3rd Test, Port Elizabeth, January 16, 2020, 01:30 PM
England
499/9(152ov)
South Africa
209/10(86.4ov) & 237/10(88.5ov)
England beat South Africa by an innings and 53 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Ollie Pope
Commentry
So, that will be it from this match! England have annihilated South Africa at their own turf yet again and have now taken a 2-1 lead in the series. They have also added another 30 points in the ICC World Test Championship. This defeat will hit South Africa hard and with Rabada ruled out of the 4th Test match, it is going to be even more difficult for them to make a comeback and draw the series. Can they do it against all the odds and draw the series? Or will England win the series and add another feather to their cap? Join us on Friday, 24th January, 2020 at 1000 Local (0800 GMT) to find out. Until then, cheers and take care!
Man of the Match is Ollie Pope for his maiden Test ton. Says it is an amazing feeling but if the team did not win it would not have mattered much. Adds that Ben Stokes keeps getting better and better with each match and how he adjusts the tempo of the game is really good. Ollie Jokes that his father took the day off from work so that he can enjoy Ollie's ton with his mates back home. Further adds he wants to enjoy being at the short leg and short mid-wicket positions and Joe Root and Dominic Bess did really well to keep him involved in the game throughout. Ends by saying it is a good feeling to win the match although Maharaj and Paterson did frustrate them in the end a bit but Curran did well to hit the stumps and complete the game.
England skipper, Joe Root, says that this is a good template of how they want to play cricket moving forward. Mentions how Ollie Pope complemented Ben Stokes well and Bess bowled superbly in the first innings. Says the squad is young and they have done the job yet again. Adds they want to do things collectively and when guys are stepping up to the plate, especially at such a young age that gives the whole team confidence. Says they learned their lessons very early from Centurion and they adapted very well in the next two Test matches.
South Africa skipper, Faf du Plessis, says that the toss played a role but they did well to control the run rate in the first innings and their bowlers did well too. Mentions that Ollie Pope played really well but Stokes has been a thorn for his side and adds that if you do not get him out early, he will take the game away from you and up the ante in quick fashion. Adds that after the opposition gets to 500, you have to play well in the first innings but they were not able to do that. On his possible retirement, Faf says the ICC T20 World Cup might be the moment and not much Test match action remains until then. From a performance point of view, du Plessis adds that they are feeling the pressure. Says the absence of Rabada is a big frustration and he is their best bowler. States that he will be a huge loss but the cards have been dealt and they have to regroup and do well in the next match.
England enforced the follow-on after South Africa were dismissed for a meager score of 209. They never got going and lost wickets at regular intervals. Faf du Plessis was the only one who could cross the 30-run mark until Keshav Maharaj and Dane Paterson stitched or rather smashed a 99-run stand for the last wicket. Maharaj scored his second Test half ton in the process as he and Paterson were going after almost every ball on Day 5 enjoying themselves out in the middle. The pick of the bowlers for England in the 2nd innings were Joe Root and Mark Wood who took a 4-fer and 3-fer each. Root toiled hard for his 5-fer on Day 5 but could not just buy a wicket but still registered his best figures. The match was consistently interrupted by showers and they were expected to arrive on the Day 5 as well but they did not arrive to bless the Proteas as they suffered another humiliating loss, this time at Port Elizabeth. Stay tuned for the presentation, coming right up!
South Africa's first innings got off to a good start as Pieter Malan and Dean Elgar stitched a 50-run stand but after that things fell apart as they went from 50/0 to 109/5. Quinton de Kock did get to his half ton but that was half due to the catches put down by Stokes. Dominic Bess was the pick of the bowlers for them as he took his maiden 5 wicket haul and he was supported extremely well by the other bowlers, especially Stuart Broad who also picked up a 3-fer.
England won the toss and opted to bat first and that decision paid rich dividends for them as after a shaky start, Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope scored a ton each and formed a 200-run stand which completely took the game away from the hosts. That stand broke the morale and the spine of the Proteas, who after that just could not make a comeback. Curran and Wood also added up valuable runs in the end as England finished just 1 run short of the 500-run mark in their first and only innings. The pick of the bowlers for South Africa was Keshav Maharaj as he took a 5-fer but on a track which was offering so much turn maybe the thing that costed so much was he conceded 180 runs while taking those wickets as well.
So, after somewhat of a delay, the inevitable has happened and England have defeated South Africa and that too in convincing fashion. The last stand did add 99 runs to the total but South Africa have still lost by an innings.
88.5
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Sam Curran has done the job, not with the ball but with his throw and ENGLAND WIN BY AN INNINGS AND 53 RUNS. A very low full toss on middle and leg, played down towards mid on and Maharaj sets off for a run. Sam Curran runs in, collects the ball and has a shy at the non-striker's end. He hits with Maharaj running a bit across and not straight. The umpire goes upstairs but it looks out to the naked eye. Replays roll in and confirm that Maharaj is indeed well short. The partnership ends on 99 runs.
Run out appeal has been taken upstairs! Is this the end of South Africa. Looks so to the naked eye. And yes, the replays confirm it. England have won!
88.4
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at cover.
88.3
.
Bouncer on middle and leg, Maharaj ducks under it.
88.2
.
Outside off, Maharaj looks to slash at it but misses.
88.1
.
Good length ball on middle and leg, Maharaj looks to slam at this one but the ball comes off the inside edge and onto the pads.
In over# 1
4
0
0
4
4
0
Sam Curran 46/0(6)
87.6
4
FOUR! Lofted over! Back of a length ball on off, Paterson has superbly lofted this one over the man at point and the ball crosses the ropes. The stand moves on to 99 runs with this boundary.
87.5
.
Loud appeal by England but has been turned down! Length ball on off, Paterson looks to cut but fails to do so. The ball is collected by Buttler and the England players appeal but it is turned down by the umpire.
87.4
.
Good length ball on off, Paterson looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
87.3
4
FOUR! Now an intentional one! Back of a length ball on off, Paterson has now lofted this over the slip cordon and the ball goes into the third man fence.
87.2
4
FOUR! Another back of a length ball on off, Paterson goes hard at it but the ball goes off the edge and into the third man fence.
87.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, Paterson looks to cut but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
1
Mark Wood 32/3(16)
86.6
.
Back of a length ball on off and a rare defensive stroke by Maharaj.
86.5
.
Good length ball outside off, Maharaj swings but misses.
86.4
.
Just short! Another back of a length ball on middle, Maharaj looks to pull but the ball goes off the inside half and falls just short of short mid-wicket where Ollie Pope is stationed.
86.3
4
FOUR! Back of a length ball on off, Maharaj rocks back and slaps this one over the man at cover for a boundary. Difficult shot but he has done well to execute that one.
86.2
.
Bouncer on middle and off, Maharaj tries hooking that one but misses it completely.
86.1
1
Very full ball on off, Paterson plays this one towards point and takes one.
In over# 1
0
4
0
4
6
2
Sam Curran 34/0(5)
85.6
.
Bouncer on middle and off, Maharaj looks to hook but misses.
85.5
4
FOUR! On the pads, Maharaj again flicks it, this time behind square leg for a boundary. This is superb batting by Maharaj!
85.4
.
Curran bowls a yorker on middle and off, Maharaj does well to keep it out.
85.3
4
FOUR! This time Maharaj gets the best connection on a full ball on off as he clears the man at mid off and the ball crosses the fence.
85.2
6
SIX! Woah! What a shot that one! Full ball on the pads, Maharaj just flicks it away with a short-arm jab and the ball goes into the mid-wicket stands.
85.1
2
Full ball on middle and off, Maharaj lofts this one over mid off. The fielder at mid off runs back to catch the ball but cannot get to it despite a full-stretch dive. They manage to come back for the second.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 27/3(15)
84.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Paterson looks to slash at it but misses. Paterson is disgusted with himself as he misses out on that. Ambitious!
84.5
.
Another bouncer on off, Paterson again goes for the upper cut but cannot get bat on ball.
84.4
.
Bouncer on middle, Paterson looks to play the upper cut but misses.
84.3
.
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
84.2
.
Bouncer on middle and off now, Paterson does well to leave that one.
84.1
.
Back of a length ball on the body, defended by Paterson awkwardly.
Bowling change.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
4
0
Sam Curran 18/0(4)
83.6
1
Back of a length ball on off, Paterson pushes it towards the cover region but the man there misfields. The batters look for the second but Paterson is sent back. He makes it in with a dive as Pope whips the bails off at the non-striker's end.
83.5
.
The ball has taken the inside edge of the batsman and thudded into his pads.
83.4
.
Again Paterson goes for a wild heave but misses.
83.3
.
Length ball outside off, Paterson looks to heave but misses.
83.2
4
FOUR! These two are providing some entertainment at the end now. 200 up for South Africa with this! Full ball on off, Paterson has lofted this one over the cover region and crosses the fence.
83.1
.
Length ball outside off, Paterson looks to cut but misses.
Sam Curran is into the attack. 3-0-13-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
1
1
0
3
0
Dominic Bess 36/1(22)
82.6
4
FOUR! 50 up for Keshav Maharaj. His 2nd in Test matches although not much to enjoy about. On his pads, he has flicked this through the square leg region for a boundary. The 50-run stand is also up with this boundary.
82.5
1
Floated delivery on off, chipped towards Broad at long off for a single.
82.4
1
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
82.3
.
Down the leg side, Maharaj does not offer the shot and the ball stays low. It beats Buttler as well and goes into the fine leg fence but because Maharaj did not offer the shot that is why no runs given.
82.2
3
Shortish ball on off, Paterson cuts it towards point and the batters take three.
82.1
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
In over# 1
4b
6
6
4
4
4
Joe Root 87/4(29)
81.6
4b
FOUR BYES! A googly which deceives Maharaj as well as Buttler. Floated on off, Maharaj looks to defend but the ball turns away beating the outside edge and Buttler as the ball goes into the fence.
81.5
6
SIX! Another slog sweep and this results in a maximum as well. Maharaj giving England a taste of their own medicine. Keshav plays the slog sweep and has hammered this one into the stands.
81.4
6
SIX! Whack! What a shot by Keshav Maharaj! He goes down on one knee and has slogged this one into the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
81.3
4
FOUR! 3 in a row! Tossed up on middle, Maharaj has swept that one through the backward square leg region for a boundary.
81.2
4
FOUR! Another one! Down the leg side, Maharaj looks to flick this one down the leg side and the ball goes off the inside edge towards the fine leg fence.
81.1
4
FOUR! Root floats one on middle and off, Maharaj goes down on one knee and sweeps through the square leg region for a boundary.
In over# 1
2
0
4
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 27/1(21)
80.6
2
Outside off, Paterson slices the ball towards third man and gets a couple.
80.5
.
On the pads, defended towards the leg side.
80.4
4
FOUR! Good batting by Paterson! Well outside off this one, Dane goes back and cuts this one through point for a boundary.
80.3
.
Paterson goes back and defends it solidly.
80.2
.
On off, defended solidly.
80.1
.
Floated on middle and off, defended by Paterson.
New ball has been taken by England as soon as the 80 overs have ended. Bess to try his luck first up with it.
In over# 1
4b
1
0
1
1
0
Joe Root 63/4(28)
79.6
4b
FOUR BYES! Down the leg side, Maharaj goes after it and misses. The ball goes through everyone and into the fine leg fence.
79.5
1
On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
79.4
.
Paterson defends this by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
79.3
1
The batsman has driven that ball straight back past the bowler. One run added to the total.
79.2
1
Very full ball on middle, jammed out towards point and the batters take a run.
79.1
.
Shortish ball on middle, Paterson rocks back and defends it onto the pitch.
In over# 1
0
3
0
1
0
0
Dominic Bess 21/1(20)
78.6
.
Floated on middle, driven towards the man at mid on.
78.5
3
Good fielding! This one is floated outside off by Bess, Paterson cuts it towards backward point where Root runs after it and saves a run for his side as he dives to keep the ball in play. Replays confirm that Root has stopped it cleanly. Good effort by the skipper!
78.4
.
Paterson goes back in his crease and defends.
78.3
1
Maharaj pushes it towards the man at mid off and takes a single.
78.2
.
Down the leg side, left alone.
78.1
.
Floated delivery on middle and leg, Maharaj looks to defend but is hit on the pad.
DRINKS! Another successful hour for England where they have taken three wickets and are now just a wicket away from a convincing win over the Proteas. Root will be wanting to take a 5-fer though, his first in Test cricket, as the match is coming to a close.
In over# 1
4
0
0
2
1
0
Joe Root 60/4(27)
77.6
4
FOUR! No fear from Paterson! Floated delivery on off, Paterson lofts this one over the mid off fielder for a boundary.
77.5
.
Floated on off, pushed towards the man at mid off now.
77.4
.
Floated on middle, pushed towards the man at mid on.
77.3
2
Paterson has driven this one through the covers for a couple.
77.2
1
On the pads, worked towards square leg for one.
77.1
.
Down the leg side, Maharaj works it towards the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 17/1(19)
76.6
.
Paterson has flicked the ball off his pads. A successful over for the England team ends.
76.5
.
Another delivery which spins in from outside off, Paterson looks to defend but is hit on the pads. Looks to be going down leg.
The last man, Dane Paterson, is in now.
76.4
W
OUT! BOWLED! Dominic Bess gets a wicket and another change of bowling works for Joe Root. Floated delivery on off, Nortje looks to go back and work this one towards the leg side but the ball goes through bat and pad and into the stumps. England just one wicket away from the victory.
76.3
.
Nortje rocks back and defends this ball towards the leg side.
76.2
.
Floated delivery on off, Nortje does well to defend.
76.1
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Dominic Bess is into the attack. 18-10-17-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Joe Root 53/4(26)
75.6
.
Another flatter delivery and Maharaj negotiates through another over.
75.5
.
Maharaj rocks back and defends this ball on the middle pole line.
75.4
.
Way down the leg side, left alone by Root.
75.3
.
Quicker delivery on middle, defended back towards Root.
75.2
1
Down the leg side, worked towards fine leg for one.
75.1
.
Very full ball on middle and leg, Nortje defends.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Mark Wood 27/3(14)
74.6
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended back towards the bowler.
74.5
.
Almost! Back of a length ball on off, Maharaj hops and looks to defend but the ball goes off the splice of the bat behind silly point and falls safe. Chance but no one there!
74.4
.
Another bouncer and Maharaj does well to get down and let it go.
74.3
4
FOUR! Cut away! Back of a length ball on off, Maharaj rocks back and cuts behind point for a boundary.
74.2
.
Good length ball just around off, defended by Maharaj.
74.1
.
What a bouncer! No one has been able to extract this kind of bounce from the surface except Wood. At a speed of 143 kph, Wood bowls a bouncer on middle and Maharaj does well to get out of the way.
In over# 1
4
0
1b
0
0
0
Joe Root 52/4(25)
73.6
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Floated delivery on off, Nortje looks to punch it towards the off side but the ball goes off the inside edge past short leg for a boundary.
73.5
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
73.4
1b
This time it is outside off, Maharaj looks to cut but misses. The keeper also misses the ball and the ball goes behind him and the batters take a bye.
73.3
.
On middle and leg, Maharaj goes back and defends.
73.2
.
Down the leg side, Maharaj plays it onto the pitch.
73.1
.
Floated delivery on off, defended towards mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 23/3(13)
72.6
.
Another back of a length ball on the body, Nortje defends.
72.5
.
Back of a length ball on middle, defended onto the pitch by Anrich.
Change of angle for Wood as he comes around the wicket.
72.4
.
Another length ball outside off, left alone by Nortje.
72.3
.
Back of a length ball on off, left alone.
The skies are clear right now and the sun is shining at Port Elizabeth. Not good news for the South Africa team though!
72.2
.
Length ball on middle and off, punched off the back foot towards mid on.
72.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, Nortje dabs it onto the pitch.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 48/4(24)
71.6
.
Down the leg side, Maharaj lets it be.
71.5
.
Another one which turns in and stays low, Maharaj defends.
71.4
.
Beaten! Tossed up delivery on off, Maharaj looks to cut but the ball stays low and turns in to beat the bat of Maharaj.
71.3
.
On off, solidly defended.
71.2
.
Maharaj prods forward and defends solidly.
71.1
.
Floated delivery on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Mark Wood 23/3(12)
70.6
.
Good length ball on middle, Nortje has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
70.5
.
Back of a length ball on middle. Nortje defends.
70.4
.
Good length ball on middle and off, Anrich looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge onto the pads.
70.3
.
Another one which is just outside off, left alone again by Nortje.
70.2
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
Who will walk in next? It is the man who played more than a 130 balls in the first innings, Anrich Nortje.
70.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Wood comes into the attack and strikes straightaway! Good length ball on middle and leg, it is a cross-seam delivery. Rabada looks to flick it towards the leg side but the ball goes off the leading edge uppishly towards mid on where Stuart Broad takes an easy catch. 2 wickets to go for an England victory.
Mark Wood has come into the attack now.
