Rassie looks to flick but it goes off the leading edge and it goes to mid off.

107.5

.

Length ball on off, Rassie solidly defends it to the off side off the back foot.

107.4

.

Length ball outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to it.

107.3

2

Length ball on middle, Rassie works it to deep square leg and an easy couple is taken by the batters.

107.2

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around off, Rassie sways away from it.

107.1

.

Full delivery on off, Rassie defends it out.

Ben Stokes returns. 15-0-25-0 are his numbers so far.

106.6

.

Loopy delivery on off, Quinton looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and hits the pads. It lobs off towards silly point.

106.5

.

Flatter one on off, pushed back to the bowler.

106.4

2

Floated on off, de Kock looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge and goes towards third man and a couple is taken.

106.3

2

Short one on middle, de Kock pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder comes across from deep square leg and collects it. Two taken.

106.2

.

Short one on off, Quinton pushes it down to mid off.

106.1

.

Full delivery on off, Quinton pushes it to cover.

105.6

.

Floated on off, bounced a little more. Rassie defends it out.

105.5

.

On off, blocked solidly by Rassie.

105.4

.

Wow! A bouncer from a spinner! It is bowled around middle, Rassie pulls it to square leg.

105.3

.

Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.

105.2

1

On middle, flicked to mid-wicket and a single is taken.

105.1

.

Root starts with a floated one on off, with some spin. Quinton looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and the ball rolls to point.

Joe Root introduces himself into the attack.

104.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

104.5

1

Short ball outside off, de Kock punches it to deep cover for a single.

104.4

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

104.3

.

Well bowled! Flatter one outside off, pitching on the rough. It spins down and bounces a little more. Quinton looks to defend but gets hit on the gloves. It rolls to the off side.

104.2

.

Looped up ball on off, Quinton strides forward and blocks it to cover.

104.1

.

Floated on off, defended to cover off the front foot.

103.6

.

Flatter one outside off, de Kock leaves it alone.

103.5

1

Full delivery on off, pushed down to long off for a single.

103.4

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

103.3

.

Loopy delivery outside off, de Kock looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes towards first slip. It bounces just in front of Stokes.

103.2

.

On off, defended out.

103.1

2

Floated on middle and leg, de Kock works it to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple. The fielder hares after it and collects it.

102.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

102.5

.

Comes over the wicket and bowls a flighted ball around off, Rassie looks to pad it away but gets hit on the pads. An appeal is made for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. The England players think of the review but decide against it.

102.4

.

Floated ball down the leg side. Padded away.

102.3

1

Short ball outside off, de Kock punches it off the back foot towards cover. Broad slides, but fails to stop the ball cleanly. It allows the batsman to take a single. 200 up for the hosts.

102.2

.

Loopy delivery on off, de Kock defends it back to the bowler.

102.1

.

Flatter delivery on off, pitching on the rough and spins down. Quinton flicks it to short fine leg where the fielder comes across and slides to stop the ball.

101.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

101.5

.

Flighted ball around off, spinning in. Rassie looks to defend but gets hit flush on the pads. Bess appeals but the umpire says no.

101.4

.

On middle, van der Dussen blocks it out.

101.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Rassie defends it out.

101.2

2

Floated delivery outside off, Rassie bends bends forward and then drives it through the cover region. The fielder hare after it andf clean it up before it reaches the ropes. Two taken.

101.1

.

Floated on off, van der Dussen defends it back to the bowler.

100.6

4

FOUR! Finally de Kock lets it loose. Tossed up outside off, it is slightly overpitched. De Kock decides that he is done with the blocking game and frees his arm to drive it through cover for a boundary.

100.5

.

Short on off, QdK goes on his back foot and keeps it out.

100.4

.

Floated around off, de Kock looks to defend but does so off the inner half of his bat.

100.3

.

Short and spinning in to the southpaw. De Kock glances it with the spin to the on side.

100.2

.

Floated on off, de Kock pushes it to mid off.

100.1

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

99.6

.

Shorter on off, Rassie defends it to get through the over.

99.5

.

Tossed up around off, Rassie gets down and blocks it.

99.4

.

Shorter around off, van der Dussen defends it onto the ground.

99.3

.

Tossed up on off, van der Dussen blocks it.

99.2

.

Floated on off, van der Dussen defends it off the front foot.

99.1

.

Pitches on the rough around the pads and spins in. Rassie leaves it alone.

98.6

.

Nicely bowled! Floated ball outside off, pitching on the rough and causing it to spin. Quinton looks to flick but misses to get hit on the gloves and lobs wide of the short leg fielder. Lucky.

98.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, defended out.

98.4

4

FOUR! Beautifully played! Short delivery outside off, De Kock rocks on his back foot and punches it through covers for a boundary.

98.3

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

98.2

.

Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman.

98.1

.

Huge appeal for LBW! Turned down. Floated ball outside off, kept a little low and turned a little. Quinton looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. Denly and the rest appeal but not out given by the umpire. They think of a review but decide against it. Good decision as the replays show that it hit the inside edge and then went on to hit the pads.

Drinks Break! A good hour for England. They have managed to get rid of Pieter Malan and are troubling Rassie and Quinton de Kock. They will look to pick at least one more before Tea. South Africa are in trouble and need de Kock and van der Dussen to bat at least Tea and fight it out for a draw.

97.6

.

On off, defends it to the off side.

97.5

.

Full on middle, Rassie solidly defends it out.

97.4

.

Loopy on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

97.3

.

Flatter one on middle, worked to short leg.

97.2

.

Floated on off, Rassie prods forward and blocks it to silly point.

97.1

.

Flatter one on off, Rassie blocks it out.

96.6

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

96.5

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

96.4

.

OHH! Good keeping though. Floated one outside off, pitching on the rough, Quinton looks to cut but misses. Buttler collects it well.

96.3

.

Flatter one down the leg side, Quinton leaves it alone.

96.2

.

Low full toss on middle, Quinton pushes it to mid on.

96.1

.

Short delivery outside off, Quinton pushes it to cover.

95.6

.

Very close to the stumps and turning in sharply. Van der Dussen bends his back and defends it astutely.

95.5

.

Flighted on off, van der Dussen blocks it off his front foot.

95.4

.

Short and turning in, Rassie blocks it onto the ground.

95.3

.

Tossed up on off, Rassie pushes it to cover.

95.2

.

Floated off spinner outside off, van der Dussen lunges forward and pushes it to cover.

95.1

.

Short around off, Rassie dabs it to the ground on the on side.

94.6

.

On middle, blocked out onto the pitch.

94.5

.

Flat one outside off. de Kock guides it to third man.

94.4

.

On middle, worked to the leg side.

94.3

.

Flatter one on middle, de Kock defends it back to the bowler.

94.2

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

94.1

.

What happened there? Did Buttler miss a stumping? Very full delivery outside off, Quinton looks to drive but gets an inside edge, hits the pads of the keeper and rolls to short leg. The replays show that de Kock had moved his leg out of the crease a little. The short leg fielder tries to throw it back but misses. By that time, de Kock had got his leg back in. It would have been tough to call that a stumping chance as it was traveling quickly and Buttler found it difficult to get a hand on it as well.

93.6

.

Flatter delivery on middle, blocked back to the bowler off the back foot.

93.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Rassie defends it out onto the pitch.

93.4

.

Loopy delivery outside off, spinning in. Rassie prods forward and then decides to leave it alone.

93.3

.

On off, pushed to cover for nothing.

93.2

.

Flatter one on middle, Rassie works it to the leg side.

93.1

.

Full on middle, Rassie pushes it back to Bess.

Dominic Bess is back on. 18-5-38-1, his numbers so far.

92.6

.

Loopy delivery outside off, driven towards mid off.

92.5

.

Flatter one on middle, worked to mid-wicket.

92.4

.

Fuller one outside off, Quinton pushes it back to the bowler.

92.3

1

Floated on off, pushed towards mid off for a quick single.

92.2

1

Loopy delivery on off, pushed down to long on for a single.

92.1

.

Starts with a floated ball on middle, Quinton looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and just bounces in front of short leg.

Joe Denly is into the attack. 8-0-26-1 are his figures.

91.6

.

Fuller one on off, defended out by Rassie back to the bowler.

91.5

1

Full delivery on off, Quinton drives it to cover and makes a half stop. The ball rolls to mid off and a single is pinched.

91.4

.

Length ball on middle and leg, de Kock defends it to mid on.

91.3

.

Full delivery outside off, de Kock pushes it back to Broad.

91.2

.

Fuller one outside off, Quinton shoulders arms.

91.1

.

Full delivery around off,Quinton takes a big stride forward and defends it out.

A hammer is brought out to level the landing area.

90.6

.

Outside off, left alone by Rassie.

90.5

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Rassie defends it back to Curran.

90.4

.

Fullish delivery on the fourth stump line, van der Dussen lets it go to the keeper.

90.3

.

Length ball on middle, Rassie blocks it out onto the pitch.

90.2

1

Short of a length outside off, de Kock guides it towards gully where the fielder makes a half stop and the ball rolls to deep point. A single taken.

90.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Quinton lets it through to the keeper.

89.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Rassie prods forward and defends it out to cover.

89.5

.

Length ball outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to this one.

89.4

1

Fullish on middle, QdK works it to the leg side and an easy single is taken.

89.3

.

On a length on off, with some extra bounce. Quinton looks to defend but it takes the inner half and goes towards square leg.

89.2

.

Fullish on middle, Quinton goes on his front foot and defends it out solidly.

89.1

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, de Kock pushes it to mid on.

88.6

.

On middle, defended off the back foot.

88.5

4

FOUR! Just past Buttler! Short delivery down the leg side, Rassie looks to work it down the leg side but it goes off the gloves and just past Buttler. It races away to the fence.

88.4

.

Full delivery on off, Rassie gets on his front foot and then defends it to cover.

88.3

.

Good length ball outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to this one.

88.2

1

Length ball outside off, de Kock plays one of his favorite shot, the cut shot. But England have a man in the deep for protection so just a single.

88.1

.

Fuller on middle and leg, de Kock defends it with a straight bat.

87.6

.

Length ball on middle and leg, Rassie defends it to the leg side.

87.5

4

EDGY FOUR! Almost another wicket but it was not to be. Short of a length ball outside off, Rassie looks to pull it off the back foot but it takes the underedge and goes past the diving Buttler and into the fine leg fence.

87.4

.

Good length ball on middle, van der Dussen works it to mid-wicket.

87.3

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to this one.

87.2

.

Length ball outside off, van der Dussen shoulders arms to it.

87.1

.

Fullish on off, Rassie pushes it to mid off.

86.6

4

FOUR! Poor ball first up to Quinton de Kock. He is off the mark with an easy boundary. Slower full toss on middle, de Kock just whips it to the fine leg region for a boundary.

Quinton de Kock is the new man in. He might have to curb his attacking instinct if the hosts have any chance to save this game.

86.5

W

OUT! Caught! Massive wicket for England and a huge blow for South Africa! No maiden Test hundred for Malan but more importantly his marathon innings of 288 balls finally comes to an end. This is the wicket the visitors were craving for and they have finally got it. The ploy to give the new ball to Sam Curran has done the magic for Root. Curran comes over the wicket and hits the deck hard on off, it looks to be going away with the angle but this one straightens up after pitching and it also shoots a bit off the deck. Malan looks to defend but gets surprised by the bounce. He ends up getting a fat outside edge of his slant willow. It dies on its way to second slip. Ben Stokes standing there takes a very good catch, inches above the ground. The England players are up in celebration and Curran gets his first wicket of the innings and it is the big fish. South Africa have half their side back in the hut and the tourists are over the moon!

86.4

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Pieter shoulders arms to this one.

86.3

.

Outside off, left alone by Malan.

86.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Malan defends it back to the bowler.

86.1

.

Full delivery on off, Pieter Malan defends it to cover.

85.6

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Rassie works it to short leg.

85.5

.

Length ball outside off, keeping a little low. Van der Dussen lets it through to the keeper.

85.4

.

Length ball outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to this one.

85.3

.

OUCH! Good length ball on off, swinging in. Rassie van der Dussen looks to defend but gets hit on the body. No damage done though.

85.2

.

Back of a length ball on off, van der Dussen defends it to point off the back foot.

85.1

.

Fullish on off, Rassie drives it to cover.

84.6

.

Curran goes full this time and it is outside off. Malan pushes it towards mid off.

84.5

.

Good length ball on off, Malan defends it out to the off side.

84.4

.

On a length outside off, Malan leaves it alone.

84.3

.

BEATEN! Excellent delivery from Sam Curran. Good length ball around off, moving away. Malan looks to defend but misses it altogether.

84.2

.

Length ball on off, Malan defends it out to cover off the front foot.

84.1

.

Fullish ball outside off, Malan shoulders arms to it.

Sam Curran will bowl from the other end.

83.6

1

On off, pushed to mid off and a quick single to end the first over after Lunch.

83.5

.

Broad bowls another full one outside off, Pieter makes another leave to the keeper.

83.4

.

Another one which is full on middle, Pieter strides forward and defends it to silly mid on.

83.3

.

Length ball on middle, Pieter stands tall and blocks it out to the off side.

83.2

.

Broad dishes a fuller one outside off, Malan lunges forward and lets it go to the keeper.

83.1

.

Broad starts with a full delivery on off, Malan defends it solidly to cover.

The afternoon session of Day 5 is all set to get underway!!! Pieter Malan and Rassie van der Dussen are making their out to the middle. The England players also follow them out to the field. Stuart Broad will bowl after the break.

... Day 5, Session 2 ...

So England need 6 wickets, South Africa need to bat out two sessions to save this Test. When we started the day, all three results looked possible but after the first session, South Africa's win looks unlikely. Can England find a way to get a couple of wickets and get back on the ascendancy in this game or will the Proteas continue to annoy the English Lions? Join us after the break to find out.

South Africa will be happy with their efforts in this session. They lost Maharaj early but Faf du Plessis and Pieter Malan made the visitors toil hard. The skipper though after setting his eyes in, got out playing a shot which one would feel was absolutely not needed. The good news for the hosts is that debutant Malan is still out there and has taken international Test cricket to fish like water. He is continuing his marathon knock and having faced 271 balls, he now finds himself just 17 short of getting his maiden Test ton on debut. He is joined by another inexperienced international Test batter, Rassie van der Dussen. The pair have managed to bat out till Lunch and would look to continue their good work after the break. Pieter Malan, on his first ever Test already holds the key for the hosts in this game.

An even session of this exciting final day here in Newlands. The visitors managed to get rid of the nightwatchman earlier and then they had to work hard to get the Protea skipper but they will be happy with their efforts. Anderson was brilliant with the old ball at the start and rightfully got a wicket. Broad had a short spell but hardly troubled in it. Stokes bowled his heart out but was unable to reap the reward. Dominic Bess was the other bowler who got the dangerous Faf du Plessis. The visitors though would have liked one more. The visitors know that they will be made to work hard as Pieter Malan is still out there and Rassie van der Dussen has been doing his job to negotiate the new ball which is now just three overs old.

82.6

.

What a ball to end the session! Brilliant stuff from Curran! Back of a length ball around off, swinging in. Rassie van der Dussen looks to defend but misses. It goes off something to the keeper. Buttler dives to his right and takes a good catch. Sam is interested and appeals but the umpire is unmoved. Now then, the England players think of a review but decide against it. Right decision in the end as the Ultra Edge shows that there there was no bat and it had gone off the thigh pad. With that, it is LUNCH ON DAY 5.

82.5

.

Comes over the wicket and bowls a length ball on off, van der Dussen solidly blocks it back to the bowler.

82.4

.

Fullish outside off, Rassie does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.

82.3

.

Length ball on off, Rassie strides forward and defends it out.

82.2

.

Length ball outside off, van der Dussen shoulders arms to this one.

82.1

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to this one.

81.6

.

On off, defended to cover off the front foot.

81.5

.

Fullish delivery on off, Malan gets forward on his front foot and defends it to point.

81.4

.

On middle, Malan gets into position and defends it solidly onto the pitch.

81.3

1

Short of a length on middle, Rassie tucks it to mid-wicket and a single is taken.

81.2

.

Back of a length ball outside off, van der Dussen shoulders arms to this one.

81.1

.

Length ball outside off, Rassie leaves it alone.

James Anderson will bowl from the other end with the second new ball. 15-7-22-2 are his figures so far.

80.6

.

Good length ball outside off, Malan makes another leave to the keeper.

80.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

80.4

.

Fullish outside off, Pieter leaves it alone.

80.3

.

Fullish ball outside off from Curran. Pieter shoulders arms to this one.

80.2

2

This time, Curran digs in a short ball on off, with some extra bounce. Malan stands tall and pushes it through covers for a couple.

80.1

.

Curran starts with a loosener outside off, Malan has no problems in leaving this ball alone.

Sam Curran brought on to operate first up with the second new ball. His first over of the day.

The second new ball is available now and we are just 10 minutes away from Lunch. Will Root wait and take it after Lunch? Nope! Root takes the second new ball straightaway.

79.6

.

Very full delivery on off, Rassie defends it back to the bowler.

79.5

.

Fullish outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to this one.

79.4

.

Back of a length ball on middle, tucked to mid-wicket.

79.3

.

On off, van der Dussen lunges forward and pushes it to point.

79.2

.

Full on middle, van der Dussen defends it out onto the pitch.

79.1

.

Short delivery on middle, Rassie hops and defends it out.

78.6

.

Outside off, pushed to cover off the front foot.

78.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

78.4

2

Tossed up on off, Malan taps it towards gully. The slip fielder makes a half-stop and the ball rolls towards point. Two taken.

78.3

.

An apeal for LBW turned down! Flatter one around off, spinning into the batsman, Malan looks to leave it but gets hit on the thigh pad. Bess appeals for LBW but nothing from the umpire. The replays roll in and it shows that it was missing the off stump.

78.2

.

Ohh! Flighted ball outside off, Malan dances down the track and pushes it back to the bowler.

78.1

.

Floated on off, Malan defends it out.

77.6

.

Full on off, van der Dussen defends it.

77.5

.

Full around off, Rassie plays a very good drive but the fielder at short cover dives to his right and makes a very good stop. Testing van der Dussen by keeping him at the striker's end.

77.4

1

Back of a length delivery on off, Malan taps it towards point and a single is taken.

77.3

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Pieter shoulders arms to this one.

77.2

.

Length ball on the pads, Pieter whips it to mid-wicket.

77.1

.

Length ball on middle and leg, Malan flicks it to mid-wicket.

76.6

.

Floated on off, Rassie drives it to short cover.

76.5

.

On middle, worked to the leg side.

76.4

.

Flatter one on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

76.3

.

Full on off, van der Dussen pushes it to cover.

Rassie van der Dussen makes his way out to the middle, replacing his skipper, Faf du Plessis.

76.2

W

OUT! Caught! What a moment for young Dominic Bess and England. Massive, massive wicket this for the visitors. This has come out of the blue. Against the run of play. The dangerous, the marathon man of South Africa, the Protea skipper, Faf du Plessis is out of here. Floated off spinner around off, Faf gets down on one knee and looks to sweep it with the spin. He hits it a bit uppishly and it goes straight towards Joe Denly at mid-wicket. He gets down to his right and takes a very good catch to get rid of the South African skipper. This could be the wicket England would have been craving for. The new ball is available in a short while and they have a new man out in the middle. The one thing Faf du Plessis would not have wanted was this, falling this way. England will once again have their tail up now. 274 runs more needed for the Proteas but England now 6 wickets away with 2 and almost a quarter of sessions still to play.

76.1

1

Floated on middle, Malan comes down the track and pushes it down to mid on for a single.

75.6

.

Back of a length ball on off, Faf stands tall and then blocks it out.

75.5

.

Short of a length on off, du Plessis pushes it to cover.

75.4

.

Fullish on off, Faf taps it to the slip cordon.

75.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

75.2

.

Fullish on off, defended to the off side for nothing.

75.1

.

Fullish outside off, du Plessis shoulders arms to it.

74.6

.

On middle, Malan defends it back to the bowler.

74.5

.

Outside off, left alone by Malan.

74.4

.

The batsman dances down the track but decides to defend it.

74.3

4

FOUR! Excellent batting from Pieter Malan. Short of a length outside off, Malan goes on his front foot first but then rocks back and punches it through gully for a boundary.

74.2

.

Floated on off, Malan stands tall and blocks it out.

74.1

.

Flatter one on off, Pieter defends it to point.

73.6

4

FOUR! Well played from Faf du Plessis! Fullish outside off, du Plessis lunges forward and drives it through gully for a boundary.

73.5

.

Outside off, left alone by Faf du Plessis.

73.4

1

Good length ball on middle, worked to mid-wicket for a run.

73.3

.

Length ball outside off, Malan shoulders arms to this one.

73.2

.

Full delivery on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

73.1

.

Length ball on off, Malan defends it to the off side.

72.6

.

Floated outside off and it spins in. Faf looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads.

72.5

.

Slightly shorter on off, Faf glances it to square leg and shouts loud 'no, no, no' to his partner.

72.4

.

Tossed up on off, du Plessis prods forward and blocks it.

72.3

.

Floated on off, du Plessis pushes it back to the bowler.

72.2

.

Flighted on off, du Plessis tickles it to short fine leg.

72.1

.

Floated on off, Faf strokes it to mid on.

71.6

1

Full on off, guided to third man for a single.

71.5

.

BEATEN! Nicely bowled! Length ball outside off, Faf looks to defend but it whizzes past his bat and into the mitts of the keeper. Buttler is interested and goes up for an appeal for caught behind but Stokes just walks back to his runup.

71.4

4

EDGY FOUR! Luck for Faf du Plessis! Short ball outside off, Faf looks to guide this but gets a thick outside edge which goes over the gully fielder and into the fence.

71.3

.

Fuller one on off, pushed to cover.

71.3

1wd

Stokes digs in a bouncer around off, Faf lets it go. Buttler hops and collects it. It is wided for height.

71.2

.

Length ball on middle, du Plessis whips it to the leg side for nothing.

71.1

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Faf hops and works it to mid-wicket.

70.6

.

Bess bowls a flat one outside off, Pieter shoulders arms.

70.5

.

Floated on off and middle, defended solidly by PM.

70.4

.

On off, Pieter comes down the track and defends it out to the off side.

70.3

.

Floated on middle, Malan defends it out to the off side.

70.2

.

Flatter on middle, tucked to short leg.

70.1

.

Flatter one outside off, with some spin into the batsman. Malan lets it go to the keeper.

69.6

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around off and middle, du Plessis ducks under it.

69.5

.

On middle, tucked to mid-wicket.

69.4

1

On a length on middle, Malan works it to deep square leg for a single.

69.4

1nb

NO BALL! Back of a length ball on off, Malan drops his wrists and defends it out to gully. Stokes has overstepped and the umpire signals it a no ball.

69.3

.

Length ball outside off, Pieter shoulders arms to this one.

69.2

.

Fullish on off, Malan takes a giant stride forward and defends it to cover.

69.1

.

Stokes starts after the break with a length ball on off, Malan defends it to gully.

A proper hour of Test cricket in this session. England will be happy to have picked up a wicket. South Africa will not be too hurt with the fall of that one wicket as it was the nightwatchman, Keshav Maharaj. Faf du Plessis is taking it patiently and has joined the well-set Pieter Malan out in the middle. The tourists will look to strike at least one more by the end of the first session. The Proteas, on the other hand, will hope that this pair sees out this session.

68.6

.

Flatter one on middle, du Plessis works it to the leg side.

68.5

.

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.

68.4

.

A loud shot but not given. Bess floats this one up around off, Faf looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball lobs off to short leg and then the England players put in an appeal for a catch. The umpire is unmoved. The visitors think of a review but decide against it.

68.3

.

Looped up ball on middle, Faf goes on his front foot and defends it back to the bowler.

68.2

.

Flat one on middle, du Plessis works it to short fine leg.

68.1

2

Bess starts with a flatter delivery on off, du Plessis whips it towards square leg and takes an easy couple.

Spin introduced for the first time today. Dominic Bess is into the attack. 12-3-29-0, his figures so far. Just a short leg in place. Would love to see a silly point as well with both right-handers at the crease.

67.6

.

Length ball on off, Malan taps it to gully. He moves out of his crease which the gully fielder spots and then he throws it at the stumps but misses.

67.5

.

Back of a length delivery on middle, Malan stands tall and defends it out.

67.4

.

Good length ball on off, Malan defends it to cover off the front foot.

67.3

.

On middle, worked to mid-wicket.

67.3

1nb

NO BALL! Stokes oversteps yet again. He digs in a short one around middle, Malan ducks under it.

67.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Pieter lets it through to the keeper.

67.1

.

Length ball on off, Malan defends it out to cover.

66.6

.

That is a terrific delivery! Good length ball outside off, with some reverse swing on it. Faf shoulders arms and the ball just goes past the off stump.

66.5

.

Length ball outside off, Faf shoulders arms to this one.

66.4

.

Full on middle, du Plessis pushes it to mid on.

66.3

2

Better throw and Faf would have been a goner! Good length ball on off, Faf looks to defend but it takes the inside half of the bat and goes towards backward square leg. They take off for a couple. Sam Curran comes after it quickly and throws it towards the keeper but it is a wild one. Had to throw it direct to the keeper. If he had done that, Faf would have been in trouble. Even his dive would not have saved him.

66.2

.

Fuller one on middle, du Plessis defends it to the bowler.

66.1

.

Back of a length on off, Faf goes on his back foot and defends it to cover.

65.6

.

Fullish ball on middle and leg, Malan works it to mid-wicket.

65.5

.

On a length on off, Pieter defends it to gully.

65.4

.

This time, Malan defends this length ball on middle back to the bowler.

65.3

.

BEATEN! That's a beauty. Excellent. Fullish outside off, Malan looks to push but it just misses the outside edge and goes into the mitts of the keeper.

65.2

1

Another one which is back of a length on middle, du Plessis tucks it to mid-wicket and crosses over for a single.

65.1

1

Stokes starts with a back of a length ball on middle, Malan works it to deep square leg for a single. Malan wants the couple but Faf sends him back.

Ben Stokes comes into the attack for the first time on Day 5. 7-3-8-0, his figures in this innings so far.

64.6

.

Fullish on off. There is some reverse swing on it. Faf does well to defend it to the leg side.

64.5

.

Anderson dishes a length ball on off, Faf attempts to defend but it goes off the bottom edge and hits the boot. No run.

64.4

.

Fuller one outside off, moving in. Faf pushes it towards mid off.

64.3

.

Length ball outside off, Faf shoulders arms to it.

64.2

.

Back of a length ball around off, with some extra bounce. Faf plays it well as he drops his wrists and defends it to gully.

64.1

.

OHH! Anderson is making the ball tal out there. Full delivery outside off, with some reverse swing. Faf makes a good leave though.

63.6

.

Good length ball outside off, Faf leaves it alone.

63.5

.

Length ball on off, Malan takes his one hand of the handle of the bat and defends it towards point.

63.4

.

On off, Malan blocks it off the front foot to cover.

63.3

2

Fullish on off, Pieter looks to push at it but the ball takes the inside half of his bat and goes towards square leg. Two taken.

63.2

.

Close! Very close! Length ball on off, Malan looks to defend but it takes the bottom edge and rolls just past the stumps.

63.1

.

Length ball on middle and leg, Malan solidly defends it out.

62.6

.

Fullish outside off, Faf pushes it to cover and shouts a loud wait to his partner.

62.5

.

Full delivery on middle, Faf defends it out.

62.4

.

On a length outside off, nipping in. Du Plessis shoulders arms to it.

62.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Faf defends it solidly off the front foot.

62.2

1

On off, pushed towards cover for a single.

62.1

.

Another loud appeal but turned down. Good length ball around off, moving ina little. Malan takes a stride forward to defend but gets hit flush on the pads. Anderson and the rest appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Anderson has a discussion with Root for the review but decide against it. Good decision as it was umpire's call on impact and it was anyways missing the stumps.

61.6

.

Broad goes full outside off, Faf has no problems in leaving this one alone.

61.5

.

Fuller one on off, du Plessis goes on his front foot and defends it to point.

61.4

.

Short of a length on off, Faf rocks on his back foot and blocks it out onto the pitch.

61.3

.

Length ball on off, Faf looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and rolls to point.

61.2

4

FOUR! Nicely tucked away! Back of a length ball on middle and leg. Faf du Plessis works it down to the fine leg region for a boundary. The fielder comes across but the ball wins the race.

61.1

.

Full delivery on off, du Plessis solidly defends it to the off side.

60.6

.

This one comes in from outside off, Malan leaves it alone.

60.5

.

Away from the off pole, Pieter leaves it alone.

60.4

1

Du Plessis is off the mark. Length ball on middle, Faf glances it through square leg for one.

60.3

.

Jimmy attacks the stumps, Faf defends it calmly.

60.2

.

A good solid front foot defense from Faf now. Slightly fuller on off, du Plessis lunges froward and blocks it right off the meat of the bat.

60.1

.

Good length delivery around off, Faf defends it back towards the bowler with a straight bat.

59.6

.

Length delivery outside off, moving away, Malan shoulders arms to it.

59.5

.

Length ball outside off, Pieter shoulders arms.

59.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Malan works it to mid-wicket where Crawley makes a half-stop and the ball rolls to mid on. Well fielded.

59.3

.

Good length ball on off, Malan lunges forward and defends it out.

59.2

2

On off, Pieter looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes through gully. Two taken.

59.1

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Malan shoulders arms to this one.

58.6

.

Full delivery on off, Faf prods forward and defends his first ball to cover.

Faf du Plessis. the Protea skipper is the new man in. He is known to play a long innings and his side needs him to play another marathon innings today.

58.5

W

OUT! LBW! England strike early and that is just what the doctor ordered. He was threatening towards the fag end of Day 4 and he has been threatening today morning also. This is another gem of a delivery from Anderson. One of the rare bowlers in modern day cricket who can generate good old reverse swing. Not as much as Wasim Akram used to do but enough to trouble the batter. This one starts around off. It looks to be shaping away but it comes back in. Maharaj looks to defend but misses and the ball hits him on the back pad. There is a huge appeal from the English players and the umpire is in agreement with them as he raises his finger. Keshav knows he is a candidate of plumb and with just one review remaining, the Proteas will not take the risk of using it with the nightwatchman. He starts walking back. South Africa need 309 more runs to win. England 7 wickets away from leveling the series.

58.4

.

Length ball outside off, Maharaj drives it but finds the mid off fielder.

58.3

.

Outside off, Keshav makes a leave to the keeper.

58.2

.

OHH! Fullish ball outside off, with some reverse but not enough to make Maharaj play as he leaves this one alone.

58.1

.

Length ball outside off, Maharaj shoulders arms to it.

57.6

.

Malan lets another full delivery outside off go to the keeper.

57.5

.

Fuller one outside off, Pieter lets the ball through to the keeper.

57.4

.

On a length on middle, Pieter stands tall and blocks it to cover.

57.3

.

Length ball outside off, Pieter does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.

57.2

2

This time Broad dishes out a fullish delivery around off, Malan strides forward and guides it through point. The batters take two before the fielder comes across and cleans it up.

57.1

.

Broad starts with a length ball, moving away. Malan lets the ball through to the keeper.

Stuart Broad will bowl from the other end. 9-2-20-0 are his figures.

56.6

.

New bat comes in for Maharaj and he uses it to leave this length ball outside off alone.

Broken bat! Keshav Maharaj has to ask for a new bat as the bat he was using broke off the previous delivery.

56.5

.

Broken bat! Get a new bat please. Good length ball on off, it nips in. Maharaj looks to defend but does so off the upper half of his bat. The ball jars the bat and Keshav's bat is broken into two pieces. Proud moment for Jimmy. There is a certain joy a pace bowler gets breaking a bat. Anderson has done it at the young age of 37!

56.4

.

Good length ball on off, Maharaj looks to defend but the ball goes off the outer half of his bat towards point.

56.3

1lb

First run of the day and it comes in the form of a leg bye. Good length ball pitching outside off. Malan once again fails to defend it off his bat. It goes to the off side off his thigh pad and they steal a leg bye.

56.2

.

Huge appeal as there was a noise as the ball went to the keeper. The English players are thinking for a review but opt against it. Excellent decision from both the umpire and Joe Root. Good length ball pitching around off, it nips back in sharply. Malan looks to defend but the ball goes between the bat and pad to the keeper. It clips something as there is a noise. There is a huge appeal as the English players go up in appeal but the umpire turns it down. Root thinks of a review and opts against it. Good decision as Ultra Edge later on shows that the noise was of the ball hitting the back pad on its way to the keeper.

56.1

.

James starts right on the money. Good length ball pitching around off. It reverse swings a bit as it comes in. Malan is aware of his off pole and offers a very good leave.

We are all set to begin Day 5! Pieter Malan and Keshav Maharaj are making their way out to the middle. The England players follow them out to the ground. James Anderson will begin the proceedings for the visitors.

Welcome to the coverage of Day 5 of the second Test between South Africa and England. The game is evenly poised heading into the final day and all three results are possible. The visitors might feel they are slightly ahead coming into the final day but the hosts too will fancy themselves. Will England head to Port Elizabeth with the series level or will South Africa manage to maintain their lead?

... Day 5, Session 1 ...

So, England need 8 wickets to level the series. South Africa need 312 runs more to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in this 4-match series. The hosts' other option to stay 1-0 up in the series is to bat out the 3 sessions on Day 5. England are on top but South Africa are not out of this contest. What do we have in store on the final day of this fascinating Test? Join us on Tuesday, 7th January 2020 for the 5th and final day of this Test to find out which way the pendulum swings. The play will begin at 1030 local (0830 GMT). Join us then, till then cheers!

England would be the happier of the sides with their efforts. Ben Stokes' quick-fire 72 along with Buttler's cameo around Dominic Sibley's maiden Test ton ensured the visitors could declare with a huge lead of 437. The tourists did not have as good an outing with the ball like they did with the bat. They struggled initially to get through the openers' defense. But part-timer, Joe Denly was the unlikely source who got them their first breakthrough. The ball started to do something towards the latter stages of the day. And when the ball talks, James Anderson roars, and he once again roared providing his team a prized scalp of Zubayr Hamza.