In over# 1
0
4
0
4
0
0
Joe Root 48/4(23)
69.6
.
Maharaj has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
69.5
4
FOUR! Good application by the batters here! Tossed up delivery on off, Maharaj carves it through the point region for a boundary.
69.4
.
Root bowls it fuller down the leg side, Maharaj goes back and dabs it onto the pitch.
69.3
4
FOUR! Up and over! Floated delivey on middle, Maharaj has lofted this delivery over the man at mid on for a boundary.
69.2
.
Again Maharaj rocks back and defends the ball onto the pitch.
69.1
.
A bit shortish ball on middle, defended by Maharaj.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
1
0
Stuart Broad 14/1(10)
68.6
.
Rabada prods forward and does well to defend this ball. Gets through another over.
68.5
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
68.4
4
FOUR! Driven away! Full ball on middle and off, Rabada has driven it through mid on for a boundary.
68.3
.
The batsman has driven it through mid off.
68.2
1
Another back of a length, this time directed on the body of Maharaj. He does not duck this time and the ball goes off his glove towards fine leg and the batters cross ends.
68.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, Maharaj ducks. The ball was nowhere near him though and only he will know why he ducked.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 40/4(22)
67.6
.
Another full ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off again.
67.5
.
Rabada has confidently driven this ball towards the man at mid off.
67.4
.
Shortish delivery outside off, Rabada looks to cut but misses.
67.3
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
67.2
.
Woah! Looked like a dropped catch but no edge on it. The ball just turned that much! Tossed up delivery around off, Rabada looks to defend but the ball turns away and misses the outside edge. The keeper fails to collect and it looked like a dropped catch but there was no edge on that.
67.1
.
Floated delivery on off, defended by Rabada.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 9/1(9)
66.6
.
The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball but fails.
66.5
.
Very full ball on off, almost a yorker, well defended by Maharaj.
66.4
.
Maharaj defends this full ball on off towards the man at short extra cover again.
66.3
.
Outside off, left alone.
66.2
.
Maharaj prods forward and defends this full ball confidently.
66.1
.
Good length ball on off, defended towards the man at short extra cover by Maharaj.
In over# 1
0
0
0
6
0
0
Joe Root 40/4(21)
65.6
.
Last ball of the over and Rabada defends it towards point. Root will be aching for a 5-fer here.
65.5
.
Floated on off, Rabada defends it towards the cover region.
65.4
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
65.3
6
SIX! Woah! Rabada surely can bat and that shot proves it! Floated delivery on off, Rabada gets down on one knee and has just lofted it beautifully over the long off region for a biggie. Class shot, full of grace!
65.2
.
Another one on off, defended towards the off side.
65.1
.
Root bowls this one just around off, Rabada defends.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 9/1(8)
64.6
.
Another good length ball on off, Maharaj defends it towards the man at cover.
64.5
.
Good length ball just outside off, Maharaj defends this one towards the off side.
64.4
.
Outside off again, left alone by Keshav.
64.3
.
This time on a length and closer to the body, Maharaj stands tall and defends.
64.2
.
The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
64.1
.
Length ball outside off, left alone by Maharaj.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
1
0
Joe Root 34/4(20)
63.6
.
Rabada again defends solidly off the front foot to get through the over.
63.5
2
Another edge is induced as the ball pitches on off and turns away. It flies away from the man at second slip and the batters take two.
63.4
.
Rabada prods forward and defends.
63.3
.
Superb delivery by Root! Floated on off, Rabada looks to defend but the ball turns away and beats the outside edge of Rabada's bat.
63.2
1
On the pads, worked towards square leg for one.
63.1
.
Maharaj has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Joe Root to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0W
0
0
Stuart Broad 9/1(7)
62.6
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Full length ball on off, Rabada looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge past the man at first slip and into the third man fence.
62.5
.
Good length ball on off, defended back towards the bowler.
62.4
.
Fullish length ball around off, pushed towards the man at mid on.
Kagiso Rabada walks out to bat.
62.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! There is the breakthrough and that too in the first over on Day 5. Stuart Broad has again sent Philander packing and England looking to wrap it up quickly. Good length ball nipping back in, Philander looks to defend but the ball comes off the inside edge onto the pads and goes aerially towards short mid-wicket. Ollie Pope there dives forward and takes a good catch. Victory within touching distance for England.
62.2
.
This time it is on a length outside off, left alone by Philander.
62.1
.
Broad starts with a good length delivery just around off, defended by Philander.
The England players walk out to the middle and the conditions above them are very cloudy which might worry them. The South African overnight batters, Keshav Maharaj and Vernon Philander, walk out to the middle. Can they keep the English bowlers out and pull off a miracle? Stuart Broad to test them first up!
A warm welcome to Day 5 of the third Test match between South Africa and England at Port Elizabeth. England need just four wickets to wrap up the match and gain a lead in the series. They would look to do it in the first session itself as rain is predicted throughout the day. On the other hand, the hosts would look to grind out session by session. The hosts would be praying to the rain gods that they favour them. Stay tuned for all the action.
... Day 5, Session 1 ...
So, the question on everyone's mind will be how long will England take to pluck out the remaining wickets on Day 5 or will rain show up to spoil the fun for the visitors and save the hosts from the blushes? Do join us for the final day of this Test match on Monday, the 20th of January. Until then, goodnight.
South Africa, on the other hand, were miserable with the bat. In the first innings, they lost their last 4 wickets pretty quickly. They started well in the second innings but the rain break which lasted for around two and a half hours caused them to lose concentration and were ripped apart by Root and co. The thing that will disappoint the captain and coach the most was the dismissal of Quinton de Kock. He played a horrendous shot and gave his wicket away when it was absolutely not needed. Faf du Plessis fell soon after and they are in complete tatters at the moment.
What a day for England. They are on the verge of taking a 2-1 lead in the series and it has been a brilliant performance from them on Day 4. First, after bowling out South Africa in just half an hour at the start of the day, the visitors enforced the follow-on. Rain interrupted the proceedings with South Africa having not lost a wicket before then in their second innings. What happened next was carnage. Joe Root led from the front with a 4-fer with good support from Mark Wood, leaving the hosts reeling at 102/6.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
4
Joe Root 31/4(19)
61.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Maharaj keeps it out. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 4!
61.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Maharaj blocks it off the back foot.
61.4
.
Looped up ball on middle, Maharaj defends it out.
61.3
.
Flighted on middle, defended out by Maharaj.
61.2
1
Floated on middle, Philander whips it to the leg side for a single.
61.1
4
FOUR! Poor delivery! Floated on the pads, Philander just helps it on its way to the fine leg region for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 17/0(18)
60.6
.
Bess bowls it down the leg side, Maharaj lets it go. Umpires have said that one more over can be bowled.
60.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Maharaj flicks it towards the leg side.
60.4
.
Flatter delivery down the leg side. Maharaj shoulders arms to this one.
60.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Maharaj defends it to the leg side.
60.2
.
Floated on off, Maharaj defends it off the front foot to cover.
60.1
.
Flatter one one middle and leg, Maharaj works it to square leg.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Joe Root 26/4(18)
59.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Philander nudges it towards the leg side.
59.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Philander keeps it out.
59.4
1
Floated delivery on off, Maharaj plays it towards covers for a single.
59.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Maharaj blocks it off the front foot.
59.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Maharaj keeps it out.
59.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Maharaj defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
2
0
Mark Wood 23/2(11)
58.6
.
Good length ball down the leg side, Philander looks to flick but misses it altogether. Wood appeals for a caught behind but the umpire gives it not out.
58.5
.
DROPPED! Stokes and his butter fingers! Short of a length ball on the pads, Philander pulls but it goes straight into the hands of Stokes at square leg. The ball goes quickly to him causing him to drop it.
58.4
.
Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Philander works it to the leg side.
58.3
1
Good length ball on off, Maharaj is solid in defense and goes so towards cover. The batters take a single.
58.2
2
EDGY! Full delivery on off, Maharaj looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and the ball goes through the gully region for a couple.
58.1
.
Full delivery outside off, Maharaj shoulders arms to it.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
1
0
Joe Root 25/4(17)
57.6
4
FOUR! Tossed up delivery on middle, Philander flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
57.5
.
On off, Philander blocks it off the back foot.
57.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Philander plays it towards mid off.
57.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Philander defends it off the back foot.
57.2
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Maharaj plays it towards covers for a single.
57.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Maharaj defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1wd
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 19/2(10)
56.6
.
Outside off, Philander shoulders arms to this one.
56.5
.
On a good length on middle, Philander blocks it off the back foot.
56.5
1wd
WIDE! Bowls a bouncer, Philander ducks under it.
56.4
.
Short delivery on middle, Philander pulls it towards square leg.
56.3
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Philander ducks under it.
56.2
.
Shortish in length on middle and leg, Philander pulls it to square leg where Stokes makes a good diving stop.
56.1
.
Short ball down the leg side, Philander looks to pull but it takes the gloves and the ball goes rolling to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 20/4(16)
55.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Maharaj blocks it well.
55.5
.
Floated delivery on off, Maharaj blocks it off the front foot.
55.4
.
Tossed up delivery on middle and leg, Maharaj looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Later on Ball Tracker shows that it would have been umpire's call. Both the teams don't have any reviews.
55.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Maharaj punches it to point.
55.2
.
Floated delivery on middle, Maharaj blocks it off the back foot.
55.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Maharaj defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 19/2(9)
54.6
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander lets it sail through to the keeper.
54.5
.
Bowls a bumper, Philander ducks under it.
54.4
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Philander looks to defend but misses it.
54.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander does well to duck under it.
54.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Philander defends it out.
54.1
.
On a good length on middle, Philander blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Joe Root 20/4(15)
53.6
.
Floated delivery on off, Maharaj blocks it off the front foot.
53.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Maharaj keeps it out.
53.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Keshav defends it off the back foot.
53.3
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Philander drives it through mid on for a run.
53.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Philander drives it towards mid on.
53.1
.
Tossed up delivery on leg, Philander looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
In over# 1
0
1
2
0
0
0
Mark Wood 19/2(8)
52.6
.
Outside off, Maharaj offers no shot to this one.
52.5
1
The batsman has worked it off his pads behind square. One run added to the total.
52.4
2
NOT OUT! Full delivery on off, Philander drives it through covers. The fielder picks the ball and throws it at the bowler's end where Mark Wood takes the bails off. It is referred upstairs. Replays show that Maharaj was well in. The batsmen get two runs.
52.3
.
Short delivery on off, Philander stands tall and defends it off the back foot.
52.2
.
Outside off, Philander offers no shot to this one.
52.1
.
DROPPED! This was a tough, tough chance for Dominic Sibley. Short of a length ball on middle, Philander rocks on his back foot and then pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Sibley over there jumps and attempts to go for the catch with one hand. The ball touches the fingers and lobs off behind him.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
0
Joe Root 19/4(14)
51.6
.
Full delivery on off, Maharaj drives it towards mid off.
51.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Maharaj blocks it off the back foot.
Keshav Maharaj is the new batsman in.
51.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Root gets his fourth and he gets the South African skipper. Flighted delivery on middle, du Plessis looks to defend but it seems to go off the inside edge onto the pads. It lobs to short leg where Pope takes another brilliant catch. Faf du Plessis thinks and then decides to go for the review. Probably in desperation. The replays roll in and the Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there was a big inside edge on this one. Wonder how did Faf du Plessis did not feel the edge. This is a massive wicket for England.
An appeal for catch at short leg! Faf takes the review.
51.3
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
51.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, du Plessis flicks it to mid-wicket.
51.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 16/2(7)
50.6
.
Length delivery down the leg side, Philander looks to flick but misses it. The keeper appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head.
50.5
.
Wood bowls it on a good length on middle, Philander defends it off the back foot.
50.4
.
Bowls a bumper, Philander does well to duck under it.
50.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander lets it sail through to the keeper.
50.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Philander defends it off the back foot.
50.1
.
On a good length on off, Philander defends it out.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 19/3(13)
49.6
.
Floated delivery on leg, du Plessis offers no shot and pads it away.
49.5
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, du Plessis pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
49.4
.
Full delivery on middle, du Plessis drives it back towards the bowler.
49.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, du Plessis blocks it off the front foot.
49.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, du Plessis drives it towards mid on.
49.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
0
0
Mark Wood 16/2(6)
48.6
1
Good length delivery on middle, Faf flicks it towards square leg for a single.
48.5
.
Outside off, du Plessis offers no shot to this one.
48.4
.
Good length delivery on off, du Plessis defends it off the back foot.
48.3
4
EDGY FOUR! Full delivery on off, du Plessis looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
48.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Faf offers a solid defense on this one.
48.1
.
On a good length on off, du Plessis defends it off the front foot.
Mark Wood to bowl. 5-1-11-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 15/3(12)
47.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Philander keeps it out.
47.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Philander blocks it off the front foot.
47.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Philander flicks it to mid-wicket.
47.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Vernon nudges it towards the leg side.
47.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Philander keeps it out.
47.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Philander blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 17/0(17)
46.6
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis flicks it to mid-wicket.
46.5
.
Flighted delivery on off, Faf blocks it well.
46.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, du Plessis nudges it towards the leg side.
46.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Faf blocks it off the front foot.
46.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it out.
46.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 15/3(11)
45.6
.
Full delivery on off, Philande drives it towards mid off.
Vernon Philander is the next batsman in.
45.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Ohh de Kock! What have you done? Not a shot you play when you are trying to save a Test match. Probably the worst shot of his career. First attacking shot in this innings and he has to go. Excellent catch by Mark Wood as well. Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock goes for a big heave but it can only take an outside edge. It goes uppishly towards point where Mark Wood jumps and takes a stunner of a catch. Root gets his third wicket but must have to say that Quinton de Kock has gifted his wicket to the visitors. Faf and the coach will not be happy.
45.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, de Kock blocks it off the back foot.
45.3
.
Floated delivery outside off, Quinton offers no shot to this one.
45.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Quinton keeps it out.
45.1
.
Outside off, de Kock offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Dominic Bess 17/0(16)
44.6
1
Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it through mid on for a run.
44.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
44.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Quinton punches it to point.
44.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Quinton drives it towards mid off.
44.2
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it back towards the bowler.
44.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, de Kock flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Drinks Break!
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 15/2(10)
43.6
.
Floated delivery on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
43.5
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, de Kock looks to defend but misses it.
43.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it off the front foot.
43.3
.
Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it to covers.
43.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
43.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 15/0(15)
42.6
.
On middle, Faf flicks it towards the leg side.
42.5
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, de Kock flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
42.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it off the front foot.
42.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Quinton keeps it out.
42.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the back foot.
42.1
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
1
0
Joe Root 15/2(9)
41.6
4
FOUR! Excellent shot. Floated delivery on middle, du Plessis sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.
41.5
.
Full delivery on off, du Plessis drives it towards mid off.
41.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, the skipper looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
41.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Faf defends it off the front foot.
41.2
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Quinton flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
41.1
.
Floated delivery on middle, de Kock blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 14/0(14)
40.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the front foot.
40.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it out.
40.4
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the back foot.
40.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, du Plessis keeps it out.
40.2
.
Loopy delivery on off, Faf offers a solid defense on this one.
40.1
.
Floated delivery on middle, du Plessis nudges it towards the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Joe Root 10/2(8)
39.6
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Quinton looks to defend but misses it.
39.5
.
Floated delivery on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes safely towards first slip on one bounce.
39.4
.
Flighted delivery outside off, de Kock looks to defend but misses it.
Quinton de Kock is the new batsman in.
39.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! That is a stunner of a catch by Ollie Pope. Tossed up delivery on middle, van der Dussen looks to defend off the front foot but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It lobs to short leg where Pope dives to his left and takes a one-handed catch. That is an excellent take by the youngster.
39.2
.
Floated delivery on middle, van der Dussen keeps it out.
39.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle and leg, van der Dussen looks to defend but gets it off the thigh pad. It goes towards the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 14/0(13)
38.6
.
Bess bowls it down the leg side, du Plessis leaves it alone.
38.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Faf offers a forward defense on this one.
38.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, du Plessis nudges it towards the leg side.
38.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it off the front foot.
38.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, the skipper blocks it off the front foot.
38.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 10/1(7)
37.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, van der Dussen defends it towards mid off.
37.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, van der Dussen defends it out.
37.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Rassie blocks it off the back foot.
37.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, van der Dussen keeps it out.
37.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Rassie defends it out.
37.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, van der Dussen blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
6
0
Dominic Bess 14/0(12)
36.6
.
On off, du Plessis offers a solid defense on this one.
36.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Faf flicks it towards the leg side.
36.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, du Plessis flicks it to mid-wicket.
36.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the front foot.
36.2
6
SIX! Nice shot. Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis comes down the track and lofts it over long on for a biggie.
36.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, du Plessis keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
6
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 10/1(6)
35.6
.
The batsman has offered no stroke to an incoming delivery.
35.5
6
SIX! Amazing shot. Short delivery on middle, van der Dussen pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
35.4
.