A very good day of Test cricket for England. But South Africa would also be happy with their efforts, especially with the bat. England were first dominant with the bat and ended up declaring with a massive lead of 437! Needing 438 to win, South Africa needed their openers to lay in a solid platform and build a big stand. The pair of Elgar and Malan did just that. The duo took their sweet time and calmly stitched a 71-run opening stand. Elgar failed to capatalize on his start, Hamza then joined Pieter out in the middle and continued from where Elgar left off. But just like Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza too fought hard but failed to stick around. Nightwatchman, Keshav Maharaj who had a torrid time with the ball then joined the well-set Malan and ensured that there were no further damage done.

55.6

.

Maharaj has managed to survive the last ball of the day as he defends this full delivery on middle back to the bowler. STUMPS ON DAY 4.

55.5

.

Length ball on off, Keshav defends it solidly.

55.4

.

Very full delivery outside off, Maharaj looks to dig it out but fails to get any bat on it.

A short leg has come in place now.

55.3

.

BEATEN! Beautiful delivery from Curran. Good length ball around off, Keshav attempts to defend but misses it altogether.

55.2

2

EDGY! Fullish delivery on off, Maharaj looks to defend off the front foot but goes off the outside edge through gully. The batters manage to take a couple. Maharaj is off the mark.

55.1

1

Full delivery on off, pushed to cover for a single.

54.6

.

Good length ball outside off, Maharaj leaves it alone. Excellent over comes to an end. A wicket-maiden it is.

54.5

.

BEATEN! This is Anderson at his best! Brilliant bowling! Good length ball outside off, Maharaj looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.

54.4

.

Short delivery outside off, Keshav does not fiddle with it and lets it through to the keeper.

54.3

.

Good length ball outside off, Maharaj leaves it alone.

Keshav Maharaj is sent in as the nightwatchman. Can he survive the last few balls?

54.2

W

OUT! Caught behind! Hamza is out of here and all the pressure Anderson was building has turned into a reward. There is a hint of movement, the ball is doing something, who do you turn to? Without any doubts, James Anderson. He makes the ball move just like he has done in his previous 150 Test matches. It is in the corridor of uncertainty around off. It shapes in off the deck, Hamza has to defend it and has no option to leave it. The ball takes a thick outside edge and goes to the right of the keeper. Buttler dives and takes a good catch. The ball did not move leaps and bounds, it just did a fraction. Fraction enough to get rid of Hamza. The norm of this Test match has been late wickets in the day and that is exactly what has happened now as well.

54.1

.

Length ball on off, Hamza blocks it off the back foot.

53.6

.

Full delivery on off, Pieter is solid in defense and does so towards cover.

53.5

.

Very full delivery outside off. It pitches and moves away. Malan leaves it alone.

53.4

.

Length ball on off, Pieter taps it to gully.

53.3

.

Full on off, pushed back to the bowler.

53.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Malan shoulders arms to this one.

53.1

1

Curran starts with a full delivery on off, Hamza pushes it to deep cover for a single.

Sam Curran returns into the attack. 6-2-9-0 are his figures so far.

52.6

.

Length ball on off, moving in a bit. Malan gets his bat down in time and defends it to the off side.

52.5

.

Full on middle, pushed back to Anderson.

52.4

.

Outside off, left alone by Malan.

52.3

.

On a length on off, Malan strides forward and defends it to cover.

52.2

.

That was close! A good leave in the end. Full delivery outside off, nipping in a bit. Malan shoulders arms to it. The ball just whizzed past the off stump.

52.1

.

Good start from Anderson. Length ball around off, moving into the batsman. Malan looks to leave but gets hit on the thigh pad. There was no appeal made from England. Looked a bit too high.

James Anderson is back on. 7-2-18-0 are his figures so far.

51.6

.

Outside off, left alone by Zubayr Hamza.

51.5

.

Short of a length on off, Hamza defends it out off the back foot.

51.5

2nb

NO BALL! Stokes has overstepped again. Length ball on off, Malan pushes it through point and a single is taken. 50-run stand is also up between the two.

51.4

.

Short ball outside off, left alone by Malan.

51.3

1

Length ball on middle, Hamza defends it out to the leg side and single is taken.

51.2

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled down the leg side, Hamza lets the ball go to the keeper.

51.1

.

Short ball outside off, Hamza sways away from it.

50.6

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

50.5

.

Loopy delivery down the leg side, spinning down. Malan leaves it alone. Stokes dives to his right from leg gully and makes a good stop. Saved a certain four byes there.

50.4

.

On middle, defended off the back foot.

50.3

.

Flatter one on off, pushed back to the bowler.

50.2

2

Malan drives this floated ball on middle past the diving bowler for a couple. The fielder comes across and cleans it up.

50.1

.

Fuller one on middle, Malan defends it back to Root.

49.6

.

Back of a length delivery on off, Hamza hops and defends it out.

49.5

.

Short ball around middle and leg, Zubayr ducks under it.

49.4

.

BEATEN! Stokes has to be more on this channel. Bowls it on a length in the channel of uncertainty, Hamza looks to push off the back foot but it whizzes past the bat and goes into the mitts of the keeper.

49.3

.

Short ball down the leg side, Hamza shoulders arms to it.

49.2

1

Fullish on off, Malan pushes it towards deep point and wants a couple but Hamza sends him back. Only a single.

49.1

.

Length ball on middle, Malan defends it out.

48.6

.

Down the leg side again, Hamza lets it go to the keeper.

48.5

1

Flatter one on the pads, Malan tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

48.4

2

OHH! Root dishes a floated ball down the leg side, Malan looks to sweep but it hits the gloves and goes above the hopping leg slip fielder. It goes towards fine leg and a couple is taken.

48.3

.

On off, blocked solidly by Malan.

48.2

.

Flatter one on middle, defended back to the bowler.

48.1

.

Root starts with a flighted ball on off, Malan defends it to cover.

Joe Root is back on. Bowled one over before Tea.

47.6

.

Short of a length on off, Hamza rocks on his back foot and defends it out.

47.5

.

Another short one on off, Zubayr defends it out off the back foot.

47.4

.

BOUNCER! Stokes bowls this one around middle and leg, Hamza looks to leave this but it hits him near the elbow and rolls to the keeper.

47.3

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Hamza works it uncomfortably to the leg side and wants the single. Malan sends him back.

47.2

.

On a length on middle, Zubayr defends this one.

47.1

.

Just short! Stokes digs in short outside off, Hamza hops and pushes it off the back foot towards cover. Broad dives in front but it falls short of him.

46.6

2

Fuller one outside off, Malan psuhes it past the cover fielder and picks up a couple before the fielder hares after it and cleans it up.

46.5

.

Loopy on middle, Malan defends it out.

46.4

1

Flat one on middle, Hamza works it to deep square leg for a single.

46.3

1

Loopy delivery on off, Malan pushes it to mid off and calls Hamza for a quick single. The fielder at mid off throws it to Buttler. He whips the bails off but Hamza was well in.

46.2

1

Fuller one on off, Zubayr pushes it to deep cover for a single.

46.1

.

Flatter one on off, Hamza defends it to mid off the back foot.

45.6

.

Length ball on middle, Malan defends it towards mid on.

45.5

.

Stokes bends his back again and bowls a short one around middle and leg, Malan ducks under it.

45.4

.

BOUNCER! It is bowed around middle, Pieter sways away from it.

45.3

.

Short of a length on off, Malan camps back and blocks it to the off side.

45.2

.

Back of a length outside off, Pieter shoulders arms to this one.

45.1

.

On a length on middle, Malan works it to short leg.

44.6

1

Flatter one on middle, worked to deep square leg for a single.

44.5

.

Driven towards the mid off region.

44.4

.

Comes around the wicket does Bess and bowls a fullish delivery on middle and leg, Malan looks to flick but gets an inside edge to short leg. The fielder there collects it.

44.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Malan prods forward and defends it to the off side.

44.2

1

Short delivery outside off, Zubayr punches it to deep cover for a single.

44.1

.

Floated on middle, pushed back to Bess.

43.6

.

Comes over the wicket does Stokes and bowls a short one outside off, Malan once again comfortably sways away from it.

43.5

.

Fuller one on middle, Pieter solidly pushes it to cover.

43.4

.

Short one around middle, Malan sways away from it.

43.3

.

On a length on off, Pieter defends it to point off the back foot.

43.2

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Pieter ducks under it.

43.1

.

Short of a length around middle and off, Malan sways away from it.

A leg slip is in place now.

42.6

.

Tossed up outside off, Hamza pushes it down to mid off for nothing.

42.5

1

Loopy delivery on off, pushed to the cover region for a single.

42.4

.

Floated on off, Malan strides forward and blocks it to short leg.

42.3

.

On off, Malan comes down the track and defends it out.

42.2

1

Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. One run added to the total.

42.1

1

FIFTY! That too on debut for Pieter Malan. This has been an excellent innings from Malan. He has not looked nervous at all in this innings and is going about his business comfortably. He gets there by working this full delivery down to long on for a single. Can he convert this to a debut ton as well?

41.6

1

Full delivery on middle and leg, Malan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Moves to 49.

41.5

.

Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot.

41.4

.

On off, pushed to point.

41.3

.

NASTY! That is a snorker of a delivery from Ben Stokes! Short of a length ball around middle, Malan looks to sway away from it but gets hit around the chest area. He is fine though.

41.2

.

On a length on off, Malan camps back and blocks it out to the cover fielder.

41.1

2

Good length ball on middle, Malan works it to deep mid-wicket and calls Hmaza for a couple. The fielder comes across and cleans it up.

Drinks! South Africa are going really well. They have lost the wicket of Elgar but Pieter Malan and Zubayr Hamza have steadied the ship after that. They still have a long way to go. England would hope that they pick up further wickets before the end of day's play to finish on a high.

40.6

4b

FOUR BYES! Sharp turn on this one! Flighted delivery on middle, which spins a mile. Hamza spots that and leaves it alone. Buttler fails to collect it cleanly and the ball races to the fine leg fence. 100 up for the hosts.

40.5

.

Flatter one on off, Hamza guides this to the slip cordon.

40.4

.

Floated one on off, Zubayr pushes it to covers.

40.3

.

Loopy delivery on off, blocked solidly by Hamza.

40.2

.

Short delivery down the leg side, Hamza looks to pull but misses to get any bat on it.

40.1

.

Floated on middle, Hamza prods forward and defends it out to the bowler.

39.6

.

Full on middle, Pieter pushes it back to the bowler.

39.5

.

Back of a length ball with extra carry. Malan shoulders arms to this one. It goes at good height to the keeper.

39.4

.

Fullish delivery outside the off stump line, Malan makes a leave to this one.

39.3

.

Length ball on off, Pieter rocks back and defends it to cover.

39.2

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Pieter shoulders arms to this one.

39.1

.

On middle, defended out by Malan.

39.1

1nb

No ball! Stokes has overstepped on his first ball. It is a big one at that. Starts with a short of a length ball on off, Malan defends it off the back foot to point.

Ben Stokes is into the attack for the first time in this innings. Can he pick up a wicket?

38.6

1

Flatter one on middle, Pieter works it to deep mid-wicket and picks up a single.

38.5

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

38.4

3

That's really well played from Hamza! Short of a length ball outside off, spinning in. Hamza gives himself room and punches it through covers for three. The fielder hares after it and makes the stop.

38.3

.

Looped up ball on off, Hamza drives it to cover.

38.2

1

On middle, worked to deep mid-wicket for a single.

38.1

.

Floated on off, Malan comes down the track and looks to flick but it hits the edge and hits the boot. The ball rolls to the off side.

37.6

1

Length ball on off, Malan defends it towards the point region and a single is taken.

37.5

.

Fullish on off, Malan pushes it to cover off the front foot.

37.4

.

On a length outside off, Malan does not fiddle with it and lets it through to the keeper.

37.3

.

OHH! Full delivery on the pads, Malan looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and rolls towards mid off. Malan is annoyed with himself after playing that shot.

37.2

.

Short ball outside off, with extra bounce. Malan lets this go to the keeper. Buttler jumps and collects it.

37.1

.

BOUNCER! Broad dishes this one up around middle, Malan ducks under it.

36.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

36.5

3

Outside off, Malan moves inside his crease and punches the ball through the covers and picks up three before the fielder can come across and clean it up.

36.4

2

Short delivery outside off, Malan pushes it through covers. The fielder chases after it and collects it. Two taken.

36.3

.

Flatter one on middle, flicked to square leg.

36.2

1

Floated ball on middle, Hamza comes down the track and pushes it down to long on for a single.

36.1

.

On middle, Hamza blocks it to short leg.

35.6

.

Fullish on off, Pieter gets on his front foot and blocks it to cover.

35.5

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Malan leaves this one alone.

35.4

.

Fullish on off, Malan blocks it off his front foot.

35.3

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around off, Malan sways away from it.

35.2

.

Broad dishes out another ball which is full in length. Malan plays it back to the bowler.

35.1

.

Full delivery on off, Malan blocks it to cover off the front foot.

34.6

.

Flat one on middle, Zubayr defends it back to Bess.

34.5

.

Tossed up ball on off, Hamza solidly blocks it.

34.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Zubayr gets on his front foot and blocks it back to the bowler.

34.3

.

On off, defended off the front foot.

34.2

.

Looped up on middle, Hamza looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge and rolls towards square leg.

34.1

.

Flatter one on middle, Hamza defends it out.

Dominic Bess is back on. 5-1-8-0 are his figures so far.

33.6

.

Good length on off, Pieter defends it to cover and wants a single but Hamza sends him back. Good decision in the end as there was no run there.

33.5

1

Length ball on off, Hamza pushes it towards point and takes a single.

33.4

4

EDGY FOUR! Frustrating for England. Fuller one on off, Hamza looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge and goes between the second slip and the gully fielders. The ball races to the fence.

33.3

.

Good length ball on middle, Zubayr solidly blocks it out.

33.2

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Hamza sways away from it.

33.1

.

Fuller one on off, pushed to mid off.

32.6

.

Loopy on middle, Malan blocks it off the front foot to mid-wicket.

32.5

1

Outside off, pushed to deep cover for a single.

32.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

32.3

2

Nice way to get off the mark! Flat one outside off, Hamza camps back and punches it through covers for a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.

32.2

1

Shorter in length this time outside off, Malan rocks back and punches it to deep cover for a single.

32.1

.

Floats this one up on middle, Malan defends it out.

31.6

.

Nice looking shot but for no runs. Full delivery on off, Hamza drives it beautifully but finds the cover fielder.

31.5

.

Length ball on off, Hamza defends it out to gully.

31.4

.

Good length ball on middle, Hamza works it to square leg.

31.3

.

Back of a length on off, Hamza hops and defends it out to cover.

31.2

1

On a length outside off, bouncing a little more. Malan defends it to point and crosses over for a single.

31.1

.

Full outside off, Malan leaves the ball alone.

Stuart Broad is back on. 5-1-13-0 are his figures so far.

30.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

30.5

.

Floated on middle, Zubayr defends it out,

30.4

.

On off, defended out by the bowler.

30.3

1

Floated on middle, Malan looks to defend but gets it off the inside half of the bat and goes towards the leg side for a single.

30.2

.

Flatter one on middle, Malan stands tall and defends it to point.

30.1

.

On middle, defended out.

29.6

.

Full on middle, Hamza flicks it right out of the middle of his bat but straight to mid-wicket.

29.5

1

Good length ball outside off, Pieter strokes it towards point and gets to the other end.

29.4

.

Length ball outside off, Malan shoulders arms to it.

29.3

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

29.2

.

Full on middle, Malan pushes it to mid on.

29.1

.

Good length ball on off, Malanm defends it from within his crease.

Zubayr Hamza is the new man in.

28.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Faintest of outside edges and Elgar has to go. Takes a review with him. Elgar cannot believe it as he believes that there was not bat on it. Flighted ball outside off, landing on the rough and spinning into the batsman. Elgar prods forward to defend but misses it. The English players appeal and after some thought, the umpire raises his finger. Elgar though is confident that he has not hit it at all so he goes for the review immediately. Replay rolls in and Ultra Edge shows that there is a feather on it as it shows a small spike as the ball goes past the bat. Elgar is shocked as he trudges back to the pavilion. Can't blame Elgar for this as it was the slightest of feather which he might not have felt. He was looking very good out in the middle but needed to continue for his side. Finally England have got their way past the South African opener. Will this trigger a couple more before the end of day's play?

Elgar has been given out for caught behind but he has reviewed it straightaway. Indicating that the bat hit the ground. Let's see what the replays have to say. Ultra Edge rolls in and guess what, there seems to be a spike on the Ultra Edge as the ball goes past the bat. South Africa lose their review but more importantly they lose their first wicket.

28.5

2

Brave from Elgar. He got out going for a big shot in the previous ball but this time it is safe. Floated ball on off, Elgar dances down the track and heaves it over the mid off fielder. Two taken.

28.4

1

Short outside off, Malan punches it to the off side and takes a single.

28.3

.

On the pads, Malan defends it out to short leg.

28.2

4

FOUR! Poor bowling but this is what you will get from leg spinners. They tend to bowl bad balls from time to time. Full toss on middle, Malan just pushes this down past the mid on fielder and into the fence.

28.1

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Malan moves inside his crease and punches it to cover.

27.6

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

27.5

.

On off, defended off the back foot by Elgar.

The Hadada is back in the field. The mid on fielder is trying to shoo it away. Loves watching this doesn't it?

27.4

.

On middle, Elgar pushes this down to mid on for another dot.

27.3

.

On a length on off, Elgar stands tall and defends it to point.

27.2

.

On middle, worked to square leg.

27.1

.

Full delivery on middle and leg, Elgar flicks it to mid-wicket.

26.6

1

Flatter one on middle, Elgar works it to short fine leg and another run is pinched by the two batters.

26.5

1

Floated on middle, Malan works it to mid on and calls Elgar for a single.

26.4

.

Flighted on middle and leg, Malan comes forward and defends it to point.

26.3

.

Tosses this one outside off, Malan lets the ball go to the keeper.

26.2

.

Floated on middle, Malan defends it back to the bowler.

26.1

1

Flighted on off, Elgar works it to the leg side for a single.

25.6

.

On a length outside off, Malan shoulders arms to it.

25.5

.

EDGED BUT SAFE! On a length on off, Malan looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes towards second slip where the fielder collects it on the bounce.

25.4

.

Fullish outside off, Malan leaves it alone.

25.3

.

Back of a length outside off, Pieter shoulders arms to this one.

25.2

.

On off, Malan gets on his front foot and defends it out to cover.

25.1

1

Full on middle, Dean works it to square leg and crosses over for a single.

24.6

.

Full on middle, Malan blocks it onto the pitch.

24.5

1

Flatter one on middle, Elgar works it to the leg side for a single.

24.4

1

Flatter outside off, Malan pushes it to deep cover and a single is taken.

24.3

.

On middle, blocked by Malan.

24.2

1

Full on middle, Elgar pushes it towards mid on and a single is taken.

24.1

.

Luck for Elgar yet again. Floats this one up does Denly, on the rough. It spins a little. Elgar looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge and lobs towards square leg.

23.6

.

Length ball on off, Malan defends it to cover.

23.5

.

Good length on off, pushed to cover for nothing.

23.4

1

Good length on middle, Dean works it to the leg side and a single is taken.

23.4

1wd

BOUNCER! Wide given for height! It is bowled around middle and leg. Elgar ducks under it. It is wided for height.

23.3

1

On off, driven wide of mid off for a single.

23.2

.

Fullish outside off, Malan shoulders arms to it.

23.1

2

Curran starts with a full delivery on middle, Pieter works it to the deep square leg region and crosses over for a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.

Sam Curran will bowl from the other end.

22.6

2

Full outside off, pushed towards cover and a couple is taken. 50-run stand is up between the two. Excellent partnership. This is what the hosts needed after being set a big total. Their job is not done yet and they would to bat for as long as possible.

22.5

1

Shorter delivery outside off, pushed to deep cover for a single.

22.4

1

The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.

22.3

.

Well, well that was close! Denly is making the ball talk. Floated ball outside off, landing in the rough. It bounces a little more and spins a little. Elgar looks to fend it away but it seems to have gone off the gloves and behind the keeper. Buttler dives behind to catch it but fails. Would not have mattered in the end if he had caught that as the replays show that it had hit the arm guard of Elgar.

22.2

2

Full outside off, Elgar pushes it towards deep cover and crosses over for a single.

Short leg comes in now as well.

22.1

.

Denly starts with a flighted ball around off, landing in the rough. Elgar attempts to defend but gets hit on the pads.

We are all set to begin the final session of Day 4. Dean Elgar and Pieter Malan are making their way to the field. England players follow them out to the middle after being in a huddle. Joe Denly will start the proceedings after the break for the visitors. There is a silly point in place for him.

... Day 4, Session 3 ...

Very good session for the hosts. They have managed to bat this passage of play without losing a wicket. After England declared with a massive lead of 437, South Africa would have hoped for a steady, resilient fight from their openers. Dean Elgar and Pieter Malan have done just that. They have not scored at a very high run rate but the pair have taken their time and are fighting it out in the middle. The hosts will hope that the pair continues their good work after the break and bat the majority of the final session as well. England, on the other hand, have a good chunk of runs to play with but they cannot take it lightly and will need to strike a couple of wickets before the end of day's play. Part-timer Denly has used the rough and Root will hope Bess too can exploit that. Can the Proteas bat the day out without losing a wicket or will England strike in the final session of the day? Join us after the break to find out.

21.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Malan defends it out to the bowler. TEA ON DAY 4.

21.5

1

Outside off, driven to deep cover for single.

21.4

.

Flatter one on middle, Dean defends it to the off side.

21.3

.

On off, defended off the front foot to the off side.

21.2

.

Flighted delivery on off, Elgar pushes it to cover.

21.1

1

Root starts with a floated ball on middle, Malan guides it through gully for a single.

Interesting! It is skipper Joe Root who will bowl the final over before Tea.

20.6

.

Floated on middle, Elgar defends it out off the back foot.

20.5

1

Flatter one outside off, pushed to deep cover for a single.

20.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

20.3

.

Flighted ball on off, Pieter prods forward and defends it out.

20.2

.

On off, Malan defends it to cover. Denly thinks that there was pad first and makes an appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head.

20.1

.

Floated on middle and leg, Malan defends it out.

19.6

1

Fuller one on middle, worked to the leg side for a single.

19.6

1nb

No ball! Surprise, surprise a no ball has been called by an on-field umpire. Good length ball on off, Malan defends it out to the off side.

19.5

.

Fuller one outside off, swinging in, Malan shoulders arms to it.

19.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

19.3

.

Fullish outside off, Malan makes a leave to this one.

19.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Pieter lets the ball go to the keeper.

19.1

.

Outside off, left alone by Malan.

18.6

.

Flighted on middle, Elgar attempts the sweep shot but misses to get hit on the pads.

18.5

.

Another one landing on the rough, Elgar looks to defend but hits the inside edge and onto the pads. No harm done though.

18.4

.

Floated on off, landing it on the rough causing it to spin a little. Elgar looks to defend but it hits the handle and lobs to silly point.

18.3

1lb

Flighted fuller ball down the leg side, Malan looks to flick but gets hit on the pads and rolls towards short fine leg. A leg bye stolen.

18.2

.

Short on middle, Denly pushes it to point.

18.1

1

Denly starts with a short one on middle, Elgar pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Joe Denly is on now.

17.6

.

Curran bowls a full delivery on off, Pieter leans forward and blocks it out to cover.

17.5

.

On off, defended out to the off side.

17.4

.

That was close! Brilliant delivery! Full delivery outside off, moving in sharply. In the end, Malan lets it go to the keeper.

17.3

.

Good length ball on off, Malan stands tall and defends it out.

17.2

.

Fullish outside off, Malan prods forward and lets it go to the keeper.

17.1

.

Curran starts with a full delivery outside off, Malan leaves it alone.

Sam Curran is into the attack for the first time in this innings.

16.6

2

Floated on middle, worked through mid-wicket and collects a couple.

16.5

.

On middle, defended out onto the pitch.

16.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Elgar defends it back to the bowler.

16.3

.

Tossed up ball outside off, Dean shoulders arms to it.

16.2

.

Flatter one on off, Elgar defends it to mid off.

16.1

.

Full on off, pushed to short cover.

15.6

.

Fullish outside off, left alone by Malan.

15.5

.

On off, pushed back to the bowler.

15.4

.

Fullish on middle, Malan works it to mid-wicket.

15.3

.

On a length outside off, Malan makes a good leave to this one.

15.2

.

Good length ball on off, Pieter defends it to point.

15.1

.

Fullish on off, Malan defends it out to to the off side.

14.6

.

Tossed up on off, Elgar prods forward and defends it to point.

14.5

.

On middle, worked to mid on.

14.4

.

Flighted ball outside off, Elgar looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and goes to point.

14.3

.

On off, pushed to cover off the front foot.

14.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Elgar defends it back to the bowler.

14.1

.

Floats this one up outside off, Elgar leaves it alone.

13.6

.

Anderson goes full and makes this one nip back in. Malan loses his top hand from the bat's grip but defends it well.

13.5

.

Length ball outside off, Malan shoulders arms to it.

13.4

.

Anderson bowls it on a length outside off. There is little to no movement on this one. Malan does not go for the drive and lets it carry to the keeper.

13.3

.

Full and coming in with the angle on middle. Pieter defends it back to the bowler.

13.2

.

Length ball on off, PM defends it off his back foot.

13.1

.

Ohh, good fielding. Very full on middle, Malan flicks it but Pope at short leg does really well to stop it.

12.6

1

Floated on middle, Malan works it towards square leg and a single is taken.

12.5

.

Fullish on middle, Pieter comes down and works it to mid on.

12.4

2

Outside off, Pieter cuts it through point and collects an easy couple.

12.3

.

On off, defended off the back foot by Malan.

12.2

.

Flatter one on middle, Malan works it to the leg side.

12.1

.

Floated on off, Malan blocks it out.

11.6

.

Fuller one on the leg stump line, flicked to mid-wicket.

11.5

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

11.4

.

On a length on off, Elgar looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and goes onto the pads. The ball rolls to the off side.

11.3

4

FOUR! Beautifully played! Full delivery on middle and leg, Elgar flicks it towards mid on. Broad dives to his left but the ball bounces extra and goes past him. It races away to the fence.

11.2

3

Fullish on off, Malan takes a stride forward and drives it through covers for three before Bess can hare after it and clean it up.

11.1

.

Good length ball on off, with some extra bounce. Malan looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and rolls towards point.

Drinks! South Africa have done well so far with the bat. After England declared, they would have hoped not to lose an early wicket and the pair of Malan and Elgar have done well but the job is not done yet. Their first target would be to bat out this session. England have a lot of runs to play with but they will look to strike a wicket or two in this session. James Anderson is also into the attack.

10.6

.

Fullish delivery on middle, Elgar defends it out.

10.5

.

On middle, defended back to Bess.

10.4

.

Flighted ball on off, defended to cover off the front foot.

10.3

.

Floated on middle, Elgar pushes it back to the bowler.

10.2

1

Fullish on off, driven down to long on for a single.

10.1

.

Flatter one on middle, Pieter tucks it to square leg.

9.6

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Elgar ducks under it.

9.5

.

On a length on middle, Elgar pushes it back to the bowler.

9.4

1

Fullish on middle, Malan works it to deep square leg for a single.

9.3

1

Back of a length ball on middle, Elgar defends it off the back foot to square leg.

9.2

1

Good length ball on off, Pieter plays it to cover and single is pinched by the two batters.

9.1

.

Full delivery on off, Malan pushes it towards mid off. Elgar wants a single but is sent back by Pieter.

8.6

.

Loopy delivery outside off, spinning away. Elgar spots that and makes a leave to the keeper.

8.5

1

Floated on off, Malan defends it to the cover region and a single is taken.

8.4

.

Flatter one on middle, Pieter stands back and defends it to short leg.

8.3

1

Low full toss on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.

8.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Elgar looks to flick but it takes a leading edge and and goes back to the bowler.

8.1

.

Bess starts with a tossed up ball on middle, Elgar pushes it back to the bowler.

Spin time. Dominic Bess is the first bowling change of the innings. Let's see how this works out for the visitors. Can the offie get the breakthrough?

7.6

.

That one shoot off. Probably off the cracks. It is landed outside off and rises sharply. Malan does well to defend.

7.5

.

Fuller and on off again, Malan pushes it back to the bowler.

7.4

.

Good length ball on off, it is defended by Malan.

7.3

1

Back of a length ball on middle, Elgar pulls it behind square leg for a single.

7.2

.

Outside off on a good length, left alone.

7.1

.

Fuller around off, it is defended.

6.6

1

Quick single! A direct hit would've been interesting. Good length ball on middle, Elgar hops and works it towards mid-wicket. He takes off for the single but the ball goes towards the fielder quickly there. The fielder gets to the ball, picks it up and throws at the non-striker's end but misses.

6.5

.

Good length ball on off, blocked towards point.

6.4

.

Nicely punched but excellent fielding. Slightly fuller on off, Elgar takes a step forward and punches it nicely towards mid off. Bess at that position dives to his left and makes a half stop and the ball is relayed towards mid on. Saved a certain boundary.

6.3

.

Anderson angles this one away from the left-hander. Pitches it on a good length around leg and middle. Elgar blocks it towards point.

6.2

1

Good length ball outside off, pushed towards point for a single.

6.1

.

Short of a length ball on off, Malan keeps it out.

5.6

.

Another short ball, it is defended.

Here comes the hadada, again. Just behind mid on. No problems for the batter so far so the game goes on.

5.5

.

Another length ball angled into the batter by Broad by going wide of the crease. Elgar blocks it nicely.

5.4

.

Fuller and around off, pushed towards covers.

5.3

.

Landed around off, it is blocked.

5.2

.

Slightly shortish length ball on middle, it is defended.

5.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Elgar blocks it off the back foot.

4.6

.

Another ball in the channel outside off, Malan makes another leave.

4.5

.

Fullish and around off, Malan pushes it to point.

4.4

.

In the channel outside off, it is left alone.

4.3

.

Good length ball angled into the right-hander. Malan covers his stumps and lets it be.

4.2

.

What happened there? England do not go for the review in the end. It was very close! Excellent umpiring from Paul Reiffel. Length ball around off, nipping into the batsman. Malan looks to defend off the front foot, there are two noises as the ball goes to the right of the keeper. Buttler behind the stumps dives on that side and takes it just above the ground. Buttler along with the other English players put in a huge appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Stokes, Buttler, Sibley and Root all gather and have a brief chat but Anderson is not interested at all. He starts going back for his run up. In the end, they opt against the review. Probably the last review made them not go for it for this one. Very good decision in the end not to go for the review and Anderson not being excited is justified as Ultra Edge rolls in later on and it shows that the ball had kissed the front pad and not the bat before clipping the back leg and going to the keeper. Hawk Eye then comes in and it shows that the impact was outside off and the wicket was missing too. It would have been disastrous as the tourists would have lost both their reviews so early in this innings.

4.1

1

Good length ball on off, Elgar pushes it to cover and takes a single.

3.6

.

Length ball on middle, Malan goes on his front foot and defends it back to Broad.

3.5

1

Broad dishes out a full ball on off, Elgar defends it towards cover and crosses over for a single.

3.4

2

Fuller one on off, driven towards cover and takes a couple.

3.3

.

On off, pushed to cover for nothing.

3.2

.

Fullish on middle and leg, Elgar whips it to mid-wicket.

3.1

.

Good length ball outside off, nipping away. Elgar does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.

2.6

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Pieter shoulders arms to this one.

2.5

.

Full delivery around off, Pieter defends it out off the front foot.

2.4

2

On middle, Malan whips it to deep square leg and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.

2.3

.

Fullish ball on off, Malan defends it out to the off side.

2.2

.

Length ball outside off, Pieter lets the ball through to the keeper.

2.1

2

Well played! Anderson dishes a good length ball outside off, Malan plays a back foot through covers. Denly chases after it and cleans it up. Two taken.

1.6

1

Shortish around off, Malan taps it off the back foot towards point and takes a quick single.

1.5

.

Fuller ball on off, this time Malan comes forward and defends it.

1.4

.

NOT OUT! England lose their review! But what a decision from Kumar Dharmasena. This is top, top umpiring from the Sri Lankan. Brilliant ball from Broad. It is full and just around off. It jags back in viciously. Malan looks to defend but the ball hits the pad. The English players put in a huge appeal but the umpire turns it down. The English core of Broad, Stokes, Buttler and Root have a word and in the dying moments Root takes it upstairs. Replay rolls in and first it shows Broad is clean as his front foot is inside the crease. Time for Ultra Edge and ... it shows a spike as the ball goes past the bat. There is a feather of an inside edge. It looked plumb but tell you what, the umpire has produced a world class decision. Can't blame Root for taking it upstairs. England lose one of their two reviews. Malan survives, so South Africa are spared off a disastrous start.

Huge appeal for LBW but it is turned down by the umpire. The English players gather around for a chat and just at the dying second, Root signals the 'T'. Let us see what the replays have to say. Replay rolls in and it shows a spike as the ball goes past the bat. England lose one of their reviews.

1.3

1

On the pads, Elgar flicks it to the on side for a single.

1.2

.

Broad corrects his line and length and goes just outside off. Elgar shoulders arms to it.

1.1

4

FOUR! Elgar is off the mark in style. Broad starts with an overpitched delivery way outside off. Elgar just uses the pace of the ball and guides it through point for a boundary.

Stuart Broad will bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Solid leave to end the over. Good length ball on the fourth stump line, it jags back a bit but Malan is aware of his off pole and leaves it alone.

0.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Malan lets it carry to the keeper.

0.4

.

Another good leave! This starts just outside off and comes in a bit. Pieter shoulders arms to it and this goes just over the off pole.

0.3

.

Finally a real Anderson beauty! It is pitched just outside off and shapes away a tad. Malan shoulders arms to it and in the end it is a good leave as the ball misses the off pole by a whisker.

0.2

.

Once again it is around the pads with little to no movement. Malan glances it to mid-wicket.

0.1

4

FOUR! Just the start South Africa needed. A very poor ball from Anderson to begin with. It is on the pads, Malan flicks it fine down the leg side and starts his innings with a boundary.

Now, 438 is the target for South Africa. How will they approach it? Well, chasing this total is as good as climbing the Mount Everest. However, let's rewind the clock a bit. Remember the historic Johannesburg ODI? Chasing 435, South Africa had scored 438. What a game that was. While this is a Test match and it is not going to be easy. But remember, nothing is impossible in cricket. However, honestly, one would feel that they will try to play session by session and then plan accordingly. England, on the other hand, would be keen to bundle the Proteas and level the series. The final innings of the Test will start in a while.

The day started with Stokes going bonkers straightaway. A 47-ball 72 means that England scored runs at a very brisk pace. Sibley, on the other hand, calmly raked up his maiden Test ton to push England towards a massive lead. Approach from Faf du Plessis looked very defensive and once Stokes started pouncing, he went further into the shell and it looked like he was just trying to buy more time. After the wicket of Stokes, Maharaj struck again with Nortje picking one too. One would feel that they came a little too late.

The declaration was coming and now it has come. Sensible call this from the England skipper. He would not want his fast bowlers to get injured on the bouncers of Rabada. Once again it is Dominic Sibley who leads his partner as he goes back to the pavilion. He gets a standing ovation from the crowd for his brilliant unbeaten ton.

110.6

2

Drops just short! Floated on middle, Broad gets on his knees to sweep this one but gets a top edge towards long on. The fielder from there comes after it but it falls way short. Two taken.

110.5

1

On middle, Sibley plays the reverse sweep to cover and a single is taken.

110.4

.

Fullish down the leg side, Sibley paddle sweeps but finds the short fine leg fielder.

110.3

1

Tossed up ball outside off, Broad bends and plays it down to long on for another run.

110.2

1

On middle and leg, Sibley sweeps it to backward square leg for a single.

110.1

4

FOUR! Innovation from Sibley! Flighted ball on middle, Sibley reverse sweeps it through fine leg for a boundary. Dean Elgar chases after it from point but gives up the chase.

109.6

.

Safe!!! Short of a length delivery on middle, Broad hops in an attempt to defend but gets hit on the splice of the bat. It lobs towards short leg but it falls just wide of him.

109.5

.

OHH! Short ball around the leg stump line, Broad looks to flick it but gets hit on the gloves and rolls to square leg. Broad wants the single but is not there.

109.4

.

BOUNCER! It is around middle and leg, Broad attempts the pull shot but fails to get any bat on it.

109.3

1

On a length outside off, Sibley guides it down to third man for a single.

109.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Dominic works it to mid-wicket. Stokes signals to Sibley from the dressing room to attack a little more.

109.1

.

Full on off, Sibley pushes it to mid off.

The declaration looks very close by. James Anderson, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and the England coach are having a word in the dressing room. They all look ready and it also looks like Anderson is not even padded up.

108.6

.

The batsman works it down the leg side.

108.5

.

Tossed up ball around off, Broad looks to sweep but gets hit on the pads. There is a slight appeal for LBW but not given by the umpire.

108.4

.

BEATEN! Flatter one outside off, Broad looks to play it nice and fine on the off side but missed it altogether.

108.3

.

PLAY AND A MISS! Floated on off, Stuart looks to sweep but fails to get any bat on it.

108.2

.

Flatter on off, Broad defends it out to the slip cordon. He wants the single but is sent back.

108.1

4

FOUR! Very well played. Floated out off, Broad premeditates the sweep and hits it fine down the leg side. Elgar gives it a chase but gives up halfway as he knows he has no chance reaching that.

107.6

.

Good length delivery outside off, Sibley defends it towards point.

107.5

.

Full on off, Dominic pushes it to mid on.

107.4

.

Full on off, Sibley pushes it to mid on.

107.3

1

A big cheer from the English fans as Broad gets off the mark. Back of a length on middle, Broad hops up and dabs it to the off side and scampers to the other end.

107.2

1

Full on off, Sibley looks to push it straight but it goes off the outer half of his bat through cover-point for a single. First run of the session for England and Sibley.

107.1

.

Back of a length on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot.

Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end. 18-3-66-2 so far from him.

106.6

.

Good fielding from the substitute fielder, Keegan Petersen. Floated on leg, Broad gets down on one knee and sweeps it to the left of backward square leg. Petersen there dives to that side and saves runs for his side.

106.5

.

Floated on middle and leg, Broad looks to defend but the ball goes away down the leg side.

106.4

.

Around the pads, Broad paddles it behind square on the leg side.

Stuart Broad is in at 10.

106.3

W

OUT! Caught! South Africa strike in the first over of the second session itself. Not the best of balls from Maharaj and he knows he is lucky to get a wicket of this delivery. A drag down on middle, Curran goes on his back foot and looks to pull it over mid-wicket. He cannot get under it and he is unable to get the desired elevation. It goes towards short mid-wicket where Zubayr Hamza takes a good catch, low to the ground. Now can South Africa bowl England out under 450?

106.2

.

On off, pushed back to the bowler.

106.1

.

Beaten! A flatter ball outside off, Curran pokes at it to get beaten.

The second session is set to get underway!!! The South African players make their way out to the field. Dominic Sibley and Sam Curran also walk out to the middle with England leading by 421. How many runs will they add to this lead? Keshav Maharaj to start the session with the ball.

... Day 4, Afternoon Session ...

So England are comfortably in the driver's seat and are in a position to call all the shots in this game. They have been aggressive in their approach and one will feel they will continue more of the same in the second session. It will be interesting to see how long they continue to bat if they are not bowled out. South Africa, on the other hand, need to find some inspiration and motivation. And rather than wait for England to declare they should try and bowl them out quickly and carry some momentum before they walk out to bat. What will happen? Join us after the break for the second session to find out.

It has been an abject performance by South Africa. They were defensive from the start and have paid the full price for it. Rather than attacking and trying to take wickets, they have tried to stop the run flow and have been taken to the sword by the tourists. They have managed to take 3 wickets but that has come because England were throwing everything at it. Keshav Maharaj has bowled from one end throughout the session and he has been taken to the cleaners. He has struggled massively and one feels he has been thrown under the bus. There was a little bit of respite for him as he took the wicket of the dangerous Ben Stokes. Rabada and Nortje, who has been unwell picked the other two wickets to have fallen in this session. But it has been a poor performance by the Proteas in the first session.

The man who has been superb and who will never forget this day, Dominic Sibley leads his partner off the field. Brilliant session for the visitors. They have taken their lead to a massive 421 and are well and truly on top of this Test. They are not done yet either as Sam Curran and Dominic Sibley are still out in the middle. The day started with Ben Stokes going hammer and tonks. The pair of Sibley and Stokes added 92 off just 103 with the all-rounder scoring 72 off just 47 balls. Sibley continued his overnight's good work and is still unbeaten there on 125. Buttler then replaced Ben and he continued from where his teammate left off. Jos though could not continue his firecrackers for long. They have scored a mammoth 157 runs in this session at an ODI run rate of 5.81.

105.6

.

Full on off, Dominic defends it off the front foot. LUNCH ON DAY 4.

105.5

1

Full delivery on off, Curran plays it towards long on. Rabada comes across from long on quickly but does not collect cleanly. Only a single though.

105.4

2

Short of a length outside off, Curran punches it towards the deep point region. The fielder from deep cover comes across, slides and stops the ball. The batters take two.

105.3

.

On middle, defended off the back foot to the bowler.

105.2

.

OUCH! That mush have hurt! Short delivery on middle and leg, Curran looks to fend it away awkwardly but gets hit on the gloves. The ball lobs off towards the leg side. England will hope that Curran is not hurt badly as it is his bowling hand.

105.1

4

FOUR! Pulled away handsomely! Short of a length ball on middle, Curran pulls it through deep square leg for a boundary. Second one for him in this innings.

Dwaine Pretorius is back on. Might be the last over before Lunch.

104.6

.

Floated on off, Sibley defends it out.

104.5

1

Tossed up on middle, flicked to the leg side for a single.

104.4

.

On middle, worked to square leg.

104.3

.

Flatter one on middle, Sam pushes it back to the bowler.

104.2

4

FOUR! Sam Curran joins the party! That is some shot from Curran. Maharaj dishes a half volley outside off, Curran leans forward and slams it through the cover region for a boundary.

104.1

1

Flighted on the pads, Sibley tucks it to square leg and takes a quick single.

103.6

.

Much better from Nortje! Short ball around off, Sam sways away from it. End of a successful over from Nortje.

103.5

4b

FOUR BYES! This is poor bowling! Giving easy runs to England. A bouncer around middle, very high though. Curran ducks under it. De Kock jumps to collect but it goes over and into the fence.

103.4

1

On off, pushed to cover and collects a single.

103.3

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around off, Sibley sway away from it.

103.2

1

Good length ball on off, Curran pushes it to deep cover to get off the mark.

Sam Curran comes in to replace Buttler.

103.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Buttler tries an innovative shot but fails! No excitement shown by the Proteas as they know that they have backs to the wall. Good length ball on off, Buttler tries to play the scoop shot but it takes the gloves and goes to the keeper who collects with utmost ease. Buttler starts walking without even the umpire raising his finger. Buttler goes but not before playing a very handy cameo.

102.6

.

Down the leg side, padded away by Sibley.

102.5

4

FOUR! Nice touch! Floated on the pads, Sibley tucks it nicely past the diving short fine leg fielder and into the fence. England's lead moves past 400.

102.4

.

On the pads, flicked to the leg side.

102.3

.

Almost! That is close! Very full delivery down the leg side, Sibley looks to sweep but misses. It almost brushes the leg stump and goes to the keeper. Sibley tumbles after that shot.

102.2

.

Floated on the pads, Sibley goes on his front foot and defends it out.

102.1

.

Very full delivery down the leg side, Sibley looks to flick but misses it completely.

101.6

2

Short again, pulled again. This time the deep square leg fielder does well to stop the ball with a slide. But he cannot stop another couple of runs for Buttler.

101.5

2

Another couple and this brings up the 350 for England. A back of a length ball on middle, Buttler pulls it wide of the deep square leg fielder and runs an easy two.

101.4

2

Good length ball around off, driven through covers and another easy couple for Buttler.

101.3

2

Shortish and outside off, Buttler taps it through point for a couple of runs.

101.2

6

SIX! Hammered! Second biggie off Buttler's bat now. A back of a length ball on off, Buttler goes on the back foot and slams it sailing over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more

101.1

.

Good length ball around off, it is defended.

100.6

.

On the pads, Sibley this time pads it away.

100.5

4

FOUR! Superb placement. Now a fuller ball from Maharaj down the leg side, Sibley sweeps it towards fine leg. There's no protection in the deep and the ball rolls to the fence. Easy runs these.

100.4

.

Flatter one on off, Sibley goes back to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

100.3

6

SIX! Massive! Enough of blocking from Sibley as he gets into the zone now. A flighted ball in the slot of Sibley. He gets down on one knee and mows it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. First one of his innings.

100.2

1

Flatter one on the pads, worked behind square leg for a run.

100.1

.

Down the leg side. No spin at all. Buttler looks to flick but misses.

99.6

.

Landed around off, pushed towards point.

99.5

.

On the pads, Sibley flicks towards mid-wicket and thinks for a single but the fielder there makes a sliding stop.

99.5

1wd

WIDE! For height it is. An effort ball from Nortje as he bends his back and bowls a short of length ball outside off. Sibley lets it be as it goes well over his head.

99.4

1

Shortish around off, tapped through point for a single.

99.3

6

SIX! Wow! Just the extension of the arms and it flies over long off. Brilliant timing. Nortje overpitches it outside off, Buttler gets to the pitch of the ball and meets the ball on the full nicely. He just non-nonchalantly lofts it over long off for a biggie.

99.2

.

Around off on a shortish length. Blocked.

99.1

1

Nortje starts his spell with a fuller ball around off, Sibley pushes it towards point and takes off for a quick single. The point fielder throws the ball at the non-striker's end after picking the ball quickly but he misses. Would not have mattered though as Sibley was in.

Anrich Nortje into the attack. First time on Day 4. He did not take the field early on as he was unwell and looking at his face, it clearly looks like he is feeling uneasy.

98.6

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

98.5

.

Outside off, pushed to mid off.

98.4

1

Flatter one on middle, Sibley easily nudges it to fine leg for a single.

98.3

1lb

Full and on the pads again, Buttler misses the sweep again. The ball hits the pads and rolls towards square leg. A leg bye taken.

98.2

.

Flatter one around off, it is defended.

98.1

.

Fuller ball the pads, Buttler looks to paddle sweep it but misses.

97.6

1

On middle, Buttler works it to the leg side for a single.

Jos Buttler joins Sibley out in the middle now. He is an aggressive player. What will be his approach?

97.5

W

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Pope fails to repeat his heroics from the first innings! Two quick wickets for South Africa and this might help them to build some much-needed momentum here. Good length ball outside off, it keeps a bit low off the deck. Pope, who is a good off side player, looks to play it on the off side but fails to go fully with a horizontal bat. He ends up playing a shot with a half-vertical and a half-horizontal bat. He ends up getting an inside edge and the ball goes onto uproot the leg pole. England lead by 360. South Africa will now look to wrap it up under 400!

97.4

.

On a length on off, Pope pushes it to cover.

97.3

1

On middle, worked to mid-wicket and takes a single.

97.2

1

Good length ball on off, Pope guides it through gully and takes a single. He wants the second but it is not there as the fielder gets to it quickly.

97.1

.

Back of a length ball on off, Pope defends it out off the back foot.

96.6

1

Looped up ball down the leg side, Pope flicks it to square leg where Rabada misfields and allows the ball to go towards the deep. Two taken before Philander comes across from fine leg and collects it.

96.5

.

Fullish down the leg side, Pope pads this one away.

96.4

1

Flatter one on middle and leg, Sibley works it to the leg side for a single.

96.3

1

On middle, Pope reverse sweeps it to deep cover for a single.

96.2

.

Floated on middle, Pope defends it to mid-wicket.

Ollie Pope walks in next.

96.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! An excellent hand from Ben Stokes comes to an end. He has taken England to a very healthy lead in very quick time. He was putting on a show out there and was on his way to a quickfire century but it has been cut short. Maharaj who has had a torrid time with the ball finally has something to cheer about. Floated delivery around off, Stokes once again goes for the big slog sweep. He does not connect it well and the bat also turns in his hand. It goes to the right of long on. Rassie van der Dussen moves on that side and takes a good catch. It looked easy but it was not an easy one to take as the ball was hit with power and it was rushing onto him. Stokes walks out to a standing ovation from the crowd. Finally the hosts have something to smile about this morning but is it too late already?

95.6

.

Bumper on middle. Sibley easily ducks under it.

95.5

.

In the channel outside off, Sibley is not affected from Stokes hammering from the other end as he calmly lets the ball go to the keeper.

95.4

1

Back of a length ball on off, Stokes pulls it to long on for a single.

95.3

1

Good length ball on off, pushed to sweeper cover by Sibley this time.

95.2

1

Short and outside off, Stokes slaps it to sweeper cover for a single.

95.1

.

Swing and a miss! A good length ball outside off, Stokes looks to tonk it over long off but misses.

94.6

.

Floated ball down the leg side, Sibley pads this one away.

94.5

1

Low full toss on middle, Stokes comes down and pushes it down to long on for a single.

94.4

4

FOUR! Some innovation time from Ben! Brilliant. Floated ball on middle, Stokes plays the reverse sweep towards the deep point region for a boundary. 14 already from the over. Are England looking to declare soon?

94.3

6

SIX! Bang! That is hit a long way. Stokes is on fire at the moment. Flighted ball on middle, Stokes dances down the track and hammers it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

94.2

4

FOUR! Bisects the two fielders perfectly. Short delivery this time on middle, Stokes pulls it in front of square and bisects the two fielders and goes into the fence.

94.1

.

PLAY AND A MISS! Misses out! Maharaj tosses this one up, landing it on the rough outside off and keeping a little low. Stokes looks to msweep but fails to get any bat on it.

Drinks Break! No prizes for guessing who the first hour of Day 4 belonged to. Stokes has got to his fifty, Sibley has got to his maiden ton and the English lead has ballooned up to 338. They are well and truly on top of this game and are going all guns blazing. South Africa look like a tamed lion at the moment and look out of sorts here. They have been trying to put a brake on the run flow rather than taking wickets but are struggling to contain as well. The game is slipping away from them and they need to find a way to put some sort of pressure on the visitors.

93.6

.

Full delivery outside off, Sibley leaves the ball alone.

93.5

1

Short delivery on off, Stokes punches it straight past the bowler and calls Sibley for a couple but decides against it as the long off fielder comes across quickly and cleans it up.

93.4

1

On a length on middle, Sibley works it to deep square leg and takes a run.

93.3

.

Edged but short! Good length ball on off, with some extra bounce. Sibley looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes on one bounce to gully.

93.2

.

Back of a length delivery outside off, Dominic looks to play at it first but then decides to leave the ball alone.

93.1

1

Fullish delivery on off, Stokes pushes it down to long off for a single.

92.6

.

Fullish down the leg side, Sibley calmly pads this one away.

92.5

4

FOUR! CENTURY! Maiden Test ton for Dominic Sibley! A moment he, his family and all his friends will cheer and relish for the rest of his life. What a gem of a knock this has been from Sibley. Tossed up on the pads, Sibley gets down on one knee and sweeps it through backward square leg for a boundary to reach the milestone. All the English fans and his teammates are on their feet applauding the efforts of this young man. He removes his helmet, raises it along with his bat and has a huge smile on his face. He deserves all the applaud he is getting as he has put his side in a commendable position in this game.

92.4

.

Down the leg side, padded away. Faf at leg slip dives to his right and cleans it up.

92.3

.

Flatter one down the leg side, Sibley is in no hurry to get to his hundred as he pads this away.

92.2

1

On off, pushed down to long on for a single.

92.1

2

Flatter delivery outside off, Stokes punches it through covers and collects a couple before the fielder comes across and clean it up.

91.6

4

EDGY FOUR! Moves to 99 with a lucky boundary. Good length delivery on off, Sibley attempts to defend but gets squared up. It takes the outside edge and goes between the gully and the second slip fielders for a boundary.

91.5

.

Outside off, left alone by Dominic.

91.4

.

Full delivery on off, Sibley looks to flick but gets a leading edge which rolls towards the off side.

91.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Dominic defends it to the bowler.

91.2

.

On a length on middle, Sibley defends it out to mid off.

91.1

1

FIFTY! 21st Test fifty for Stokes. He has been positive since he came out to bat and has got to the milestone in just 34 balls. He gets there by pulling this short delivery to fine leg and taking a single. He definitely loves playing at this ground.

90.6

.

Another ball has been padded away by Sibley.

90.5

1

Full and on the pads of Stokes, he easily works it towards mid-wicket for a single. Maharaj has conceded 100 runs without picking a wicket now in this innings.

90.4

2

Outside off on a fuller length, Stokes reverse sweeps it to deep point. A couple of easy runs for Stokes as Rabada from sweeper cover makes a sliding stop.

90.3

1

On the leg pole again, an easy flicked single towards square leg for Sibley.

90.2

.

On the pads, it is padded away by Sibley.

90.1

1

Flatter one this time, turning into the left-hander. Stokes tucks it towards square leg for a single.

89.6

.

On a length on middle, Dominic defends it out. 11 from Rabada's first over on Day 4.

89.5

4

FOUR! Good length ball outside off, Sibley drives it through covers and is racing away to the fence. Dean Elgar runs across from deep cover and slides to make a stop. The umpire goes in to check whether it is a clean save but Elgar's leg has touched the ropes. England have crossed their first innings score and that too with six wickets in hand.

89.4

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Stokes pulls it to deep square leg for a single. 50-run stand is also up between the two. This has been an attacking stand especially Stokes. They are going after the bowlers and are batting South Africa out of the game.

89.3

4

FOUR! Brilliant shot from Stokes! He is on a rampage here. Full toss on middle, Stokes hammers it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

89.2

2

TOP EDGE BUT SAFE! Luck favouring Stokes here! Short of a length ball on middle, Stokes looks to pull it but it goes off the top edge. The fine leg fielder is running ahead but stops as he sees Quinton de Kock signaling that it is his catch. De Kock dives but fails to get any hand on it as well. There is a lot of breeze blowing around the ground and that may have taken it away from the keeper.

89.1

.

Rabada starts with a length ball on middle, Stokes defends it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Kagiso Rabada is into the attack for the first time on Day 4. He replaces Vernon Philander, strange choice this as one would have expected him to replace Keshav Maharaj.

88.6

.

On the pads, Sibley defends it to get through the over.

88.5

.

Darts on the pads, Sibley pads it away.

88.4

2

Maharaj comes over the wicket and bowls on the pads. Sibley glances it through mid-wicket and gets a couple to get into the nervous 90s.

88.3

.

Now goes around off, DS defends it towards cover-point.

88.2

.

Slightly shorter on off, Dominic defends it off the back foot.

88.1

.

Floated on off, Sibley gets on his front foot and defends it.

87.6

.

Short of a length outside off, Ben comes down the track and looks to cut but it takes the bottom edge and goes towards the keeper.

87.5

4

FOUR! Stokes is latching onto Philander here. Short delivery outside off, Stokes stands tall and slams it through backward point for a boundary.

87.4

2

Length ball outside off, Stokes looks to drive but gets a top edge. Luckily for him, it lands safely and goes towards deep cover. Two taken. The lead goes past 300.

87.3

4

FOUR! Beautiful shot! It is not a bad ball from Philander though. Low full toss on middle, Stokes whips it towards deep square leg. Elgar runs across from deep mid-wicket, dives to stop but fails to do so. It rolls into the fence.

87.2

1

Fullish on off, Sibley pushes it wide of mid off for a single.

87.1

1

Goes for the attacking option! Fullish delivery on middle, Stokes dances down the track and looks to heave it away but gets an inside edge which goes deep mid-wicket. a single taken.

86.6

.

Loopy on off, Sibley lunges and pushes it down to mid on.

86.5

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

86.4

.

BEATEN! Nicely bowled! Flatter one outside off, Sibley looks to push off the back foot but misses it completely.

86.3

.

Full on off, Dominic plays it back to Maharaj off the front foot.

86.2

.

Floated outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.

86.1

1

Flatter one on middle, Stokes pushes it down to long on for a single.

85.6

.

On a length outside off, swinging away from the batsman. Sibley lets it go to the keeper to see off the over. A maiden from Philander on his return.

85.5

.

Length ball on middle, DS blocks it out onto the pitch.

85.4

.

On off, defended off the front foot to cover.

85.3

.

Fullish outside off, moving away, Dominic lets it through to the keeper.

85.2

.

Short of a length outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.

85.1

.

Philander starts with a fuller one on middle, Sibley gets on his front foot and defends it back to the bowler.

The second new ball has been taken now. Vernon Philander is back on as well. 12-6-12-0 are his figures. Interesting to see what strategy Stokes opts now.

84.6

.

Floated on off, Stokes defends it to get through the over.

84.5

.

Once again it turns off the rough and Ben is lucky to survive that. It pitches outside off and turns in off the rough. Stokes comes across and looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

84.4

.

Tossed up on the rough outside off. Stokes goes for another slog sweep but the ball turns off the rough and hits Stokes on his arm.

84.3

2

Around the pads, Stokes tucks it through mid-wicket and gets a couple.

84.2

6

SIX! Stokes has demolished that ball. Floated around off, Ben gets down on one knee and smothers the ball well over the mid-wicket fence for a monstrous biggie. Ben in T20 mode here.

84.1

2

Floated on off, Stokes paddle sweeps it fine down the leg side for a brace.

Nortje is back on the field. Maybe now they will take the new ball sooner rather than later.

83.6

1

Length delivery on middle, Stokes punches it wide of mid-wicket and gets a single to keep the strike.

83.5

.

On a length on middle, BS glances it to mid-wicket.

83.4

.

Good length ball on off, Stokes defends it off his front foot.

83.3

.

Now Ben gets back into Test mode and blocks this off the back foot.

83.2

4

FOUR! Innovative from Stokes and he has connected it really well. 14 for Ben Stokes from Pretorius' last 3 deliveries. Dwaine pulls his length back and bowls it on off and middle. Stokes reverse sweeps it over the slip cordon for a boundary.

83.1

6

SIX! Right out of the meat of the bat. That was six the moment he hit that. Full on off, Stokes maintains his balance and smashes it straight over Pretorius' head for a biggie.

82.6

.

Tossed up on off, Sibley blocks it.

82.5

.

On the pads, Sibley once again offers no stroke and pads it away.

82.4

2

Floated on the pads, Sibley flicks it fine down the leg side and gets a couple. First runs off the day for Dominic.

82.3

.

On the pads and once again Sibley pads it away.

82.2

.

Once again on the pads, Sibley taps it onto the ground wide of leg slips.

82.1

.

On the pads from around the wicket. Sibley pads it away.

81.6

4

FOUR! That was going to the fence as soon as he hit it. Good length ball outside off, Stokes pulls it using the power of his bottom hand and the ball races away to the mid-wicket fence.

81.5

.

Back of a length around off, Stokes punches it but to mid off.

81.4

.

Pretorius targets the stumps. Ben blocks it with calmness.

81.3

.

Length delivery on off, BS defends it with a straight bat.

81.2

.

On the pads, Stokes looks to defend but gets hit on the pads.

81.1

.

Good length ball on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.

Anrich Nortje has not taken to the field as he is unwell. Big blow for the Proteas. Also, Quinton de Kock is upto the stumps now for Pretorius.

80.6

.

Floated on off, Sibley defends it to get through the over.

80.5

.

Another one down the leg side, Sibley leaves it alone.

80.4

.

On the pads, Sibley leaves it alone. It kisses his pad and goes past the man at leg slip. Runs won't be counted as DS did not offer any shot.

80.3

.

On the pads, Sibley tickles it fine down the leg side but the man at fine leg is inside so Dominic does not get a single he is looking for.

80.2

1

Ben is off the mark! Tossed up around off, Stokes gets down on one knee and sweeps it towards fine leg for a single.

80.1

.

Flighted delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.

Second new ball available now and one would assume South Africa will take it straightaway. Faf has not opted to take it. Keshav Maharaj to bowl from the other end. 27-8-79-0 are his figures so far.

79.6

.

Pretorius finishes the over with a length delivery outside off. DS leaves it alone. Maiden to start the day.

79.5

.

Pretorius goes short for the first time. Sibley keeps his eyes on the ball and sways away from it.

79.4

.

Good length ball around off, Dominic defends it towards cover off his back foot.

79.3

.

Dwaine hits the deck hard around off, Sibley defends it with a straight bat.

79.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Sibley is in no hurry to score the first runs of the day and leaves it alone.

79.1

.

Pretorius starts with a fuller delivery around off, Sibley starts his innings with a solid front foot defense.

We are all set to begin Day 4! The South African players are in a huddle before making their way to the field. Overnight batsman, Dominic Sibley walks out to the middle with new batsman, Ben Stokes. Dwaine Pretorius to bowl from the other end.

England lead by 264 and still have 6 wickets in hand. It will be interesting to see what approach they follow and swell their lead to as much as possible. South Africa, on the other hand, struggled to pick up wickets and they would want to restrict the visitors to around 320 to have any chance in this game. So, what holds for us on Day 4? Will the Proteas make a comeback or will the visitors continue to dominate?

... Day 4, Session 1 ...

So, what holds for us on Day 4, the penultimate day of this Test match? England are right on top and they would now look to get their lead closer to 350 or more. That should be enough on this wicket given that the cracks will open up on Day 4. South Africa, on the other hand, need wickets and that too quickly. Can South Africa make a comeback in this game or will the visitors continue to be on top? Join us on Monday, 6th January at 1030 Local (0830 GMT). Until then, cheers.

South Africa, on the other hand, did not do justice with the ball. They kept on bowling poor lines and lengths which the English batters pounced upon easily. Keshav Maharaj was disappointing as his negative line approach did not work as he remained wicketless. Vernon Philander and Anrich Nortje were the pick of the bowlers though. Nortje picked up two while Philander picked up only 1 but was relentless throughout. Dwaine Pretorius removed Root late in the day to finish on a positive note.

Just like on Day 2, a wicket has fallen at the stroke of Stumps. Bess fell and the umpires call it a day. A day which has belonged to England. Yes, they lost the wicket of Joe Root and Dominic Bess in the end but not before Root had done his job. They are leading by 264 and with 6 wickets in hand, they have a chance to bat South Africa out of this game. The day started with England finishing off the hosts' tail quickly and then batters had to do the job which they did. Sibley and Crawley started well but the latter fell soon after. Denly, then joined Sibley out in the middle and stitched a good partnership. After Denly's wicket, came a match-defining partnership between Root and Sibley. They stitched a 116-run stand to put the visitors right on top. Sibley has played an excellent hand and is close to reaching his maiden Test ton.

78.6

W

OUT! Caught down the leg side and the nightwatchman cannot see off the day for England. Brilliant ball this one from Nortje. Bends his back and bowls a bouncer on middle and leg. Bess looks to fend it away but misses. De Kock behind the wicket pouches the ball and makes a loud appeal along with the slip cordon and the bowler. Not out says the umpire. Now, should South Africa opt for the review against the nightwatchman with just a minute left for Stumps? Well, Nortje, the bowler himself is not sure. Du Plessis and de Kock is confident though and the skipper eventually signals the 'T'. Interesting. Let's see what the replays show. Front foot is alright. Let's go to the business end now. Here comes Ultra Edge. Wow, a deflection off the gloves, detects the Ultra Edge. The umpire has to change his decision. Out it is and a very good review from South Africa. AND WITH IT, STUMPS ON DAY 3 AS WELL.

Caught down the leg side? South Africa appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Faf du Plessis and de Kock think there was a noise. Nortje is not sure but Faf opts for the review. There is some deflection. Here comes the replays. Front foot is fine. Ultra Edge comes in now. Well, well, there's a deflection as the ball goes past the gloves. Out it is then.

78.5

.

Shortish ball around middle, Bess this time stands tall and taps it onto the pitch.

78.4

.

That's a good leave! A good length ball angled into the right-hander. Bess covers his stumps and shoulders arms.

78.3

.

On off, a solid defensive stroke from Bess now.

78.2

.

Bangs this one short and angles it in. Well, that's all right but the line is not right as it lands on middle and leg and goes down the leg side as Bess ducks under it easily.

78.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Bess defends it out off the front foot.

Anrich Nortje is back on.

77.6

1b

That took off! Probably due to one of those cracks. Pretorius bowls it on a length outside off, it pitches and takes off. De Kock moves to his left to collect the ball but it hits his fingers and goes behind. A bye stolen by the batters.

77.5

.

Fullish and around off, Bess gets behind the line of it and defends it.

Yes, nightwatchman it is. Dominic Bess walks out with around 9 minutes left for Stumps. Can he survive these tricky few overs?

77.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Root cannot believe it. Pretorius does the trick. Good length ball on off, hitting a crack around the off stump. It moves away a little. Root looks to defend it of the front foot but gets a thick outside edge which goes towards first slip. Faf du Plessis moves to his right and takes a simple catch. End of an excellent innings from Joe Root but surely he will feel that he missed out on a century. That ends a match-defining partnership. Will this be a match-winning one too? Is a nightwatchman coming?

77.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Root works this past silly mid on. No run.

77.2

.

On off, defended off the front foot by Joe.

77.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Root defends it back to the bowler.

76.6

1

Full ball on middle and leg, Root reverse sweeps it towards deep point for a single.

76.5

1b

Down the leg side, Sibley leaves it alone. Quinton de Kock fails to collect it cleanly and the ball rolls to fine leg. A bye taken.

76.4

.

Fuller one on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

76.3

1

Floated ball down the leg side, Root sweeps it to fine leg for a single.

76.2

.

On middle, defended out off the front foot by Root.

76.1

2

Fullish delivery on middle, Root reverse sweeps it to deep cover and picks up a couple.

Keshav Maharaj has a change of ends. 26-8-75-0 are his numbers so far.

75.6

.

On a length on off, Dominic defends it back to the bowler.

75.5

2

Full delivery outside off, Sibley pushes it past the point fielder and picks up another couple.

75.4

1

On a length on off, Root pushes it to deep cover and takes a single.

75.3

.

Full delivery on off, Root defends it to the off side.

75.2

2

Short of a length ball outside off, Root punches it through point and calls Sibley for a couple.

First signs of hadada on the third day. Sitting behind Philander at mid on. He goes back and asks hadada to go away. It takes off but lands at mid-wicket. No disturbance for anyone though as the play goes on.

75.1

.

Good length ball on off, Root guides it towards gully. He wants the run but as he sees the fielder diving to collect, he decides against it.

Dwaine Pretorius is back into the attack. 10-2-29-0 are his figures so far.

74.6

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled down the leg side, Sibley lets it be.

74.5

1

Another short one on middle, Root pulls it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

74.4

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Sibley tucks it to mid-wicket and picks up another single.

74.3

.

Short of a length on middle, Sibley hops and works it to short leg.

74.2

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Sibley ducks under it

74.1

1

Good length delivery on middle, Root flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

73.6

.

Floated on middle, Sibley plays it back to the bowler.

73.5

1

Driven through mid off by the batsman. One run added to the total. 250 is now the lead for England.

73.4

.

Short of a length on off, Root cuts but finds the point fielder.

73.3

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

73.2

4

FOUR! FIFTY! 46th for him in Tests. Brillaint innings from the skipper. He has played beautifully in this innings. From the first ball, he has looked very comfortable. Maharaj bowls a full delivery on middle, Root sweeps it through the deep square leg region for a boundary. 100-run stand is also up between the two.

73.1

2

Floated on off, Root paddle sweeps it to fine leg for a couple. Rabada comes across from deep square leg and cleans it up.

72.6

.

On middle, defended off the front foot by Sibley.

72.5

4

FOUR! What a shot that one from Sibley! Short of a length ball on middle and leg, Sibley hops and whips it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

72.4

4b

FOUR BYES! That is poor bowling! Not going to affect Sibley at all. Short of a length ball down the leg side. Sibley leaves it alone and Quinton jumps and tries to collect but fails to do so. It goes into the fence for four byes.

72.3

1

Short of a length down the leg side, Root pulls it to square leg and takes a single before Elgar cleans it up.

72.2

.

Fullish delivery on middle, Root works it to mid-wicket.

72.1

.

Comes around the wicket and bowls a length ball on middle, Root guides it to gully.

71.6

.

Floated on middle, Sibley pushes it back to the bowler.

71.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

71.4

.