The batsman has played it fine down the leg side.
35.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Rassie blocks it off the front foot.
35.2
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
35.1
.
NOT OUT! It is missing the off stump and South Africa retain their review. Tossed up delivery on off, van der Dussen looks to defend but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw and the umpire raises his finger. Rassie van der Dussen takes the review. Replays show that there is nothing on Ultra Edge. Ball Tracker shows that it is umpire's call and it is missing the off stump.
An appeal for lbw! Rassie takes the review. That could be missing the off stump.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 8/0(11)
34.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
34.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis tucks it towards mid-wicket.
34.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Faf offers a solid defense on this one.
34.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the back foot.
34.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Faf flicks it to mid-wicket.
34.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 4/1(5)
33.6
.
On off, van der Dussen defends it towards first slip.
33.5
.
Root bowls it down the leg side, Rassie lets it go.
33.4
.
Flighted delivery on middle, van der Dussen looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
33.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, van der Dussen taps it towards point.
33.2
.
Floated delivery down the leg side, van der Dussen lets it go.
33.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Rassie blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Dominic Bess 8/0(10)
32.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, du Plessis looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
32.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, the skipper blocks it off the back foot.
32.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, du Plessis blocks it off the back foot.
32.3
4
FOUR! Good shot. Loopy delivery on middle, du Plessis comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.
32.2
.
Floated delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the front foot.
32.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Joe Root 4/1(4)
31.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, van der Dussen keeps it out.
31.5
.
BEATEN! Flighted delivery just outside off, van der Dussen looks to defend but misses it due to the turn on this one.
31.4
.
Full delivery on off, Rassie drives it towards mid off.
31.3
.
Flighted delivery on off, van der Dussen defends it off the back foot.
31.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Rassie nudges it towards the leg side.
31.1
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Tossed up delivery on middle, van der Dussen flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 4/0(9)
30.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the front foot.
30.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, du Plessis flicks it to mid-wicket.
30.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
30.3
.
The batsman works it down the leg side.
30.2
.
NOT OUT! That was a poor review from England. Flighted delivery on middle, du Plessis looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Replays show there is nothing on Ultra Edge. Ball Tracker shows that it is missing the leg stump. The visitors have lost both their reviews.
30.1
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 0/1(3)
29.6
.
BEATEN! Floated delivery outside off, van der Dussen looks to defend but misses it.
29.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Rassie keeps it out.
29.4
.
The batsman offers no stroke and is wrapped on the pads.
29.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, van der Dussen defends it towards the leg side.
29.2
.
The batsman works it down the leg side.
29.1
.
Tossed up delivery down the leg side, van der Dussen lets it go.
In over# 1
0
2b
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 4/0(8)
28.6
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
28.5
2b
Floated delivery down the leg side, Faf looks to flick but misses it. It goes towards the keeper where he fails to collect it. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. The umpire gives it as byes.
28.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, du Plessis blocks it well.
28.3
.
Floated delivery on off, du Plessis defends it off the front foot.
28.2
.
Bess bowls it down the leg side, du Plessis lets it go.
28.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, du Plessis defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Joe Root 0/1(2)
27.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, van der Dussen flicks it to mid-wicket.
27.5
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
27.4
.
NOT OUT! Now England lose their review. Tossed up delivery on middle, Rassie looks to defend but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. England take the review. Replays show that there is nothing on Ultra Edge. Ball Tracker shows that it is going over the stumps.
An appeal for lbw! Joe Root takes the review. There seems to be an inside edge.
We are back for the final session of Day 4. The players are out in the middle. Faf du Plessis will be joined by Rassie van der Dussen. Joe Root will finish his over.
It has been a fine session for England. They have picked two wickets in this session. They have kept it tight and have not given easy runs in this session. On the other hand, South Africa have just lost Pieter Malan before Tea. Will England be able to wrap up the Test in the next session or will South Africa fight hard to take it till Day 5? Join us in a bit to find out.
27.3
W
OUT! LBW! The hosts lose their review. Tossed up delivery on middle, Malan looks to defend but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw and the umpire raises his finger. Malan consults with Faf and then takes the review. Replays show that there is nothing on Ultra Edge. Ball Tracker shows that it is hitting the middle stump. Malan walks back and also, IT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4!
An appeal for lbw! Malan takes the review. Ball Tracker shows it is three reds and Malan has to walk back.
27.2
.
The batsman works it down the leg side.
27.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Malan defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dominic Bess 4/0(7)
26.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Faf defends it off the back foot.
26.5
.
On middle, du Plessis nudges it towards the leg side.
26.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the front foot.
26.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, du Plessis flicks it towards mid-wicket.
26.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, du Plessis keeps it out.
26.1
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Malan punches it through point for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 0/0(1)
25.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, du Plessis looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
25.5
.
Floated delivery on off, du Plessis blocks it off the back foot.
25.4
.
The batsman works it down the leg side.
25.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it off the back foot.
25.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Faf keeps it out.
25.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it off the back foot.
Joe Root is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Ben Stokes 9/0(5)
24.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Malan blocks it well.
24.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Malan looks to duck but gets hit on the arm.
24.4
.
On a length on off, Malan defends it towards covers.
24.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Malan keeps it out.
24.2
.
On a good length on off, Malan defends it off the back foot.
24.1
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Malan drives it through mid off for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Dominic Bess 3/0(6)
23.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the back foot.
23.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Faf defends it to mid-wicket.
23.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Faf nudges it towards the leg side.
23.3
1
Loopy delivery on off, Malan punches it through point for a single.
23.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Malan punches it to point.
23.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Malan keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 5/0(4)
22.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Faf blocks it off the back foot.
22.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, du Plessis does well to duck under it.
22.4
.
Length delivery on off, du Plessis taps it towards the off side.
22.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Faf blocks it off the back foot.
22.2
.
On a length on middle, du Plessis flicks it to mid-wicket.
22.1
.
Outside off, du Plessis offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
1b
0
0
0
1
0
Dominic Bess 2/0(5)
21.6
1b
Short delivery on leg, du Plessis looks to pull but misses it. It goes towards the keeper where Buttler fails to collect it cleanly. It goes past him towards fine leg. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a bye.
21.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Faf nudges it towards the leg side.
21.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, du Plessis defends it off the back foot.
21.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Faf defends it off the front foot.
21.2
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Malan drives it towards covers for a single.
21.1
.
Full toss on off, Malan comes forward and drives it to covers.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Ben Stokes 5/0(3)
20.6
.
Good length delivery on off, du Plessis defends it off the front foot.
20.5
.
Bowls a bumper, du Plessis does well to duck under it.
20.4
.
Outside off, Faf offers no shot to this one.
20.3
.
On a good length on middle, du Plessis looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
20.2
.
Short of a length delivery, du Plessis looks to defend but gets hit on the glove.
20.1
1
On a length on middle, Malan flicks it towards square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 1/0(4)
19.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Faf defends it off the front foot.
19.5
.
On middle, du Plessis keeps it out.
19.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Faf defends it off the front foot.
19.3
.
Flighted delivery on off, du Plessis blocks it off the back foot.
19.2
.
Floated delivery on middle, Faf flicks it towards short leg.
19.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, du Plessis drives it back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 4/0(2)
18.6
.
Short delivery on off, Malan stands tall and defends it off the back foot.
18.5
.
On a good length on middle, Malan offers a forward defense on this one.
18.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Malan defends it off the back foot.
18.3
.
On a good length and outside off, Malan leaves it alone.
18.2
.
Outside off, Malan shoulders arms to this one.
18.1
.
Stokes bowls a bumper, Malan does well to duck under it.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 1/0(3)
17.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, du Plessis looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
17.5
1
Tossed up on off, Malan guides it towards third man for a single.
17.4
.
Floated delivery on middle and leg, Malan nudges it towards the leg side.
17.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Malan blocks it off the back foot.
17.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Malan looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip on one bounce.
17.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Malan defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
2
Ben Stokes 4/0(1)
16.6
.
On a good length and outside off, du Plessis does not bother to play at that.
16.5
.
Outside off, du Plessis leaves it alone.
16.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Faf offers a back foot defense on this one.
16.3
2
On a good length on off, du Plessis pushes it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.
16.2
.
Outside off, Faf offers no shot to this one.
16.1
2
Short delivery on leg, du Plessis nudges it towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Ben Stokes is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 0/0(2)
15.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Malan comes down the track and blocks it.
15.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Malan blocks it off the back foot.
15.4
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Malan nudges it towards the leg side.
15.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Malan blocks it off the back foot.
15.2
.
Full delivery on off, Malan drives it to mid off.
15.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Malan drives it to covers.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 11/2(5)
14.6
.
Good length delivery just outside off, Faf offers no shot to this one.
14.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Length delivery on off, du Plessis punches it through covers for a boundary.
14.4
.
Bowls a bumper, du Plessis ducks under it.
14.3
.
Outside off, du Plessis shoulders arms to this one.
14.2
.
On a good length and outside off, Faf defends it off the back foot.
14.1
.
Bowls a bouncer, du Plessis lets it sail through to the keeper.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 0/0(1)
13.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Malan defends it off the back foot.
13.5
.
On middle, Malan keeps it out.
13.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Malan defends it off the back foot.
13.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Malan blocks it off the front foot.
13.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Malan looks to defend but gets it off the pads. It goes towards short leg where the fielder takes the catch and appeals. Replays show that it came off the pad.
13.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Malan defends it off the front foot.
Dominic Bess is into the attack.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0W
Mark Wood 7/2(4)
12.6
4
FOUR! Full toss on off, du Plessis looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
12.5
.
Full delivery on off, du Plessis drives it to covers.
12.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, du Plessis does well to duck under it.
12.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Faf keeps it out.
12.2
.
On a good length on off, du Plessis defends it off the front foot.
Faf du Plessis, the skipper, is the next batsman in.
12.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Mark Wood gets his second wicket of the innings. On a good length on leg, Hamza looks to flick but gets a faint knick. It goes towards the keeper where Buttler takes a comfortable catch behind the stumps. The hosts are in big trouble now.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 5/0(6)
11.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Malan blocks it off the back foot.
11.5
.
On a good length on off, Malan defends it off the front foot.
11.4
2
Full delivery on middle, Malan drives it back towards the bowler where Broad tries to stop it with his feet but fails to do so. It hits his feet and goes towards mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
11.3
.
Full delivery on off, Malan drives it towards mid off.
11.2
.
On a good length on off, Malan defends it off the front foot.
11.1
.
Outside off, Malan does not bother to play at that.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 3/1(3)
10.6
2
Length delivery on off, Hamza pushes it through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.
10.5
.
On a length on middle, Hamza flicks it towards short leg.
10.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Hamza lets it sail through to the keeper.
10.3
.
BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery! On a good length and just outside off, Hamza looks to defend but misses it. It just misses the off stump by a whisker.
10.2
.
Wood bowls it down the leg side, Hamza lets it go.
10.1
.
Good length delivery on middle, Hamza blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 3/0(5)
9.6
.
Full delivery on off, Malan defends it off the front foot.
9.5
.
On a good length and outside off, Malan leaves it alone.
9.4
.
Good length delivery outside off, Malan offers no shot to this one.
9.3
.
Full delivery on off, Malan defends it off the front foot.
9.2
.
Outside off, Malan does not bother to play at that.
9.1
.
On a good length on off, Malan defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0W
Mark Wood 1/1(2)
8.6
.
Length delivery down the leg side, Hamza looks to flick but misses it.
8.5
.
Short delivery on leg, Hamza looks to nudge but gets hit on the arm.
8.4
.
On a length on middle, Hamza flicks it to square leg.
8.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Hamza does well to duck under it.
8.2
.
On a good length and outside off, Hamza shoulders arms to this one.
Zubayr Hamza is the new batsman in.
8.1
W
OUT! TIMBER! That one nipped back in. On a good length on off, Elgar looks to defend but misses it. It hits the pad and then hits the middle stump. This is excellent bowling from Wood.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2nb
Stuart Broad 3/0(4)
7.6
.
Good length delivery outside off, Malan lets it go.
7.5
.
Outside off, Malan leaves it alone.
7.4
.
On a good length and outside off, Malan offers no shot to this one.
7.3
.
Outside off, Malan shoulders arms to this one.
7.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Malan blocks it well.
7.1
.
On a good length on off, Malan defends it off the back foot.
7.1
2nb
NO BALL! Broad oversteps! On a length on middle, Elgar flicks it through square leg for a single.
Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 1/0(1)
6.6
1
On a good length on off, Elgar taps it towards point and takes a quick single.
The players are out in the middle. Mark Wood will complete his over, Elgar will be on strike.
We are scheduled a 1410 local restart which is just a few minutes away. That though if it does not start to rain again.
Update 1400 local - Not sure if I should be writing this with excitement but still, GREAT NEWS! The covers are coming off and we could have a resumption quickly WEATHER PERMITTED though!
Update 1352 local (1152 GMT) - Guess what? The rain had stopped, the umpires were done with their inspection, we also had a start time but the rains arrived once again to keep us waiting again...
Update 1330 local (1130 GMT) - The rain did stop for a while, the covers did come off for while, we did get happy for a while but then, the rain comes back and wipes the smile off our faces. On come the covers and we continue to wait.
Update 1306 local (1106 GMT) - The covers had come off but once again the rain has returned and the covers are back on.
Update 1239 local (1039 GMT) - The second session should have started but it is still raining and the covers are still in place.
It is a session where England have dominated by picking the remaining wickets of the hosts. South Africa have started their second innings on a cautious note and have done well to not lose a wicket. After that the rain-break came and it has currently stopped the game.
South Africa have done well to not lose any wicket in their second innings. They have played with composure till now. Earlier in the day, England had quickly taken 4 wickets and wrapped up South Africa's first innings.
Update 1152 local (0952 GMT) - The covers had come off but again it has started to rain and Lunch has been taken.
Update 1145 local (0945 GMT) - It seems the rain had stopped but it has again returned. The covers had come off but again the covers are back on.
Update 1105 Local (0905 GMT) - And that is it. The rain has arrived and the players are coming off while the covers are being brought on by the groundsmen. A huge sigh of relief for the South Africans though as they have not lost a wicket but as things stand, have more than 5 sessions to play, weather permitting.
6.5
.
Elgar goes back in his crease and defends it off the back foot.
6.4
.
Beauty! Length ball just outside off, Elgar looks to go on the back foot and defend but misses the line of the delivery.
6.3
.
Another length ball on off, defended solidly by Elgar.
6.2
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot towards the off side.
6.1
.
Length ball down the leg side, Elgar looks to flick but misses.
Mark Wood is into the attack now.
Now the cameramen have started to cover their cameras with protective gear, expecting heavy rain to arrive anytime soon.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Sam Curran 13/0(3)
5.6
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
5.5
.
Another fullish ball on off, worked towards the man at short cover.
5.4
.
Fullish ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
5.3
.
Good length ball on middle and off, Malan comes forward and defends it off the front foot.
5.2
.
Good length delivery on middle and off, Malan defends it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
5.1
1
Length ball around middle and leg, worked towards the square leg region for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1lb
1
Stuart Broad 1/0(3)
4.6
.
On a length on middle, Malan flicks it to mid-wicket.
4.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Malan defends it towards the off side.
4.4
.
Outside off, Malan offers no shot to this one.
4.3
.
On a good length on off, Malan defends it off the front foot.
4.2
1lb
Length delivery on middle, Elgar looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
We can see showers coming towards the ground from afar. The clouds look to be pretty dark with the skies already overcast.
4.1
1
On a length on off, Malan taps it towards point and takes a quick single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Sam Curran 12/0(2)
3.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Elgar drives it towards mid on.
3.5
.
On a good length on off, Elgar offers a solid defense on this one.
3.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Elgar blocks it off the back foot.
3.3
.
On a good length on off, Dean defends it off the back foot.
3.2
4
FOUR! Poor delivery from Sam Curran. Length delivery on leg, Elgar flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
3.1
.
On a good length on off, Elgar defends it back towards the bowler where Curran collects the ball and throws it back towards the striker's end but misses and the keeper collects it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 0/0(2)
2.6
.
Another one which is outside off, comfortably left alone by Malan.
2.5
.
The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
2.4
.
Malan goes back in his crease and defends the ball off the back foot.
2.3
.
Just outside off, left alone by Malan.
2.2
.
Another length ball just around middle and off, Malan looks to defend but is hit near the box. Painful blow that!
2.1
.
Length ball on off, defended with soft hands by Malan.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
4
0
Sam Curran 8/0(1)
1.6
.
Length delivery on leg, Elgar flicks it to square leg.
1.5
4
EDGE AND FOUR! On a good length on middle, Elgar looks to push it down the ground but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
1.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Dean blocks it off the front foot.
1.3
.
On a good length on middle, Elgar looks to defend off the front foot but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
1.2
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Length delivery on leg, Elgar flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
1.1
.
On a good length on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot.
Sam Curran to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 0/0(1)
0.6
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Malan looks to defend but misses it.