Looped up on middle, flicked to the leg side.

71.3

2

Floated on off, Sibley pushes it through covers and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.

71.2

.

On middle, pushed to the bowler.

71.1

.

Full on middle and leg, worked to mid-wicket.

70.6

.

Fuller one on off, Root pushes it to mid off.

70.5

1

On a length on middle, Sibley pushes it back past the bowler. He waits for the ball to go past Nortje and then takes a single. The fielder from mid on collects it and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

70.4

.

Fullish on middle, worked to mid-wicket.

70.3

.

Back of a length on off, Sibley hops and defends it to the leg side.

70.2

1

On a length on off, Root defends it to cover and calls Sibley for a single.

70.1

.

Full delivery on off, keeping a little low, Root gets his bat down in time and defends it to mid off.

69.6

.

On off, defended out. Another maiden over from Maharaj.

69.5

.

Flighted on middle and leg, Sibley tucks it to mid-wicket.

69.4

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot.

69.3

.

Looped up ball on off, Sibley defends it to cover.

69.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Sibley pushes it back to Maharaj.

69.1

.

On middle, Sibley defends it off the front foot to square leg.

68.6

1

Good length on off, Dominic pushes it to point and takes a single.

68.5

.

Short of a length around middle and leg, Sibley looks to work it to the leg side. It hits his gloves and rolls onto the pitch.

68.4

.

Good length ball on middle, Sibley works it to mid-wicket.

68.3

1

Back of a length on off, Root pushes it to deep cover and crosses over for a single.

68.2

.

On a length on off, Root hops and defends it out.

68.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Root guides it to gully for nothing.

Anrich Nortje is back into the attack. 1 slip in place for him. 10-1-24-1 are his numbers so far.

67.6

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

67.5

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Sibley looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge towards square leg.

67.4

.

Flatter one on off, Sibley pushed to cover.

67.3

.

Floated on middle, Sibley works it to mid on.

67.2

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

67.1

4

FOUR! Starts with a horrendous delivery! Flatter delivery outside off, Sibley rocks on his back foot an punches it through the cover region for a boundary.

First signs of spin from this end. Keshav Maharaj is back on. 22-7-62-0 are his figures so far.

66.6

2

Short of a length on off, Root pushes it through covers and picks up a couple before the fielder can clean it running from point. 1000 runs for Root against the Proteas in Tests.

66.5

.

Good length ball on off, Joe pushes it to the point fielder.

66.4

.

Fullish on middle, pushed to the bowler.

66.3

.

On a length on off, Root guides it to point.

66.2

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Root works it to the leg side.

66.1

.

Good length ball on off, Root defends it to cover.

65.6

.

Length ball on off, Dominic defends it to the of side off the front foot.

65.5

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

65.4

1

Good length delivery on off, Root defends it towards point for a single.

65.3

4

FOUR! This is not good bowling from Pretorius. Giving easy runs to England. Full toss on middle and leg, Root flicks it beautifully towards the fine leg region for a boundary. Rabada hares after it but does not get there in time.

65.2

.

On middle, Root defends it out to silly mid on.

65.1

.

Full delivery on off, Root pushes it to cover.

Drinks! England are moving in smoothly since the Tea break. They are scoring at a brisk pace and have swelled their lead to more than 200. South Africa have to believe that they can make a comeback but it looks highly difficult. The hosts have to bat last on this wicket and it is not going to get any easier.

64.6

.

Fullish on middle, Sibley defends it out.

64.5

1

On a length on middle, Root works it to mid-wicket and takes a single. Maharaj slides and collects the ball.

64.4

.

On off, pushed to point off the front foot.

64.3

.

Fullish on middle, Root blocks it out.

64.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Root drives but Vernon makes a half stop with his right hand. The ball rolls to mid on but no run taken.

During the break, Kumar Dharmasena had a word with Rassie van der Dussen. Probably telling him not to get on the danger area of the pitch while standing at the silly mid on region. Probably Rassie himself needs to be a little careful as its his side who are going to bat in the fourth innings.

64.1

.

Philander dishes out a good length ball on off, Root defends it to cover.

63.6

.

On a length on off, with extra bounce. Sibley defends it to point.

63.5

1

Good length delivery on off, Root pushes it to cover and calls Sibley for a quick single.

63.4

.

On off, defended to point.

63.3

4

FOUR! Brilliant shot from Root! He is looking in good touch here. Full delivery outside off, Root lunges forward and drives it through covers. Maharaj hares after it and slides to stop it but fails to do so.

63.2

.

Full on middle, Root drives it straight back. Van der Dussen dives to his left and stops it.

63.1

.

Full on off, pushed to mid off.

62.6

.

On off, defended to the bowler.

62.5

.

Risky leave! That was very close. Philander dishes a length ball around off, moving in. Sibley does not expect that and lets it go. Luckily for Sibley, the ball just goes over the off stump and into the keeper's gloves.

62.4

.

An appeal for LBW turned down. Good length ball on middle and leg, Sibley looks to work it to the leg side but gets hit on the thigh pad. Vernon appeals but the umpire shakes his head. It was probably going too high.

62.3

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.

62.2

1

Full delivery on off, Root guides it towards point and a single is pinched before Malan cuts it off.

62.1

1

Good length ball on the pads, Sibley works it to deep square leg for a single.

Vernon Philander is back on. 9-6-7-0 are his numbers so far.

61.6

.

On middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

61.5

.

On middle, pushed to silly mid on.

61.4

.

Good length ball on off, with some extra bounce, Root defends it to cover.

61.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Root drives it back to the bowler.

61.2

.

Full and on the middle, it is flicked nicely but the mid-wicket fielder makes a sharp stop.

61.1

.

Good length ball on off, Root pushes it back to the bowler. Pretorius gets down to stop the ball but it touches his fingers and goes past the stumps at the non-striker's end. Sibley was backing up and he quickly tried to get in seeing the ball coming towards the stumps. However, it does not hit the stumps and goes behind. The mid off fielder fields it.

60.6

.

On off, pushed back to the bowler.

60.5

.

On middle, defended out by Sibley.

60.4

1

Flatter delivery on middle, Root works it to the leg side for a single.

60.3

4

FOUR! This line is basically not working for Maharaj. Poor, poor stuff. Fuller one down the leg side, Root goes on his knees and paddle sweeps it through fine leg for a boundary.

60.2

.

Floated down the leg side, Root lunges forward and defends it to mid-wicket.

60.1

.

Flatter delivery on the pads, Root looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

59.6

.

On a length on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot.

59.5

1

Very full delivery on middle, Root flicks this to deep square leg and takes a single.

59.4

.

On middle, solidly blocked.

59.3

.

On a length on middle, Root solidly defends it out to silly mid on.

59.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Joe defends it back to the bowler.

59.1

.

Good length ball on off, Root defends it out.

58.6

4

FOUR! Cut away beautifully. Short delivery outside off, Sibley rocks on his back foot and cuts it through the point region for the second boundary of the over. The lead crosses 200.

58.5

.

Maharaj comes around the wicket and bowls a full delivery on off, Sibley takes a stride forward and defends it out.

58.4

.

Fuller one down the leg side, padded away.

58.3

1

Floated on middle, flicked to the leg side for a single.

58.2

4

FOUR! Nicely played! What timing! Flater delivery on middle and leg, Root just pushes it though the mid-wicket region for a boundary. The fielder chases after it but fails to do so. 50-run partnership is also up between the two.

58.1

.

Down the leg side, Root pads it away to the of side.

57.6

.

Full delivery on middel, Sibley pushes it past the silly mid on fielder and towards long on for a single.

57.5

.

Good length ball on off, Dominic defends it to cover.

57.4

.

On a length outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.

57.3

.

Fuller one outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.

57.2

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

57.1

1

Landed on middle, Root works it behind square leg for a single.

56.6

4b

FOUR BYES! Another one down the leg side. Sibley leaves it alone. Quinton de Kock fails to collect it and it goes past the diving first slip fielder and into the fence.

56.5

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

56.4

.

Looped up down the leg side, Sibley keeps on padding this one awy.

56.3

2

What has happened there? Luck is going Sibley's way at the moment. Floated ball on middle and leg, Sibley looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards point. Zubayr comes forward to collect but ball spins in front of him and goes past him. Two taken before Hamza can collect it and throw it back.

56.2

.

Down the leg side, Sibley has no problems in padding it away.

56.1

.

Loopy delivery down the leg side, Sibley pads it away.

55.6

.

Root defends this good length ball on off to point.

55.5

1

Fullish on middle, whipped wide of mid on and a single is taken.

55.4

.

Good length ball on off, Sibley defends it to point.

55.3

.

Very full delivery on middle, Dominic gets his bat down in time and whips it to the leg side.

55.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Sibley tucks it to mid-wicket again.

55.1

.

On a length on middle, Sibley works it to mid-wicket.

54.6

1

On middle, it is turned towards mid-wicket for a single.

54.5

.

Padded away again as Maharaj's another attempt of extracting something off the rough fails.

54.4

1

Fuller and on middle, it is driven towards covers for a single.

54.3

1

Around middle, Sibley goes back and punches it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

54.2

.

On the pads again, Sibley pads it away this time.

54.1

4b

FOUR BYES! But was it? Flighted ball down the leg side, Root looks to pad it away but the ball misses his attempt. De Kock is blinded by the batsman and he cannot collect the ball and it rolls to the fine leg fence. Now, the umpire signals it four byes. Faf du Plessis is not happy as he tells the umpire brushed the pads and hence it should not be four byes but a dead ball. And replays confirm the same.

53.6

.

Good piece of fielding! Full delivery on middle, Root drives it straight back. Rassie van der Dussen who is standing at silly mid on dives to his left and stops it.

53.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, Root blocks it out onto the pitch.

De Kock comes upto the stumps.

53.4

.

On off, root comes forward and defends it out to the bowler.

53.3

.

Full delivery on off, Root pushes it to point.

53.2

.

Whoa! That hit the crack. Probably first time Pretorius has landed the ball there. It is just behind good length. It pitches and then shoots off. Root awkwardly defends as the ball hits the upper part of his bat.

53.1

.

Fuller ball on off, pushed to mid on.

52.6

1

Flighted on middle, root sweeps it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

52.5

.

Loopy on of, pushed to cover.

52.4

1

Flatter delivery down the leg side, Sibley flicks to short leg for a single.

52.3

.

Floated ball on the pads, Sibley pads it away.

52.2

1

Fullish delivery on off, pushed to long off for a single.

52.1

.

Flatter delivery down the leg side, Root looks to play then reverse sweep but then sees it is too wide and then lets it go to the keeper.

51.6

.

On off, pushed towards mid off.

51.5

4

FOUR! No luck this time! It is a proper cricketing shot! Overpitched delivery on middle and leg, Sibley flicks it through mid-wicket and collects a boundary.

51.4

4

EDGY FOUR! Sibley is riding his luck here! Fullish delivery on off, Sibley looks to defend with soft hands but it takes the outside edge and the ball goes through gully and into the fence.

51.3

.

On off, pushed to cover off the front foot.

51.2

.

Full delivery on middle, Sibley pushes it down to mid on.

51.1

.

Full delivery on off, pushed to cover.

Dwaine Pretorius is back on. 2-0-8-0 are his figures so far.

50.6

.

Down the leg side, Root looks to play the sweep it but misses it altogether.

50.5

.

Flighted ball down the leg side, Root looks to play the reverse sweep but gets an inside edge which goes towards first slip.

50.4

.

Quicker one on middle, Root defends it out onto the pitch.

50.3

.

Floated down the leg side, Root pads it away.

50.2

1

Flatter one on off, Sibley pushes it to cover and takes a single.

50.1

1

Floated ball on middle, Root plays the reverse sweep to deep point for a single.

49.6

.

Short ball outside off, Dominic sways away from it.

49.5

2

FIFTY! Maiden fifty for Sibley in Tests! It has been an excellent innings so far. He has got starts in his previous innings but failed to convert it into a big one. He finally has managed to convert one into a half ton. Can he convert this into a maiden ton as well? Good length ball on off, Sibley guides it through gully and picks up a couple.

49.4

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Sibley pushes it to point off the back foot.

49.3

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

49.2

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around off, Dominic sways away from it.

49.1

4

FOUR! Nicely played from Sibley! Short of a length from Rabada! Sibley stands tall and punches it through the covers for a boundary. Two fielders chase after it but fail to get there. Moves to 48.

48.6

.

The batsman offers no stroke and gets hit on the pad.

48.5

.

Down the leg side, Root pads it away.

48.4

4

FOUR! This is poor bowling from Maharaj! Bowls a full one down the leg side, Root sweeps it past the keeper and into the fence.

48.3

.

Floated ball on the pads, Root looks to defend but hits the pads and rolls to the off side.

48.2

.

Looped up ball down the leg side, Root looks to sweep but misses it altogether.

48.1

.

Just short! Flatter one on off, pitching on the rough. Root plays it with soft hands and guides it to first slip. Luckily, it falls in front of Faf.

Keshav Maharaj will bowl from the other end.

47.6

.

On a length on middle, Dominic works it to mid-wicket.

47.5

.

Good length on off, Sibley defends it to cover.

47.4

.

On middle, defended off the front foot towards mid-wicket.

47.3

.

Fullish ball outside off, Sibley lets the ball go to the keeper.

47.2

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Sibley rocks on his back foot and defends it back to the bowler.

47.1

1

Rabada starts with a short delivery on middle, Root gets the first run of the session by pulling this to deep square leg.

The final session is all set to get underway! Joe Root and Dominic Sibley walk out to the middle. The lead is now 156 and England would want to swell their lead to as much as possible. The South Africans are also making their way out to the ground. Kagiso Rabada will start for the hosts.

... Day 3, Session 3 ...

Not much can be said of the hosts. They bowled tight lines and lengths, especially Maharaj but were not rewarded with a wicket. Nortje was the pick of the bowlers as he kept on bowling short and finally got the reward that South Africa wanted. A wicket. England are still ahead in this game and for the Proteas to make a comeback in this game, they need to pick up quick wickets. Will they be able to do it or will the visitors continue to swell up their lead.

A session that has belonged to England. They have gone about their business smoothly and calmly. They have added just 57 runs but have lost just a one wicket and that was off Denly. Dominic Sibley and Joe Denly started slowly after Lunch and were looking good to go into Tea unscathed but Nortje, at the last moment, bounced out Denly. Since then, Root and Sibley have managed to see out the remaining overs and they go into the break with a lead of 156.

46.6

.

Flatter one on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot. TEA ON DAY 3.

46.5

.

Floated on off, Sibley prods forward and defends it out.

46.4

.

Floated on middle, defended to short leg.

46.3

1

On off, pushed to point and a single is taken.

46.2

.

BEATEN! Not this time says Maharaj. Floated ball down the leg side, Root looks to play the reverse sweep again but misses it and it goes on to hit Quinton de Kock on the chest.

46.1

4

FOUR! Time for some innovation! Maharaj bowls a full delivery on middle, Root goes on his knees and reverse sweeps the ball towards the third man region for a boundary.

45.6

1

Another short one on middle, Root pulls it wide of mid on and crosses over for a single.

45.5

1

Short delivery on middle, Sibley works it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

45.4

.

Comes around the wicket and dishes a short ball around middle, Sibley hops and defends it out to short leg.

45.3

.

Back of a length ball on off, Sibley stands tall and blocks it to the off side.

45.2

.

Fullish on middle and leg, Sibley pushes it to mid on.

45.1

1

Short delivery down the leg side, Root pulls it to backward square leg and a single is taken.

44.6

.

Flat one on off, pushed to mid off.

44.5

.

Loopy delivery on the pads spinning away, Sibley looks to defend off the front foot but gets hit on the thigh pad.

44.4

.

Floated on off, Sibley defends it to cover.

44.3

.

On middle, Dominic works it to square leg.

44.2

.

Flatter one on middle, Sibley defends it back to the bowler.

44.1

.

Floated ball on the pads, Sibley looks to pad this one away but gets hit on the elbow area.

43.6

.

Bouncer first up to Root. It is bowled around off, Root sways away from it.

Joe Root is the new man in.

43.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, we have seen a wicket fall. Brilliant delivery from Nortje. Another start from Denly and he has thrown his wicket away. It has been a trend lately from him. Short delivery on off, Denly looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes towards fine leg. Pretorius runs forward and tumbles to take an excellent catch. A slow-going but an excellent partnership comes to an end. South Africa would hope that this opens up the floodgates and gives them a chance in this game.

43.4

.

Fullish on off, Denly pushes it to cover.

43.3

.

Short delivery on middle, pulled to mid-wicket.

43.2

.

Very full down the leg side, Denly looks to flick it but misses it. De Kock dives to his left and makes the stop. Seems to have hurt himself in the process.

43.1

2

MISFIELD! Full delivery on middle, Denly pushes it towards mid on where Rabada allows the ball to pass through him and it is rolling towards the fence. By the time Rabada can recover and clean it up, the batters pick up a couple.

42.6

.

Maharaj comes around the wicket and bowls a flat one outside off, Sibley punches it to cover.

42.5

1

Short of a length delivery on middle, Denly pulls it to backward square leg and takes a single.

42.4

.

Down the leg side, Joe once again pads it away.

42.3

.

Tossed up ball on the leg stump line with some extra bounce. Denly looks to pad it away but gets hit on the gloves. No run.

42.2

.

Flatter one down the leg side, Denly pads it away.

42.1

.

Floated on the pads, Denly works it to mid-wicket.

41.6

1

Short of a length outside off, Denly punches it to deep point and takes a single.

41.5

.

Full delivery on off, Joe defends it to mid off.

41.4

.

Comes over the wicket does Nortje and bowls a length ball on off, Denly defends it to point.

41.3

.

BOUNCER! Nortje dishes this one around middle, Denly does well to duck under it.

41.2

1

Back of a length on middle, Sibley tucks it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

41.1

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Sibley ducks under it.

40.6

.

On off, pushed to mid off.

40.5

.

Looped up ball on middle and leg, Denly works it to mid-wicket.

40.4

1

Tosses this one up on middle, Sibley drives it past the diving Maharaj down to long on for a single.

40.3

4

FOUR! Finally, finally, we see a boundary. Flatter one outside off, Sibley waits for it and punches it through the covers for a boundary.

40.2

.

Flatter one on off, Sibley pushes it to cover.

40.1

1lb

Looped up ball down the leg side, Denly looks to sweep but it goes off his pads and towards short fine leg. A leg bye taken.

39.6

.

Full ball on middle, pushed down to the man at mid on. End of another over of which only 1 run came.

39.5

.

On off, defended towards the off side by Sibley. The contest has become very stagnant right now with no side coming out with a positive approach.

39.4

1

Back of a length ball on middle, Denly goes back and pulls towards mid-wicket for a single.

39.3

.

Denly rocks back and defends it off the back foot.

39.2

.

Length ball on the body, defended towards the leg side.

39.1

.

Outside off, left alone.

38.6

.

Floated nearer to the off pole now, Sibley prods forward and defends.

38.5

.

Maharaj comes around the wicket and bowls one outside off now. Sibley leaves it alone comfortably.

38.4

1

Another one which is pitched outside leg, Denly sweeps it towards backward square leg for one. It is getting difficult to figure out what the plan is here by the Proteas. They are just conceding runs at the moment without posing any danger.

38.3

.

Pitched outside leg, padded away.

38.2

1

On the pads again, flicked towards square leg for one.

38.1

1

Maharaj comes over the wicket and bowls down the leg side. Denly sweeps but the man at deep backward square leg stops it and the batters take a run.

37.6

.

On the pads, flicked towards the leg side for nothing.

37.5

.

The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.

37.4

.

Bouncer on off, ducked under.

37.3

1lb

On the pads of Denly, he looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The batters steal a leg bye as the ball rolls towards the leg side.

37.2

2

Length ball on the body, Denly pulls this one towards square leg for a couple.

37.1

1

Nortje starts with a ball outside off, Sibley plays it towards point and takes a run.

Anrich Nortje is back on. 5-1-13-0 are his figures in this innings so far.

36.6

.

Flatter one on off, Denly pushes it to silly point where Pieter Malan makes the stop.

36.5

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

36.4

.

Tossed up ball on the pads, Denly looks to sweep but gets hit on the pads. No harm done.

36.3

.

Floated on middle, Denly blocks it out.

36.2

.

Loopy on middle, Joe works it to mid-wicket.

36.1

.

Floated on middle, Denly pushes it back to the bowler.

35.6

.

Good length ball on middle, pushed down to mid on. Rabada conceding runs unlike Philander who has been super-consistent.

35.5

1

Back of a length ball on middle, pulled to square leg for a single by Denly.

35.4

.

The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.

35.3

.

Bouncer on middle and off, ducked under by Denly.

35.2

.

Full ball on middle and off, Denly drives it down the ground. Rabada bends down and gets a hand to the ball, trying to deflect it onto the stumps at the non-striker's end but Sibley in the meantime gets back inside the crease.

35.1

.

Rabada starts after the mini-break with a length ball outside off which is left alone by Denly.

DRINKS! England have done really well here after the Lunch break. They are going at a sedate pace but have not lost a wicket. They lead by 127 runs and would be hoping to swell the lead to as much as they can. South Africa, on the other hand, need to break this partnership and then hope to make further inroads to get back in this game.

34.6

.

On middle and leg, Sibley flicks this one towards mid-wicket.

34.5

.

Sibley prods forward and defends this ball.

34.4

.

Bowled outside off by Maharaj, left alone.

34.3

1

Denly has pushed this tossed up delivery towards wide mid off for a single.

34.2

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

34.1

1

Flatter delivery outside off, cut to point for a single.

33.6

.

Back of a length ball on the body, Denly pushes it towards the off side.

33.5

.

Denly goes onto the back foot and has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

33.4

1

Little bit of indecision here between the batters but in the end no harm done. Good length ball on off, Sibley pushes it towards cover and sets off for a single. Denly is hesitant but obliges very late. The man at cover picks up the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Replays roll in and show that even if he had hit, Denly was well in.

33.3

.

Good length ball on middle, pushed to the man at mid on.

33.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

33.1

4

FOUR! Creams it! Full ball outside off, Sibley gets down on one knee and drives it in the gap in the cover region for a boundary. 50-run stand comes up with this beautiful stroke. England are effectively 124/1.

32.6

.

On middle and leg, blocked out to the bowler.

32.5

.

Fuller on middle and leg, Denly pushes it to point.

32.4

.

Flighted ball on the pads, Denly looks to sweep it but hits the pads and rolls to square leg.

32.3

.

Looped up down the leg side, Denly prods forward and pads it away again.

32.2

.

Flatter one on middle, Denly defends it to cover.

32.1

.

Floated down the leg side, Denly pads it away.

31.6

.

Another one on middle, Sibley goes on his toes and defends.

31.5

.

Length ball on middle, blocked out off the back foot.

31.4

.

Rabada bowls a full ball on middle, Sibley drives this one straight down the ground but Rabada stops it with his boot and the ball deflects off it towards mid off.

31.3

.

Another one outside off, left alone.

31.2

.

Fullish ball on off, pushed down to the man at mid on.

31.1

.

Length ball outside off, left alone.

30.6

.

Last ball of the over and bowled down the leg side. Padded away by Denly to get through the over.

30.5

.

Outside off this time, Denly blocks it out.

30.4

.

Again outside the leg pole line, Denly pads it away.

30.3

.

Another one which is pitched outside leg, this time Denly goes for a powerful sweep but misses.

30.2

.

Pitched outside leg, Denly pads it away.

30.1

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

29.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

29.5

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Sibley lets the ball go to the keeper.

29.4

1

On a length outside off, Denly punches it through covers and picks up a single.

29.3

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

29.2

2

In the air... safe! Well fielded as well. Rabada dishes a good length delivery outside off, Denly drives but does so uppishly. It goes over cover and is racing into the fence. Maharaj hares after it and slides to make an excellent stop. Two taken. The umpire go upstairs to check whether it is a clean save and the replays show that Keshav has done really well.

29.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Denly lets it go to the keeper.

Kagiso Rabada is back on.

28.6

.

Comes around the wicket does Maharaj now and bowls a flighted ball on off, Sibley prods forward and defends it to cover.

28.5

.

Floated on middle, Sibley blocks it to mid-wicket.

28.4

.

Tossed up on the pads, Sibley looks to flick but misses it to get hit on the pads. It lobs off to short leg. Looks like that is the plan.

28.3

.

Down the leg side, padded away by Dominic again.

28.2

.

Floated on middle, blocked out by Sibley.

28.1

.

Maharaj comes over the wicket now, bowls a loopy delivery down the leg side, Sibley pads it away.

27.6

.

Outside off, Denly drives this towards cover but the man there to dive and gather the ball. 6 maidens out of 9 overs for Philander. Unbelievable consistency.

The keeper, Quinton de Kock, has come up to the stumps now.

27.5

.

Philander bowls another one, wicket-to-wicket. Denly defends it onto the pitch.

27.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

27.3

.

Full ball on the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket.

27.2

.

Another one which is full in length, Denly pushes it back to Philander who fakes a shy at the striker's end. Trying to ignite a spark.

27.1

.

Full ball on middle and off, driven towards the man at cover.

26.6

.

Another one on off, this time it is pushed to the man at cover-point. 6 runs off the over.

26.5

.

Outside off, played to the man at point.

26.4

.

Tossed up on off, worked to the man at mid on.

26.3

1

This time Denly pushes it towards cover and takes another quick single.

26.2

1

Floated on the off side, Sibley pushes it towards mid off and races through for a single.

26.1

4

FOUR! Full delivery down the leg side, Sibley just helps it fine down the leg side for a boundary.

25.6

.

This time on the hips, Denly works it towards the leg side. 5th maiden out of 8 overs for Philander.

25.5

.

Length ball on off, defended towards the off side.

25.4

.

Fullish outside off, Denly lets it go to the keeper.

25.3

.

On a length on middle, Denly works it to the leg side.

25.2

.

Full delivery on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

25.1

.

BEATEN! On a length outside off, Denly looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.

24.6

4

EDGY FOUR! Just wide of Faf at first slip! Lucky, very lucky. Tossed up ball outside off, Sibley looks to drive it but edges it which goes just past the diving Faf at first slip and into the fence.

24.5

.

Floats this one up on off, Sibley looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes on the bounce to Faf du Plessis at first slip.

24.4

.

Flatter delivery on middle, worked to the leg side for a single.

24.3

.

Full on middle, Sibley defends it back towards the bowler.

24.2

.

Loopy delivery on off, with some spin on it. Denly defends it towards point.

24.1

3

Up and over! Floated ball on off, Denly strides forward and lifts this over the cover region. The fielder chases after it and cleans it up. The batters take three.

23.6

.

Again Philander bowls one outside off, Sibley makes the leave.

23.5

.

Outside off, left alone by Dominic.

23.4

.

Bowled in the channel outside off, Sibley defends it back towards the bowler.

23.3

.

Length ball on off, played towards point.

23.2

.

Fuller one on middle, driven down to the man at mid on.

23.1

.

Length ball on off, left alone by Sibley.

22.6

.

Another one which is tossed up on off, Denly defends it back to the bowler.

22.5

.

Tossed up on off, Denly pushes this one towards the off side.

22.4

4

FOUR! Maharaj floats one on middle and off, Denly dances down the track and smashes this one over mid off for a boundary. Cries for a catch but no fielder stood a chance.

22.3

.

Floated on off, defended towards the off side by Denly.

22.2

1

Single for Sibley and that brings up the 100-run lead for England. Floated on middle and leg, Sibley works this one towards the man at mid-wicket and takes a quick single to get to the other end.

22.1

.

Little bit of turn again for Maharaj as he floats this one on the off pole line. Sibley works it towards the leg side.

21.6

.

Fuller ball on off, worked down to the man at mid on.

21.5

.

Length ball on off, defended back towards the bowler.

21.4

.

Good length ball on the pads, on middle. Denly flicks it straight to the man at mid-wicket.

21.3

.

Back of a length ball outside off, left alone by Denly.

21.2

.

This time a touch fuller, Denly prods forward and defends it.

21.1

.

Length ball on off, Denly defends it towards the off side off the back foot.

20.6

.

Sibley has pushed that ball towards the off side. Second maiden in a row for Keshav Maharaj.

20.5

.

Tossed up on off, Dominic has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

20.4

.

Sibley comes onto the front foot and pushes this ball towards cover. Looks for a single but not on offer.

20.3

.

Outside off, Dominic plays this one towards the man at cover-point.

20.2

.

Floated on off again, Sibley defends with the full face of the bat.

20.1

.

Spin on offer straightaway. Floated on the off pole line, it pitches and turns away from Sibley. Dominic defends solidly though.

Keshav Maharaj will bowl from the other end.

19.6

.

Almost carried that one! Elgar thought he was in the game there. Full ball on middle, Denly works it towards mid-wicket but does so a bit uppishly. The ball is in the air for a bit but falls just short of Elgar.

19.5

.

Length ball on off, defended back towards the bowler.

19.4

1

First run of the session as Sibley works the ball in front of square towards the leg side and takes a single.

19.3

.

Another fullish ball on middle and off, Sibley works it towards the man at short mid-wicket.

19.2

.

Length ball on off, left alone by Dominic.

19.1

.

Philander starts with a full ball on off, Sibley works it to the man at mid on.

We are all set to begin the second session of Day 3. Dominic Sibley and Joe Denly are making their way out to the middle. They have a lead of 98. The Protea players are also making their way out. Vernon Philander will start the proceedings for the hosts. He has three slips in place.

... Day 3, Session 2 ...

So, what does the second session hold in store for us? The track looks pretty lifeless and so do the South African bowlers. Will they be able to come back with more energy in the afternoon session and disrupt the English momentum? Join us after the break to find out!

The day started in perfect fashion for the visiting team as James Anderson dismissed Kagiso Rabada off the first ball of the day. Philander and Nortje stuck around for some time but Anderson struck again to wrap up the innings and give England a 46-run lead. The England openers started in positive fashion, especially Zak Crawley as he punished the bad balls but suffered against some bouncers bowled by Rabada. He eventually lost his battle against the young South African as Kagiso dismissed Zak for 25 runs. Denly then came in and held fort along with Sibley as England go into the Lunch break at 98/1 effectively.

Keshav Maharaj cannot speed through the over and that will be Lunch on Day 3. The England players will be mightily pleased with the proceedings in the morning session as they are comfortably on top in this game.

18.6

.

Looped up ball on off, Denly blocks it to the off side.

18.5

.

Tosses this one up on middle, Joe blocks it out solidly.

18.4

.

Floated ball on off, Denly strides forward and defends it out to silly point.

18.3

.

On off, defended out by Denly.

18.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, pushed back to Maharaj.

18.1

.

Maharaj starts with a flighted ball on middle, Denly plays it back to the bowler.

Possibly the last over before Lunch and Keshav Maharaj is into the attack. He will try to bowl quickly and buy another over before the break for the Proteas.

17.6

.

Well well! What happened there? On a length on middle, Sibley looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge towards short leg. Sibley moves out of his crease and Pieter Malan at short leg collects the ball but does not throw it back. Sibley has to dive back in his crease.

17.5

.

BOUNCER! Nortje bowls this around middle, Sibley ducks under it.

17.4

.

Full delivery on off, Sibley defends it out.

17.3

.

Short of a length ball on off, Sibley blocks it out to mid on.

17.2

.

BEATEN! Nicely bowled! South Africa have to bowl more on this channel! Back of a length ball outside off, Sibley goes on his back foot to defend but gets squared up and misses it.

17.1

.

Nortje dishes out a full ball on off, Sibley pushes it to mid off.

16.6

.

Fullish delivery on off, Joe blocks it out onto the pitch.

16.5

.

On off, defended solidly off the back foot by Denly.

16.4

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Denly works it to mid-wicket.

16.3

.

Fullish delivery on off, Joe defends it off the front foot back to the bowler.

16.2

.

Denly defends this length ball on middle to the leg side.

16.1

4

FOUR! Beautiful shot from Denly. Low full toss on middle, Denly whips it through mid-wicket and the ball goes into the fence. The Proteas are losing their lines and lengths out in the middle. 50 up for the visitors.

15.6

4

FOUR! This is poor, poor bowling from Nortje. Short of a length delivery on the pads, Sibley works it to the fine leg region for a boundary. The lead now moves to 94.

15.5

1

Back of a length on off, Denly defends it to cover and takes a quick single.

15.4

.

Short of a length ball outside off, Denly sways away from it.

15.3

.

Full on middle, Denly pushes it to mid on.

15.2

.

OHH! Good length ball on middle, nipping in, Joe looks to flick it but gets hit on the thigh pad.

15.1

.

Fuller one on off, Denly pushes it back to Nortje.

14.6

.

Good length ball on middle, Sibley solidly blocks it out.

14.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

14.4

4

FOUR! That's not the place to bowl to Sibley. He is very strong there. Full delivery on middle, Sibley whips it through mid-wicket and the ball races into the fence.

14.3

.

Good length delivery on middle, Sibley defends it out.

14.2

.

An appeal for LBW but it is turned down. On a length on middle, Sibley looks to flick but gets hit on the elbow and the ball goes onto the pads before rolling to the leg side. Pretorius appeals but nothing from the umpire. The Proteas think of a review but decide against it.

14.1

.

Pretorius starts with a length ball outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to it.

Dwaine Pretorius is into the attack for the first time in this innings.

13.6

.

On the hips of Denly, he works the ball towards the man at square leg.

13.5

.

This time pushes the length ahead a bit does Nortje. Denly drives the ball towards mid on.

13.4

.

Length ball on middle and off, Denly hops and works this one towards the leg side.

13.3

.

This time a length ball on the off pole line, the batter blocks it out.

13.2

.

Length ball on off, left alone by Denly.

13.1

1

Good length ball on the off pole line, worked towards the mid-wicket region for a single.

12.6

4

FOUR! That is a beautiful way to get off the mark. Rabada dishes out a full delivery on off, Denly gets into position and creams the drive through mid off for a boundary. Nortje runs after it but fails to get there in the end.

12.5

.

Fullish delivery on off, Denly prods forward and defends it out.

12.4

1

Back of a length delivery on middle, Sibley works it to square leg and crosses over for a single. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Denly was in though.

12.3

.

Full delivery outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to it.

12.2

.

Good length ball on off, Dominic defends it out to cover.

12.1

4

FOUR! Poor delivery from Rabada! Full delivery on the pads, Sibley will not miss out on those. He just flicks it towards the deep square leg region for a boundary.

11.6

.

On off, defended back to the bowler.

11.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, Denly hops and defends it out.

11.4

.

Length ball on middle, Denly looks to work it to the leg side but gets hit on the thigh pad.

11.3

1

Snorker of a delivery from Nortje! Short of a length ball on middle, Sibley looks to defend but gets hit on the gloves and the ball lobs towards square leg. A single taken.

11.2

.

Fullish delivery on middle, Sibley works it to mid-wicket.

Joe Denly is the new man in.

11.1

.

Good length ball on off, Sibley camps back and blocks it out to the leg side.

10.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Denly defends it to mid on.

10.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent catch from Quinton de Kock and Rabada gets his reward for persistent bowling. Brilliant stuff! Fullish delivery outside off, Crawley looks to go for the cover drive without moving his feet. The bat turns a bit in his hand and the ball goes off the outside edge between first slip and the keeper. De Kock dives to his right and pouches it with both his hands in front of Rassie van der Dussen who was moving to his left. Rabada is ecstatic. Can they get another wicket before Lunch? Joe Denly walks out to bat at number 3, replacing the free-flowing Zak Crawley.

10.4

1

Good length ball on middle, Sibley works it to the leg side for a single.

10.3

.

Fullish outside off, Sibley once again makes a leave to this one.

10.2

.

Full delivery outside off, Dominic lets the ball go to the keeper.

10.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.

Drinks! An excellent hour of play for England. They bowled out South Africa first and then have survived the first hour unscathed. Sibley is looking good out there while Crawley, after looking uncomfortable at the start against Rabada has started to get into the groove. The English openers now would be looking to build onto their lead. South Africa desperately need wickets to get back in this game.

9.6

.

The batsman has driven it towards mid off.

9.5

.

BEATEN! Short of a length outside off, Zak looks to punch it off the back foot but fails to make any connection with it.

9.4

2

Excellent fielding! Short of a length ball on middle, Crawley pulls it away handsomely towards deep mid-wicket but Pretorius comes across from deep square leg and slides to collect it with just a single hand. Two taken.

9.3

.

Back of a length delivery on off, Crawley rocks back and defends it out.

9.2

.

Full delivery outside off, Zak leaves it alone.

9.1

4

EDGY FOUR! Anrich Nortje comes into the attack and induces an edge straightaway. Starts with a length ball around off, Crawley looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge which flies through the empty gully region and into the third man fence.

First change! Anrich Nortje is into the attack.

8.6

.

On off, Sibley defends it off the back foot to point.

8.5

.

Back of a length on middle, Sibley works it to square leg for nothing.

8.4

.

Good length on middle and leg, Sibley tucks it to mid-wicket.

8.3

.

Fullish outside off, Sibley lets it go to the keeper.

8.2

.

BEATEN! Brilliant from Rabada! Back of a length ball in the channel of uncertainty. Sibley looks to defend off the back foot but it whizzes past the bat and into the mitts of the keeper.

8.1

.

Length ball outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.

7.6

4

FOUR! Good stuff from Crawley. He hasn't had it easy out there but this will give him some confidence. Philander dishes out a full delivery on middle, Zak whips it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

7.5

.

Good length ball outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to this one.

7.4

.

Fullish delivery outside off, nipping in a little. Zak lets it through to the keeper.

7.3

.

Good length ball on middle, Crawley flicks it to mid-wicket.

7.2

.

Good length ball on the fourth stump line, Zak does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.

7.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Crawley leaves this ball alone.

6.6

.

Length ball on middle, Sibley solidly pushes it back to mid on.

6.5

.

Back of a length ball on off, Sibley stands tall and blocks it out to point.

6.4

1

On middle, flicked to deep square leg for a single.

6.3

4

FOUR! Very full delivery down the leg side, Crawley just helps it on its way to the fine leg region for a boundary.

6.2

.

Short of a length ball on middle, Crawley hops and defends it to short leg.

6.1

.

Another nasty one! Back of a length ball on middle, Zak attempts to flick this one but it goes on to hit the thigh pad. Rabada has been all over Crawley so far in this opening session.

5.6

.

Well fielded! Fuller one outside off, Sibley drives this beautifully towards mid off. Maharaj comes across and slides to make an excellent stop.

5.5

.

Appeal by South Africa but turned down! Height maybe? Good length ball around off, swinging in. Sibley shoulders arms but gets hit on the thigh pad. Philander appeals but the umpire Kumar Dharmasena shakes his head, signalling height as the issue. South Africa did not even consider going for the review.

5.4

.

Fuller one outside off, this one is coming in. Sibley shoulders arms to this one.

5.3

.

Full delivery on off, moving away. Sibley defends it to point.

5.2

.

Good length on off, Dominic this time solidly blocks it out to cover.

5.1

.

Good length ball on off nipping away. Sibley attempts to defend it but takes the outside edge and goes towards gully.

4.6

.

Length ball on off, Crawley defends it out.

4.5

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Crawley looks to duck under but gets hit on the shoulder. Rabada gives a look after that delivery to Zak. Rabada will be looking to pepper Crawley with some more short stuff as Zak is clearly struggling against the bouncers.

4.4

.

Good length ball on off, Crawley defends it to the off side.

4.3

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to this one.

There is a slight halt in play as Crawley is checking his helmet after getting hit on the last ball from Rabada.

4.2

.

Nasty!!! Short of a length ball on off, Crawley looks to pull the ball but it hits the edge of the bat and goes onto hit the grill of the helmet.

4.1

.

Good length delivery on off, keeping a little low. Crawley gets his bat down in time and defends it to the leg side.

3.6

.

On a length outside off, Sibley lets it go to the keeper.

3.5

2

Sibley is away! Good length ball on middle, Sibley works it to backward square leg and picks up a couple.

3.4

.

Outside off, left alone by Sibley.

3.3

.

Good length delivery on off, Sibley defends it to point.

3.2

.

On a length outside off, Dominic does not fiddle with it and shoulders arms to it.

3.1

.

Full delivery on off, Sibley defends it back to the bowler.

2.6

.

On middle and leg, worked to mid-wicket.

2.5

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to it.

2.4

.

Full delivery nipping in a little, Crawley makes a good leave to this one.

2.3

2

Length ball on middle, Crawley works it through square leg and takes a couple before the fielder can clean it up.

2.2

.

On a length on off, Crawley solidly defends it back to the bowler.

2.1

.

Short delivery on off, Zak looks to pull but is early into his shot. He gets hit on the body and the ball rolls back to the keeper.

1.6

.

Fuller one on off, Sibley blocks it out onto the pitch.

1.5

.

Good length ball on off, Sibley pushes it to point off the front foot.

1.4

.

Sibley defends this good length ball on middle and leg towards the man mid-wicket.

1.3

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to it.

1.2

.

Length ball on off, Dominic defends it towards cover.

1.1

.

Philander starts with a good length ball on middle, Sibley defends it back to the bowler.

Vernon Philander will bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Rabada ends the over by bowling a length ball on middle, Crawley looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge and rolls towards fine leg. Good start to the innings for England as 8 runs come off the over.

0.5

4

FOUR! Crawley has come out as a confident man here. This time it is a full ball on off by Rabada, Crawley gets on the front foot and just drives it through mid off for a boundary.

0.4

.

On off again, driven to the man at mid off.

0.3

.

Again Rabada bowls one outside off, Crawley leaves it alone.

0.2

4

FOUR! England are underway and in style! Full ball on the pads, Crawley flicks this one off his pads and the ball races away to the mid-wicket fence.

0.1

.

Rabada starts with a length ball outside off, it is left alone by Zak Crawley.

The hosts, on the other hand, would be disappointed with their performance. Apart from Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen, no one got going. They were 40 for 3 at one stage and then a comeback of sorts happened. A 117-run stand between Elgar And van der Dussen made everyone think that they were in control. However, once Elgar and Quinton de Kock threw away their wickets, the Proteas never recovered and conceded a valuable lead of 46 runs. The South African bowlers have a tough task ahead as they need to pick up wickets at regular intervals in order to get back in this game. Can they make a comeback or will the visitors run away with the match? Join us in a while to find out.

26 balls is all it took for the English bowlers to take the two remaining South African wickets. They have put in an incredible effort in the field as they go back to the pavilion with a lead of 46 runs. Anderson and Broad were terrific from the start. They reduced the hosts to 40/3 but then Rassie van der Dussen and Dean Elgar combined to form a terrific stand of 117 runs. In that period, 12 No Balls were not picked by the on-field umpire. However, when van der Dussen was dismissed but the on-field umpire then referred upstairs to check for a No Ball and Rassie survived. Stokes dropped a catch too. It looked like South Africa would make them pay. But once Elgar fell, it was a procession as they lost their last six wickets for just 32 runs. James Anderson picked up a 5-fer, his 28th in Test cricket, surpassing the record for an English player set by legend, Sir Ian Botham. However, it was Stuart Broad who was the pick of the bowlers as he kept on bowling perfect lines and lengths throughout Day 2.

88.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! 5-fer for James Anderson, his 28th in Test cricket! Brilliant from Stokes as well as he takes a stunning catch in the slip cordon. This is a terrific ball from James Anderson. A good length ball outside off, inducing the drive from Anrich Nortje. The batter obliges but he manages just an outside edge on it. The ball flies to the right of first slip and to the left of second slip. Stokes from second slip dives to his left and takes a superb catch to end the South African innings. Stokes takes his 5th catch of this innings and becomes the first outfield English player to do so. All smiles for the England players as they return to the pavilion.

88.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Anrich defends it out to mid on.

88.4

.

Another bumper around off this time, Anrich ducks under it comfortably.

88.3

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Nortje looks to duck but falls down in the process.

88.2

.

On a length on off, Anrich pushes it to point.

88.1

1

Full delivery on middle, Vernon blocks it towards mid off and a single is taken.

87.6

.

On off, Nortje defends it well towards cover. That will be the end of another over and Nortje is doing well, for now at least.

87.5

.

Fullish on middle, Anrich pushes it down to mid on.

87.4

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Nortje lets the ball go through to the keeper.

87.3

.

Bouncer outside off, Nortje awkwardly sways away from it.

87.2

1

Outside off, pushed towards point for a single. 4 balls for Nortje to negotiate in this over now.

87.1

.

On a length on middle, Philander goes on his toes and defends.

86.6

.

On a length on off, Anrich attempts to defend but takes the inside edge and hits the pads. The ball rolls to point for no run.

86.5

4

FOUR! Lovely batting from Nortje. The trail is now below 50. Full delivery on the pads, Nortje flicks it beautifully to the deep square leg region for a boundary.

86.4

.

Good length ball outside off, Nortje leaves it alone.

86.3

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

86.2

.

BEATEN! Beautiful from Anderson. Fullish delivery around off, Nortje looks to defend but gets squared up. He misses and the ball goes into the mitts of the keeper.

86.1

1

Would have been gone for all money! There was no run there but both the batters went for it. Good length ball on off, Vernon gets a thick edge towards gully and takes off for a run. Pope there dives to his right and gathers the ball. Pope throws it at the keeper's end but misses the stumps. Had he hit, Nortje would have been out by a mile. He was not even in the frame as the replays rolled in. Wondering why would Philander want to take a single off the first ball and give Nortje the strike so soon in his innings?

85.6

.

Fullish outside off, Anrich shoulders arms to it.

85.5

1

Fuller one on off, Vernon pushes it to deep cover and takes a single. Nortje has to survive one ball of Broad now.

85.4

.

On off, defended off the back foot.

85.3

.

On a length on off, Philander looks to defend but goes off the outside edge and rolls towards gully.

85.2

.

On a length outside off, hitting a crack on the pitch, causing it to bounce a little more. Philander looks to punch but misses it altogether due to the extra bounce on it.

85.1

.

BEATEN! Wild drive from Philander! Full delivery outside off, Philander looks to play an expansive drive to this one but fails to get any bat on it.

Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end.

84.6

.

Yes, he can! Anderson bowls a good length ball outside off, Nortje leaves this ball alone.

Anrich Nortje is the last man in and he will be facing the hat-trick ball against James Anderson. Can he survive against it?

84.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! What a start to Day 3 for England! That is some bowling from James Anderson! On a length, outside off, nipping away. Rabada looks to defend this with little to no foot movement and the ball takes a faint outside edge back to Buttler who makes no mistake. Anderson appeals and the umpire raises his finger. A wicket off the last ball of Day 2 and now a wicket off the first ball on Day 3. Anderson is on fire.

We are all set to begin Day 3. Vernon Philander and the new batsman, Kagiso Rabada make their way out to the middle. They are still 54 runs behind. Can they take the lead? We will soon find out. The England players are also out in the middle. James Anderson will finish his over.

South Africa ended Day 2 on a bad note. They lost 4 wickets for 24 runs in the latter stages of the day and have Vernon Philander as the only batsman who can grind out some runs for them. They still trail by 54 runs and Philander would be hoping that the two remaining batters support him out in the middle and get the team as close to England's score. The visitors, on the other hand, would want to get the two remaining wickets as soon as possible and then swell their lead to give the home team a tough target. However, on Day 2 itself we could see some dust coming off the surface and that would be exciting for Keshav Maharaj. Both sides' batting has been average and when England come to bat, it will surely not be easy on this wicket. Stay tuned for all the action as a crucial day for both these sides lie ahead!

... Day 3, Session 1 ...

England had 1 wicket left entering into Day 2 but a set batsman as well in Ollie Pope. South Africa have 2 wickets left going into Day 3 but it is going to be Vernon Philander who has to control the batting on Sunday. Rabada and Nortje are no pushovers but they need to bat sensibly. Join us back on January 5, 2020 at 10.30 am local (0830 GMT) for all the action. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

54 is the drift between England and South Africa at the moment. On this pitch, it looks a bit too much for the Proteas. They need to try and get as close as possible to the visitors' total and make this a one-inning shootout. Don't forget, the hosts are going to be batting last on this pitch. Would not want to chase anything above 150.

Now, to England's bowling. Cannot really criticize the bowlers. They bowled their hearts out. But Joe Root's captaincy was questionable. He just allowed the game to drift away in the second session, allowing easy singles. Then, he changed tactics in the third, stopping the runs, which eventually resulted in the flow of wickets. Anderson got 3 but the pick of the day was Stuart Broad who was relentless. Sam Curran showed the value of cutters in this format as well, getting rid of the dangerous de Kock and van der Dussen.

A reminder of the opening session, where England did not make too many runs this morning but managed to get three Protea wickets which also included that of the skipper Faf. The Saffas were in trouble at 40/3 but then Elgar, van der Dussen, Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes bailed them out. The first two forged a nice partnership, while Broad got Rassie's wicket but overstepped. Stokes, on the other hand, missed a catch of van der Dussen as well.

It was the third session on Day 1 which rocked England. It was the third session again on Day 2 which rocked the Proteas. It started with Dean Elgar, throwing his wicket out of nowhere, just like Ben Stokes did last evening. Quinton de Kock tried to play a quickfire knock, just like he did in the previous Test but he lived by the sword and died by it. He added 20 in just 26 balls but his wicket opened the floodgates. South Africa slipped from 191/5 to 215/8 in 63 balls. Advantage England.

What an action-packed day. Does anyone even remember what happened in the second session? People were yawning, shoulders were drooping, defensive fields were set and Elgar was batting. Normally, when he bats, he causes a lot of frustration to the fielding side. Because it appears as if he is being beaten but he never gets out. That second session saw 81 runs being scored without a wicket lost. At Tea, South Africa, 3 down and just 128 behind, yes, JUST 128 behind, were looking in full control to have this deficit down to 30-40 odd by Stumps. But well, this thought just jinxed them.

Whoa! What happened? What is it in that last 15 overs in the day? Day 1 saw 4 wickets fall for 13 runs in 43 balls. Day 2 sees 3 wickets fall for 15 runs in 53 balls. Dim light? Anxiety of finishing the day safely? No idea. It has hurt both teams but it is England who find themselves on top now.

84.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! A wicket to end the day! That is a terrific ball. It ends a brilliant session for England. On a length on off, nipping in, Maharaj looks to flick but it goes off the inside edge onto the pads. It then lobs off to third slip where Sibley takes the catch running forward. Anderson first appeals for LBW but then sees Dominic Sibley taking the catch. He appeals again and Kumar Dharmasena, the on-field umpire gives it out signaling that it has hit the inside edge. STUMPS ON DAY 2, SA TRAIL BY 54!

84.3

1

Good length ball on middle and leg, Philander works it to square leg and crosses over for a single.

84.2

.

Outside off, left alone by Philander. 4 more balls for him to survive the day.

84.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Philander defends it out off the front foot.

83.6

.

Good length ball on off, Keshav pushes it to the cover fielder.

83.5

.

Good length ball on off, Maharaj defends it to cover.

83.4

.

Full delivery on off, Maharaj drives it to mid off.

83.3

.

BEATEN! That is a snorker of a delivery! Short of a length outside off, Maharaj plays it well as he drops his wrists at the last moment and sways away from it.

83.2

.

Fullish on off, Keshav taps it to point for nothing.

83.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Maharaj defends it back to the bowler.

82.6

.

Well left in the end. Full delivery outside off, this one coming in. Vernon makes a good leave to that one.

82.5

1

Good length on middle and leg, Maharaj works it to backward square leg and takes a single.

82.4

3

Shot! Full delivery outside off, Vernon drives it through covers and picks up three before the fielder can come across and collect it before the ball reaches the ropes.

82.3

.

On middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

82.2

.

On a length on off, Vernon defends it to cover.

82.1

.

BEATEN! The new ball is doing all sorts of things out there in the middle. Beautiful bowling from Anderson. Full delivery around off swinging away. Philander looks to defend it off the front foot but misses it altogether due to the swing on it.

81.6

.

On off, defended out by Maharaj.

81.5

.

Short of a length outside off, Maharaj looks to play it at first but then decides to leave it alone.

81.4

2

Well played from Maharaj! Fuller one outside off, Maharaj leans forward and drives it through covers. Joe Denly hares after it and makes a sliding stop. The umpires check whether it is a clean save and the replays show that it is. Average running though. Maharaj wants the third but Philander drops his gloves at the bowler's end. So only two in the end.

81.3

.

BEATEN! Maharaj does not need to play at that! This is poor batting. Full delivery wide outside off, nipping away. Keshav goes on his front foot in an attempt to defend but misses it altogether.

81.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Maharaj lets this ball go to the keeper.

81.1

.

A ripper to start! Boy, is this second new ball talking or what? 3 overs and 5 balls left now for the end of day's play. Full and outside off, delivered with a scrambled seam, Maharaj pushes at it tentatively but the ball moves away, just enough, to beat the outside edge.

Stuart Broad is back on. 14-5-34-2 so far.

80.6

1

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. The batsmen have run through for a single.

80.5

.

On a length on off, defended back to the bowler.

Keshav Maharaj is the new man in.

80.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Stokes does not drop this one and the new ball actually does the trick in the end. Fullish delivery on off, moving away a lot. Pretorius looks to push at it but it goes off the outside edge to second slip. Stokes, ohh Stokes, drops one and takes another. He moves to his right and pouches it with both hands. This was a tough catch and Stokes has done wonderfully well. Wait, the sideways replay rolls in and it shows that Ben had caught it with just one hand. The left hand came to it late. For a change, luck favouring England.

80.3

.

Good length ball on off, Pretorius defends it out.

80.2

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

80.1

.

DROPPED! Lady luck is with South Africa today! The second new ball almost did the trick! Good length ball swinging away from the batsman. Pretorius looks to defend but takes the outside edge going towards second slip. Stokes usually does not drop those but this one he puts one down. He bends on his knees to his left, gets two hands to it but does not hold on. Probably he was worried whether the ball will carry to him or not.

The second new ball is due now and it has been taken immediately. James Anderson is back on. 14-6-28-1, are his figures so far.

79.6

.

Fullish outside off, Vernon has no problems in leaving this one alone.

79.5

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Philander ducks under it.

79.4

.

Fuller one outside off, Vernon leaves it alone.

79.3

.

On off, defended off the back foot.

79.2

.

EDGY BUT SAFE! Fullish outside off, Philander looks to push but gets an outside edge to second slip. Stokes dives a little to his right to catch it but it bounces just short of him.

79.1

.

Good length ball on off, Vernon looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge towards gully.

78.6

4

TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Lucky! Short of a length ball on middle and leg, Pretorius looks to sweep it but it goes off his top edge and over the short fine leg fielder. It rolls onto the fence.

78.5

.

Full one on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

78.4

.

Floated ball on off, Pretorius lunges forward and pushes it to cover.

78.3

1

Flatter one outside off, Vernon pushes it towards point and a single is taken.

78.2

.

On off, Philander defends it to cover.

78.1

.

Floated one on middle, Vernon defends it to short leg.

77.6

.

On middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

77.5

1

Short of a length outside off, Philander pushes it to deep cover and takes a single.

77.4

.

On a length on middle, VP solidly plays it back to the bowler.

77.3

.

Outside off, Vernon makes a leave to the keeper.

77.2

.

Back of a length on off, Vernon stands tall and defends it to cover.

77.1

.

Fuller one on off, Philander drives it to mid off.

76.6

1

Down the leg side, Philander tucks it towards fine leg. Stuart Broad chases it down from backward square leg but then the hadada comes in his way. He tries to be cautious, fearing that the ball will hit the bird, but it calmly hops across, perfectly giving way to the ball. The crowd cheers that. A single taken.

76.5

.

Tossed up outside off, defended to the off side.

76.4

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

76.3

.

A touch short, tucked towards short leg, who tries to duck but the ball hits his back.

76.2

.

A touch short, kicks up, but Philander plays it down in front of short leg.

76.1

.

Around middle, defended watchfully to the leg side.

Dwaine Pretorius is the next man in.

75.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust! Sam Curran does it again for England. Stokes takes a brilliant catch at second slip. Indecision costs Rassie his wicket. He is not sure whether to come forward or not but his basic foot movement is to plant his left foot forward, almost like a reflex action. Now, this is a good length ball outside off and van der Dussen has his left foot planted across. When you do that, it is very difficult to leave balls. The cherry is a touch wide but RvdD has already made up his mind to run this down to third man. Then, when he sees the line, he thinks he can leave it alone. But alas, it is too late. The ball lands and then bounces a touch high. Van der Dussen is in no man's land, just hanging his bat with its face open. The ball takes the outside edge and flies behind. Ben Stokes at slip number 2 dives to his right and takes an excellent catch with both hands. Rassie has to go after playing an excellent knock. South Africa needed him to stay till the end tonight. The deficit is reading 69 and there are still 9 overs left in the day.

75.5

1

Good length ball on off, Philander taps it to the off side and takes another run. 200 up for the hosts.

75.4

.

On a length on off, Philander guides it to gully who collects it on the bounce.

75.3

1

On off, pushed towards deep cover and takes a run.

75.2

.

Fullish ball on middle and leg, van der Dussen pushes it down to mid on.

75.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Rassie works it to mid-wicket.

74.6

.

On off, driven towards mid off for nothing.

74.5

.

Flatter one on off, Philander blocks it to point.

74.4

.

Tosses this one on off, Philander pushes it to cover.

74.3

.

Flatter one on middle, Vernon solidly defends it out.

74.2

1

Outside off, van der Dussen lunges and defends it to the point region for a single.

74.1

.

Loopy on off, defended off the front foot.

73.6

2

Back of a length ball around off, Vernon drops his wrists and guides this towards the third man region. The fielder comes across, slides and makes the stop. Two taken.

73.5

.

On off, Philander drives but cannot pierce the gap at cover.

73.4

.

Fullish delivery on off, Vernon drives it straight to the cover fielder.

73.3

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Philander camps on his back foot and defends it out onto the pitch.

73.2

.

Good length ball on off, Vernon defends it off the back foot to mid off.

73.1

1

On a length on off, Rassie defends it to point and takes a single.

72.6

.

Tosses this one up on middle, Vernon plays it towards mid off.

72.5

.

Flat one on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

72.4

2

Full delivery outside off, Philander leans forward and drives it through extra cover. Two taken before the fielder comes across and cleans it up.

72.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Philander defends it back to the bowler.

72.2

.

Flatter one outside off, Vernon pushes it to cover.

72.1

.

Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.

71.6

1

Short of a length outisde off, Philander pushes it to deep point and takes a single.

71.5

.

On off, pushed to cover.

71.4

.

On a length on middle, Philander defends this one solidly.

71.3

.

BEATEN! Lovely followup delivery to Philander. Good length outside off, Vernon looks to defend it but the ball whizzes past the outside edge and into the mitts of the keeper.

Vernon Philander is the new man in.

71.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! What has Quinton de Kock done here? Everybody knows that he loves to play positive cricket but was there any need of that shot? Just like yesterday, the last session is seeing wickets. Curran's change in pace has done in de Kock here. He rolls his fingers on the ball and lands it on a length outside off. Quinton is early into his shot as he looks to heave and gets a leading edge. It goes high up in the air towards mid off. James Anderson moves to his left from mid off and takes a simple catch. QdK is dejected and looks at the ground before walking off. Has this game opened up again? The deficit is 78. We might be in for a shout regarding a one-inning shootout.

71.1

.

Curran starts with a fullish ball on middle, Quinton pushes it towards mid on.

70.6

1

Full and outside off, pushed with a lunge through the covers for a single.

70.5

4

FOUR! Up and over! That is de Kock as we all know. Full and outside off, Quinton comes down the track and lofts it over mid off. Two bounces and into the ropes.

70.4

.

Landed outside off, left alone.

70.3

.

Full and around off, pushed towards the bowler.

70.2

1

Around off, a touch short, worked past short leg for a single.

70.1

.

Full and around off, defended in front of short leg.

DRINKS BREAK. Hmmm... so, this Test does get interesting all of a sudden. England have managed to dislodge the Elgar-van der Dussen stand but de Kock being de Kock has flown away already. 15 in 20 balls. Is he aiming for a quickfire 50 tonight? The deficit is 84 now. If he hangs around till Stumps, that deficit might come down into single digits as well.

69.6

1

On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.

69.5

.

Full and around off, van der Dussen looked to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

69.4

.

Landed outside off, played straight to point.

69.3

.

Outside off, punched towards cover.

69.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

69.1

1

A length ball, on middle, tucked through square leg for a single.

68.6

.

Landed around off, tucked towards short leg.

68.5

1

On middle, pushed through mid on for a run.

68.4

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.

68.3

.

Landed outside off, a touch wide, let through.

68.2

1

Outside off, pushed through mid on for a single.

68.1

.

Full and around middle, watchfully defended towards short leg.

67.6

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.

67.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

67.4

1

A length ball on middle, tucked through mid-wicket for a run.

67.3

.

Full and outside off, pushed towards cover.

67.2

.

A bouncer now, on middle, ducked under.

67.1

.

A length ball outside off, left alone.

66.6

1

Outside off, Rassie pokes at it and gets a thick outside edge. It goes behind gully. A run taken.

66.5

.

Outside off, driven back to the bowler again.

66.4

.

Full and outside off, smothered back to the bowler.

66.3

1

Full on middle, pushed through mid on for one.

66.2

1

On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.

66.1

1

Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

65.6

.

A length ball outside off, Rassie shoulders arms.

65.5

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

65.4

4

FOUR! That is a bad ball. Down the leg side, tickled to the fine leg fence.

65.3

.

Outside off, Rassie looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge. The ball does not carry to the gully fielder.

65.2

4

FOUR! That is a long hop, on middle, van der Dussen rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket and gets a boundary!

65.1

.

On a length on middle, Rassie works it to mid-wicket.

64.6

.

Floated on middle, de Kock pushes it back to the bowler.

64.5

2

Short delivery outside off, Quinton cuts it nicely through point. Broad hares after it and collects it. Two taken.

64.4

4

EDGY FOUR! Lucky for de Kock. Flighted ball outside off, de Kock looks to drive it but gets an outside edge past the first slip fielder and into the third man fence.

64.3

.

Flighted delivery on middle, de Kock defends it out.

64.2

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

64.1

.

Floats this one on off, Quinton pushes it to cover.

63.6

1

Short of a length ball on middle and leg, Quinton works it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

63.5

.

On off, pushed to point.

63.4

.

Good stop! Full delivery on middle, de Kock pushes it back and Stokes jumps and makes the stop with his left hand. Saved some runs there.

63.3

.

Fullish outside off, Quinton leaves the ball alone to the keeper.

63.2

2

On a length outside off, de Kock punches it to deep point and takes off for a quick couple before the fielder can hare across and throw it back to the keeper.

63.1

2

Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Quinton de Kock whips it to deep square and picks up a couple to get off the mark. The fielder comes across from deep square leg and cleans it up.

Ben Stokes returns into the attack. 5-0-18-0 are his figures.

62.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Rassie blocks it out.

62.5

.

On middle, flicked to short leg.

Quinton de Kock replaces Elgar out in the middle.

62.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Ho ho ho! Are we dreaming? No, we are not! A wicket indeed has fallen. And this time, IT IS NOT A NO BALL. A poor shot from Elgar. Very rarely do we see him doing this but he has thrown it away after playing an excellent innings. He and van der Dussen were running away with the game and this might just bring the visitors back in it. Bess floats this one up outside off, Elgar strides forward and looks to lift it over mid off. However, the ball is not that full to be hit on the rise. He is already through his shot and there is extra bounce on that one. Hence, he does not time it well and it goes high up in the air. Root moves back from mid off and takes the catch. Not easy to catch those. A 100 was there for the taking for Elgar but it was not to be. Elgar is disappointed and looks up to the skies as trudges back to the pavillion. So what is the deficit? 112. Can England get another before it trickles into double digits? Sorry, cannot say trickles. Because the man coming in next will not allow the run rate to trickle down.

62.3

.

On middle, defended out.

62.2

.

Loopy delivery on off, Elgar looks to drive it but hits the bottom edge and goes back to the bowler.

62.1

.

Floated one on off, Elgar defends it out.

61.6

.

Another bumper on middle and leg, this time Rassie ducks under it.

61.5

.

BOUNCER! Nicely bowled this! It is bowled around middle, Rassie looks to hook at first but then decides to leave it at the last moment. It will count as a play and a miss.

61.4

.

Too wide outside off, Rassie has no problems in leaving it alone.

61.3

.

On a length on off, van der Dussen defends it to cover.

61.2

.

Fullish on middle, Rassie pushes it to mid on.

61.1

1

Short delivery down the leg side, Elgar plays the pull down to fine leg and takes a single.

60.6

.

On middle, pushed to mid-wicket. Rassie wants the run but Elgar sends him back.

60.5

.

Full delivery on middle and leg, Rassie whips it but it hits the short leg fielder on the boot.

60.4

.

Flatter one on middle, van der Dussen plays it to the leg side.

60.3

.

Bess tosses this one on middle, Rassie prods forward and plays it back to the bowler.

60.2

.

Flatter one on middle, Rassie works it to square leg.

60.1

1

Tossed up on middle, Elgar pushes this down to long on and takes a single.

59.6

1

Short of a length down the leg side, Elgar tucks it to fine leg and keeps strike for the next over.

59.5

1

On a length on middle, Rassie whips it wide of mid on and crosses over for a single.

59.4

.

On middle, pushed towards mid on for a dot ball.

59.3

.

Fuller delivery outside off, Rassie pushes this to cover.

59.2

.

Fullish delivery on off, bouncing a touch more. Rassie looks to defend but gets hit on the gloves. It rolls to point.

59.1

.

Length delivery outside off, too wide to trouble van der Dussen to play at it.

58.6

.

Tosses this one up on middle, Elgar works it to mid-wicket.

58.5

.

On middle and off, Elgar strides forward and blocks it.

58.4

.

Shorter outside off, Elgar pushes it to point for nothing.

58.3

.

Looped up ball on middle, Dean works it to square leg.

58.2

.

Full on middle, Dean plays it back to Bess.

58.1

.

Floated on off, Elgar pushes it to point.

57.6

.

On a length outside off, Rassie lets the ball go to the keeper.

57.5

.

OHH! How did that miss the stumps? It's all about luck for Rassie van der Dussen in this innings so far. Back of a length on off, keeping a little low, Rassie looks to defend but it sneaks under his bat and goes just over the off stump.

57.4

.

Outside off, left alone.

57.3

.

On a length outside off, van der Dussen leaves it alone.

57.2

1

Fullish on off, Dean taps it towards point and calls van der Dussen for a quick single. What is happening? Another no ball not called by the umpire.

57.1

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Elgar works it to square leg.

56.6

.

Floated one on middle, Rassie goes on his front foot and blocks it back to the bowler.

56.5

.

Loops this one up on middle, Rassie solidly blocks it.

56.4

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Rassie tucks it to square leg.

56.3

1

On middle, pushed down to long on for a single.

56.2

.

Floated on off, Elgar pushes it to cover.

56.1

.

Loopy delivery on off, Elgar prods and defends it out.

55.6

.

Outside off, left alone by Rassie.

55.5

4

FOUR! FIFTY! Back-to-back fifties for Rassie van der Dussen in Tests! Brilliant innings. On a length outside off, Rassie opens the face of his bat and then guides it past the diving fielder at gully. It rolls into the fence. Can he convert this to a maiden ton?

55.4

.

Good length ball on off, Rassie defends it to cover.

55.3

.

Shot! Full delivery outside off, van der Dussen drives it nicely but it goes on one bounce to the cover fielder.

55.2

1

On a length on middle, Dean tucks it to deep square leg and takes a run.

55.1

.

Good length ball on off, Elgar looks to defend but it hits the under edge of the bat rolling going onto hit the boot. Elgar has hurt himself due to that.

54.6

.

Tossed up ball outside off, van der Dussen pushes it to cover for another dot.

54.5

.

On off, van der Dussen defends it out.

54.4

.

Flatter one on middle and leg, Rassie is solid in defense.

54.3

1

Looped up ball on middle, Elgar works it to the leg side and takes a single.

54.2

4

FOUR! Beautifully played! Floats this up, does Bess! Elgar strides forward and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

54.1

.

Floated on off, Elgar defends it to cover.

53.6

.

Good length ball on off, Rassie defends it to the off side. Maiden over from Broad.

53.5

.

Good length delivery outside off, keeping low, Rssie does not fiddle with it and lets it go through to the keeper.