0.5
.
On a good length on middle, Malan defends it off the back foot.
0.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Malan blocks it off the front foot.
0.3
.
Outside off, Malan shoulders arms to this one.
0.2
.
On a good length and outside off, Malan shoulders arms to this one.
0.1
.
Broad starts with a good length on off, Malan punches it towards mid on.
We are back again. The players are out in the middle. South Africa will begin their second innings. Dean Elgar and Pieter Malan will open the batting for the hosts. Stuart Broad will start the proceedings.
So, what will happen in South Africa's 2nd innings? Will England roll the hosts over just like they have in this match so far or will the Proteas show the stomach for a fight? Another thing to consider will be the weather as showers are predicted later on. Stay tuned for all the action!
The bowling has been awesome by England. The star of the show was Dominic Bess as he took a 5-fer. Stuart Broad also bowled well to wrap up the tail early on Day 4 while Sam Curran and Ben Stokes got a wicket each.
The South Africans did manage to get a 50-run opening stand but right after Pieter Malan lost his wicket, it all went downhill for them. Hamza followed him soon after and Nortje came out as nightwatchman on Day 2. He played more than 130 balls but scored just 18 runs, although doing his job. There was just another 50-run stand which came between Philander and Quinton de Kock. England wrapped up things quickly on Day 4 as they took the wickets of Philander, Quinton de Kock, Rabada and Maharaj inside 5 overs. However, South Africa can count themselves very lucky as Ben Stokes put down catches of de Kock and the whole of 2nd session on Day 3 was also washed out. Had it not been for that, the hosts could have been in a much worse position.
28 balls is all England needed to dismiss the South African tailenders. Vernon Philander and Quinton de Kock did provide some resistance on Day 3 but England have come out all guns blazing on Day 4.
86.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! That is the end of the South African innings. We can also confirm that England have enforced the follow-on as they go for the kill! Length ball just outside off by Broad, Rabada looks to punch but does so uppishly and the ball goes straight to Mark Wood at mid off who takes an easy catch. The England players walk off in a hurry and will be looking to continue this momentum in South Africa's 2nd innings.
86.3
.
This is good bowling from Broad. On a good length and outside off, Rabada looks to defend but misses it.
86.2
.
Play and a miss! Good length delivery outside off, Rabada looks to drive but misses it.
86.1
.
BEATEN! On a good length and just outside off, Rabada looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Sam Curran 32/1(11)
85.6
.
Play and a miss! Good length delivery outside off, Paterson looks to guide but misses it.
85.5
.
BEATEN AGAIN! On a good length and outside off, Dane looks to drive but misses it.
85.4
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Paterson looks to go big but misses it.
85.3
1
On a length on middle, Rabada flicks it through square leg for a single.
85.2
.
On a good length on off, Rabada blocks it off the back foot.
85.1
.
Curran bowls it down the leg side, Rabada looks to flick but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Stuart Broad 30/2(13)
84.6
.
On a good length on middle, Dane keeps it out.
84.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Paterson blocks it off the front foot.
84.4
.
On a good length on middle, Paterson looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Debutant, Dane Paterson is the new man in.
84.3
W
OUT! TIMBER! Broad gets his second. Short delivery on middle, Maharaj looks to pull but gets an inside edge and gets bowled. England are just one wicket away from wrapping up the innings. The leg stump has gone for a toss.
84.2
.
On a good length on off, Maharaj defends it towards point.
84.1
.
Good length delivery on off, Maharaj defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 31/1(10)
83.6
.
On a good length on off, Rabada defends it off the back foot.
Kagiso Rabada is the next batsman in.
83.5
W
OUT! TIMBER! Quinton de Kock departs after a fighting innings. On a good length on middle, de Kock looks to defend but the ball nips just back in and de Kock misses the line of the delivery and gets bowled. It goes right through the gate and knocks off the middle pole. This is superb bowling from Curran. England get two wickets in two overs and are looking to wrap things up quickly now.
83.4
.
On a good length on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
83.3
.
Good length delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the back foot.
83.2
.
Outside off, Quinton does not bother to play at that.
83.1
.
On a good length and outside off, de Kock offers no shot to this one.
Keshav Maharaj is the new batsman in. Sam Curran to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0W
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 30/1(12)
82.6
W
OUT! TIMBER! Broad gets his first wicket in the innings. On a good length just outside off, the ball nips back in. Philander looks to drive through the off side but the ball goes through the gap between bat and pad and that has shattered the stumps behind. It hits the off stump. Excellent start to the day for England.
82.5
.
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it to covers.
82.4
.
Outside off, Philander offers no shot to this one.
82.3
.
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it towards mid off.
82.2
.
On a good length and outside off, Philander shoulders arms to this one.
82.1
.
Broad starts with a yorker on off, Philander does well to dig it out.
We are all set to begin Day 4. The England players are out in the middle. Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander will resume their innings for the hosts. Stuart Broad will start the proceedings for Day 4.
A warm welcome to Day 4 of the third Test between South Africa and England in Port Elizabeth. The hosts would look to grind out session by session and they would want Quinton de Kock to stay till the end of the innings. Philander has given him good support till now. On the other hand, England would look to pick the remaining four wickets quickly and enforce the follow-on on the hosts. Stay tuned.
... Day 4, Session 1 ...
So, what to expect on Day 4? England would be hoping to take the remaining wickets as quickly as possible while the hosts would be looking upon Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander to first go past the follow-on requirement and then get as close as possible to England's total. There is some rain forecast for Sunday as well. Let's hope that it stays away. Join us on Sunday, the 19th of January for Day 4 of this Test match. Until then, take care.
Earlier in the day, England were all over the Proteas as they took 3 quick wickets with Dominic Bess dominating with a 5-fer. They were right on top and then the rain-break came. It came and took over three hours for the play to resume. That probably helped South Africa as they made a comeback to give themselves a strong chance of saving this game. The visitors would not be happy with their fielding as well as they dropped many catches in the field and that too of Quinton de Kock. He can make them pay and boy, England would hope that he doesn't.
A rain-affected day. Who won this day? England certainly are ahead but South Africa will be happier after their performance post the rain break. Before all the rain, the hosts were looking down the barrel with 5 wickets down and only Quinton de Kock was remaining as the recognized batsman. He along with Nortje kept England at bay before Nortje fell after playing a stubborn innings. Vernon Philander joined de Kock and played out the remaining overs safely to make it the hosts' session.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Dominic Bess 51/5(31)
81.6
.
Outside off, de Kock offers no shot to this one. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 3!
81.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
81.4
.
Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
The second new ball has been taken. Just three balls remaining in the day.
81.3
1
Flatter one on middle, Vernon works it to the leg side.
81.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Philander works it down to long on.
81.1
.
Flatter one on middle, Philander keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Denly 10/0(4)
80.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
80.5
.
Tossed up delivery down the leg side, de Kock lets it go.
80.4
.
DROPPED! Stokes drops third catch of Quinton de Kock. Floated delivery on off, de Kock looks to cut but it turns and he gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where Ben Stokes tries to take the catch but spills it again.
80.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
80.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, de Kock keeps it out.
80.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
Denly is back on. 3-0-10-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 50/5(30)
79.6
.
No run.
79.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Philander looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
79.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Philander blocks it well.
79.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Vernon defends it off the front foot.
79.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Philander keeps it out.
79.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Philander defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Joe Root 25/0(11)
78.6
.
Floated delivery on off, de Kock plays it to point.
78.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
78.4
.
Full on middle, de Kock drives it towards mid on.
78.3
.
Flighted delivery on off, Quinton punches it towards point.
78.2
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Philander flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
78.1
1
Full delivery on off, Quinton drives it through covers. The batsmen get a run.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 50/5(29)
77.6
1
Flighted delivery on middle, de Kock flicks it towards square leg for a single.
77.5
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it back towards the bowler.
77.4
.
Outside off, de Kock offers no shot to this one.
77.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, de Kock defends it out.
77.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
77.1
.
Floated delivery on middle, de Kock flicks it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
1
0
Joe Root 23/0(10)
76.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Philander keeps it out.
76.5
1
Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it through covers for a single. 50-run stand is up between Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander.
76.4
1
Floated delivery on middle, Philander flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
76.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Philander drives it back towards the bowler.
76.2
1
Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock punches it through covers for a single.
76.1
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it to mid on.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 49/5(28)
75.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Philander defends it off the front foot.
75.5
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Quinton flicks it towards square leg for a run.
75.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Quinton defends it off the front foot.
UNDER-19 WORLD CUP UPDATE - Plenty of matches today, aye? 4 of them, to be precise. Let us go by the order in which they were completed, shall we? Or shall we look at the big upset? I guess let the surprise come later. First, New Zealand vs Japan in Potchefstroom. The Kiwis were 195/2 in the 29th over but rain played spoilsport, causing the teams to share points. Will the land of the rising sun mind? Don't think so. In Bloemfontein, in a fairly projected balanced contest, UAE trounced Canada by 8 wickets, chasing 232. Boy, that is a statement. Total imbalance. In Potchefstroom, this one at Senwes Park, Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe in a rain-affected match. They were 53/1 in 3 overs, to boast. Chased down 130 in 11.2 overs. Bigger statement? No. Perhaps the biggest of all statements is coming now. Last year finalists, Australia, have been defeated by the 2016 champions West Indies! That was a real thriller, with Australia first losing their way from 158/4 to 179 all out. The Windies were 92/5 in reply, in disarray but then a certain Nyeem Young took his team to victory, as the Caribbeans won by 3 wickets and 3 overs to spare! That is all from Day 2 of the mega event for the colts. Hopefully we get more exciting contests.
75.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
75.2
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it back towards the bowler.
75.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock defends it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 20/0(9)
74.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Philander defends it off the front foot.
74.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Vernon looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
74.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Philander flicks it to mid-wicket.
74.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Philander drives it towards mid on.
74.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Philander blocks it off the front foot.
74.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Philander flicks it towards the leg side.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 48/5(27)
73.6
1
Floated on middle, Philander works it to the leg side for a single.
73.5
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
73.4
.
Loopy on middle, Philander blocks it out.
73.3
.
Floated on middle, flicked to square leg.
73.2
.
On middle, Philander defends it out.
73.1
.
Floated on off, Philander defends it out.
In over# 1
0
0
2
0
0
0
Joe Root 20/0(8)
72.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Quinton plays it towards covers.
72.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, de Kock blocks it off the front foot.
72.4
2
DROPPED! Ben Stokes drops another catch. Loopy delivery on off, de Kock looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where Ben Stokes tries to take the catch but spills it. The batsmen pick up a couple.
72.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, de Kock defends it out.
72.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, de Kock punches it to covers.
72.1
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, de Kock looks to defend but misses it.
Joe Root is back on. The umpire, Stuart Broad and Root are having a chat. Probably the umpires feel that the light is not good enough for a pacer to continue.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 47/5(26)
71.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Philander looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
71.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Philander flicks it to mid-wicket.
71.4
.
Full delivery on off, Philander drives it towards mid off.
71.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Philander defends it off the back foot.
71.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Vernon keeps it out.
71.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Philander flicks it towards the leg side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Stuart Broad 30/0(11)
70.6
.
On off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
70.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it well.
70.4
.
On a good length on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets hit on the glove.
70.3
4
FOUR! Classic shot. Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it through mid on for a boundary.
70.2
.
On a good length on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
70.1
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it towards mid on.
The light meter is out to check for bad light. They are continuing for the time being. Stuart Broad is back on. 10-4-26-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 47/5(25)
69.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Philander keeps it out.
69.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Philander drives it back towards the bowler.
69.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Philander flicks it towards the leg side.
69.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Philander defends it off the back foot.
69.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Philander blocks it off the back foot.
69.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Philander keeps it out.
In over# 1
4
1
4
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 26/1(5)
68.6
4
FOUR! 50 for Quinton de Kock. It is his 20th Test fifty. Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it through covers for a boundary. It has been a terrific innings from him till now.
68.5
1
On a length on middle, Philander flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
68.4
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on leg, Philander pulls it towards fine leg where Dominic Bess tries to stop it but misfields and concedes a boundary.
68.3
.
Outside off, Philander offers no shot to this one.
68.2
.
Bowls a bouncer, Philander does well to duck under it.
68.1
.
On a good length on off, Philander defends it back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Dominic Bess 47/5(24)
67.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it well.
67.5
.
Floated delivery on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
67.4
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it towards mid on.
67.3
.
Flighted delivery on off, de Kock blocks it off the front foot.
67.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, de Kock defends it out.
67.1
4
FOUR! Welcome back into the attack, Mr. Bess. Short and outside off, de Kock makes room and cuts it through point for a boundary.
Dominic Bess is back on. 23-9-43-5 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
2
Ben Stokes 17/1(4)
66.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Philander blocks it off the front foot.
66.5
1
Length delivery on middle, de Kock flicks it through square leg for a single.
66.4
.
On a length on off, de Kock plays it to covers.
66.3
.
Full delivery on off, de Kock looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes to mid-wicket.
66.2
.
Length delivery on middle, Quinton flicks it to mid-wicket.
66.1
2
On a length on off, de Kock taps it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.
In over# 1
0
4
0
1
1
4
Joe Root 18/0(7)
65.6
.
On middle, Philander looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
65.5
4
FOUR! Brilliant shot. Full delivery on off, Philander drives it through wide mid off for a boundary.
65.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Philander defends it out.
65.3
1
Flighted delivery on off, Quinton drives it through point for a single.
65.2
1
Loopy delivery on off, Philander plays it towards covers for a run.
65.1
4
FOUR! Terrific shot. Full delivery on off, Philander drives it towards covers where Broad tries to stop it with a dive but it goes beneath him for a boundary.
In over# 1
4
0
1
4
4
0
Ben Stokes 14/1(3)
64.6
4
FOUR! Poor delivery from Stokes. Length delivery on the pads. Easy pickings for de Kock. He just flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
64.5
.
On a good length on off, de Kock defends it off the back foot.
64.4
1
Length delivery on off, Philander punches it towards point for a single.
64.3
4
FOUR! Another boundary for Philander. Full delivery on off, Philander drives it through covers for a boundary.
64.2
4
FOUR! Pulled away with disdain. Short delivery on middle, Philander pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
64.1
.
Outside off, Philander offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 8/0(6)
63.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Quinton drives it towards mid on.
63.5
.
Flighted delivery on off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the first slip on bounce.
63.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, de Kock plays it towards point.
63.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Quinton blocks it off the back foot.
63.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Quinton keeps it out.
63.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 1/1(2)
62.6
.
Short delivery on off, Philander stands tall and defends it off the back foot.
62.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Philander blocks it off the back foot.
Vernon Philander is the new man in.
62.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Nortje departs. Nortje goes after playing a stubborn innings. Who would say that he is a nightwatchman? On a good length on off, Nortje looks to push but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where Joe Root takes a good low catch to his right. Stokes is delighted and why wouldn't he be? He is having an excellent game so far.
62.3
.
Bowls a yorker on off, Anrich does well to dig it out.
62.2
.
Bowls a bouncer, Nortje does well to duck under it.
62.1
.
On a good length on off, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
Drinks Break! The hosts have done well in this hour and have not lost any wickets. On the other hand, England are in search of wickets and will look to keep it more tight.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 8/0(5)
61.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Quinton keeps it out.
61.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Quinton drives it back towards the bowler.
61.4
.
BEATEN! Flighted delivery just outside off, de Kock looks to defend but misses it.
61.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Quinton blocks it well.
61.2
.
Floated delivery on middle, Quinton looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
61.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock pushes it to point.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Ben Stokes 1/0(1)
60.6
1
Good length ball outside off, de Kock guides it down to third man for a single.
60.5
.
Fuller one outside off, de Kock lets it go to the keeper.
60.4
.
Fullish on middle, Qdk flicks it to mid-wicket.
60.3
.
Fullish on middle, Qdk pushes it down to mid on.
60.2
.
Good length ball on off, de Kock blocks it out to the off side.
60.1
.
Fullish ball on off, Quinton pushes it to cover.
Ben Stokes is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Joe Root 8/0(4)
59.6
.
On middle, Anrich blocks it well.
59.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Anrich defends it out.
59.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Nortje blocks it off the back foot.
59.3
1
Floated delivery on off, de Kock plays it towards covers for a single.
59.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it off the front foot.
59.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 31/0(9)
58.6
.
On a good length on off, Anrich defends it off the back foot.
Before Sam Curran delivers the ball, Nortje is not ready to face it.
58.5
.
Outside off, Nortje shoulders arms to this one.
58.4
.
Bowls a bumper, Nortje does well to duck under it.
58.3
.
On a good length on middle, Anrich blocks it off the back foot.
58.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
58.1
.
Bowls a bouncer, Nortje does well to duck under it.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 7/0(3)
57.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle, de Kock pushes it back to the bowler.
57.5
2
Short delivery outside off, de Kock rocks on his back foot and punches it through point for a couple.
57.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, de Kock prods forward and defends it to cover.
57.3
.
Flatter one on middle, de Kock defends it out off the back foot.
57.2
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
57.1
.
Flatter delivery on the pads, de Kock looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Sam Curran 31/0(8)
56.6
.
Very full delivery on middle, Nortje digs it out to the cover fielder.
56.5
.
Length ball on off, Nortje defends it out to the point fielder.
56.4
.
Fuller one on off, Nortje looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and hits the pads.
56.3
.
Fullish delivery on off, Nortje defends it to cover.
56.2
1
Short delivery outside off, de Kock slashes it towards backward point for a single. 150 up for the hosts.
56.1
.
Full delivery on off, de Kock pushes it to point.
In over# 1
1
0
4
0
0
0
Joe Root 5/0(2)
55.6
1
DROPPED! Ben Stokes spills it. Floated delivery on off, de Kock looks to guide but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where Ben Stokes tries to take the catch but drops it. It goes past him towards third man for a single.
55.5
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
55.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery on off, de Kock drives it through covers for a boundary.
55.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Quinton plays it to point.
55.2
.
BEATEN! Flighted delivery just outside off, de Kock looks to cut but misses it.
55.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, de Kock pushes it towards silly point.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 30/0(7)
54.6
.
Full delivery on off, Nortje pushes it to mid off.
54.5
2
Back of a length ball on off, Nortje rocks on his back foot and then punches it through covers for a couple.
54.4
.
Good length ball on the pads, Nortje tucks it to short leg.
54.3
.
On a length on off, Nortje lunges and defends it to point.
54.2
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle, Nortje sways away from it.
54.1
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Nortje works it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Root 0/0(1)
53.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, de Kock plays it back to the bowler.
53.5
.
On off, defended off the front foot.
53.4
.
Flatter one on off, de Kock pushes it to point.
53.3
.
Floated one on middle, Quinton lunges and defends it out to cover.
53.2
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Quinton works it to the leg side.
53.1
.
Root starts with a full one on the pads, de Kock flicks it to mid-wicket.
Joe Root is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
2
Sam Curran 28/0(6)
52.6
.
On a length on off, Anrich gets on his back foot and defends it towards mid off.
52.5
.
Short of a length ball outside off, Nortje sways away from it.
52.4
.
Good length delivery outside off, Nortje lets it go to the keeper.
52.3
1
Short of a length ball on off, de Kock taps it to the third man region for a single.
52.2
.
Good length ball on the pads, de Kock looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and goes towards mid off.
52.1
2
EDGY! Curran starts with a full delivery on off, de Kock looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes towards third man. Before the fielder can come across and clean it up. The batters take two.
Sam Curran to bowl. 5-0-25-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dominic Bess 43/5(23)
51.6
.
Floated on middle, solidly blocked by Nortje.
51.5
.
Looped up on off, Nortje defends it to the point region.
51.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Nortje pushes it back to Bess.
51.3
.
Looped up ball on middle, Nortje defends it out.
51.2
.
Floated on middle, Nortje pushes it to short mid-wicket.
51.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, de Kock flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
1wd
0
4
Mark Wood 31/0(11)
50.6
1
Shortish in length on middle, de Kock pulls it to deep square leg to keep strike for the next over.
50.5
.
Short delivery on off, pushed to point off the back foot.
50.4
.
Good length ball on off, de Kock looks to defend but it takes the inside half of his bat and onto the pads. No run.
50.3
4
FOUR! Poor delivery from Wood! Cannot bowl there. Fullish delivery on the pads, de Kock just flicks it away to the fine leg region to pick up another boundary.
50.3
1wd
WIDE! Short delivery around middle, de Kock looks to play at it first but then decides to leave it alone. Wide given.
50.2
.
Very full delivery on the middle stump line, de Kock digs it out to the bowler.
50.1
4
FOUR! Best shot from Quinton de Kock so far. Full delivery on the pads, de Kock flicks it beautifully through mid-wicket for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Dominic Bess 42/5(22)
49.6
.
Looped up ball on middle, Nortje works it to short leg.
49.5
.
Short of a length on middle, Nortje goes on his back foot and defends it.
49.4
.
Looped up ball on middle, Nortje once again solidly blocks it out.
49.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Nortje defends it out to short leg.
49.2
1
Nicely bowled! Floated one on middle, Quinton lunges to defend but it takes the outside edge and it goes towards short third man. The batters cross for a single.
49.1
.
Flat delivery outside off, de Kock pushes it to cover.
In over# 1
3
4
0
4
0
0
Mark Wood 21/0(10)
48.6
3
Whipped nicely! Full delivery on the pads, de Kock whips it through mid-wicket. The outfield is slow, thus the ball slows down before it reaches the fence. The fielder from mid on comes across and cleans it up. Three taken.
48.5
4
FOUR! Thrashed! Short delivery outside off, de Kock stands tall and then hammers it through the cover region for a boundary.
48.4
.
Short delivery outside off, de Kock punches it off the back foot to the cover fielder.
48.3
4
FOUR! Glorious shot! Full delivery on middle and leg, de Kock lunges and drives it through the mid on region for a boundary.
48.2
.
Short of a length ball on middle, de Kock pulls it to short leg. It hits the fielder and then rolls to mid-wicket.
48.1
.
Back of a length ball on middle, de Kock works it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 41/5(21)
47.6
.
Bess comes around the wicket and bowls a floated ball on middle, Nortje blocks it out.
47.5
.
On off, Nortje blocks it solidly.
47.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, defended back to the bowler.
47.3
.
Flatter one on middle, Nortje defends it out.
47.2
.
Floated one on middle, Nortje goes on his front foot and defends it to short leg.
47.1
.
Floated one on the pads, Nortje pads this one away.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Mark Wood 10/0(9)
46.6
.
Good length ball on middle, de Kock defends it uppishly but it lands in front of the mid-wicket fielder who collects it diving to his right.
46.5
.
Wood bends his back and digs in a short ball on middle, de Kock stands tall and defends it to the leg side.
46.4
.
Fullish delivery down the leg side, de Kock looks to flick but misses.
46.3
1
Short ball around middle and leg, Nortje tucks it to deep square leg for a single.
46.2
.
Bowls a bouncer, Nortje sways away from it.
46.1
.
Length delivery on off, Nortje taps it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 41/5(20)
45.6
.
Floated on middle, de Kock defends it out back to the bowler.
45.5
.
Short delivery outside off, de Kock pushes it to the point fielder.
45.4
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock pushes it down to long on.
45.3
.
Loopy delivery outside off, Quinton pushes it to the cover fielder.
45.2
.
Floated one on off, de Kock guides it to short third man.
45.1
.
Flatter one outside off, de Kock lets it go to the keeper.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
0
Mark Wood 9/0(8)
44.6
1
Short ball outside off, de Kock punches the ball off the back foot to the cover region for a single.
44.5
.
Fullish delivery down the leg side, de Kock looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
44.4
1
DROPPED! Ollie Pope drops a very tough chance. Good length ball on middle, Nortje works it to short leg. It goes quickly to Pope who just about manages to get his right hand to it. The ball rolls to square leg for a single. Wood is definitely troubling Nortje out there. Can he pick his wicket soon?
44.3
.
Length ball on middle, Anrich is solid in defense.
44.2
.
Another short one around middle, Nortje rocks on his back foot and defends it out.
44.1
.
Back of a length ball on middle, Nortje hops and defends it back to the bowler.
Mark Wood will bowl from the other end. 7-4-7-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 41/5(19)
43.6
.
On middle, Quinton defends it off the front foot.
43.5
.
Floated delivery on off, de Kock plays it to covers.
43.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, de Kock blocks it off the back foot.
43.3
.
Flighted delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
We are all set for the action to resume. Out come the English players followed by the two South African batsmen, Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje. Dominic Bess will finish his over. The floodlights are on, indicating that the light is not that great.
UPDATE (1525 Local) - Great news folks! The players are warming up and we are probably starting soon if there is no more rain. 38.4 more overs to be bowled in the day. Play can go on till 1800 Local which can be extended till 1830 Local.
UPDATE (1510 local) - Hurray!! We are in with a good news now. The covers are coming off now and the ground has been inspected. We have got a start time as well. The play will resume at 1526 local. Let's hope that the rain does not intervene again and we get the full remaining play. The play can go till 1830 Local. 39.4 overs still left in the day.
UPDATE (1500 local) - Well, the covers were off again. The umpires were inspecting the situation on the ground and we were probably looking at a resumption soon. But well, rain once again returns and on come the covers again.
UPDATE (1441 local) - Well, it is the same, the rain is coming down, the covers are on. Chances of play today look bleak. Let us continue to keep our fingers crossed though.
UPDATE 1357 local (1157 GMT) - The good news did not stay for long with us! The covers did come off for a while, the rain did stop for a while but it has returned now. All we can do now is keep our fingers crossed and hope it goes away soon.
UPDATE 1339 Local (1139 GMT) - Good news, good news, good news! The covers are coming off and it is a very slight drizzle at the moment. The umpires are also out in the middle.
UPDATE 1300 local (1100 GMT) - We do not have anything positive to update at this moment. It is still raining and we are surely in for a longer delay.
Well, the wait continues folks! It is raining heavily at the moment so we won't be getting underway anytime soon. Will keep you updated.
... Day 3, Session 2 ...
An excellent session for England! They have strengthened their control over this game even more. Three huge wickets, Faf du Plessis, Elgar and Van der Dussen, all three are capable of playing long innings and the visitors have got rid of them all. Bess, like last night, is once again the one creating problems. He has a fifer to his name, could have had Nortje too who is frustrating the visitors but Root did not hang onto one. England will be desperately hoping for the rain to pass by and get back on to take the remaining wickets. South Africa, would have started their rain dance so that it just keeps pouring. Not sure when we would resume though, everything depends on when the rain stops.
Okay, now the rain gets heavier and the umpire calls for the covers. The players are off and the covers are being dragged on the pitch by the groundsmen. Also, LUNCH HAS BEEN TAKEN!
43.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Quinton drives it towards mid on.
43.1
.
Floated delivery on off, de Kock defends it off the front foot.
Now, the lightmeter is on. The umpire checks the readings and signals that we are good to continue.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Joe Denly 10/0(3)
42.6
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Short delivery on middle, Nortje pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
42.5
.
Outside off, Nortje offers no shot to this one.
It has started to drizzle now, the groundstaff have started to make their way towards the sidelines. We are okay to continue for the moment though.
42.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Anrich punches it towards point.
42.3
.
Full delivery on off, Nortje drives it towards mid off.
42.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Nortje blocks it off the back foot.
42.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Nortje plays it to point.
The floodlights are getting active now.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Dominic Bess 41/5(18)
41.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Quinton blocks it off the front foot.
41.5
.
Full delivery on middle, de Kock drives it back towards the bowler.
41.4
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Quinton de Kock is the new man in.
41.3
W
OUT! Dragged on! Fifer for Bess and England are all over South Africa. First for him in Tests. DB pitches it outside off and it turns in sharpy. Van der Dussen is cramped for room as he looks to cut it. It is against the spin so it is a risky shot and he pays the price. The ball takes the bottom edge of the willow and disturbs the stumps. It looked like van der Dussen was all set for a big knock but he departs.
41.2
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
41.1
.
Dropped! A tough chance though. A flighted ball on off, van der Dussen looks to work it on the leg side but the ball takes the inner half and goes to the right of Pope. He can only get his fingertips to it.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
1
Joe Denly 6/0(2)
40.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, Anrich keeps it out.
40.5
4
FOUR! First boundary for Anrich. Short and outside off, Nortje cuts it through point for a boundary.
40.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Anrich looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
40.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
40.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Nortje plays it towards point.
40.1
1
Tossed up delivery on off, van der Dussen plays it towards covers for a single.
In over# 1
1
4
2
0
0
4
Dominic Bess 41/4(17)
39.6
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Rassie flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
39.5
4
FOUR! Hammered! Tossed up delivery on middle, van der Dussen comes down the track and lofts it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
39.4
2
A couple now! Shortish ball around off, van der Dussen rides the bounce and punches it off the back foot. The ball goes through covers and before the fielder can get to the ball, the batters run a brace.
39.3
.
On middle, slower through the air from Bess, van der Dussen looks to launch it over mid-wicket once again but this time he does not make the connection and is hit on the body.
39.2
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
39.1
4
FOUR! Van der Dussen gives Bess charge and slams it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Bess floats it on middle, Rassie skips down the track and slams it to the deep mid-wicket fence.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Joe Denly 1/0(1)
38.6
.
Outside off, Anrich does not bother to play at that.
38.5
.
Floated delivery on off, Nortje punches it towards point.
38.4
.
Short delivery on off, Nortje cuts it to point.
38.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Anrich blocks it off the back foot.
38.2
1
Flighted delivery on off, Rassie plays it towards point for a run.
38.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, van der Dussen punches it towards the off side.
Joe Denly comes to bowl for the first time in this innings.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4b
Dominic Bess 30/4(16)
37.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Anrich keeps it out.
37.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Anrich defends it off the back foot.
37.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Nortje drives it towards mid on.
37.3
.
Flighted delivery on off, Anrich keeps it out.
37.2
.
Floated delivery on middle, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
37.1
4b
FOUR BYES! Tossed up delivery down the leg side, Nortje looks to flick but misses it. It goes past the keeper towards fine leg for a boundary.
In over# 1
3
0
0
1
0
0
Stuart Broad 26/0(10)
36.6
3
On a length on middle, Nortje flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get three runs.
36.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Nortje does well to duck under it.
36.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Nortje keeps it out.
36.3
1
Length delivery on off, van der Dussen taps it towards point for a run.
36.2
.
Full delivery on off, Rassie looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards covers.
36.1
.
On a good length on off, van der Dussen defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dominic Bess 30/4(15)
35.6
.
On middle again, Nortje works it to mid-wicket again.
35.5
.
On middle, worked to mid-wicket.
35.4
.
EDGED AND DROPPED! Root was just not ready for that catch. Stokes probably would have gulped that. Big miss, not sure why Ben is not in the slip cordon and at leg gully. It is the straighter one from Bess. Nortje goes back and looks to defend but does so inside the line. He may have been looking to play for the turn. The ball goes straight on, it goes off the outside edge and straight towards slip. Root is quite laid-back in that position, he fails to react in time, it hits his hands and then pops out. Bess has to wait for his fifer.
35.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Anrich blocks it well.
35.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Nortje defends it off the front foot.
35.1
1
Floated delivery on middle, van der Dussen flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 22/0(9)
34.6
.
An edge now! A length ball around off, Nortje looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge, goes towards backward point where the fielder makes a diving stop towards his left.
34.5
.
Another superb bouncer! This time it is on the body, Nortje is fending it away with both his feet in the air. The ball lobs towards short leg but the fielder cannot get anywhere near the catch.
34.4
.
A bouncer now! It is just outside off, Nortje does well to sway away from it.
34.3
.
On the stumps line this time, Nortje is solid in his defense once again.
34.2
.
Around off on a good length, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
34.1
.
Good length ball outside off, Nortje lets it be.
In over# 1
0
0
4
1
0
0
Dominic Bess 29/4(14)
33.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Rassie defends it towards mid-wicket.
33.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Rassie defends it off the back foot.
33.4
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Loopy delivery on middle, van der Dussen comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.
33.3
1
Floated delivery on middle, Anrich flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
33.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
33.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Nortje looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes past short leg towards the leg side.
Drinks Break! A perfect hour for England. They have got two big wickets and have not allowed the South African batters to settle. Dominic Bess has got rid of Elgar and du Plessis and is looking threatening to knock down a few more wickets. South Africa's nightwatchman is fighting it out and has van der Dussen for the company. Let's see how long he can resist out in the middle. Can Bess pick a fifer, his first in Tests in this session itself? Interesting hour awaits.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 22/0(8)
32.6
.
A shortish length ball outside off, van der Dussen goes on the back foot and taps it towards covers.
32.5
.
Just short! A leg cutter from Broad, it lands around off and middle, van der Dussen pushes it back to the bowler. The ball goes uppishly towards Broad who gets down for the catch but it bounces just in front of him.
32.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Rassie blocks it off the front foot.
32.3
.
On a good length and outside off, van der Dussen leaves it alone.
32.2
.
Full delivery on off, Rassie drives it towards mid off.
32.1
.
Outside off, van der Dussen offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dominic Bess 24/4(13)
31.6
.
On middle, Nortje blocks it off the front foot.
31.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Nortje punches it to point.
31.4
.
Loopy delivery on leg, Nortje looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
31.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Nortje blocks it off the back foot.
31.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Nortje defends it off the front foot.
31.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, van der Dussen flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 22/0(7)
30.6
.
Outside off, Anrich does not bother to play at that.
30.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Nortje defends it out.
30.4
.
Almost! How close was that from the top of off? A length ball angled into the batter. It pitches outside off and then comes back in sharply. Nortje does not think it will come in so much and he lets it go. But it jags back in a lot and goes just over the top of off.