53.4

.

Fuller one on off, driven nicely towards mid off where the fielder slides and makes a stop.

53.3

.

Fullish on off, Rassie solidly blocks it out.

53.2

.

On a length on off, Rassie defends it to cover for nothing.

53.1

.

Broad starts with a fuller one on off, van der Dussen drives it to mid off.

Stuart Broad will bowl from the other end. 9-2-25-2, his figures so far.

52.6

.

Floated on middle, Dean defends it back to the bowler.

52.5

.

Flat one on off, Elgar blocks it to point.

52.4

.

On middle, Elgar pushes it back to the bowler.

52.3

.

Fullish on middle, Dean plays it back to Bess.

52.2

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Dean lets the ball go to the keeper.

52.1

.

Starts with a full delivery on off, Elgar pushes it to cover.

We are back for the final session of the day. South Africa are going along nicely and they will look to get closer to the lead. Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen make their way out to the middle. The England players are also out in the ground. Can England pick up further wickets? Dominic Bess will start after the break.

... Day 2, Session 3 ...

33 overs are left in the day. Can England at least break this stand? Join us back at 3.30 pm local (1330 GMT).

Paras 2 and 3 were all South Africa. Now, England. Is everything lost? Do they get the feeling that the whole world is against them? Luck not going their way, catches not being taken... wickets not coming... what do they do? BELIEVE. Just do a bit of a flashback and check what happened last evening. The bowling has not been bad that much but the patience is being tested. South Africa were enormously patient on Friday and were rewarded. England just need to hang around. But yes, they need to stop those silly easy singles. Just too many easy runs on offer.

Gritty. Ugly. Awkward. That is Dean Elgar's defense. But who would care if he is scoring runs? He has hung in there, seen three partners walk off, got some blows on his body but has been undeterred. He has reached 77 now and his century might go a long way in South Africa getting a sizeable lead. The deficit is 128 now - so a good session should see the Saffas reduce it down to the 40s at least by Stumps.

When the rub of the green goes your way, you get all kinds of luck. Rassie van der Dussen is experiencing that at the moment. First, he got a reprieve by a Stuart Broad no ball on 16. Then, he survived a dropped catch by Ben Stokes on 43. He has soldiered on to 46 and will be determined to make the most of his luck now.

A session which could have gone England's way. A session which should have gone England's way. But due to their own mistake, they find it going to their opponents. This is a sort of wicket where one brings two and the visitors did get three quickly in the first session. But in the second, when they got Rassie van der Dussen caught behind, Broad had overstepped and since then, luck has gone against them.

51.6

.

Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler with an ugly, awkward stance. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 2, SA TRAIL BY 128!

Aha! The hadada is here! Shaun Pollock on air says that it is the same bird which has come on both the days and is pecking at the worms. Teaching the value of persistence and patience to the human beings playing this game of cricket.

51.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

51.4

1lb

Down the leg side, Elgar misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye taken.

51.3

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

51.2

.

Full again, around off, Elgar brings his bat down at the last moment to defend.

51.1

.

Full and just outside off, watchfully defended back to the bowler.

50.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

50.5

.

Full and around middle, pushed towards short mid-wicket.

50.4

1

100-RUN STAND IS UP! Slowly and surely, South Africa are making themselves comfortable in the driver's seat. Around middle, rucked through square leg for a run.

50.3

.

There he was, chasing a wide one. Full and outside off, hits the footmarks, generates a puff of dust, Elgar looks to drive but misses.

50.2

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

50.1

.

Full and down the leg side, flicked towards short mid-wicket.

49.6

.

Around off, pushed back with a loose bottom hand.

49.5

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to short extra cover.

49.4

.

Around middle, worked towards short mid-wicket.

49.3

1

Full on middle, Dean pushes it with soft hands towards short mid-wicket. First, he asks his partner to wait, then, when he sees the fielder misfield, calls for two. But later, he sees Stuart Broad get across to his left from mid on and shouts a loud NO. So just a single in the end.

49.2

4

FOUR! That is really good work. Takes the partnership to 98. A half tracker, around middle, coming at a very nice height for the batsman, around tummy high, Elgar does not miss out. Swivels and pulls it through square leg for a boundary. It is very important that England sustain the pressure built up by Anderson.

49.1

.

Full and outside off, Elgar comes forward and blocks.

Sam Curran returns. 6-1-27-0 so far.

48.6

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

48.5

.

Down the leg side, flick shot missed.

48.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Mike Haysman on air informs us that since Lunch 12 NO BALLS HAVE NOT BEEN CALLED! Boy, are the umpires relying too much on the third umpire? Perhaps on checking when a wicket goes down?

48.3

2

Outside off, punched through the covers. The batsmen take the second on the throw and a better one could have had Elgar at the bowler's end.

48.2

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

48.1

1

Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single. That was uppish, but well wide of the diving short mid-wicket.

47.6

.

Full and outside off, van der Dussen comes forward to defend but the ball takes the outside edge. Does not carry to gully.

47.5

.

Full and outside off, Rassie pushes this with a loose bottom hand and the ball goes uppishly, but well wide of the bowler, towards mid off.

47.4

.

That nips back in off the deck, Rassie looks to defend but the ball cuts him into half. Beats the bat and hits the pad.

47.3

1

Outside off, pushed through point for a single to get to 70.

47.2

1

Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single. The stand moves to 90 now. South Africa trail by 139.

47.1

.

Full and outside off, left alone.

46.6

.

Full and straight, driven back to Root.

46.5

.

Full and around middle now, pushed back to Joe again.

46.4

.

A bit of round-arm from Joe Root, full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.

46.3

.

Short and outside off, punched straight to cover.

46.2

.

Closer than the previous one, left alone again.

46.1

.

Full and wide outside off, left alone.

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT goes the crowd. The skipper has decided to introduce himself. 20 minutes to go to Tea.

45.6

.

That is a snorter. On a length outside off, van der Dussen feels for it but the ball suddenly kicks up after pitching. Just about beats the outside edge. A testing over from Jimmy.

45.5

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

45.4

.

On a good length outside off, defended awkwardly.

45.3

.

Full and just outside off, watchfully defended.

45.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

45.1

.

EDGED, DROPPED! Ben Stokes, off all the people. Anderson does the hard work, bowls it on a length outside off and makes Rassie go for the drive. The outside edge is taken and it goes to second slip. A dive is required from the fielder and Ben Stokes does dive. Goes one-handed. Now, a catch needs to be taken and Stokes takes it too! But just when he takes the catch with a dive to his right, his right elbow hits the ground and the ball pops out. Stokes has his hands on his head. If looks could kill, Anderson has the 'Meet-me-after-office' type one.

44.6

.

On middle, pushed towards the bowler.

44.5

.

Full again, watchfully blocked out.

44.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

44.3

1

Action replay of the previous delivery.

44.2

1

Full and around off, pushed towards long on for a single.

44.1

.

Short and outside off, cut straight to point.

43.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

43.5

.

Full and just outside off, Rassie gets a big stride forward to block it towards cover.

43.4

.

A good length ball, outside off, pushed back to the bowler.

43.3

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

43.2

.

Wide outside off, left alone.

43.1

.

Full and outside off, that stays low, van der Dussen brings his bat down in time to defend.

42.6

.

Almost a yorker, outside off, pretty full, Elgar digs it out.

42.5

1

Thrown up outside off, driven away from his body, through the covers, for one.

42.4

.

Fired in from around the wicket on middle, van der Dussen blocks it in a hurry.

42.3

1

There is another one. On middle and leg, now Elgar pushes this towards long on for a run.

42.2

1

Full on middle, pushed towards mid on for a single. Sorry, long on. For some reason, Joe Root is offering these easy singles.

42.1

.

Full and around off, solidly defended.

41.6

.

Fullish outside off, Elgar leaves the ball alone.

41.5

.

On a length on middle, Elgar defends it to point.

41.4

2

Fuller one outside off, Elgar drives it to deep cover. But before Sam Curran can come across from deep point, the batters take a couple.

41.3

.

Fullish on off, Elgar pushes it to mid off.

41.2

1

On a length on off, Rassie looks to defend but it takes the inside half of his bat and rolls to square leg. The batters manage to pinch a single.

41.1

.

Good length ball on off, Rassie defends it solidly to cover.

40.6

.

Flat one on middle, Dean defends it to the bowler.

40.5

.

On off, pushed to the cover fielder.

40.4

.

Loopy one on off, Elgar prods forward and blocks it to cover.

40.3

.

Flatter one outside off, Elgar guides it to point.

40.2

1

Fullish on off, Rassie leans and pushes it to deep cover for a single.

40.1

1

Floated ball on middle, Elgar pushes it down to long on and crosses over for a single.

39.6

.

Fuller delivery on middle, Rassie pushes it to mid on for nothing.

39.5

.

On a length on off, van der Dussen defends it to point.

39.4

.

On off, defends it off the back foot.

39.3

.

Fuller one outside off, moving in. Rassie lets the ball go to the keeper.

39.2

.

JUST SHORT! Stokes signals it has not carried! Brilliant delivery on off, Rassie van der Dussen looks to defend it out but takes the thick outside edge. It goes towards Stokes at second slip and he dives to his left and collects. There is some excitement but Stokes gets up and signals it has bounced in front of him. He is having all the luck in this game so far.

39.1

.

Back of a length delivery on off, Rassie hops and defends it to cover.

38.6

1

Loopy delivery outside off, Rassie leans forward and drives it through covers for a single.

38.5

.

Flatter delivery on middle, whipped to square leg.

38.4

.

Full on off, pushed to cover.

38.3

.

Tossed up ball on middle, Rassie defends it out.

38.2

1

Full delivery on middle and leg, Elgar pushes it down to long on for a run.

38.1

.

Floated ball on off, Elgar pushes it to short cover.

37.6

.

OHH! Fuller delivery outside off, moving in a little. Rassie makes a good leave to this one.

37.5

.

On a length on middle, Rassie works it to mid-wicket.

37.4

.

Back of a length delivery on off, Rassie hops and defends it off the back foot. Anderson stumbles on his followthrough.

37.3

.

On a length on middle and leg, Rassie defends it to the leg side.

37.2

1

Back of a length ball on off, Elgar guides it to point and crosses over for a single.

37.1

.

Anderson returns with a good length ball outside off, Elgar lets the ball through to the keeper.

36.6

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Rassie flicks it to square leg.

36.5

1

Tossed up delivery outside off, Elgar pushes it past the diving fielder towards deep cover for a single.

36.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Elgar defends it out to the off side.

36.3

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Elgar whips it to square leg.

36.2

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

36.1

.

Floated on off, Elgar pushes it to cover.

Drinks!

35.6

1

On middle, Dean works it to the leg side and crosses over for a single.

35.5

1lb

Short of a length on middle, Rassie looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. It goes towards the leg side and a leg bye is taken.

35.4

.

On a length on middle, Rassie defends it back to the bowler.

35.3

2

Good length ball on middle, Rassie works it to deep mid-wicket and takes another couple before the fielder can clean it up from deep mid-wicket.

35.2

2

Fuller one on off, van der Dussen pushes it through covers and picks up a couple.

35.1

.

Full one on off, Rassie pushes it to mid off.

34.6

.

Floated on middle, Dean works it to mid on.

34.5

.

Flighted outside off, Dean drives it to cover.

34.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Dean defends it to point.

34.3

.

On off, defended it to the off side.

34.2

.

Looped up ball on middle, Elgar works it to leg side.

34.1

1

Floated ball on middle, van der Dussen pushes it down to long on for a single.

There is a slight halt in play as Elgar might have hurt himself after that dive in the previous over.

33.6

.

On off, defended out to the bowler.

33.5

.

Fullish ball outside off, Elgar leaves it alone.

33.4

1

Short of a length on middle, Rassie pulls it to the leg side for a single.

33.3

1

Close! Full delivery on off, Elgar pushes it to cover-point and takes off for a quick run. The fielder comes across and then has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Had he hit, Elgar would have been in though as the dive he made would have saved him. He seems to have hurt himself in the process.

33.2

1

Good length ball on the pads, Rassie works it to deep square leg and takes a run. The replays show that is another no ball from Stokes but not given. Horrendous umpiring.

33.1

1

Short delivery around middle and leg, Elgar pulls it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

32.6

.

Flighted ball on middle, Rassie is solid in defense.

32.5

.

Floated on middle, Rassie blocks it out.

32.4

4

FOUR! That's an excellent shot from Rassie van der Dussen. Floated ball outside off, Van der Dussen takes a good stride forward and drives it through extra cover for a boundary.

32.3

.

Looped up ball on off, defended out solidly.

32.2

.

Fuller one outside off, van der Dussen pushes it to cover.

32.1

.

Tossed up delivery on middle and leg, Rassie works it to mid-wicket.

31.6

.

OUCH! That is nasty! Short delivery on middle, Elgar hops to defend but gets hit on the gloves. It just bounces short of the first slip fielder. No harm done.

31.5

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Elgar hops and blocks it to Stokes.

31.4

.

Good length ball down the leg side, Elgar looks to flick but misses it.

31.3

2

Fullish on middle, Elgar works it through mid-wicket and picks up a couple. Broad hares after it and collects it. 100 up for the hosts.

31.2

1

Short of a length ball on middle, Rassie pulls it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

31.1

.

Back of a length on off, Rassie camps back and blocks it to cover.

30.6

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot.

30.5

1

Tosses this one up on middle, Rassie looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge which goes towards square leg. A single taken.

30.4

1

Flatter delivery outside off, Elgar pushes it to deep cover and crosses over for a single.

30.3

.

Fullish on middle, Elgar plays it wide of the bowler, towards mid on. No run.

30.2

.

Flat one on middle, Dean defends it back to the bowler.

30.1

.

Floated ball on off, Elgar leans forward and pushes it to point.

29.6

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

29.5

.

Back of a length delivery on off, Rassie punches it to point.

29.4

.

Full delivery outside off, Rassie shoulders arms.

29.3

.

Good length ball on off, pushed to point.

29.2

.

Outside off, left alone.

29.1

4

FOUR! Lovely from Rassie van der Dussen. Fullish ball to start from Stokes. Van der Dussen makes a good stride forward and creams the drive through extra covers for a boundary. It is uppish for a while but it is in the gap. The replays show that Stokes had overstepped by a big margin but it was not given. Wonder what is the umpire doing out there. It happened in South Africa's first innings as well.

Ben Stokes is back on.

28.6

.

Landed outside off, a puff of dust is emanated as the ball lands on the rough generated from the footmarks, Elgar lets it go.

28.5

1

Tossed up again, Rassie leans and pushes this through the covers for a single.

28.4

.

Around middle, worked straight to short mid-wicket.

28.3

.

Full and tossed up outside off, smothered away.

28.2

.

Full and around middle, van der Dussen drives this straight back but Bess dives to his right and makes a half-stop, parrying the ball to short mid-wicket.

28.1

.

Landed outside off, spinning in, worked strai9ght to short mid-wicket.

Dominic Bess is back on. 4-0-10-0 so far.

27.6

.

Full delivery on off, Dean pushes it to cover.

27.5

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

27.4

.

Good length around off, Elgar looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge almost rolling on to stumps. Elgar though, gets his bat in between and pushes it away.

27.3

3

Good length ball outside off, van der Dussen drives it through covers for three before the fielder can come across and clean it up. 50 run stand is up between the two.

27.3

1nb

OUT! CAUGHT! No it's not! It is a NO BALL and Broad returns the gift which Rabada gave in the first innings. This was a peach of a delivery though from Broad. Good length delivery around off, Rassie van der Dussen looked to defend it off the back foot but the ball suddenly got a lift. The batsman could do nothing and just managed a glove back to the keeper. Buttler pouched it safely. The umpire gave it out and Rassie started walking. But wait, he was told to stay back as the on-field umpires wanted to check for the no ball. The replas rolled in and it showed that Broad had overstepped by a big margin! Luck,luck that's all we can say for Rassie van der Dussen out there.

DRAMA! Broady Pody gets a wicket! No, Broady Pody does not get a wicket! What is happening? Rassie van der Dussen has been caught behind but Stuart Broad has overstepped!

27.2

.

Full delivery on middle, van der Dussen looks to flick it but gets hit on the pads.

27.1

.

BEATEN! What a delivery from Stuart Broad! How come that did not take the edge? Good length ball on off, nipping away, Rassie looks to defend but misses it altogether. Broad starts celebrating but sees that no one else is supporting him so he backs out.

26.6

1

On off, pushed to deep cover for a single.

26.5

1

On a length outside off, Elgar pushes it to deep cover and calls for a single.

26.4

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Dean blocks it back to the bowler.

26.3

4

FOUR! Poor bowling! Cannot bowl there at this pace. Short delivery on middle, Elgar camps back and pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.

26.2

.

Good length ball on off, Elgar guides it to point.

26.1

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Dean leaves the ball alone.

25.6

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

25.5

1

FIFTY! 14th one for Elgar in Tests. He has looked the only comfortable out there but he knows that it is only half the job done. Needs to continue to score a big one there and get his side closer to England's score. He gets there by guiding this length ball on off to point and taking a single.

25.4

2

Well fielded! Fullish delivery down the leg side, Elgar works it down to fine leg and picks up a couple to move to 49. Denly comes across and slides to clean it up.

25.3

.

Full delivery on off, Dean pushes it to cover.

25.2

.

Back of a length on off, Elgar stands tall and pushes it to point.

25.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Elgar lets the ball go to the keeper.

24.6

.

On off, Rassie defends it out.

24.5

4

FOUR! Sumptuous! Not a great delivery from Curran as well. Full delivery on off, van der Dussen lunges forward and creams the drive through extra cover for a boundary.

24.4

.

On middle, Rassie blocks it out onto the pitch.

24.3

.

Just short! Fuller one outside off, van der Dussen looks to push at it but it takes the outside edge. It goes on the bounce to the gully fielder.

24.2

.

Full delivery on middle and leg, Rassie flicks it to mid-wicket.

24.1

1

Back of a length on off, Elgar punches it to backward point and crosses over for a single.

23.6

1

On a length on off, Elgar pushes it to deep cover and will keep strike for the next over.

23.5

.

On off, defended to mid off.

23.4

4

FOUR! Valiant effort from Denly! Short of a length delivery down the leg side, Elgar just helps it on its way to fine leg. Denly comes across, dives but in the end the ball touches the ropes.

23.3

.

Fullish on middle, Elgar defends it back to the bowler.

23.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Elgar works it to mid-wicket.

23.1

1

Broad returns with a full delivery on off, Rassie pushes it to cover and crosses over for a single.

Stuart Broad will bowl from the other end. 6-4-12-2 are his figures.

22.6

.

On off, Dean defends it out.

22.5

.

Back of a length on off, Elgar taps it to gully.

22.4

4

FOUR! That is a fine, fine shot from Elgar. Curran dishes a half volley on middle, Elgar prods forward and creams the drive through mid on for the first boundary of the session.

22.3

.

Fullish on off, Elgar lunges forward and pushes it to cover.

22.2

2

Good length on middle, Elgar works it to backward square leg and picks up a couple.

22.1

.

Curran starts with a full delivery on middle, Elgar pushes it down to mid on.

The second session is all set to begin! Dean Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen make their way out to the middle to resume their innings. They still trail by 209 runs. The England players are also making their way out. Sam Curran will start for the visitors. Bowled just three overs in the first session.

... Day 2, Session 2 ...

South Africa, on the other hand, got the last wicket quickly but did not do justice with the bat at all. After a decent start from the openers, Pieter Malan was the first one to fall playing a shot to a one which he could left alone. Hamza and du Plessis soon followed him and the hosts were in tatters early on in the innings. They could have lost Rassie too but he survived due to an inside edge. Elgar has looked good and with van der Dussen, he will look to consolidate and stitch a big partnership. England though would look to bowl them out and get a big lead. What will happen? Will the Proteas fight back or will the visitors continue to chip away at the wickets? Join us in a while to find out.

England's session by a mile. They could not add much to their overnight score of 262/9 but their bowlers have been excellent in reply. They came out with a mission in hand and that was to pick up as many wickets as they can. Broad and Anderson did just that. The former started the procession with two quick wickets of Pieter Malan and Zubayr Hamza. Anderson then joined the party picking up the all-important wicket of Faf du Plessis. They could have had another wicket but an inside edge saved Rassie van der Dussen.

21.6

.

Full one outside off, Rassie van der Dussen lets the ball go to the keeper. LUNCH ON DAY 2.

21.5

.

On a length outside off, van der Dussen leaves it alone.

21.4

2

On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket and a couple is taken before the fielder can clean it up.

21.3

.

BEATEN! What a ball from Stokes! Fuller one in the channel of uncertainty, moves away. Rassie looks to defend but misses it altogether.

21.2

.

Fuller one outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to this one.

21.1

.

Stokes starts with a good length ball on off, van der Dussen defends it off the back foot.

Ben Stokes is introduced into the attack.

20.6

.

Floats this one up on off, Elgar defends it out to point.

20.5

1

Flat one on middle and leg, van der Dussen works it to square leg and crosses over for a single.

20.4

.

Looped up ball on middle and leg, Rassie defends it to short leg.

20.3

1

Fullish on middle, Elgar plays it down to long on for a single.

20.2

.

On off, defended off the front foot to cover.

20.1

.

Flatter one on middle, Elgar works it to the leg side.

19.6

1

Good length on middle, Elgar works it to the leg side and picks up a single.

19.5

.

On off, defended to cover.

19.4

.

The batsman has driven it through mid off.

19.3

2

Full delivery on off, pushed through covers for a couple.

19.2

1

Good length ball on off, Rassie pushes it to point and takes a single.

19.1

.

NOT OUT! Rassie van der Dussen is survived by a big inside edge. Full delivery on middle, van der Dussen looks to push but misses to get hit on the pads. There were two noises though. Anderson and the rest appeal. The umpire agrees and gives it out. Rassie has gone for the DRS straightaway. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there was an inside edge. The umpire will have to overturn his decision. Brilliant to review the on-field call. Had he missed, it would have been plumb.

Rassie van der Dussen. has been given out LBW and he has reviewed it immediately. If Rassie has not hit it, he is plumb. Let's see what happens.

18.6

.

On middle, Elgar solidly defends it back to the bowler.

18.5

1

Floated on off, pushed to cover for a single.

18.4

.

Flatter one on middle, van der Dussen defends it to short leg.

18.3

.

Looped up ball on off, Rassie prods forward and defends it out.

18.2

1

Fuller one on middle and leg, Elgar pushes it down to long on for a single.

18.1

.

Flatter one outside off, Elgar leaves it alone.

17.6

.

Fullish ball outside off, van der Dussen makes a good leave to the keeper.

17.5

.

Fuller one outside off, Rassie lunges and then decides to leave the ball alone.

17.4

.

Good length ball on off, Rassie guides it to point.

17.3

.

Outside off, left alone.

17.2

.

BEATEN! That is a peach of a delivery. Good length delivery around off, moving away from the batsman. Rassie attempts to defend but it just whizzes past the outside edge of the bat and into the keeper's gloves.

17.1

.

Fullish delivery on off, Rassie defends it to cover.

16.6

.

Tosses this one up on middle, Elgar gently pushes it back to the bowler.

16.5

.

On off, Dean defends it off the back foot.

16.4

.

Looped up ball outside off, Elgar pushes it to cover.

16.3

.

Flat one on off, Elgar rocks back and blocks it to cover.

16.2

1

Flatter delivery on middle and leg, van der Dussen works it to deep square leg and takes a single. 50 up for the Proteas.

16.1

1

Loopy delivery on off, Elgar pushes it to cover and picks up a single.

15.6

.

Full delivery on off, van der Dussen defends it to the off side.

15.5

.

Good length delivery on middle, Rassie defends it to short leg.

15.4

.

On a length outside off, this time van der Dussen shoulders arms to it.

15.3

4

EDGY FOUR! Things are happening here at Newlands. Fortunate way to get off the mark for van der Dussen. Back of a length ball outside off, Rassie pokes at it but gets a thick outside edge which goes between the second slip and the gully fielder. Stokes dives to his right but the ball goes quickly past him and into the fence.

15.2

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Rassie does not fiddle with it and lets it through to the keeper.

15.1

.

On a length outside off, moving in a bit. van der Dussen leaves it alone.

14.6

.

Looped up ball on middle, Elgar pushes it back to Bess.

14.5

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Dean works it to mid-wicket.

14.4

.

On middle, played back to the bowler.

14.3

.

Floated ball on middle, Elgar works it to the leg side and says no for the single.

14.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Dean defends it out.

14.1

4

FOUR! UPPISH BUT SAFE! Bess starts with a floated ball outside off, Elgar lunges forward and looks to drive but it goes uppishly. Luckily for Elgar it goes wide of the diving fielder and into the extra cover fence. Not sure whether the fielder got his hand on it.

First signs of spin! Dominic Bess is into the attack.

13.6

.

On a length on middle, Rassie defends it out. Excellent over comes to an end from James Anderson.

Rassie van der Dussen is the new man in.

13.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Anderson returns and picks up the big fish, the South African skipper. Excellent bowling. Full delivery around off, du Plessis looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes to second slip. Stokes stationed there moves to his left and takes a simple catch. The hosts slip further. 40 for 3 in no time. Not the start South Africa would have wanted.

13.4

.

Good length outside off, du Plessis shoulders arms to this one.

13.3

.

Good length delivery with extra bounce. Faf looks to defend but it hits the splice of the bat and rolls onto the pitch.

13.2

.

On a length on middle, du Plessis blocks it back to the bowler.

13.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Faf defends it to mid on off the front foot.

James Anderson is back on.

12.6

.

On off, pushed to point for nothing.

12.5

.

On a length on off, Elgar defends it to cover.

12.4

1

Short of a length on middle, Faf works it to square leg and crosses over for a single.

12.3

.

Good length ball on middle, du Plessis defends it out to Curran.

12.2

1

Back of a length ball outside off, Elgar pushes it to deep point and takes a single.

12.1

.

Nicely bowled! Well played too. Very full delivery on middle, Elgar gets his bat down in time and blocks it out.

11.6

.

Good length ball on off, du Plessis blocks it out.

11.5

.

Outside off, left alone.

11.4

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Faf lets the ball go to the keeper.

11.3

.

On a length on off, Faf stands tall and defends it to point.

11.2

.

Very full delivery on middle, du Plessis pushes it down to mid on.

11.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Faf makes a good leave to this one.

10.6

.

On a length on middle, Elgar works it to mid-wicket.

10.5

.

Fullish one on middle, Dean pushes it to mid off.

10.4

.

Good length on off, Elgar blocks it out to cover off the back foot.

10.3

.

On off, Elgar is solid in defense.

10.2

.

Fuller one on off, Dean blocks it out to point.

10.1

.

Good length on middle and leg, Elgar defends it to mid on.

9.6

.

Good length ball on middle, Faf defends it back to the bowler. Broad shows some aggression as he picks the ball and underarms the ball towards du Plessis. Stares exchanged.

Drinks! A brilliant hour for England then. After bundling out quickly, they have removed two Protea batters inside 10 overs. It is Stuart Broad who is doing the damage. Elgar has looked solid but his partners, not so good so far. Here's his skipper Faf du Plessis coming in to join him out in the middle. Can these two occupy the crease and build a decent stand together? An intriguing hour awaits.

9.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent catch from Stokes and Broad gets his second wicket. South Africa are in a spot of bother. Back of a length ball outside off, nipping away. Hamza looks to defend it off the back foot but gets a thick outside edge towards second slip. Stokes there, dives to his right and pouches it just inches above the ground. Brilliant. Broad is making the ball talk from his end at Newlands.

Stuart Broad has got an official warning for running on the danger area. First one of the innings.

9.4

.

On a length on off, nipping in. Hamza defends it out solidly.

9.3

.

On off, driven towards mid off where the fielder dives and stops the ball. No run.

9.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Zubayr defends it out off the back foot.

9.1

4

FOUR! Brilliant shot from Hamza! Positive cricket! That's how he likes to play. Full delivery on off, Hamza leans forward and creams the drive through the cover region for a boundary. Stokes chases after it but does not manage to get there in time.

8.6

.

Full ball outside the off stump line, Dean lets the ball go to the keeper.

8.5

.

Fullish delivery on middle, Elgar works it to mid-wicket.

8.4

1

On off, Zubayr gets off the mark by guiding this towards point and taking a single.

8.3

.

Better from Curran! Good length ball outside off, Hamza leaves it alone.

8.2

3

Another one down the leg side, Elgar flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region and takes three before Crawley from deep square leg hares across and collects it. 7 from the first two balls to start with from Curran.

8.1

4

FOUR! Curran starts with a poor delivery on the pads, Elgar whips it away to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. The fielder from deep square leg comes across but gives up the chase.

First change from England. Sam Curran is brought into the attack. He picked up four wickets in the first innings of the first Test. Can he make an impact here as well?

7.6

.

BEATEN! Excellent. Just excellent stuff from Broad. Good length ball outside off, moving away from the batsman. Hamza looks to defend off the back foot but fails to get anything on it. A successful over comes to an end from Broad.

7.5

.

On off, Hamza pushes it back to Broad.

7.4

.

Length ball on off, Zubayr looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge towards gully who collects it on a bounce.

7.3

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Hamza defends it out to mid on.

7.2

.

Fuller ball around off, Hamza comes forward and keeps it out.

Zubayr Hamza is the new man in.

7.1

W

OUT! Caught! Broad strikes and the debutant has to depart! Brilliant bowling from him. A slightly shortish ball outside off which shapes away after pitching. He can easily let this go to the keeper but this time he has a poke at it. The away movement means an outside edge is induced and it goes to Root at first slip. He takes it in front of his face nicely. Poor, poor shot this one from the debutant.

6.6

4

EDGY FOUR! Just short! Good length ball on off, nipping away, Elgar looks to defend it but gets squared up. It goes off the outside edge towards first slip. It bounces in front of him and goes between his legs into the fence.

6.5

2

Length ball on middle and leg, Elgar works it to deep square leg and picks up a couple.

6.4

.

Fuller ball on off, Elgar solidly defends it back to the bowler.

6.3

.

On a length on off, Elgar blocks it off the back foot to point.

6.2

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Dean shoulders arms to this one.

6.1

.

Good length ball on off, Elgar defends it to mid off.

5.6

.

Another leave to see off the over as Broad dishes out another good length ball outside off.

5.5

.

In the channel again but too wide to make Malan play. He shoulders arms.

5.4

.

Outside off this time, an easy leave for Malan.

5.3

.

Another ball around off on a fullish length, Malan pushes it to point.

5.2

.

Beauty from Broad! Fuller and just outside off. As Malan comes forward to defend the ball shapes away from his and bat. Luckily for him, it does not take the outside edge.

5.1

.

Good length ball on middle, blocked towards mid-wicket.

4.6

2

Nicely done! A fuller ball around off, Elgar runs it down through point and gully and before the fielder can get to the ball, a couple for him.

4.5

.

Around off, pushed to point.

4.4

.

On middle, Elgar pushes it to mid on.

4.3

.

Good length ball on off, Elgar waits and at the last moment taps it towards gully where the fielder does well to stop the ball with a tumble to his left.

4.2

.

Fuller and on middle, Elgar works it in front of square leg.

4.1

1

Good length ball on middle, worked towards square leg by Malan for a single.

3.6

.

Fuller and on off this time, Elgar looks to drive but gets an inside edge. The ball goes between his legs but luckily does not go onto the stumps.

3.5

.

Another one on off, Elgar once again makes a solid block.

3.4

.

This one is pitched on off and it comes into Elgar. He blocks it off the back foot.

3.3

.

He does that on this one. Bowls it around off and on a slightly fuller length, Elgar gets behind the line of the delivery and defends.

3.2

.

Another ball which is outside off, Elgar has nothing to do with it once again. Broad needs to get closer to the off pole and make Elgar play.

3.1

.

Shortish length ball outside off, Elgar makes a leave to start the over.

2.6

.

Gets slightly fuller and around off, Malan this time comes forward and defends it.

2.5

.

Make that third leave in a row as Malan once again covers his stumps and allows the ball to go to the keeper.

2.4

.

Another leave as Anderson bowls it on a good length ball outside off.

2.3

.

In the channel outside off, it is left alone.

2.2

.

Good length around off, tapped towards covers.

2.1

.

Outside off, Malan covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper.

1.6

4

FOUR! This is a brilliant shot! Full and outside off, Elgar reaches out and drives it through point for another boundary.

1.5

4b

FOUR BYES! That's through everyone. A good length ball which is once again angled into Elgar. He looks to defend but the ball comes back in sharply to beat his inside edge. Buttler behind the wicket fails to collect the ball either. It goes behind him and into the fence.

1.4

.

Landed around off on a good length, Elgar looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes to square leg.

1.3

.

Good length ball outside off, it is angled into the left-hander. Elgar covers his stumps and shoulders arms.

1.2

4

FOUR! Punched nicely! First one from Elgar's bat. Another fuller ball around off, Elgar just punches it on the front foot. It races to the long off fence in a jiffy.

1.1

.

Fuller ball on off first up from Broad. Elgar leans and pushes it to mid off.

Stuart Broad with the ball from the other end. 2 slips and a gully for him.

0.6

4

FOUR! First runs for Pieter Malan in Test cricket! This will give him a lot of confidence. Short delivery outside off, Malan stands tall and punches it through the cover region for a boundary. Gives a smile after hitting that shot.

0.5

.

Fullish ball nipping away, Pieter leaves the ball alone to the keeper.

0.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Malan defends his first ball in international cricket back to the bowler.

0.3

1

South Africa and Elgar are underway! Fuller one outside off, Elgar pushes it through covers and crosses over for a single.

0.2

.

Back of a length ball on off, Elgar defends it out to point.

0.1

.

Anderson starts with a good length ball on middle, Elgar defends it out to mid off.

The hosts are pursuing not a big score to get into the lead but do not underestimate the English bowlers. They can be destructive on any given day and the Proteas would need to bat extremely well on this wicket.

Now, the South African openers are out in the middle. Dean Elgar and Pieter Malan are two men for South Africa. James Anderson with the ball for the visitors first up. 3 slips in place.

South African bowlers were excellent on Day 1 and did not offer any easy runs for the visitors. They struck early but England did offer resistance with a few partnership but before they could turn into a bigger one, South Africa chipped away the wickets to keep their total to 269. All the bowlers took at least a wicket for the hosts.