30.3
.
On a good length on middle, Anrich keeps it out.
30.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
30.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Nortje shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 23/4(12)
29.6
1
A quick run! On middle, Nortje works it with the turn towards mid-wicket, he calls for one and they complete it.
29.5
.
A little too straight, this is worked towards short leg.
29.4
.
On the pads, this is worked on the leg side for no runs.
29.3
.
On middle, Nortje works it with the turn towards short leg.
29.2
.
Gives it air and lands it outside off, Nortje blocks it out.
29.1
.
Sharp turn! It lands outside off and then spins back in. Nortje does well to go back and work it towards short fine leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Stuart Broad 22/0(6)
28.6
.
Another one on the off pole, it is defended onto the ground.
28.5
.
Angled into the pads, kept out.
28.4
.
Another delivery on a shorter length. Van der Dussen stays back and defends it onto the ground.
28.3
.
Back of a length and on off, defended.
28.2
.
On middle, it is kept out.
28.1
2
Nicely played in the end! It is on a length around off, there is extra bounce and it also moves away. The batter, takes one hand off the handle to negotiate the bounce and he opens the face to play with the movement and guides it through backward point for two.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 22/4(11)
27.6
.
Flatter and just outside off, Nortje blocks it out.
27.5
.
Loopy ball around off, it is defended.
27.4
.
Full and on off again, it is easily defended.
27.3
.
Around middle on a fuller length, Nortje blunts it onto the pitch on the leg side.
27.2
.
Flatter and around off and then skids off the surface. Nortje does well to keep it out.
27.1
.
Floats it on middle, Nortje comes forward and defends it towards short leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Stuart Broad 20/0(5)
26.6
.
On a good length on off, Rassie defends it off the front foot.
26.5
.
Outside off, van der Dussen leaves it alone.
26.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Rassie blocks it off the back foot.
26.3
2
Full delivery on off, van der Dussen drives it uppishly through covers. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen pick up a couple.
26.2
.
Length delivery on off, Rassie defends it towards point.
26.1
.
On a good length on off, van der Dussen defends it off the front foot.
First change of the morning. Stuart Broad comes into the attack now. 4-1-18-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 22/4(10)
25.6
.
Bess bowls it down the leg side, Nortje lets it go.
25.5
.
On off, Nortje defends it out.
25.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Nortje keeps it out.
25.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Anrich blocks it off the back foot.
25.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Nortje defends it off the front foot.
25.1
.
That kept low! Tossed up delivery down the leg side, Nortje looks to flick but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Mark Wood 7/0(7)
24.6
.
Good length ball around off, van der Dussen keeps it out off the front foot.
24.5
.
Good length delivery on off, van der Dussen defends it off the back foot.
24.4
.
Outside off, Rassie shoulders arms to this one.
24.3
1
Length delivery on leg, Nortje flicks it towards square leg for a single.
24.2
.
On a good length on middle, Anrich blocks it off the back foot.
24.1
.
Short delivery on leg, Nortje fends it uppishly towards short leg where it falls short of the fielder.
Rassie van der Dussen is the next batsman in.
In over# 1
0W
0
4
4
0
0
Dominic Bess 22/4(9)
23.6
W
OUT! Caught! The skipper is out of here and it is once again the Bess and Pope combination. No. 4 is down and all of them has fallen to Bess. Du Plessis was attacking him in this over, seeing that Bess drags his length slightly behind. Du Plessis once again comes out of his crease and looks to defend. However, the ball takes an inside edge, hits the pads and goes to Pope at silly point once again. It goes straight to him and he is not going to miss out on such an easy chance. Umpire there seem to be not lifting his finger but du Plessis knew that there was bat so he started walking himself. Brilliant, brilliant bowling from Bess and England are on top of this game.
23.5
.
On off, Du plessis keeps it out.
23.4
4
FOUR! Make that two in a row! Positive from the skipper! Another fuller ball around off, du Plessis once again dances down the track and slams it through mid off for another boundary.
23.3
4
FOUR! The skipper is off the mark and in style! A flighted fuller ball around off, du Plessis comes down the track and strokes it through mid off for a boundary.
23.2
.
Full and on the stumps, it is defended.
23.1
.
Flighted fuller ball on off, du Plessis keeps it out coming forward.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 6/0(6)
22.6
.
Bowls a bouncer, Nortje does well to duck under it.
22.5
.
Full delivery on off, Nortje drives it back towards the bowler.
22.4
.
On a good length on off, Anrich keeps it out.
22.3
.
Short delivery on middle, Nortje stands tall and defends it off the back foot.
22.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Nortje flicks it towards short leg where the fielder does well to stop it.
22.1
.
On a good length on off, Nortje defends it off the back foot.
Faf du Plessis, the South African skipper, is the new batsman in.
In over# 1
0W
0
0
0
0
2
Dominic Bess 14/3(8)
21.6
W
OUT! Caught! Sharp catch from Ollie Pope. A massive wicket for England early in the day. Bess bowls it around off and middle, Elgar comes forward to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and hits the pad. It lobs towards Pope at silly point. He dives forward and grabs the ball inches above the turf. The South Africans appeal and the umpire agrees. Very, very sharp grab from Pope. Elgar is one of those batters who can dig in deep but he has been removed. One can say that this wicket belongs to the fielder there than the bowler.
21.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, Dean plays it to covers.
21.4
.
Full delivery on off, Elgar drives it towards covers.
21.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Elgar blocks it off the front foot.
21.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Elgar looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes safely towards first slip on one bounce.
21.1
2
Tossed up on off, Elgar makes room and punches it through covers. Wood chases it and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Mark Wood 6/0(5)
20.6
.
A length ball outside off, Nortje covers his stumps and lets it go to the keeper.
20.5
.
Fuller and around off, it is pushed to mid off.
20.4
.
In the channel outside off for the right-hander. Nortje lets is be.
20.3
1
Back of a length ball on the body now, Elgar was in two minds, whether to go for the pull or let it be. He eventually goes for the pull but does not connect it well. Luckily the mistimed pull goes to fine leg for a single. First runs of the morning.
20.2
.
Around off on a good length, Elgar guides it to the man at gully with an angled bat.
20.1
.
Slightly shortish and around off and middle, Elgar goes on the back foot and keeps it out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 12/2(7)
19.6
.
Slightly shortish ball around off, Nortje pushes it back to the bowler to see off the over.
19.5
.
Down the leg side. Nortje lets it go to the keeper.
19.4
.
Another ball which is around off and middle, Nortje keeps it out.
19.3
.
On middle, another front foot defense from Nortje.
19.2
.
Flatter one on the pads, Nortje tucks it towards leg gully where the fielder makes a diving stop.
19.1
.
Floated ball around off, Nortje comes forward and defends it out.
Dominic Bess to bowl from the other end. 6-1-12-2 are his figures so far. One slip, short leg and leg gully in place.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 5/0(4)
18.6
.
Length ball on middle, Elgar looks to work it on the leg side but it takes the outer half of the bat and goes towards covers. A maiden over to start the day.
18.5
.
Another ball which is on the stumps, Elgar comes forward and pushes it to mid on.
18.4
.
On the stumps line, it is defended towards short leg.
18.3
.
Beaten! Another good length ball around off, Elgar looks to defend but misses once again.
18.2
.
Good follow up ball. It is shortish and on off, Elgar awkwardly keeps it out off the outer half of the bat.
18.1
.
Beauty to start the day! A good length ball just outside off, it shapes away after pitching. Elgar looks to defend but gets a bit squared up. Luckily for him, it does not take the outside edge.
We are all set to begin Day 3. The players are out in the middle. Dean Elgar and Anrich Nortje will resume their batting for South Africa. Mark Wood will start the proceedings for Day 3. It looks very cloudy out there but let's hope the rain does not arrive though.
We enter Day 3 with the visitors having the upper hand. They had an excellent Day 2 with both bat and ball. More of the same is what they will be hoping for. South Africa on the other hand, need to do what England did. They need to dig deep and bat long. They do have the batters to do so but they will need to step up. An important first session awaits. Stay tuned.
... Day 3, Session 1 ...
So, with England dominating the Test as we head towards the third day, can South Africa make a fightback or will the visitors pile on the pressure on the hosts? A lot of unanswered questions! Join us on Saturday, 18th January 2020, for Day 3. Till then, cheers and take care!
As for the South Africans, the silver lining to their dark cloud was that Keshav Maharaj was able to take a 5-fer. However, he was too expensive and he will be hoping that he will get a chance to bowl again at the English batters on this pitch. Coming to their batting, they were doing well until the final ball before the Drinks break when Pieter Malan departed. Zubayr Hamza followed him soon and right now, Anrich Nortje and Dean Elgar are standing at the crease.
The day in the best possible manner for England as their overnight batters, Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope, put them in a dominating position, scoring a ton each. Stokes was fluent in his stroke-making while Ollie Pope was gritty in his ton. Curran and Wood provided the flourish that the English innings needed as they finished just one run short of 500 runs. Coming to the bowling of the English, Curran and Broad looked a tad short of ideas. However, Wood came in with some vicious bouncers but the real damage was done by Dominic Bess as he picked 2 wickets in quick succession before the end of the day's play.
That will be it! The officials have given Stumps on Day 2 and England finish comfortably on top of the hosts who have been brutally wounded in all three departments.
The light meter is out and the umpire is checking it. But no, wait a minute! It has started to rain out on the ground! The players are going off the ground and England looking very happy as they walk back into the pavilion.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
0
0
Dominic Bess 12/2(6)
17.6
.
Floated delivery on middle and leg, well defended by Nortje. Does well to negotiate the over.
17.5
.
On the pads, worked away with a wristy shot towards the leg side.
17.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Nortje prods forward and defends.
Anrich Nortje, the nightwatchman, is the new batsman in.
17.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Ollie Pope has taken the catch and South Africa have lost their second wicket. Floated delivery on middle and leg, Hamza looks to go back and work this one towards the leg side but the ball goes off the inside edge onto the pads and towards short leg where Ollie Pope comes forward and takes a simple catch. Another wicket taken by Bess and he is making some early inroads in the South African batting line-up.
17.2
.
Bess bowls it down the leg side, Hamza lets it go.
17.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Hamza defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
0
0
Mark Wood 5/0(3)
16.6
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot by the batsman.
16.5
.
Length ball on middle and leg, Elgar looks to flick but misses and is hit on the thigh pad.
16.4
1
Length ball on off, Hamza pushes this one towards the cover region off the back foot and gets a single.
The floodlights have been turned on. It is getting a bit dark out there.
16.3
4
EDGED AND FOUR! Length delivery angling into Hamza, on the leg pole line, he looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge and into the fine leg fence.
16.2
.
Another one! Hamza this time just about manages to sway away from the line of the bouncer. Wood is bowling some brutal bouncers here.
16.1
.
Woah! What a bouncer now! Bouncer on middle and leg, Hamza somehow gets on top of it and dabs it onto the ground.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dominic Bess 12/1(5)
15.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Elgar blocks it well.
15.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Elgar defends it off the front foot.
15.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Elgar keeps it out.
15.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Elgar blocks it off the back foot.
15.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot.
15.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Hamza flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 0/0(2)
14.6
.
On a good length on middle, Elgar looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
14.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Dean blocks it off the back foot.
14.4
.
On a good length on off, Elgar defends it towards the off side.
14.3
.
Short delivery on off, Elgar stands tall and defends it off the back foot.
14.2
.
Length delivery on middle, Elgar flicks it to mid-wicket.
14.1
.
On a good length on off, Elgar blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
0
0
Dominic Bess 11/1(4)
13.6
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Hamza comes forward and looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
13.5
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Hamza drives it through covers for a boundary.
13.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Hamza defends it off the back foot.
13.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Hamza flicks it to mid-wicket.
13.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Hamza blocks it off the front foot.
13.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Malan defends it off the back foot.
It looks like that his hit Elgar hard and that is why the physio is out and he is applying the magic spray on Elgar's hand.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mark Wood 0/0(1)
12.6
.
OUCH! Length ball on middle and leg, angling into Elgar. Dean looks to make room and pull but the ball hits his hand. That must have hurt him and he is on his haunches right now.
12.5
.
Bouncer on middle and leg, ducked under.
12.4
.
On the pads, worked towards the leg side.
12.3
.
Elgar again rocks back and defends it from within the crease although very awkwardly.
12.2
.
Again Elgar goes onto the back foot and defends it.
12.1
.
Length ball on middle and off to start by Wood, Elgar defends it back towards the bowler.
Mark Wood is into the attack.
Drinks Break! Right then, the batting part was going unscathed for the South Africans but a wicket off the last ball before Drinks has shaked things up and England have their tails up now. Zubayr Hamza is the new batsman in and he will be trying to negotiate the rest of the day. Can he do it?
In over# 1
0W
0
0
2
0
0
Dominic Bess 7/1(3)
11.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Dominic Bess has provided the breakthrough exactly when it looked like South Africa were getting at least one foot in the game. Floated delivery on middle and off pole line, Malan looks to come down the track and looks to defend it back to Malan but instead he scoops it back to Bess who takes a dolly. The umpire is not sure whether the ball bounced before hitting the bat or after and goes upstairs. Replays roll in and show that the ball pitched first and Malan has just scooped that back to Bess. Timely breakthrough for the visitors.
Referred upstairs! Now, Bess looks confident of getting his man and replays roll in showing that yes, he has indeed got Malan out!
11.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, Malan plays it towards point.
11.4
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Malan flicks it towards the leg side.
11.3
2
Loopy delivery on off, Malan opens the face of his bat and guides this one down to third man for a couple.
11.2
.
Floated on middle, pushed towards mid on.
11.1
.
Quicker delivery on middle and leg, Malan goes back and defends.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Sam Curran 25/0(5)
10.6
.
Length delivery on off, Dean taps it towards point.
10.5
.
On a length on off, Dean plays it towards point.
10.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Elgar blocks it off the front foot.
10.3
.
Full on middle, Elgar drives it towards mid on.
10.2
4
FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery on off, Elgar drives it through covers for a single.
10.1
.
On a good length on off, Elgar taps it towards point.
In over# 1
1
1
0
2
0
0
Dominic Bess 5/0(2)
9.6
1
Floated on middle and off, driven towards mid on and Elgar takes an easy single.
9.5
1
Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
9.4
.
Drags his length back does Bess, Malan defends it off the back foot.
9.3
2
Floated delivery on off, Malan opens the face of his bat and guides it just wide of the man at first slip towards the third man region for a couple.
9.2
.
On the pads, worked towards the leg side.
9.1
.
On the pads of Malan, Bess looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
In over# 1
4
0
2
4
0
1
Sam Curran 21/0(4)
8.6
4
FOUR! Second one of the over! Length ball just outside off, Elgar opens the face of his bat and guides it fine down the third man region for a boundary.
8.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
8.4
2
Length ball on off, punched towards the cover region off the back foot for a couple.
8.3
4
FOUR! Another one which is on the pads, Elgar tickles it fine down the leg side for a boundary. Easy runs!
8.2
.
Outside off, played towards point.
8.1
1
On the hips of Malan, he flicks this one fine towards the leg side and gets a single.
Change of ends for Sam Curran. 3-0-11-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dominic Bess 1/0(1)
7.6
.
The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
7.5
.
Gorgeous delivery by Bess! He gives it a lot of air and lands it on off, Elgar looks to defend but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge of Elgar's bat. Clear signs of spin here on this track and maybe of interest to skipper Joe Root as well.
7.4
.
Floated delivery on middle and off, defended.
7.3
.
This time darted fuller on the off pole line, defended out.
7.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, pushed towards the man at cover.
7.1
1
Starts with a floated delivery on middle and leg, worked towards square leg for a single.
Dominic Bess is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
4
0
Stuart Broad 18/0(4)
6.6
.
On a good length on off, Elgar blocks it off the back foot.
6.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Elgar drives it towards mid on.
6.4
1
On a good length on off, Malan taps it towards covers and takes a quick single.
6.3
1
Length delivery on middle, Elgar flicks it through square leg for a single.
6.2
4
FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Elgar cuts it hard through point for a boundary.
6.1
.
On a good length on off, Elgar pushes it towards the off side.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Sam Curran 10/0(3)
5.6
.
On a length on off, Malan blocks it off the back foot.
5.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Malan flicks it to mid-wicket.
5.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Malan defends it off the back foot.
5.3
.
On a good length on off, Malan keeps it out.
5.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Malan defends it off the back foot.
5.1
4
FOUR! Poor delivery from Curran. On a length on leg, Malan flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
2
0
Stuart Broad 12/0(3)
4.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Elgar drives it towards mid on.
4.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot.
4.4
4
FOUR! On a good length on off, Elgar looks to defend but gets it off the outer half of the bat. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
4.3
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Elgar looks to defend but misses it.
4.2
2
On a length on off, Elgar pushes it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.
4.1
.
On a good length on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Sam Curran 6/0(2)
3.6
.
Good length ball outside off, left alone by the batsman.