Earlier on Day 1, England opted to bat first after winning the toss. Apart from Crawley, all the batters got starts but could not convert them into a big one as South Africa kept taking wickets at regular intervals. England looked at a decent position when they were 221/5 but a collapse saw them slump to 234/9. Pope hung on with Anderson for the final wicket and scored an unbeaten half ton.

17 legal deliveries is all South Africa needed to remove the final wicket and close the innings. No century for Pope then but he has played a very important hand to take the English total to 269. Rabada finishes off with a 3-fer here.

91.5

W

OUT! Caught at slip! Rabada has done the job for the Proteas and Anderson cannot manage to see off the over. A shortish ball outside off, Anderson looks to fend at it, away from his body off the back foot. An outside edge is induced and it goes straight to van der Dussen at first slip. ENGLAND ARE ALL OUT FOR 269.

91.4

.

Landed around off, Anderson keeps it out.

91.3

.

This time he is beaten but no edge on it so he won't mind. A good length ball around off, Anderson looks to defend but plays down the wrong line to get beaten.

91.2

.

Anderson does well with the first one he faces. A fuller ball on off, James taps it towards cover.

91.1

1

Oops! Misjudgement on the part of Pope. He thought he'd be able to steal the second but that wasn't on offer. A fuller ball on middle, Pope works it towards long on and takes off for the run. Only a single as the fielder there rushed to the ball quickly. So, 5 potential balls for Anderson to survive.

90.6

1

Over mid off! Just a single again and Pope keeps the strike again. A short of a length ball outside off, Pope looks to slam it over mid off but mistimes it. However, the timing is good enough to clear Philander at mid off. The batters can get a couple before Philander can get to the ball but only one is what they want.

90.6

1wd

WIDE! Another bumper which is over the head of Pope and this time the umpire calls it wide. This is around off, Pope lets it be.

90.5

.

Goes for the mighty pull to this one but does not make any connection. A back of a length ball on middle, Pope looks to pull but fails. Called one for the over as it was just around Pope's head height.

90.4

.

Beaten! First time this morning! Good length ball just outside off, Pope pokes at the ball to get beaten as it straightens a touch.

90.3

.

Fuller again, Pope pushes it towards sweeper cover. Singles are on offer for Pope but he is not interested. Boundaries are what he is looking for and singles only on the 5th or 6th ball, if possible.

90.2

.

Shortish around off, tapped towards cover by Pope this time.

90.1

.

Nortje starts with a good length ball around off, Pope comes forward and blocks it towards mid off.

Anrich Nortje to bowl from the other end. Just 1 slip in place.

89.6

1

Quick run! Pope will keep the strike. A back of a length ball on middle, Pope does well to tuck it towards square leg and takes a quick single.

89.5

.

Bouncer on middle and leg. Pope ducks under it with ease.

89.4

2

Full and on middle again, Pope whips it wide of long on and before the long on fielder can get to the ball, a couple of runs for Pope.

89.3

.

Yorker around off, Pope jams it out.

89.2

.

Fuller and outside off, it is pushed to covers by Pope.

89.1

1

Runs straightaway! A fuller ball outside off from Rabada, Anderson dabs it towards gully where the fielder cannot stop the ball cleanly. A single for Anderson on the very first ball. Now, Pope will look to farm the strike from hereon.

The South Africans walk out to the middle and they will be hoping that it is not for a long time as they have to take just one wicket. Out come the overnight batters too, Ollie Pope and James Anderson. Kagiso Rabada will start off the proceedings with James Anderson on strike. Here we go!

South Africa should've been coming out to bat now but Rabada overstepped late in the day and well, Pope and Anderson then added 28 unbeaten runs to take England towards a decent first innings total. 262 on the board with 1 wicket in hand. How many more can England add to this total? Can they get around the 300-run mark? Big mental advantage, you know. The hosts will be eager to get rid of the final wicket to bundle out England before the total gets even bigger. We will soon find out how things pan out on Day 2. Welcome to our coverage for the same.

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

Right! 9 wickets fall on Day 1 then. Should have been 10 but Rabada overstepped. What will Day 2 hold in store? Do England have enough? Mind you, they are not done yet. Can they get to 300? Can Pope play a blinder and reach his century? Can Anderson rekindle his 2009 Cardiff memories from the Ashes and hang around? Ufff... too many questions. Take a break. Sleep over those. Think over those. Or rather, do neither. Just ignore the questions and come back on Saturday, 4th January, 2020 at 10.30 am local (0830 GMT) for all the action from Day 2. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

South Africa's bowling coach Charles Langeveldt need not be too unhappy either. He will be worried about that poor last 30 minutes but on the whole, it was a decent outing for his bowlers. Everyone bowled well but Anrich Nortje and Dwaine Pretorius were the most impressive. The question always asked is not what can your strike bowlers do. But what can your backup guys after the strike bowlers do. Nortje and Pretorius did not disappoint. They sustained the pressure built up by the opening bowlers and that resulted in the eventual fall of wickets.

It is very difficult to bat with a partner of lesser ability than yours and Pope learnt that here. But he kept his cool and just hung in there. He managed to farm the strike with James Anderson and has added 28 crucial runs so far, getting his half century also in the process. Who knows how vital they might turn out to be?

A day of starts for England. Apart from Zak Crawley, every dismissed batsman in the top 7 got in but then got out. They stuck in there, saw off difficult periods but just when it was time to reap benefits of that hard work, they threw it away. The period before the second new ball then decelerated their progress rapidly. Buttler fell in the 75th over and the visitors lost 4/13 in the span of 43 balls. But then, they were saved by the Pope. Well, jokes apart, not THE Pope, but Ollie Pope.

Exclude that last manic half an hour and it has been a wonderful day for South Africa. You lose the toss and have the opposition 9 down for a shade over 250, of course you will be happy. But looking at the inconsistent bounce in the pitch, wonder if England would not be too unhappy?

88.6

.

Another bouncer, down the leg side again, ducked under again. OVER AND TIME, says Paul Reiffel. STUMPS ON DAY 1!

88.5

.

A bouncer, down the leg side, ducked under.

88.4

.

Short and outside off, cut straight to deep point.

88.3

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

88.2

.

Landed outside off, played straight to point.

88.1

.

Short and outside off, cut through point but does not take the single.

87.6

.

Around middle and leg again, worked towards square leg again. An eventful over, should have been the last of the day and the innings but KG... gone to junior KG.

87.5

.

Around middle and leg, tucked towards square leg.

87.5

1nb

CAUGHT OFF A NO BALL! This is really poor from Rabada. First, he does not bowl to the field and second, he has overstepped now. A short ball again, at the body, Pope comes down the track and looks to swat this out of the park. But he is cramped for room and gets a top edge. The ball swirls in the air towards fine leg where Vernon Philander comes running in, does really well to focus on the ball and takes a very good catch. The players are ready to head off the field but umpire Dharmasena wants to check for the overstepping. And yes, replays confirm that Rabada has overstepped. Now, the umpire wants to check whether the batsmen had crossed when the catch was being taken. Yup, the batsmen had crossed, as per the replays. So Anderson will face the remaining two balls of this over. Interestingly, Mike Atherton on air informs us that two balls before Rabada had overstepped but it was not called!

CAUGHT! But has Rabada overstepped? Dear me, he has! Schoolboy stuff. The umpires are checking whether the batsmen crossed when the catch was being taken. Yup. Jimmy on strike now.

A fly slip comes in place again.

87.4

4

FOUR! There he goes again! What is more interesting is, Faf's reaction. He throws his arms in the air, as if to ask his bowler - 'Why did you bowl that?' Because just before this ball, the captain removed that man from fly slip and got him to second slip. So short ball was definitely not the plan. But Rabada, like a bad student, does not pay heed to his captain's instructions. Bowls it short and Pope ramps it over the keeper, to the third man fence.

87.3

.

Landed outside off, dabbed to third man. No single taken.

Just an FYI - around 10 minutes left for Stumps. Even if England get bowled out now, South Africa WILL NOT bat tonight.

87.2

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

87.1

.

That stays low. On a length outside off, Pope stays inside the line and pushes hard but the ball shoots low and beats the inside edge. Lands short of the keeper.

86.6

.

OOOHH... ALMOST! Full and around middle, Anderson looks to flick and it nearly goes straight to short leg! Lands just short.

86.5

3

HALF CENTURY FOR OLLIE POPE! Just his second in Tests but it has been his best innings so far in this format. Because it has been under immense pressure. A short ball outside off, Pope pulls it uppishly, through the massive vacant areas at mid-wicket. Dean Elgar gives it a good chase from deep square leg and puts in a slide to stop the ball. Three runs taken.

The field comes up now. So do the two batsmen, towards each other, for a brief chat. Mind games. Everyone is ready but at the last moment, Nortje goes towards mid off for some strategy discussion.

86.4

.

A bouncer on off, Ollie ducks and sways at the same time, in time.

86.3

.

Outside off, flashed through point. No single taken again.

86.2

.

A length ball outside off, coming in with the angle, Pope looks to tap and run but then changes his mind.

86.1

.

Short and outside off, cut behind point to get his half century. To NOT get his half century. Team first. First ball. Denies the single.

Anrich Nortje returns. 15-1-51-2 so far.

85.6

.

A sharp bouncer, outside off, Jimmy looks to fend but the ball keeps on rising and coming in. Beats his poke. Anderson has seen off an entire over.

85.5

2

Jimmy gets some runs! Well, the crowd has actually stood up as one to applaud. Landed outside off, on a length, JA plays this away from his body and gets it through cover-point. Two runs taken. The stand is worth 20 now, from 23 balls.

85.4

.

Good bowling. Targets the yorker, bowls it very full and straight. But Anderson keeps it out. The crowd cheers again.

85.3

.

Ooohhh... nervy. A length ball outside off, JA looks to play the upper cut, but then misses due to the steep bounce.

85.2

.

Outside off, another solid defense, to the off side.

85.1

.

Cheer from the crowd! Jimmy keeps one out from this over. A length ball around off, Anderson gets right behind this one and blocks.

84.6

4

FOUR! Much better shot this time. A length ball, on middle, Pope comes down the track and lofts it over mid on. One bounce and into the ropes. 250 UP FOR ENGLAND!

84.5

4

FOUR! Just over! Full and outside off, Pope walks into the shot and lofts it over mid off. Kagiso Rabada moving to his left leaps but the ball goes over him.

84.4

.

Down the leg side, worked straight to mid-wicket.

84.3

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

84.2

.

Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.

84.1

1

Close call. Full and outside off, Anderson pushes at it away from his body and gets a thick inside edge. It just misses the leg stump, en route fine leg. A single taken.

83.6

2

MISCALCULATION! Pope is on his haunches, smiling. That was not how he calculated. A short ball outside off, Pope looks to clobber that back past the bowler. But he mistimes it. Rabada stretches out his left hand but it just eludes him and beats mid off. Now, Anrich Nortje is running after it from mid off and Pope has to think about a single or three. He chooses the latter. Takes two and Jimmy is ready for the third, turning blind. But Pope rightly sends him back, as he is not sure whether he will make it in time to the bowler's end. Good decision in the end as the throw was pretty sharp. But why did he not just settle for a single?

Everybody is being brought up now.

83.5

.

Outside off, once again, Ollie looks to play the ramp but misses.

83.4

4

FOUR! A cheeky shot! A shot which plenty of youngsters love to play these days. That is not to suggest that I am old, by any means. A short ball, around off, coming in with the angle, following the batsman. Pope initially looks to duck but at the last moment, plays the upper cut, right back over the keeper's head! One bounce and into the fence.

83.3

.

Full and outside off, wide again, OP crashes this through the covers but this time, straight to Maharaj at sweeper.

83.2

2

A bit wider outside off, Ollie crashes this in front of sweeper, just past cover. Keshav Maharaj has a bit of an area to sweep to his right. So by the time he covers that portion, two runs are taken.

83.1

.

A short ball wide outside off, Pope slashes hard but misses.

82.6

.

Both balls survived. Full and wide outside off, either a bad ball or bowled with a plan to tempt Jimmy into the drive. But it is left alone.

82.5

.

1 survived. The crowd cheers. Plenty of English supporters today. Full and outside off, Anderson shoulders arms.

82.4

1

Full and wide outside off, OP drives it through point for a single. 2 balls left for Jimmy to survive.

82.3

.

Full and straight, pushed towards mid on.

82.2

.

Beauty. On a length outside off, Ollie looks to push but the ball moves away late off the seam and beats the outside edge.

82.1

.

Full and wide outside off, Pope slashes hard to sweeper cover. Does not take the single.

James Anderson is the last man in.

81.6

W

OUT! BOWLED! Broady, Broady, what happened there? Poor lad. 73 matches before he got on the helmet by a vicious Varun Aaron bouncer. Has never been the same since. He is always expecting a bouncer first up. Bowlers all over the world are terrorizing him now, threatening bouncers, but then slipping in fuller ones. Rabada does exactly that. Broad is deep in his crease, expecting a short one. But he gets a fuller one. Now, here is the height of all misfortunes. Stuart does get his bat down. But while coming down, the willow gets stuck behind his front pad! The ball meets no obstruction and clatters the stumps.

81.5

1

Gets the single he wanted. A length ball outside off, OP steers it behind point for a run.

81.4

.

A length ball outside off, Ollie looks to defend but the ball moves away and takes the outside edge. Goes towards point.

81.3

.

A bouncer on middle, Pope ducks.

81.2

.

Around off, defended towards cover.

81.1

.

No looseners. A perfect start. Full and just outside off, watchfully defended.

Kagiso Rabada to share the second new ball with the big Vern. 14-3-47-1 so far.

80.6

1

Goes for the booming inswinger but ends up spraying it on the pads. Pope flicks it towards square leg in the deep for a single.

80.5

.

And again. This is slightly wider outside off, OP launches a massive cover drive, only to miss again.

80.4

.

Aha... Movement through the air for Vernon. Outside off, on a length, Ollie flashes a drive but misses.

80.3

1

Around off, tucked through mid-wicket for a single.

80.2

.

A length ball, around middle, swinging in, Broad misses his flick and is hit on the pads.

Stuart Broad walks in at number 10, replacing Bess.

80.1

W

OUT! Caught behind! Philander strikes with the first ball in his first spell with the second new ball. That is the end of Bess. England in a mess. A typical Vernon dismissal. Ask questions. Put the ball in that avenue of apprehension. Sow the seed of doubt in the batsman's mind. Should I play? Should I leave? Will the ball move away? Will the ball come in? What if I lose my stumps like Curran did? Poor Bess cannot be blamed entirely. He sees that pitch around the 4th stump outside off and is caught in two minds as to which way will the ball move. He looks to play this straight, down the ground but to his dismay, the ball pitches and then straightens. Enough to take the outside edge. Simple catch for Quinton de Kock. 3/10 in 32 balls!

GoaRocks - 'Hurray! The second new ball taken? Now, all out! Yippee!'

Interesting. THE SECOND NEW BALL HAS BEEN TAKEN. One might have thought Faf might delay it, due to this late burst of wickets. VERNON PHILANDER to make the first use of it. 13-3-34-1 so far.

79.6

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

79.5

.

Floated outside off, driven straight to cover.

79.4

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

79.3

.

Full and on middle, Pope comes down the track and looks to flick but hits it in the air. But there is no short leg or short mid-wicket present.

79.2

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot.

79.1

.

Short and outside off, cut straight to point.

Dominic Bess walks in at number 9, replacing Curran.

78.6

W

OUT! BOWLED! Now, Sir Geoffrey, sir Geoffrey, where are you? Ian Chappell, where art thou? Both of you, if present at the ground, or in the commentary box, would have said, 'Kid, you have a bat in hand. Just make use of that. You are not here to leave balls.' Terrible misjudgement from Sam. Not that a misjudgement is ever sweet. But that is a saying, so went with the flow. A length ball outside off, Curran shoulders arms. But the cherry comes back in with the angle and to his horror, shatters the stumps behind.

78.5

4

FOUR! Nicely done. Though, Pretorius will not mind it too much. Not a bad ball, by no means a half volley outside off. Curran has actually come forward and driven a ball which is short of full, on the up. There is a short extra cover and a mid off close to him, in place. But Sam has thread that gap to precision.

78.4

.

Around off, pushed towards mid on.

78.3

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.

78.2

.

On a length, outside off, coming in with the angle, pushed back to the bowler again.

78.1

.

A length ball outside off, coming in, watchfully defended.

77.6

.

Full again, OP reaches out and blocks.

77.5

.

Short and outside off, Ollie rocks back to cut but finds point.

77.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

77.3

.

Full and outside off, Pope lunges to defend.

77.2

1

Oohhh... Curran lunges to defend but the ball spins in, probably off the rough. Don't see much though. It bounces, takes the inside edge but there is no short leg. A run taken towards square leg.

77.1

1

Tossed up outside off, driven towards long off for a single.

76.6

4

INSIDE EDGE, MISSES THE STUMPS, FOUR! Things are happening here. A length ball outside off, Curran pushes at it away from his body. The ball though, comes in and cramps him for room. The inside edge is eked out and it goes behind, but JUST over the stumps, to the fine leg fence!

76.5

.

This time the cover drive is timed perfectly but straight to cover.

76.4

.

Cover drive to mid on. No, I am not done for the day. Yet. Full and outside off, Sam looks to drive but the ball swings back in and goes off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.

76.3

.

Around off, this is defended stoutly.

76.2

.

That was a ripper. On a length outside off, coming back in a long way, Curran looks to work it to the leg side but the ball shapes back in, beats the inside edge, hits the thigh and goes towards gully.

76.1

.

Around off, solidly defended.

75.6

.

Comes down the track now and defends.

75.5

.

Outside off, pushed straight to cover.

75.4

.

Full and wide outside off, plenty of flight, Pope reaches out and drives it straight to cover.

75.3

.

Comes down the track this time and drives but finds the bowler.

75.2

.

On middle, worked straight to short leg.

75.1

.

Full and around off, watchfully blocked out.

Into the all-rounders now. Sam Curran is the first of them.

74.6

W

OUT! Caught behind! Oh my. Did we say Buttler is at his best when he is busy at the crease? He is now gone. Just what South Africa would have wanted before the second new ball is taken. The walk on the move has removed Buttler. Pretorius maintains his line and length outside off and Jos, by habit, looks to push. But the ball nibbles away off the seam and squares him up. There is a noise as the ball goes past the bat and de Kock and Pretorius go up. The finger from the man who matters the most goes up as well. Joseph does not bother waiting. Ultra Edge shows a thin spike. Another start wasted.

74.5

2

Outside off, played through point for a couple.

74.4

.

Around off, on a length, watchfully blocked out.

74.3

4

FOUR! SWEET! Full and outside off, Buttler comes forward and drives this through the covers!

What happened there? Pretorius comes running in but aborts his runup midway.

74.2

.

Around off, watchfully defended.

74.1

.

Oh dear...rash, very rash. But this is also a sign that he is looking to be positive. He adopted this technique of walking down the track in the Test matches against India and it worked for him. He is at his best when he is busy. But this time, he walks into the shot, pushes at the ball but misses due to the late movement.

73.6

.

Around off, well defended.

73.5

.

Punched off the back foot by the batsman.

73.4

.

Full and around off, Pope comes down the track and blocks it.

73.3

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

73.2

1

Full on middle, Buttler comes down the track and pushes it to long on for a single.

73.1

.

On middle, punched off the back foot.

Drinks! An hour of play which has belonged to both sides. Stokes and Pope started well before Stokes threw it away with a poor shot. Buttler has come in and is looking edgy out there. Pope, though has looked comfortable and England need to put up a good partnership. South Africa will not be too disappointed but they would have been a little happier if they prized out a few more wickets.

72.6

.

Full delivery on off, Ollie pushes it to cover.

72.5

4

EDGY FOUR! Luck is favouring Ollie Pope out at Newlands. Full delivery on middle, Pope looks to push it but gets a thick outside edge which goes between the second slip and gully fielder. It flies into the fence.

72.4

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Pope works it to square leg.

72.3

.

On off, Pope drives it beautifully but finds the cover fielder.

72.2

.

Full outside off, left alone.

72.1

2

Well fielded! Full delivery outside off, Pope drives it beautifully through covers and picks up a couple. Malan puts in a terrific run and makes a good sliding stop.

Dwaine Pretorius is back on.

71.6

.

On middle, defended back to the bowler.

71.5

.

Flatter delivery on off, Buttler cuts but finds the point fielder.

71.4

.

Floated ball on off, Buttler lunges and blocks it to point.

71.3

.

Short ball on off, Jos pushes it to cover.

71.2

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Buttler pushes it to point.

There is a slight halt in play as the ball was lost after that six from Buttler.

71.1

6

SIX! Gets that one does Buttler. Floated ball on middle, Buttler dances down and heaves it over the long on region for a biggie.

70.6

.

On a length outside off, Pope leaves it alone.

70.5

.

Just short! Full delivery on off, Pope looks to drive it but gets a thick outside edge which goes towards second slip. The fielder comes forward in an attempt to catch but it falls short. Luck favouring Pope out there.

70.4

.

Short of a length on middle, Pope has no problems in ducking under it.

70.3

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Pope ducks under it.

70.2

.

Good length on middle, Ollie solidly blocks it.

70.1

.

Full on middle, Pope defends it out.

69.6

1

Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.

69.5

1

Was that a drop catch? From the reactions it certainly does look like it. Floated on off, Buttler drives it uppishly to silly mid off. It goes in between the legs of him and through mid off. A single taken. The replays show that it might have burst through his hands but even if it was, it was a tough one.

69.4

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Jos defends it out.

69.3

.

On off, defended off the back foot to cover.

69.2

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

69.1

4

FOUR! Clever shot but risky as well. Floated ball on middle, Buttler plays the paddle sweep to fine leg. Vernon Philander hares after it and slides to make a stop. The umpires go in to check whether it is a four. The replays confirm that Philander has touched the ropes while trying to push the ball away.

68.6

1

Good length ball on off, Buttler taps it to point and calls Pope for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Pope was in though.

68.5

.

Full delivery on off, Jos defends it out.

68.4

.

Short of a length around off, Buttler looks to pull at first but then gets his bat out in time. Lets it go to the keeper.

68.3

4

FOUR! But Buttler was lucky there. If he had missed, it would have been crashing into the stumps. Nortje bowls a full delivery on middle, Buttler moves to the off side and manages to get bat on it and flicks it to the fine leg region for a boundary.

68.2

.

Full on off, Jos defends it out to Nortje.

There we go again. He is unafraid, the hadeda. Halts play for a bit again, hopping across on the outfield.

68.1

4

FOUR! That will give Buttler some confidence. He has been out of touch for some while now. On a length outside off, Buttler camps back and punches it off the back foot through covers for a boundary. Two fielders chase after it but the ball wins the race.

67.6

.

Loopy delivery around off, Ollie takes a stride forward and pushes it to point.

67.5

.

Tossed up ball on middle, Pope comes down the pitch and flicks it to mid-wicket.

67.4

.

Fuller one outside off, Pope drives it to cover for nothing.

67.3

.

Flat one on middle and leg, Ollie pushes it back to the bowler.

67.2

.

On off, Pope lunges forward and defends it out.

67.1

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Buttler works it wide of mid on and takes a single.

66.6

.

Around off, solidly defended back to the bowler.

66.5

.

A bouncer now, Pope ducks.

66.4

1

Streaky start. Full and around off, Buttler looks to work it to the leg side but the ball moves away slightly and goes off the leading edge through the covers. A single taken.

Jos Buttler walks in now. Under a lot of criticism. Needs runs. Needs big runs. For starters, he should be there when the first ball is bowled tomorrow morning. With the bat in hand.

66.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT AT COVER! Gosh, gosh, gosh. Both sides would be thinking about that word. Just when England seemed well on top, right from nowhere, a wicket has fallen. And it is the man who scored a double century the first time he batted here in Tests. Ben Stokes looks at the ground crestfallen. He takes half a minute or so and then trudges off. This is a big boost for the Proteas. Full and outside off, Stokes looks to drive but his bottom hand comes off the bat. As a result, he is not in control of the shot and the ball flies off the face of the bat, straight to Dean Elgar at short cover. This did not hit a divot. This did not deviate off the seam. This did not swing in the air. Like many unexplained things in the universe, this just happened. Perhaps, when you are facing a bloke bowling close to 90 miles an hour, you sometimes do not have control of your shots. This was one of those times. This is what pace brings to Test cricket.

66.2

.

Full and around off, Stokes walks forward and pushes it back to the bowler.

66.1

1

Full and around off, pushed towards mid on for a very quick single.

65.6

1

On middle, pushed towards mid on.

65.5

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

65.4

.

NOT OUT! Umpire's call it is on hitting the stumps. It is not a bad decision to review in the end as it looked very close. Maharaj floats this one up on middle and leg, Pope looks to defend it but gets hit flush on the pads. Maharaj appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Maharaj is confident and convinces Faf to go for the review. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there was no bat on it. The Ball Tracker is up now and it is umpire's call on hitting the leg stump. The Proteas do not lose a review.

Close, close, pretty close! No, says umpire Kumara Dharmasena. Inside edge? Missing leg? Faf du Plessis signals for the LBW review. Seems to be going down leg to the naked eye. UMPIRE'S CALL. It is clipping the leg stump on height!

65.3

1

On middle, Stokes flicks it to the leg side for a single.

65.2

.

On middle, Ben defends it back to Maharaj.

65.1

4

FOUR! A poor ball and Stokes makes full use of it. Not a length to bowl to a batsman like Stokes. Short of a length on middle, Stokes camps back and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.

64.6

1

On middle, Stokes works it to deep square leg and takes a single.

64.5

4

FOUR! Smashed! Back of a length ball outside off, Stokes stands tall and punches it through the covers for a boundary. 50-run stand is up between the two. England needed it after losing two quick wickets.

64.4

.

Where has that come from? Back of a length ball around off which bounces a little more than what Stokes expected. He looks to defend but gets hit on the gloves. Very well bowled from Nortje.

64.3

.

On a length on off, Stokes defends it out.

64.2

1

SAFE! Almost did the trick! Short of a length on middle, Pope is late on his pull but gets a top edge but luckily for him it just goes over Vernon Philander at mid off. Before he can clean it up the batters take a single.

64.1

.

Nortje starts with a fuller one outside off, Ollie does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.

Anrich Nortje is back on. 11-0-34-1, his figures so far.

63.6

6

SIX! Finally we see a maximum in this game! Maharaj tosses this one up on middle, Stokes puts on his dancing shoes and hammers it over the long on region for half a dozen.

63.5

.

Full on middle, Ben pushes it to mid on.

63.4

.

On middle, Stokes tucks it to mid-wicket.

63.3

.

Flat on middle and leg, Ben blocks it,

63.2

.

Flatter one on middle, Ben defends it out.

63.1

.

Short of a length on middle, Stokes pulls it to square leg. The fielder fails to collect it cleanly but no run.

62.6

.

On off, driven to mid off.

62.5

.

Vernon bowls another one which is full outside off, Pope solidly pushes it to point.

62.4

.

Good length on off, Pope taps it to point.

62.3

.

On off, Pope lunges forward and blocks it to cover.

62.2

.

Fuller one outside off, Ollie lets the ball go to the keeper.

62.1

.

Fuller one on middle, Pope defends it solidly off the front foot.

61.6

.

On middle and leg, worked to square leg where the fielder makes a good sliding stop.

61.5

.

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

61.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Ben dances down and pushes it to mid on.

61.3

.

On middle, Stokes comes down the track and defends it back to the bowler.

61.2

.

Another flat one with some spin, Stokes works it to square leg.

61.1

.

Flatter one on middle, Stokes works it to the leg side.

60.6

.

Back of a length in the channel, Pope punches it to point off the back foot.

60.5

.

Good length on off, Ollie solidly defends it out.

60.4

4

FOUR! Errs in line does Philander and Pope does not miss out. Full delivery on the pads, Pope flicks it beautifully through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

60.3

1

On a length on middle and leg, Stokes works it to deep square leg and picks up another run.

60.2

.

Good length ball on off, Stokes takes a few steps forward and then blocks it out off the back foot.

60.1

.

Philander dishes a full one on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.

59.6

.

Tossed up ball outside off, Pope pushes it to cover.

59.5

1

Floated ball on middle, Stokes pushes it down to long on and crosses over for a single.

59.4

1

On middle, Ollie dances down and flicks it to the leg side for a single.

59.3

1

Full on middle, Stokes flicks it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

59.2

.

Flatter delivery on middle, Ben works it to the leg side.

59.1

.

Loopy delivery on off, Stokes comes down the track and blocks it out.

58.6

2

On a length on off, Pope looks to defend it but it goes off the outside edge through gully. Malan chases it and slides to make the stop. Two taken.

58.5

2

Fullish delivery on off, Pope drives this through covers and picks up a couple. Malan hares after it and cleans it up.

58.4

.

On a length on off, Ollie defends it out.

58.3

4

FOUR! Lovely. Fullish delivery on off, Pope lunges forward and creams the drive through extra covers for a boundary. First one for Pope.

58.2

.

BEATEN! Beautiful piece of bowling from Philander. Bowls it on back of a length, probably hitting a crack on the pitch and deviates away. Pope looks to defend it off the back foot but seems to have missed it completely. There is a mild appeal for caught behind but nothing from the umpire. Ultra Edge confirms there is no spike when the ball goes past the bat.

58.1

.

Full one outside off, Pope lets the ball go to the keeper.

Vernon Philander to bowl from the other end. 10-2-21-1 are his numbers so far.

57.6

.

Full delivery on off, Stokes drives it back to the bowler who collects it on the bounce.

57.5

1

Flat one on middle, Pope flicks it to square leg and takes a single.

57.4

.

On off, Ollie pushes it to cover.

57.3

.

Flatter delivery on middle and leg, Pope works it to square leg. If he had missed, might have been out LBW.

57.2

.

Looped up ball on middle, Ollie defends it back to Maharaj.

57.1

.

Maharaj starts with a floated ball on middle, Pope works it to mid-wicket.

Time for the action in the final session. The Protea players make their way out in the middle. Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope walk out as well. Pope to face the first ball. Keshav Maharaj with the ball first up. A slip and a silly mid off in place. Here we go...

... Day 1, Session 3 ...

The bowling from the South Africans was once again on target. None of the bowlers offered any freebies or easy runs and kept things tight from either ends. In the process, Nortje and Maharaj ended up with a wicket. Pretorius too has been superb in his 7-over spell in which he has given just 6 runs. In the final session, the Protea bowlers will look to take a few quick wickets and put the visitors under the pump. How will things pan out in the final session? We will soon find out. Join us for the final session of the day after the break.

Another solid session of play where neither of the sides will be heading into the break with disappointment. England, unlike the first session, started on a better note but lost skipper Root, courtesy a vicious bumper from Nortje. Denly dug in well but became a victim of Maharaj as he left a gap between his bat and pad. Both Root and Denly will rue the fact that they did really well to grind it out but could not go onto score a big one. Stokes has looked solid so far and would look to build a stand with Pope post the break.

56.6

.

On a length on off, Stokes defends it out onto the pitch and says no for a single. TEA ON DAY 1.

56.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Stokes blocks it out.

56.4

4

EDGY FOUR! Ooohhh... almost another wicket. Very rare from Stokes. He is a positive player, so he either goes hard at the balls or lets them go. Very rarely do we see him so indecisive about shot-making. This was one of those moments. A length ball outside off, Ben is in two minds, whether to play at that or let it go. In the end, he does try that run-down-to-third-man shot but is late and gets a thick outside edge. Luckily for him, it goes between second slip and gully and the ball races to the third man fence. Nasser Hussain on air calls it a 'One-Day shot'. We have seen Joe Root play that shot so often in every format and even today, he was cross with himself for getting out. The reason - you can leave balls pitched outside off. Rabada will be frustrated a touch that did not go to hand but he will also be happy that he is causing some doubts in Stokesy's mind.

56.3

2

Short of a length ball on middle, Stokes pulls it behind square and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up.

56.2

.

On a length on middle, Ben defends it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

56.1

.

Fuller one outside off, Stokes blocks it to cover.

55.6

.

Dwaine dishes a full ball on off, Pope drives it straight to the mid off fielder.

55.5

.

Good length ball on middle, Ollie works it towards one of the short mid-wicket fielders.

55.4

.

Fullish one on off, Pope lunges forward and blocks it out.

55.3

.

On off, Pope is solid in defense and does so towards cover.

55.2

.

Full one on middle, Pope works it to short mid-wicket.

55.1

.

Full delivery outside off, OP leaves it alone.

54.6

.

Rabada dishes out another good length on off, Stokes taps it to gully.

54.5

.

Back of a length delivery on middle, Ben blocks it out solidly.

54.4

.

Fullish outside off, Stokes makes a leave to the keeper.

54.3

.

Length ball on middle and leg, Stokes stands tall and works it to mid-wicket.

54.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Ben defends it back to the bowler.

54.1

.

On off, pushed to mid off by Stokes.

53.6

.

Good length ball on middle, Pope flicks it to mid-wicket.

53.5

.

Full one on off, Pope defends it solidly.

53.4

.

Fullish on middle, Pope plays it to the bowler.

53.3

.

On off, pushed back to Pretorius.

53.2

.

Good length on middle, Pope works it to mid-wicket.

53.1

1

Good length ball on middle, Stokes works it to deep square leg and takes a single.

Dwaine Pretorius is back into the attack. 5-4-5-0 are his figures.

52.6

.

Fullish outside off, Ollie leaves it alone.

52.5

2

Back of a length delivery on off, Pope guides it towards third man. Pope hares after it and cleans it up. Two taken.

52.4

1

Rabada bowls a short one on middle, Stokes pulls it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

52.3

.

On a length outside off, Stokes lets the ball through to the keeper.

52.2

4

FOUR! Lovely from Stokes! Fullish delivery on off, Stokes creams the drive through the covers to pick up another boundary.

52.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Stokes works it to mid-wicket.

51.6

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Stokes pushes it down to long on for a single.

51.5

.

On middle, Ben works it to the leg side.

51.4

.

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

51.3

.

Flatter one on middle, Stokes pushes it back to the bowler but does so uppishly. It lands just short of Maharaj.

51.2

3

Loopy on middle, Pope comes down the track and works it wide of mid on. Philander chases after it from mid off and cleans it up but cannot stop the batters from taking three. Pope is off the mark.