3.5
.
Fullish ball on off, defended towards the man at cover.
3.4
.
Good length ball on off, Pieter does well to defend this one.
3.3
.
Length ball on middle and off, blocked out by Malan.
3.2
4
FOUR! On the pads, Malan flicks this towards the square leg region and bags a boundary.
3.1
.
Pieter Malan goes onto the back foot and defends the ball showing the full face of the bat.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stuart Broad 6/0(2)
2.6
.
On the pads, worked towards the mid-wicket fielder.
2.5
.
Length ball on middle and leg, pushed towards the man at mid on.
2.4
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
2.3
.
Almost! Broad producing a jaffa here! Bowling a ball on a length just outside off, it straightens a touch after pitching. Elgar looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge towards second slip. The ball falls just short of Ben Stokes there and Elgar survives.
2.2
.
Length ball just outside off, Elgar is confident exactly where his stumps are and makes the leave.
2.1
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended towards the off side by Elgar.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
0
Sam Curran 2/0(1)
1.6
.
Length ball way outside off, Malan will not fiddle with it.
1.5
2
On the hips of Malan, he works it towards the fine leg region and gets a couple.
1.4
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
1.3
.
Malan rocks back and defends this good length ball from within the crease.
1.2
.
This time it is on a back of a length and outside off, Malan leaves it alone.
1.1
.
Length ball just outside off, defended out by Malan.
Sam Curran to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
2
0
Stuart Broad 6/0(1)
0.6
.
Another length ball on middle and off, defended by Elgar.
0.5
.
Length ball on off, Elgar rocks back and defends.
0.4
4
FOUR! A good length ball outside off, Elgar opens the face of the bat and guides it in the gap between point and gully and the ball races away to the backward point fence. Elgar is off the mark!
0.3
.
Length delivery on off, Elgar taps it towards point.
0.2
2
On a length and outside off, Elgar guides it towards third man. The batsmen get two runs. South Africa are underway!
0.1
.
Broad starts with a full delivery on middle, Elgar drives it towards mid on showing the full face of the bat.
So, with England rocking the Proteas on Day 2, will the hosts recover with the bat on a slow-looking pitch where there is something on offer for the spinners? Or can South Africa do something that they have not done in recent times and pose a genuine threat with the bat? Stay with us to find out!!!
The South African bowlers were good at the start of Day 1 but on Day 2 they were picked apart by the England batters. Keshav Maharaj bowled well and got another 5-fer. The pace bowlers were not that effective and the only positive was that Dane Paterson got his maiden Test wicket. Kagiso Rabada will be disappointed as he has been ruled out for the 4th Test match due to his celebration when he took the wicket of Joe Root.
On Day 1, England finished on 224/4 with Stokes and Pope being the overnight batters. They had a nice opening stand of 70 runs but after that, a mini-collapse saw them fall to 148/4. However, after that it was the Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope show as they both smashed their respective tons. They formed a stand of more than 200 runs which took the game away from the hosts and that was the sucker punch which has almost knocked South Africa out of the game. In the end, Sam Curran and Mark Wood also contributed with quickfire innings and adding valuable runs to the final score.
A thunderstorm has hit the St. George's Park it seems in the latter overs as Wood and Pope ensured in the 3rd session that the score almost reached the 500-run mark as they formed a 73-run stand.
151.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Anrich Nortje now takes the catch and Keshav Maharaj gets his 5-fer too. And that will be that as England have now declared! A floated delivery on middle and leg, Wood again looks to clear the long on fence but mistimes and holes out as Nortje completes the catch. This time no retake as Maharaj is safe. ENGLAND DECLARE ON 499/9!
151.5
.
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
151.4
1
Floated on off, smashed towards the cover region for a single.
151.3
1
Wood again goes down on one knee and slaps this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
151.2
6
SIX! Wood is going hammer and tongs here! Floated on middle and off, Wood gets down on one knee and smashes this one into the mid-wicket fence for a huge maximum.
151.1
1
Floated on off, pushed towards cover for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
6
0
0
2
Kagiso Rabada 97/2(28)
150.6
1
Another bouncer, this time outside off, Pope plays the upper cut over the slip cordon and they get a single as now there is a man standing right behind the fine leg region.
150.5
.
Bouncer on middle, Pope looks to go for the upper cut initially but then backs away.
150.4
6
EDGED AND SIX! Length ball down the leg side, Pope looks to flick it but the ball goes off the top edge and into the fine leg fence for a maximum.
150.3
.
Short delivery on middle, Pope pulls it over mid on.
150.2
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it towards mid off.
150.1
2
On a good length on off, Pope punches it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
In over# 1
0
0
6
1
0
2
Keshav Maharaj 171/4(57)
149.6
.
The batsman fails to put bat on ball.
149.5
.
Wood goes for a wild swing but misses the ball completely.
149.4
6
SIX! Wood has smashed that one! Length ball on middle, Wood goes back and has smashed that one over the long on region for a maximum. Shouts of catch it but the only ones catching this one will be the crowd.
149.3
1
Short delivery on middle, Maharaj pulls it over mid-wicket for a run.
149.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Pope defends it towards point.
149.1
2
Flighted delivery on off, Pope plays a reverse sweep towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.
In over# 1
4
0
1nb
1
4
4
0
Kagiso Rabada 88/2(27)
148.6
4
FOUR! Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The ball has crossed the ropes.
148.5
.
The batsman has top edged that one.
148.5
1nb
NO BALL! NOT OUT! Rabada had dismissed Wood, Root had signalled for the declaration and Wood was running off the ground but after the umpire referred upstairs, replays show that Rabada has overstepped. Short of a length delivery, Wood looks to pull but gets a top edge on that one. It goes high in the air and Nortje takes a comfortable catch at mid-wicket. However, after seeing the replays that Rabada has overstepped, the umpire asks Root whether he wants to declare or not and the England skipper decides to rub salt into the wounds of the Proteas and continue to swell their score.
Okay, now! What has happened there? This is some turn of events here. Rabada had seemingly taken the wicket of Wood here but the decision has been reversed by the umpire after referring it upstairs. Root had declared thinking that Wood had been dismissed but after seeing the umpire has reversed his decision, Root has decided that he will not go for the declaration and rub more salt in the wounds of the South Africans.
148.4
1
Pope has played it fine down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
148.3
4
FOUR! Another one! Ben Stokes is looking in disbelief at all this! Good length ball on middle and off, Pope gets down and paddles it over the third man region for a boundary.
148.2
4
FOUR! Nice improvisation. On a length on off, Pope plays a reverse paddle scoop over the keeper's head towards fine leg for a boundary.
148.1
.
Short delivery outside off, Pope cuts it through point but does not take the single.
In over# 1
6
1
1
6
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 162/4(56)
147.6
6
SIX! Another huge one! This time it is floated on the leg pole line, again Wood clears his front leg and hammers it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Second of the over.
147.5
1
Reverse sweep played by the batsman. One run added to the total.
147.4
1
Floated on off, swept fine towards the leg side for a single.
147.3
6
SIX! Meaty blow! Floated delivery on middle and leg, Wood clears his front leg and smashes this ball over the long on region for a maximum.
147.2
1
Outside off, quicker delivery, played towards point for a single.
147.1
.
Floated on off, Pope plays the reverse sweep but straight to the fielder at short third man.
In over# 1
1b
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 74/2(26)
146.6
1b
Bowls a bouncer, Pope does well to duck under it. It goes towards the keeper where de Kock collects it safely behind the stumps. The batsmen steal a bye.
146.5
.
Short delivery down the leg side, Pope looks to pull but misses it.
146.4
.
On a length on off, Pope punches it towards the off side.
146.3
.
On a good length on middle, Pope blocks it off the back foot.
146.2
.
Length delivery on off, Pope taps it to point.
146.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Pope drives it through mid on but Ollie Pope does not take the single.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
4
6
Keshav Maharaj 147/4(55)
145.6
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
145.5
2
Full delivery on off, Wood looks to loft it but gets a top edge. It lands safely towards covers. The batsmen get two runs.
145.4
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Wood defends it off the back foot.
145.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Wood looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
145.2
4
FOUR! Good shot. Floated delivery on middle, Wood sweeps it towards fine leg for a boundary.
145.1
6
SIX! Amazing shot. Tossed up delivery on middle, Bess plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a maximum.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 74/2(25)
144.6
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Short of a length delivery, Pope pulls it over square leg for a boundary.
144.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Pope does well to duck under it.
144.4
.
Whoa! What has happened there? Short of a length delivery on leg, Pope looks to pull but fails to do so. Quinton de Kock appeals for a caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. The Proteas seem pretty confident that there was something on that as the ball came to de Kock but they do not have any reviews left. Replays show that it came off the glove. The loss of reviews earlier in the innings has cost South Africa here.
144.3
.
Length delivery on off, Ollie taps it to point.
144.2
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it uppishly towards mid off.
144.1
.
On a good length on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
1
Keshav Maharaj 135/4(54)
143.6
.
Outside off, Wood offers no shot to this one.
143.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Wood blocks it off the front foot.
143.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Wood plays it towards point.
143.3
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Wood looks to defend but misses it.
We are back for the final session of Day 2. The players are out in the middle. Ollie Pope will be joined by Mark Wood. Keshav Maharaj will start the proceedings for the final session.
... Day 2, Session 3 ...
Will South Africa wrap up this innings quickly in the third session or will England get to the score of 500 and then look to declare? Join us back at 1545 Local (1345 GMT) for all the action from the last session of the day!
The South African bowling did not have much to shout about in the first session but after the wicket of Stokes, the floodgates opened and Keshav Maharaj took full advantage of it as he has already taken a 4-fer and will be looking for his 5th wicket. Dane Paterson also took his maiden Test wicket and it was of the main man, Ben Stokes.
91 runs came in this session and England also lost 4 wickets. After the 200-run stand between Pope and Stokes, the latter walked back and Buttler too followed him. Curran though played well for his quickfire innings of 44 runs but even he threw his wicket away later. Dominic Bess could not survive out there too as he became the 4th victim of Keshav Maharaj. However, amidst all this, Ollie Pope has not left the crease and scored his maiden Test ton in the process. It has been a gritty innings by him but now he needs to up the ante and score some quick runs.
A session where one must say South Africa have surely made a comeback but the match is now tilted in the favour of England.
143.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Pieter Malan takes an easy catch and Keshav Maharaj gets another wicket. Floated delivery on the leg pole line, Bess looks to work this one towards the leg side but the ball goes off the leading edge towards the right of silly point where Pieter Malan takes an easy catch. Bess goes back without troubling the scorers much and England have just two wickets left now. And with that, it will be TEA ON DAY 2!
143.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
1
0
4
0
0
Anrich Nortje 97/1(25)
142.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Bess blocks it off the back foot.
142.5
1
On a length on off, Pope plays it towards covers for a run.
142.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Pope flicks it to mid-wicket.
142.3
4
FOUR! Whoa! What a shot! Bouncer on middle and off pole, Pope opens the face of the bat and just guides this over the keeper's head for a boundary into the third man fence.
142.2
.
On a good length on off, Pope guides it towards short third man.
142.1
.
Length delivery down the leg side, Pope looks to flick but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 134/3(53)
141.6
.
Floated delivery on off, Bess plays it towards point.
141.5
.
On middle, Bess defends it off the front foot.
141.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Bess plays it to point.
141.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Bess offers a forward defense on this one.
141.2
.
BEATEN! Flighted delivery just outside off, Bess looks to defend but misses it.
141.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Bess looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
0
1
Anrich Nortje 92/1(24)
140.6
4
FOUR! Maiden Test ton for Ollie Pope. It has been a terrific innings from him. He has grinded it out in the middle and he pumps his fists in the air in delight. A floated delivery on middle, Pope comes down the track and flicks it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary. He had been stuck between the 80s ever since Stokes departed but now that he has got to his ton, Pope will be looking to accelerate and end with a flurry.
140.5
.
On a length on middle, Pope flicks it to mid-wicket.
140.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Pope drives it towards mid on.
140.3
1
Length delivery on middle, Bess flicks it through square leg for a single.
140.2
.
On a good length on off, Bess defends it off the front foot.
140.1
1
On a length and outside off, Pope drives it through point for a single. He moves to 96.
Nortje is back on. 23-4-86-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0W
4
0
4
Keshav Maharaj 134/3(52)
139.6
1
Outside off, played towards deep point for a single.
139.5
.
Pope comes down the track and plays this one towards the cover region.
Dominic Bess is the new batsman in.
139.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Curran holes out but he has played an entertaining innings and given the England score a booster. Floated delivery on off, Curran looks to come down the track and clear the mid-wicket fence. It is the larger side of the ground and that is why, Elgar comes in a couple of steps from the deep and takes an easy catch. Another wicket for South Africa and a deserved one for Maharaj.
139.3
4
FOUR! Down the ground! Floated delivery on off, Curran comes down the ground and has smashed that one down the ground through mid off for a boundary.
139.2
.
Curran goes back and defends it from within the crease.
139.1
4
FOUR! Dragged back ball on off, Curran rocks back and slams this one through the cover-point region for a boundary.
Maharaj is back on. 51-14-125-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
2
0
1
Dean Elgar 6/0(1)
138.6
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Curran drives it through mid off. The batsmen cross ends.
138.5
1
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it through mid off for a single. 50-run stand is up between Ollie Pope and Sam Curran.
138.4
1
Flighted delivery on off, Curran lofts it over mid off. Rabada at long off picks the ball on one bounce. The batsmen take a run.
138.3
2
Loopy delivery on middle, Curran sweeps it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
138.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Curran flicks it to mid-wicket.
138.1
1
Short and outside off, Curran cuts it through point. The batsmen take a run. 400 up for England.
Dean Elgar is on.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
2
0
Anrich Nortje 86/1(23)
137.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Sam blocks it well.
137.5
1
Short of a length delivery, Pope pulls it over square leg. The fielder in the deep collects the ball on one bounce. The batsmen take a single.
137.4
.
Full delivery on off, Pope plays it to covers.
137.3
.
On a good length on off, Pope blocks it off the front foot.
137.2
2
Short and outside off, Pope cuts it through point. Rabada slides and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs. Ollie Pope moves to 90s.
137.1
.
Full delivery on leg, Pope looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 125/2(51)
136.6
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Flighted delivery on middle, Curran comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.
136.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Curran plays it to point.
136.4
1
Loopy delivery on off, Pope comes down the track and drives it through mid off for a run.
136.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Pope comes down the track and blocks it.
136.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Pope keeps it out.
136.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope drives it towards mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
1
0
Anrich Nortje 83/1(22)
135.6
.
Length delivery outside off, Curran plays it towards the off side.
135.5
.
Short delivery on off, Sam looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
135.4
4
EDGE AND FOUR! Full and outside off, Curran looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
135.3
.
On a good length on off, Curran defends it off the back foot.
135.2
1
Short and outside off, Pope cuts it through point for a single.
135.1
.
On a length on middle, Pope flicks it to mid-wicket.
Anrich Nortje is back on. 21-4-78-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
2
1
0
1
0
6
Keshav Maharaj 120/2(50)
134.6
2
Flighted delivery outside off, Curran punches it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
134.5
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Pope comes down the track and drives it towards mid on for a single.
134.4
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
134.3
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Curran flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
134.2
.
Floated delivery on middle, Sam tucks it to mid-wicket.
134.1
6
SIX! What a shot! Flighted delivery on middle, Curran comes down the track and lofts it over long on for a maximum.
In over# 1
0
2
1
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 41/0(16)
133.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Pope blocks it off the front foot.
133.5
2
Full delivery outside off, Pope drives it through point. The batsmen get two runs.
133.4
1
Short and outside off, Curran cuts it through point for a single.
133.3
.
On a good length on off, Sam offers a solid defense on this one.
133.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Curran blocks it off the back foot.
133.1
.
On a good length on off, Curran defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 110/2(49)
132.6
.
Outside off, played towards the man at point.
132.5
.
Floated on off, pushed towards the man at mid off.
132.4
.
NOT OUT! Pope has planted his foot just inches inside the crease and he survives. Floated delivery outside off, Maharaj gets this to turn away from Pope after pitching. Ollie goes for the drive but misses due to the turn. De Kock behind the stumps collects the ball and whips the bails off and appeals. The leg umpire half-heartedly goes to the third umpire and the Proteas players don't look that excited either. Replays roll in to show that Pope had brought his foot in a while before de Kock whipped the bails off and he survives.
Stumping appeal! Ollie Pope is the man in question and he will have his heart in his mouth. The Proteas don't seem too excited and the replays show why as Pope is well in.
132.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Pope flicks it to mid-wicket.
132.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Pope blocks it off the front foot.
132.1
.
Tossed up delivery on leg, Pope looks to flick but gets it off the thigh pad. It goes towards the keeper where de Kock appeals for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head.