51.1

.

Floated on middle, Pope blocks it onto the pitch.

50.6

.

On middle, Stokes plays it back to the bowler.

50.5

.

On a length outside off, Ben leaves it alone.

50.4

4

FOUR! Pulled away with disdain! Short delivery on middle, Stokes hammers the pull through mid-wicket for a boundary.

50.3

.

On middle, Stokes pushes it back to KR.

50.2

.

BEATEN! Short of a length delivery outside off, Stokes pokes at it but misses it.

50.1

.

Fuller one on off, Ben pushes it to mid off.

49.6

.

Tossed up ball on middle, Ollie defends it out to the bowler.

49.5

.

On off, Pope lunges forward and defends it out.

49.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Pope works it to square leg.

49.3

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Pope cuts it to point.

49.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Ollie blocks it out.

49.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Pope pushes it back to the bowler.

48.6

.

Back of a length ball on off, Stokes defends it out to the off side.

48.5

.

On off, Stokes lunges forward and pushes it to mid off.

48.4

.

Fullish on off, Stokes pushes it to mid off.

48.3

.

Good length ball outside off, Ben shoulders arms to it.

48.2

.

Back of a length delivery on middle, Stokes hops and defends it to point.

48.1

.

Starts with a full delivery on off, Stokes flicks it to mid-wicket.

Kagiso Rabada is back. 9-1-31-1 from him so far.

47.6

.

Flatter one on middle, Pope pushes it back to Maharaj.

47.5

.

On off, Ollie defends it out.

47.4

.

Loopy ball on off, Pope defends it off the front foot.

Ollie Pope walks in at no. 6.

47.3

W

OUT! TIMBER! Right trhough the gate! What a delivery to get rid of the set batsman! Maharaj now gets into the wickets column. Arm ball on off, Denly strides forward to defend but the ball sneaks between the bat and pad going onto hitting the off stump. He trudges off after a long vigil out in the middle. A good knock from him but he should've had kept it out.

47.2

1

Flat one on middle, Stokes works it to deep square leg and gives Denly the strike.

47.1

1

Fullish delivery on off, Denly drives it to long off and takes a single.

46.6

.

Fullish on middle, Ben tucks it to mid-wicket for nothing.

Shoo away, hadeda! No, we are not joking. A hadeda has actually brought the game to a bit of a halt here. Anrich Nortje was charging in to bowl but he was stopped by Ben Stokes as he saw the bird casually pecking the grass at mid on, looking for food. Nortje goes back, tries to shoo the bird away but in a more of 'mind-your-own-business' style, it continues to go about its stuff and ignores Nortje. Eventually, Stokes, after realizing that he can watch the details better in a Discovery Channel better, decides to get on with it. We were actually struggling to find the name of that bird. So after a bit of a research, got the name. 'The hadeda ibis (Bostrychia hagedash), also called hadada, is an ibis native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is named for its loud three to four note calls uttered in flight especially in the mornings and evenings when they fly out or return to their roost trees. Although not as dependent on water as some ibises, they are found near wetlands and often live in close proximity to humans, foraging in cultivated land and gardens. Bless you, researchers...

46.5

1

Short of a length delivery on middle, Joe pulls it to deep mid-wicket and crosses over for a single.

46.4

2

Fullish on middle, Denly whips it to deep mid-wicket and before the fielder can come across and clean it up, the batters pick up a couple.

46.3

1

Nortje bowls another short one but this one is down the leg side. Stokes just helps it on its way to fine leg. A single taken.

46.2

.

Short of a length delivery on middle at 91 mph. Stokes looks to pull it but misses to get hit on the elbow. No harm done though.

46.1

1

Good length ball on middle, Joe works it wide of mid on and takes a single.

45.6

1

Floated one on middle, Joe plays it to mid on and takes a quick single to keep strike for the next over.

45.5

.

Looped up ball on off, Denly pushes it to cover.

45.4

.

On off, flicked to mid-wicket.

45.3

.

Tossed up on middle, Joe flicks it to mid-wicket.

45.2

.

Loopy on off, Joe pushes it to cover.

45.1

1

Floated one on middle, Stokes comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

44.6

1

Good length ball on middle, Ben defends it out of the back foot to the off side and crosses over for a single.

44.5

4

FOUR! Nicely played but Philander cannot get to it. Full delivery on off, Stokes strokes it through mid off. Philander tries to come across and slides to get a hand on it. The ball goes through and into the long off fence. First one for Stokes in this innings.

44.4

.

On a length on middle, Stokes goes on his back foot and blocks it to mid on.

44.3

1

Short delivery on off, Denly pulls it comfortably to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

44.2

.

On off, pushed back to Nortje off the front foot.

44.1

1

Fullish on middle, Ben whips it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

43.6

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Joe lets it go to the keeper.

43.5

.

On off, Denly lunges and blocks it out.

43.4

.

Floated on off, Denly pushes it to cover.

43.3

1

Flatter delivery on middle, Ben tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

43.2

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Stokes works it to mid-wicket.

43.1

.

Floated ball on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.

Drinks! England started well after Lunch, keeping the scoreboard ticking especially Joe Root. But just before Drinks, Root fell to a vicious bouncer from Nortje. South Africa have done really well and now would hope that they get a few more wickets before Tea. Nortje has bowled well while Maharaj has kept it tight.

42.6

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Denly lets the ball go to the keeper.

42.5

.

Fullish delivery on off, Joe pushes it back to the bowler.

42.4

.

BOUNCER! Bowled around middle, Denly ducks under it.

42.3

.

On a length on off, Denly defends it to point.

42.2

1

Short delivery on middle, Ben Stokes pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

42.1

.

Good length ball on off, Stokes defends it out of the back foot.

41.6

.

On middle, Denly works it to mid-wicket.

41.5

.

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

41.4

4

FOUR! Poor ball this from Keshav Maharaj! Drifts this one down the leg side, Denly nudges it down to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

41.3

.

BEATEN! Flatter delivery outisde off, Denly goes on his back foot to cut but misses it altogether.

41.2

.

Loopy ball on middle and leg, Joe works it to the leg side.

41.1

.

Floated ball on off, Denly defends it out.

40.6

.

Good length ball around off, Stokes keeps it out.

Ben Stokes replaces his skipper out in the middle.

40.5

W

OUT! Caught! The drop costs South Africa nothing as Nortje has bounced out the English skipper with a brilliant bouncer. Brilliant from Nortje. 148 kph bumper on middle, Root looks to duck under it but he is quite late in doing so. He ends up lobbing the ball towards de Kock. De Koock pouches it easily. The bowler appeals but de Kock is not very sure. The umpire signals nothing but Root walks off. Rassie and de Kock will be the relieved men. South Africa break another good-looking stand to dent the English progress. The replays roll in and show that the ball hit the gloves of Root.

40.4

.

Around off, blocked towards mid off.

40.3

4

FOUR! Dropped! Oh dear! How costly will this be. Slightly fullish ball from Nortje. Root is lured into the drive. No feet movement from him as he drives away from his body. The ball takes the thick outside edge and goes to van der Dussen at first slip quickly. De Kock dives to his right to catch but it is far from his reach. Dussen then looks to latch onto it by moving to his left but he cannot hold on it. It races to the fence behind him.

40.2

.

Another length ball on off, Root keeps it out.

40.1

.

Good length ball around off, it is defended.

39.6

.

Slower through the air and on middle, Denly looks to work it on the leg side but ends up getting a soft leading edge which goes towards the off side.

39.5

.

On middle, Denly blocks it out.

39.4

.

Full delivery on middle, Denly works it to mid on.

39.3

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Denly defends it solidly.

39.2

.

On off, pushed back to the bowler.

39.1

.

Floated on off, Denly blocks it out.

38.6

.

Good length ball around off, it is defended off the front foot by Root.

The physio is out in the middle. Time for the concussion test now. Few questions being asked to Denly. The helmet is getting checked too as Denly sips water. Looks calm and composed out there. The umpires are having a word with him now. He is okay and we are ready to move ahead.

38.5

1lb

Ouch! On the helmet this time. Nortje bangs this one around off and it comes back in. Denly looks to duck under it but he is late in doing so. The ball hits the helmet and goes towards mid-wicket. They cross for a leg bye and we will have the mandatory concussion test now. Looked alright while crossing for the leg bye.

38.4

.

Shortish ball on the body, Denly looks to pull but the ball hits the gloves and goes to de Kock on the bounce.

38.3

1

100 up for England. Good length ball around off again, Root easily taps it towards third man for a single.

38.2

.

Good length ball just outside off, it is defended.

38.1

.

Good length ball around off, it is blocked off the back foot.

37.6

1

In the air... but safe. Another fuller ball outside off, Root looks to sweep again but this time he gets a top edge. However, it drops in no man's land just ahead of fine leg. A single taken.

37.5

.

On middle, it is blocked.

37.4

4

FOUR! Swept nicely! A fuller ball outside off, Root gets in the position and sweeps it brilliantly to the deep mid-wicket fence.

37.3

.

Quicker one on the pads, Root works it towards mid-wicket and thinks of a single but seeing the fielder getting to the ball quickly, he decides against it.

37.2

.

On middle, it is defended.

37.1

.

Flighted fuller ball around off, Root drives it straight to the cover fielder.

36.6

.

Bouncer down the leg side. Denly ducks under it. De Kock does well to move to his left and pouch the ball.

36.5

2

Another couple! Good aggressive running from Denly and Root. Another good length ball on middle, Denly works it nicely between fine leg and deep square leg. A couple more.

36.4

3

Good running! Fuller ball around off and middle, Root uses his wrists and works it to deep mid-wicket. Before the fielder can get to the ball, Root takes three.

36.3

.

Good length ball around off, Root blocks it back to the bowler.

36.2

.

Outside off, an easy leave for the English captain.

36.1

2

Nortje starts with a full ball on middle, Root works it towards deep square leg. Before the fine leg fielder can get to the ball, a couple of runs for Root.

Anrich Nortje is back on. 5-0-9-0 are his figures.

35.6

4

FOUR! Finally runs, four of them for Denly. Maharaj bowls it short and outside off, Denly rocks on the back foot and slaps it through covers for a boundary. Runs after 48 balls.

35.5

.

Quicker one outside off, Denly stays on the back foot and pushes it towards point.

35.4

.

Shortish ball outside off, Denly looks to cut but ends up bottom edging it towards point.

35.3

.

On off, pushed towards mid off.

35.2

.

On middle, pushed to mid on.

35.1

1

Loopy ball on off, Root eases a single through mid off.

34.6

.

Fuller around off, driven straight to mid off.

34.5

.

In the corridor of uncertainty. Denly lets it be.

34.4

.

On off, pushed back to the bowler.

34.3

1

Length ball on off, Root pushes it towards point for an easy run.

34.2

.

Fuller ball just outside off, Root drills it nicely but cannot beat Elgar at cover.

34.1

.

Good length ball around middle, worked towards square leg.

33.6

.

Fuller ball outside off, Denly drives it well but straight to covers.

33.5

.

Floated ball around off, Denly comes down the track and looks to defend but goes off the pads towards point. Maharaj appeals but the umpire shakes his head.

33.4

.

Slower through the air around off, it is defended.

33.3

.

Loopy ball around off, defended.

33.2

.

Full and on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

33.1

1

Fuller ball around off, Root drives it through cover. Nortje from there does well to save runs for his side. Just a single.

32.6

.

Good length ball on off, pushed to mid on.

32.5

.

This time he gets right behind the line of the ball and defends it off the front foot.

32.4

.

Beaten! Nicely bowled! Good length ball outside off, Denly is drawn into the shot as he comes forward and looks to drive. The ball shapes away to beat the outside edge.

32.3

.

Slightly short around off, Denly tucks it to mid-wicket.

32.2

1

Good length ball on off, Root looks to defend but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes behind square on the leg side. A single taken.

32.1

.

Shortish ball just outside off, tapped towards point.

31.6

.

Flighted fuller ball around off, Denly comes forward and blocks it.

31.5

.

Flatter one outside off, it is kept out.

31.4

1

Fuller ball outside off, Root goes for the sweep but does not connect it well. It goes towards square leg off the inner half of the bat for a single.

31.3

.

Shortish ball outside off, tapped towards covers.

31.2

.

On off, driven back to the bowler.

31.1

.

Flatter ball just outside off, Root pushes it to covers.

30.6

.

Good length ball on off, pushed to mid on.

30.5

.

Shortish ball on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

30.4

.

Good length ball around off, Denly blocks it right under his eyes.

30.3

.

Landed around off, it is defended towards cover.

30.2

1

Shortish ball outside off, Root this time taps it to third man for a single.

30.1

4

FOUR! Punched nicely! A good length ball outside off, Root goes back and punches it to the deep point fence.

29.6

.

Lands this one around off and makes it turn further away. Denly allows it to go to the keeper.

29.5

1

Flatter one around off again, Root taps it through cover-point for a single.

29.4

.

Outside off, driven to covers.

29.3

4

FOUR! Cut away! Shortish ball just outside off, Root goes on the back foot and cuts it through point. Rabada gives it a chase, slides to pull the ball back but in vain.

29.2

.

On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

29.1

.

Maharaj starts the spell by a flighted fuller ball around off, Root defends it out.

Keshav Maharaj will bowl from the other end. 3-1-6-0 are his figures.

28.6

.

Beauty to end the over! Back of a length ball just outside off, Denly hops and then pokes at the ball. It moves away sharply to beat the outside edge.

28.5

1

Shortish ball outside off, Root taps it towards point where the fielder misfields and allows a single.

28.4

.

Landed around off on a good length, pushed to covers.

28.3

.

In the channel outside off this time, Root covers his stumps and lets it be.

28.2

.

Shortish this time and once again around off, Root goes on the back foot and defends.

28.1

.

Philander starts with a good length ball around off, Root taps it towards point.

We are back for the second session. The South African players stride out in the middle. The two batters for England, Joe Denly and Joe Root walks out to the middle too. Vernon Philander to start the session for the Proteas. Here we go...

... Day 1, Session 2 ...

Now, post Lunch, Denly and Root will look to build another good stand and take England towards a good total. The hosts, on the other hand, will be eager to see the back of a few players in the coming session. Stay with us to find out.

The Proteas were brilliant with the ball, especially Philander who bowled on consistent lines and lengths. He got the reward as well as he removed Crawley in the 3rd over. After that, he along with Rabada did find a couple of outside edges but they went to the vacant region. Rabada broke the good-looking stand to end the session on an even note. Nortje and Pretorius were good too but they did not threaten much.

A shared session then. England were moving along nicely after the early blow, courtesy, a nice and compact 50-run stand between Sibley and Denly. After opting to bat first, England lost Crawley early but Sibley and Denly saw off the initial threat from Philander and Rabada after that. Once they got themselves settled, the duo batted well. It looked like both of them will see off the session but Sibley found himself poking at the ball he should've left alone and ended up losing his wicket. Denly and Root saw off the tricky phase to finish the session on 67/2.

27.6

.

BEATEN! First signs of some spin from Maharaj on this wicket. Beautiful bowling though from the left-arm spinner though. Tosses this one up on off, spinning away. Denly goes on his front foot and looks to defend it. He misses it altogether. Brilliant ball to end the session. With that it is LUNCH ON DAY 1.

27.5

.

Flatter delivery on middle, JD works it to the leg side.

Silly point comes in, trying to create some pressure.

27.4

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Denly defends it to Maharaj.

27.3

.

On off, pushed to point.

27.2

.

Loopy delivery on off, Denly plays it back to the bowler off the front foot.

27.1

.

Floated ball on middle, Denly whips it to mid-wicket.

Keshav Maharaj to bowl the final over before Lunch.

26.6

.

The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

26.5

4

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Back of a length on off, Root stands tall and punches it through the point region for a boundary.

26.4

.

On a length on middle, Root plays it to the leg side.

26.3

.

Full delivery on middle, Root works it to mid-wicket.

Rabada was charging in but Root bails out at the last moment. Root was not even looking at the bowler. Might not please KR and probably the umpire too.

26.2

.

BEATEN! Nicely bowled! Good length ball on off, Root attempts to defend it off the back foot but the ball whizzes past the bat and into the mitts of the keeper.

26.1

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Root looks to duck under but it does not bounce as much and hits him around the chest. Luckily, for Root there is no damage done.

25.6

.

Good length outside off, Denly leaves it alone. Quinton fails to collect it cleanly. The ball rolls to the off side.

25.5

.

Fuller one on off, Denly strides forward and solidly blocks it to cover.

25.4

.

Good length on middle, Denly works it to mid-wicket.

25.3

.

Length ball on off, Denly pushes it to cover.

25.2

.

On a length on off, Denly looks to defend it but gets an outside edge which goes to cover. No run.

25.1

.

On middle, Denly defends it back to the bowler.

24.6

.

Full on middle, Root defends it out to mid on.

With just a few minutes left for the Lunch, Joe Root, the England skipper, walks out to the middle. Can he survive this tricky phase?

24.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Outstanding from Rabada and the patience of bowling in the channel outside off pays rich dividends. Good length ball, shaping away a bit. Sibley looks to defend off the back foot but it hits the outside edge and goes towards first slip. Quinton de Kock dives to his right and pouches it safely. Sibley could have left that one alone. The hosts have struck just before Lunch and the budding stand has been cut short.

24.4

.

BEATEN! Beautiful delivery! Back of a length ball outside off, Sibley looks to defend it but misses.

24.3

.

Back of a length ball on middle, Sibley stands tall and plays it back to Rabada.

24.2

2

Nicely played! Fullish on off, Sibley strides forward and drives it through mid off and picks up a couple before the fielder can clean it up.

24.1

.

Good length ball outside off, Sibley lets the ball go to the keeper.

23.6

.

On off, Denly lunges forward and defends it to cover.

23.5

.

Another one which is full on middle, Joe pushes it to mid on.

23.4

.

Fuller one on middle, Denly blocks it out onto the pitch.

23.3

.

Fullish delivery on off, Joe drives it but finds the mid off fielder.

23.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Denly tucks it to mid-wicket.

23.1

.

On off, Denly blocks it back to the bowler.

22.6

.

On a length on off, Dominic camps back and defends it out.

22.5

.

BEATEN! Ripper from Rabada! Dishes out a length ball around off, moving away. Sibley attempts to defend it but fails to get anything.

22.4

.

Outside off, left alone by Sibley.

22.3

.

Length ball outside off, Sibley lets this one through to the keeper.

22.2

4

EDGY FOUR! Sibley has been leaving those well but goes after this one. Good length delivery outside off, Sibley pokes at it with hard hands but gets an outside edge which goes between the second slip and the gully fielder. The ball races to the third man fence quickly. The boundary brings up the 50-run stand between the two.

22.1

.

Fullish outside off, Sibley shoulders arms.

Kagiso Rabada is back for the second burst. 6-1-20-0 so far from him.

21.6

.

Fuller one on middle, defended back to Pretorius.

21.5

.

Short on off, Denly punches it to cover.

21.4

.

Good length on middle, Denly whips it to mid-wicket.

21.3

.

Good length on off, Denly looks to defend it but it goes off the bottom edge and onto the pads.

21.2

.

On middle, Denly is solid in his defense and does so towards mid on.

21.1

.

Fuller delivery on off, Denly defends it to the bowler.

The keeper is upto the stumps.

20.6

.

Good length ball on middle and leg, Sibley works it to leg gully.

20.5

4b

FOUR BYES! Goes way over Sibley's head! Nortje bowls a bouncer around middle and leg, Sibley ducks under it. Quinton jumps in an attempt to pouch it but it goes over and into the fence for four byes.

20.4

.

On middle, Dominic defends it to cover.

20.3

.

On middle, Dominic defends it to cover.

20.2

.

On a length on off, Sibley blocks it to point.

20.1

1

Good length on middle, Denly works it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

19.6

.

Outside off, left alone.

19.5

.

Length ball on middle, Sibley pushes it to mid on.

19.4

4

FOUR! Overpitched and punished! Full one on middle and leg, Sibley flicks it beautifully through mid-wicket for a boundary. 50 up for the visitors.

19.3

1

On middle, Denly flicks it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.

19.2

.

Good length delivery on middle angling in, Denly looks to work it to the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls to square leg.

19.1

.

Fuller one on off, Denly takes a stride forward and defends it to cover.

18.6

.

On middle, Sibley pushes it back to the bowler.

18.5

1

Short on middle, Denly pulls it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

18.4

.

Fullish on middle, Joe solidly plays it back to Nortje.

18.3

.

BOUNCER! Bowled around middle and leg, Joe ducks under it.

18.2

.

Length on off, Denly rocks on his back foot and defends it off the back foot and onto the pitch.

18.1

.

Fullish on off, Denly blocks it to mid off.

17.6

.

On off, Sibley blocks it to cover.

17.5

.

Sibley defends it solidly back to Pretorius.

17.4

.

Fullish delivery on middle, Sibley goes on his front foot and defends it solidly back to the bowler.

17.3

.

Length on off, Dominic taps it to the slip cordon.

17.2

.

On a length on off, Sibley rocks on his back foot and punches it to cover.

17.1

.

Starts with a full delivery outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to it.

Just two overs for Maharaj as Dwaine Pretorius is brought into the attack.

16.6

.

Back of a length on off, Denly punches it to cover.

16.5

.

Shortish around off, Denly blocks it off the back foot.

16.4

.

Length ball on the fourth stump line, Denly makes a good leave to the keeper.

16.3

4

FOUR! Errs in line does Nortje here and Denly makes full use of it. Short of a length down the leg side, Denly just helps it on its way to the fine leg fence.

16.2

.

Good length ball on off, Denly defends it solidly to cover.

16.1

.

Full delivery on middle, Joe blocks it to mid on.

15.6

1

On off, pushed down to long off and a single is taken.

15.5

.

Flatter delivery outside off, Denly punches it to the cover fielder.

15.4

.

Loopy delivery on off, Denly drives it to cover.

15.3

.

Outside off, pushed to cover.

15.2

.

Floated on middle, Denly defends it back.

15.1

.

Loopy delivery outside off, Denly pushes it to cover.

14.6

.

Length ball on off, Sibley stands tall and defends it out to cover.

14.5

.

Fullish outside off at 143 kph, Sibley lets it through to the keeper.

14.4

.

On off, Sibley blocks it out onto the pitch.

14.3

.

Fullish delivery on middle, Dominic plays it back to the bowler.

14.2

.

Good length ball on off, Sibley defends it to point.

14.1

1

Full delivery on middle, Denly whips it wide of mid on for a single.

Drinks! An hour of play done and dusted then. After losing Crawley early, Sibley along with Denly have done well to keep the scoreboard ticking. Philander, like always, bowled really well and got rid of the English opener. Rabada too has bowled well but has been slightly fuller on this wicket. Nortje and Maharaj have bowled an over each and will look to break this budding stand to break the momentum of England. An interesting hour of play awaits.

13.6

.

Tossed up ball on middle, Sibley defends it back to the bowler off the front foot.

13.5

4

FOUR! Poor bowling! Full delivery down the leg side, Sibley will not miss out on these as he just flicks it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.

13.4

.

OHH! Looped up ball on middle, Sibley comes down the track and looks to push it to the leg side but gets a thick outside edge. It rolls towards point.

13.3

.

Floated on middle and leg, Sibley works it to mid-wicket.

13.2

1

On off, Denly drives it to long off and picks up a single.

13.1

.

Starts with a flighted ball on off, Denly pushes it to cover.

Double change! Time for spin now as Keshav Maharaj has been introduced early into the attack. A slip and a short leg in place for him.

12.6

.

On a length outside off, Sibley lets the ball go to the keeper.

12.5

2

Fullish delivery on off, Sibley takes a stride forward and drives it through covers. The fielders from mid off and cover hare after it. The former slides and cleans it up. Two taken.

12.4

.

Length ball outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.

12.3

.

Full one on off, Sibley moves to the off side and defends it to mid on.

12.2

.

On middle, Dominic plays it back to the bowler.

12.1

.

Nortje starts with a fullish delivery on off, Sibley blocks it to point.

Change in bowling for the first time as Anrich Nortje comes into the attack.

11.6

.

Outside off, left alone by Denly.

11.5

1

On the pads, Sibley flicks it to deep square leg and picks up a single.

11.4

.

Good length delivery outside off, Sibley lets the ball go to the keeper.

11.3

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and off, Dominic does well to evade it.

11.2

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Sibley sways away from it.

11.1

.

Fullish outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.

10.6

.

Short of a length on middle and leg, Joe ducks under it.

10.5

.

On a length on off, Joe defends it off the back foot.

10.4

4

FOUR! Hammered away! Short of a length on middle, Denly gets into position quickly and pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary. The fielder from fine leg gives it a chase but fails to cut it off.

10.3

.

Fullish on off, Denly taps it to point.

10.2

.

On a length outside off shaping away, Joe looks to defend it but fails to get any bat on it. Brilliant bowling from Philander.

10.1

.

Good length delivery on middle but it bounces extra, Denly looks to defend it but it hits the handle of the bat and goes towards the leg side. No run.

9.6

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Sibley ducks under it.

9.5

.

Fullish outside off, Sibley lets the ball through to the keeper.

9.4

.

Full on middle, Dominic works it to mid-wicket.

9.3

.

Good length on middle, Dominic blocks it to square leg.

9.2

.

Back of a length ball outside off, Sibley makes a leave to the keeper.

9.1

1

On a length on off, Denly looks to defend it but it goes off the inner half of the bat towards square leg. A single taken.

8.6

.

Good length ball outisde off, Sibley lets it go to the keeper.

8.5

.

BEATEN! Lovely delivery from Philander! Good length delivery around off nipping away from the batsman, Sibley looks to defend it but misses altogether. Philander seems interested for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. Faf du Plessis is not interested for the review.

8.4

.

Fullish delivery outside off, Sibley does not fiddle with it and leaves it alone.

8.3

.

On middle, Dominic defends it off the back foot.

8.2

4

FOUR! Beautiful shot from Sibley. This will give him a lot of confidence. Fullish on off, Sibley leans forward and creams the drive through extra cover for a boundary.

8.1

.

Full delivery outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.

7.6

.

In the channel outside off from Rabada, Denly makes a leave now.

7.5

2

Punched nicely! A fuller ball around off, Denly this time punches it through point. The ball is racing towards the fence but Malan from gully chases it down and keeps the batters to two.

7.4

.

Outside off, Denly this time covers his stumps and lets it be.

7.3

4

FOUR! Denly is off the mark in good fashion. A good length ball outside off, Denly reaches out and drives it through point to get his first boundary of the innings.

7.2

.

Another one which is on a good length around off, Denly blocks it out.

7.1

.

Good length around off, Denly pushes it towards cover by getting behind the line of the ball.

6.6

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

6.5

.

Now this one comes back in. Good length ball around off, it comes into Sibley sharply as he looks to defend it off the back foot. Sibley looks to defend but it seems like the ball took the inside edge and went onto the pads.

6.4

.

Follows it with another beauty. He can just keep landing the ball on the same spot and keep bothering the batters. That's what he is doing with Sibley. Pitches it slightly closer to the off pole on a good length and makes it move away from the defensive poke of Sibley.

6.3

.

Ripper! Absolute ripper! Good length ball around off, Sibley comes forward to defend but the ball moves away from his bat and goes behind. Lucky not to edge that one.

6.2

.

Shortish length ball around off, Sibley rides the bounce and taps it towards covers.

6.1

4

FOUR! Whipped away! A gift on the pads from Philander. Overpitched on the pads, Sibley flicks it brilliantly and it races to the deep mid-wicket fence.

5.6

.

Driven well but straight to the point fielder. So, Denly will remain on nought. A fuller ball outside off, Joe reaches out and creams the drive but straight to the fielder.

5.5

.

In the channel outside off, Denly makes another leave.

5.4

.

Landed around off, Denly comes forward and pushes it to mid off.

5.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

5.2

.

Fuller ball on off, Denly keeps it out.

5.1

.

Shortish length ball outside off, Denly has no problems in shouldering his arms.

4.6

.

Good leave! A good length ball that lands outside off, it comes back in nicely but Sibley has his timbers covered as he lets it go to the keeper.

4.5

.

Just ahead of a good length area, Sibley comes forward to defend but the ball takes the thick outside edge and goes to second slip but on the bounce.

4.4

.

Fullish outside off, left alone by Sibley.

4.3

.

On off, Sibley plays it with soft hands and guides it to gully. The fielder there slides and makes the stop.

4.2

.

On a length on off, Dominic stands tall and defends it to point.

4.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Sibley defends it off the back foot to the leg side.

3.6

.

Just short! Slightly fuller and outside off, Denly pokes at the ball with hard hands. The ball takes the outer half of the bat and goes to the gully fielder on the bounce.

3.5

.

Fullish and outside off again, Denly lets it be.

3.4

1

Good length ball around middle, tucked towards mid-wicket for a single.

3.3

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

3.2

4

EDGY FOUR! Length ball around off, Sibley looks to work it on the leg side but the ball takes the thickish outside edge and goes between third slip and gully. It races to the third man fence.

3.1

.

Slightly fuller around off, asking the batter to drive but Sibley is not lured into the shot as he makes a leave.

Joe Denly is the new man in.

2.6

W

OUT! Caught Behind! Brilliant from de Kock behind the wicket. Superb from Philander too. Continues bowling on the fourth stump channel on a good length. It swings away a bit. Crawley looks to defend off the front foot but the ball takes the outside edge and goes behind. De Kock dives to his right nicely and pouches it in his mitts. Top start for the Proteas. Not so good for England and Crawley.

2.5

.

Slightly fuller and around off, Crawley takes a good stride forward and blocks it out nicely.

2.4

.

Good length ball around off again, blocked onto the pitch by Zak.

2.3

.

Landed fullish around off, Crawley keeps it out.

2.2

.

Beaten! Brilliant from Philander. Another ball around off on a good length. It once again moves away from the forward defensive poke of Crawley.

2.1

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

1.6

.

Fuller ball just outside off, late swing on it too. Sibley looks to dig it out but gets beaten.

1.5

4

FOUR! Off the mark nicely! Not a very good ball from Rabada as he bowls it full and too straight. Sibley easily flicks it to the deep mid-wicket fence. First boundary of the innings.

1.4

3

Fuller again, this time just outside off, Crawley leans into the shot and drives it through covers. Before Maharaj can get to the ball with a slide, the batters take three.

1.3

.

Fullish ball outside off, some late swing on it too. Crawley looks to reach out and drive but pulls his bat away at the last moment.

1.2

.

Outside off, it is left alone.

1.1

.

Rabada is on the money straightaway too! A good length ball around off from him. Unlike Philander, Rabada makes it come into the right-hander. Crawley looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada will bowl from the other end. Three slips and a gully in place for him.

0.6

.

Landed around off on a length, it is defended. A tight over from Philander. Always on the money is the Big Vern and nothing different here either from him.

0.5

1

This time Philander strays on the pads of Crawley. He easily works it behind square leg for a single to get the scoreboard ticking.

0.4

.

Follows it with another ripper! Pitches this one around off on a good length. Crawley has to play at it. He comes forward and looks to defend but a hint of movement is enough to beat the outside edge.

0.3

.

Beauty! Brilliant line and length from Philander. He pitches this one around off and makes it move away just a hint. Crawley pokes to get beaten.

0.2

.

This time Vernon bowls it in the channel outside off, Crawley makes a leave.

0.1

.

Philander starts with a good length ball around off, Crawley comes forward and blocks it off the front foot.

The English openers, Dominic Sibley and Zak Crawley walk out to the middle. The Protea players are already on the field. Vernon Philander will start the proceedings for the hosts with the ball. Zak Crawley to face first up. Here we go...

Both teams are making their way out to the ground to stand in respect of their respective National Anthems. England is up first followed by South Africa.

Faf du Plessis, South Africa skipper, says that he would've batted first on this wicket too. Tells that in the first session of Day 1, there's always something on the wicket. Tells that they would try to get 3-4 wickets in the first session. On Pieter Malan's debut, du Plessis says that it's a great chance for him and it's always good to be playing in front of your home crowd. Says that they have just won one Test and not really a lot of things change for them. Adds that there are still three Tests in this series against a quality side.

Joe Root, England skipper, tells that the surface is looking good to bat. Thanks the supporters for coming all the way from England to support them. Mentions three changes in the side that are Zak Crawley coming in for Rory Burns, Ollie Pope coming in for Jonny Bairstow and Dominic Bess is in for Jofra Archer. Says that Zak is a fine player who had a great season with Kent and now he has a chance to show how good he is. Feels this game is a challenge for everyone. On Ollie's inclusion, Root mentions that Ollie showed great performance during his game against New Zealand.

SOUTH AFRICA (PLAYING XI) - Pieter Malan (DEBUT, IN PLACE OF AIDEN MARKRAM), Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Dwaine Pretorius, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.

ENGLAND (PLAYING XI) - Zak Crawley (IN PLACE OF RORY BURNS), Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope (IN PLACE OF JONNY BAIRSTOW), Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Dominic Bess (IN PLACE OF JOFRA ARCHER), Stuart Broad, James Anderson.

Toss - Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of England. They choose to bat first.

Update - Just before the toss, England have been dealt another blow as Jofra Archer has been ruled out of this Test due to an elbow injury. He will have second scan to understand the extent of his injury. Looks like a long list of changes is coming from the English side.

After 5 consecutive losses, South Africa bagged a win. It was not an easy one as England posed challenges at different phases. However, all-round South African performance trumped them in the end with the Protea pacers utilizing the second new ball well to shot down the threat from the English batters in the 4th innings. Now, the caravan moves to Newlands, Cape Town, a ground which is a happy hunting one for the hosts. Pieter Malan is set to make his Test debut as he replaces the injured Aiden Markram. England, on the other hand, are still dealing with viral to multiple players. To their misery, one of their in-form batter, Rory Burns has been ruled out of the series as he got injured while playing football. Now, who will replace him? Or who will partner Sibley at the top? England will have a task cut out in deciding their playing XI. How will things pan out? It's gonna be an interesting game for sure. Will we get to see the Protea juggernaut moving ahead or will the Three Lions bounce back to get level in the 4-match series. Hello and a warm welcome to the 2nd Test. Stay with us for the Toss and playing XI updates.

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2nd Test, Cape Town, January 03, 2020, 02:00 PM

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