DRINKS!!! South Africa staging a mini-comeback here after being outplayed in the first session of the day. After the 200-run stand was completed between Stokes and Pope, the former departed and he was followed by Buttler who had just walked out. Since then, runs have come at a premium with Pope stuck in his 80s since ages it seems. Interesting to see what the remaining part of the session brings for us. Keshav Maharaj to continue after the break!
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
1
Vernon Philander 38/0(15)
131.6
4
FOUR! Driven away! Full ball on off, Curran has creamed his drive through the cover region for a boundary. Fantastic shot that!
131.5
.
Good fielding! Full ball on off, driven towards the man at cover-point where Rassie van der Dussen dives to his right and makes the stop. Saves at least a couple of runs for his side.
131.4
.
Good length ball just outside the off pole line, defended out.
131.3
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended back towards the bowler.
131.2
.
Full length ball on middle and leg, defended back towards the bowler.
131.1
1
Length ball outside off, cut towards point for a single.
In over# 1
1
3
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 110/2(48)
130.6
1
Floated on off, pushed towards the cover region for a single.
130.5
3
On the pads, flicked towards the fine leg region. Pretorius gives it a chase and keeps the ball in play as the batters take three runs.
130.4
.
Curran comes down the track and plays this ball back towards the bowler.
130.3
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
130.2
.
On the pads, worked towards the leg side.
130.1
.
Floated delivery on middle and off, defended out.
In over# 1
1
0
4
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 33/0(14)
129.6
1
Short delivery outside off, Curran cuts it through point for a run.
129.5
.
On a good length on off, Curran blocks it off the front foot.
129.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery on off, Curran drives it uppishly wide of the man at short covers for a boundary.
129.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Sam blocks it off the back foot.
129.2
.
On a good length on off, Curran blocks it off the back foot.
129.1
.
Full delivery on off, Curran drives it to covers.
Vernon Philander is back on. 13-5-28-0, his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
2lb
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 106/2(47)
128.6
1
On middle, Curran flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
128.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Curran defends it out.
128.4
2lb
Floated delivery on middle, Curran looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs. The umpire gives it as leg byes.
128.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Sam keeps it out.
128.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Curran defends it off the back foot.
128.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Curran flicks it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 62/1(24)
127.6
.
On a good length on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
127.5
1
Length delivery on middle, Curran flicks it through square leg for a run.
127.4
1
On a length on middle, Pope flicks it towards square leg for a run.
127.3
.
Short delivery outside off, Pope cuts it to point.
127.2
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it towards mid off.
127.1
.
On a good length on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
1
Keshav Maharaj 105/2(46)
126.6
.
A loud appeal has been turned down! Now, what has happened there? Maharaj bowls a flatter delivery from around the wicket, pitching it outside off, angling it into Curran. Curran looks to defend but is hit on the pads. The South African players appeal but it is turned down by the umpire. They cannot do anything about it as the Proteas have no reviews left. Replays later roll in and show that the ball was going on to hit the leg pole but the impact was umpire's call. So, Curran would have been safe anyway.
126.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
126.4
.
On off, played towards cover.
126.3
.
Almost another one! Floated delivery on the pads, Curran looks to work it towards the leg side but does so a touch uppishly. The fielder at short leg dives to his right but the ball goes past him by then.
Sam Curran is the new man in.
126.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Buttler has literally thrown his wicket away and England lose wickets in quick succession. Tossed up delivery on off, Buttler looks to punch it down the ground but does so uppishly and straight towards Maharaj who takes an easy catch. Buttler will be very disappointed by this soft dismissal. Can the Proteas take advantage here and wrap up the tail before they reach 400?
126.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 60/1(23)
125.6
.
Length delivery outside off, Buttler taps it to point.
125.5
.
On a length on off, Buttler drives it to mid off.
125.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Buttler defends it out.
125.3
.
On a good length on off, Buttler defends it off the front foot.
125.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Jos keeps it out.
125.1
.
On a good length on off, Buttler blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 104/1(45)
124.6
1
On off, Buttler pushes it towards covers for a single.
124.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Buttler blocks it off the front foot.
124.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Jos plays it to covers.
124.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Buttler plays it towards point.
124.2
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Pope drives it through mid off for a run.
124.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
0
Dane Paterson 60/1(22)
123.6
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
123.5
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
123.4
.
Length ball on middle and leg, pushed towards the man at mid on.
123.3
.
Buttler plays this one towards the cover region off the back foot.
Jos Buttler is the next batsman in.
123.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! First Test wicket for Dane Paterson and he has struck gold as he has sent Ben Stokes packing. However, he has played a brilliant innings and done the damage. A nothing delivery outside off, Stokes goes for a wild slash at it but does so uppishly. Dean Elgar at point takes a simple catch to his right. Stokes trying to score some runs throws his wicket away but he has more than done his job. He departs after scoring a solid century and will be hoping that his teammates carry the good work from here on in. Can the Proteas force a collapse from here though?
123.1
.
Length ball on off, pushed towards the man at mid off.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 102/1(44)
122.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Pope blocks it off the back foot.
122.5
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Stokes looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a single.
122.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Stokes plays a reverse sweep towards cover.
122.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Stokes drives it towards mid on.
122.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes keeps it out.
122.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Dane Paterson 60/0(21)
121.6
1
Full ball on off, driven towards the man at cover for a single. 350 up for England with this single.
121.5
.
Length ball on off, Stokes looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge onto the pads.
121.4
.
Full ball on off, worked towards the man at mid on by Stokes.
121.3
1
Fullish ball on middle, pushed towards the man at mid on for a quick single.
121.2
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
121.1
.
Length ball on off, pushed towards point.
In over# 1
1
2
1
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 102/1(43)
120.6
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes punches it through point. The batsmen cross ends. 200-run stand is up between Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope.
120.5
2
Chance missed! Nortje is the culprit! Loopy delivery on middle, Stokes comes down the track and lofts it over mid on but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards long on where Nortje tries to take the catch but it hits his fingertips and goes down. The batsmen take a single.
120.4
1
Floated delivery on middle, Pope drives it towards mid on where Rabada picks the ball and goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it. The batsmen take a single.
120.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Pope plays it towards covers.
120.2
1
Flighted delivery on off, Stokes punches it towards point for a single.
120.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Dane Paterson 58/0(20)
119.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Ollie flicks it to mid-wicket.
119.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Pope defends it out.
119.4
.
On a good length on off, Pope blocks it off the back foot.
119.3
1
Length delivery on off, Stokes punches it through point for a run.
119.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Stokes keeps it out.
119.1
.
On a good length on off, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 97/1(42)
118.6
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Stokes drives it through mid on for a run.
118.5
1
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it through covers for a single.
118.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Pope comes down the track and plays it to covers.
118.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Pope comes down the track and drives it towards mid on.
118.2
.
Floated delivery on off, Pope punches it to covers.
118.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
2
0
0
4
0
0
Dane Paterson 57/0(19)
117.6
2
Length delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
117.5
.
On a good length on off, Ben blocks it off the front foot.
117.4
.
Full again on off, Stokes drives it to covers.
117.3
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Full and outside off, Stokes comes forward and drives it through mid off for a boundary.
117.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.
117.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to this one.
We are back for the second session. The players are out in the middle. Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope will resume their innings for England. Dane Paterson to start the proceedings after Lunch.
... Day 2, Session 2 ...
So, will the duo of Stokes and Pope continue to dominate or will the South African bowlers stage a fightback? Join us back at 1325 Local (1125 GMT) for all the action.
Nothing much to talk about the South African bowling. None of them have threatened either of the two English batters and it is becoming increasingly difficult to see where will the breakthrough come from. Another problem is that along with not picking up wickets, they are conceding runs at a rapid rate and that will be a huge concern for skipper Faf du Plessis.
Stokes and Pope were the overnight batters and they came out in the morning after a delayed start but that did not deter them at all. Stokes attacked the opposition scoring runs for fun and getting to his ton. He joined an elite group of cricketers who have taken more than 100 wickets as well as scored more than 4000 runs in Test cricket. Ollie Pope provided the perfect foil for Stokes and he is still chasing his maiden Test ton. He survived a scare in the latter stages of the session as he was adjudged LBW but he took the review and the decision was reversed.
27 overs, 111 overs and 0 wickets have fallen. A session completely dominated by England and they have Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes to thank for it.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 95/1(41)
116.6
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it through square leg for a single. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2!
116.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it towards mid on.
116.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Stokes keeps it out.
116.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes defends it off the back foot.
116.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.
116.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Pope drives it through mid on for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Dane Paterson 51/0(18)
115.6
.
Again outside off, Ben offers no shot to this one.
115.5
.
Outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to this one.
115.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it towards mid on.
115.3
.
On a good length on middle, Stokes flicks it to mid-wicket.
115.2
.
Outside off, Ben lets it go.
115.1
2
On a length on middle, Stokes flicks it through square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.
In over# 1
1
0
4
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 93/1(40)
114.6
1
Floated delivery on middle, Stokes looks to flick but gets an inside edge. It goes towards fine leg for a run.
114.5
.
Flighted delivery on off, Stokes looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad.
114.4
4
FOUR! Excellent shot. Loopy delivery on off, Stokes makes room and punches it through covers for a boundary.
114.3
.
Outside off, Ben shoulders arms to this one.
114.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.
114.1
.
Tossed up delivery outside off, Stokes leaves it alone.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Dane Paterson 49/0(17)
113.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
113.5
.
OUCH! Length ball on off, pope looks to defend but is hit on the hand.
113.4
.
NOT OUT! Pope survives and he will continue to fight for his maiden ton! Good length ball on middle and leg, Pope comes a bit down the track and looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pad. The South Africa players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Pope though is not sure and has a chat with Stokes. Pope signals the 'T' at the very end, with just 2 seconds remaining on the timer. Replays roll in and Ultra Edge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracker comes in now and shows it to be just about missing the leg pole. Relief on the face of Pope with Root spotted saying from the pavilion, 'You beauty'.
Review time! Ollie Pope is the man in question. He has been adjudged LBW but has challenged the decision of the umpire. It looks not out to the naked eye and yes, the replays show that Pope has survived.
113.3
1
100 FOR BEN STOKES! His 9th in Test cricket and looks like one of many more to come. Full ball on off, driven towards the cover region for a single. Surely one of the best all-rounders in cricket today.
113.2
.
Another full delivery on middle, defended back towards the bowler as Stokes comes down the track.
113.1
.
Full delivery on off, played towards the man at cover.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 88/1(39)
112.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Pope defends it out.
112.5
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it towards covers.
112.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Ollie keeps it out.
112.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the back foot.
112.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope comes down the track and defends it.
112.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Pope defends it off the front foot.
Keshav Maharaj is back on. 38-12-88-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 48/0(16)
111.6
.
On off, Stokes guides it towards short third man.
111.5
2
On a length on off, Ben guides it towards third man. The batsmen pick up a couple. Ben Stokes moves to 99.
111.4
.
Length delivery on off, Stokes comes down the track and blocks it.
111.3
.
Outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to this one.
111.2
.
On a length on off, Stokes comes forward and plays it back towards the bowler.
111.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it towards mid on.
Dane Paterson to bowl. 15-1-46-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
0
1
Kagiso Rabada 70/2(24)
110.6
1
Length delivery outside off, Stokes punches it through covers for a run.
110.5
.
Outside off, Stokes does not bother to play at that.
110.4
1
On a length on off, Pope guides it towards third man for a run.
110.3
1
Full and outside off, Stokes drives it through point. The batsmen take a single.
110.2
.
On a good length on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
110.1
1
Full delivery outside off, Pope drives it through point for a single.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
2
0
Keshav Maharaj 88/1(38)
109.6
4
FOUR! 4000 Test runs for Ben Stokes! Add in all those wickets, all those match-winning moments and you know that you are talking about a modern-day great! A floated delivery on off, Stokes gets down on one knee and slams this towards the mid-wicket region for a boundary.
109.5
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
109.4
.
On the pads, flicked to the leg side.
109.3
.
On the pads, flicked towards the man at mid-wicket.
109.2
2
Now Maharaj floats it just outside off, Stokes goes down on one knee and plays the reverse sweep towards the third man region and takes a couple.
109.1
.
Outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
0
4
0
1
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 66/2(23)
108.6
.
Bouncer on middle and leg to end the over, Pope ducks under it.
108.5
4
FOUR! Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Pope rocks back and pulls this one behind square leg for a boundary. Ollie stepping on the gas now.
108.4
.
Bouncer on middle and leg, Pope ducks under it.
108.3
1
This time Stokes cuts towards the third man region and gets a single.
108.2
.
The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
108.1
.
Length ball outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 82/1(37)
107.6
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery on off, Pope drives it through covers for a boundary.
107.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Pope blocks it well.
107.4
1
Floated delivery on middle, Stokes plays a slog sweep through mid-wicket for a run.
107.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.
107.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes comes down the track and blocks it.
107.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes plays it to point.
In over# 1
1b
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 61/2(22)
106.6
1b
Outside off, Stokes offers no shot to this one. It goes towards the keeper where de Kock fails to stop it and it goes past him towards third man. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a bye.
106.5
.
Again outside off, Stokes lets it go.
106.4
.
BEATEN! Short and outside off, Stokes looks to cut but misses it.
106.3
.
On a good length and outside off, Ben leaves it alone.
106.2
.
Outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to this one.
106.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Stokes offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 77/1(36)
105.6
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it to covers. This is the first maiden over bowled by South Africa after 13 overs. Emphasizes the dominance that England have had in this session.
105.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, Pope blocks it off the back foot.
105.4
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Pope comes down the track and defends it.
105.3
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it towards mid off.
105.2
.
Floated delivery on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
105.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope drives it towards mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
1
Kagiso Rabada 61/2(21)
104.6
.
Another one outside off, left alone.
104.5
.
Outside off, left alone.
104.4
1
Pope rocks back and pulls it towards square leg for a single.
104.3
.
Good length ball on middle and off, defended towards the man at mid off.
104.2
.
Length ball on middle and off, Pope defends this back towards the bowler.
104.1
1
On the pads, Stokes plays this one towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
In over# 1
0
1
2
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 77/1(35)
103.6
.
Outside off, left alone.
103.5
1
Another ball which is dragged back, now Stokes slog sweeps this one powerfully towards the man at deep mid-wicket and takes a single. 300 up for England!
103.4
2
Flatter delivery outside off, Stokes rocks back and plays this one towards point and takes a couple. This brings up the 150-run stand between Stokes and Pope.
103.3
.
Floated delivery outside off, left alone by Stokes.
103.2
1
Another flatter delivery, on middle and leg, Pope plays this one towards mid on and takes a single.
103.1
.
Flatter delivery outside off, played towards the man at point.
DRINKS! The first session has so far completely belonged to England as they have scored 72 runs in the 13 overs bowled so far. Stokes has been the person to score the runs as he is hitting boundaries at will and is looking extremely comfortable out in the middle. The Proteas need to do something to come back into the game. Maharaj to continue post the Drinks break.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 59/2(20)
102.6
1
Another length ball outside off, Pope works this one towards point and gets a single to keep strike.
102.5
.
Length ball outside off, Pope does not fiddle with it.
102.4
.
Good length ball on middle, defended back towards the bowler.
102.3
.
Length ball on middle, worked towards the man at short mid-wicket.
102.2
.
Full ball on middle, driven towards the man at mid on.
102.1
.
Stifled appeal! Length ball on middle and leg, drifting down. Pope looks to flick but fails to do so. The ball goes past him and makes a sound as it does so. The keeper and slip cordon appeal, which is then followed up by Rabada. However, nothing doing for the umpire and no reviews left for South Africa so the game goes on.
Kagiso Rabada is back on. 10-4-58-2, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
6
4lb
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 73/1(34)
101.6
.
On the pads, flicked towards the leg side. 10 runs come off this over and England stepping on the gas.
The ball had went out of the field after that hit from Stokes but someone from the crowd has gone and fetched that one. Good effort by the crowd as they cheer on the team with it.
101.5
6
SIX! Floated delivery on off, Stokes again gets down on one knee and slog sweeps it in front of the square leg fence for a maximum. This shot is becoming a trademark for Stokes.
101.4
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! A bad ball by Maharaj, he drags it way too back and it is going down leg. Stokes looks to flick but misses and the ball goes off the pads into the fine leg fence.
101.3
.
Tossed up ball on off, Stokes defends off the front foot.
101.2
.
Another one on middle and leg, tossed up, pushed towards the man at mid on.
101.1
.
Floated on the pads, pushed towards mid on.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
0
1
Anrich Nortje 78/1(21)
100.6
.
Pope prods forward and defends this full ball straight back. 61 runs in 11 overs so far in the day and England going along well.
100.5
4
FOUR! A good shot by Pope! Full ball way wide outside off, Pope comes onto the front foot and maneuvers the ball through the point region using his wrists and the ball races away to the fence.
100.4
1
On the hips now, he awkwardly works it towards mid-wicket off the back foot for a single.
100.3
.
Length ball outside off, left alone by Stokes.
100.2
.
On off now, pushed straight towards the man at mid off.
100.1
1
Full ball on middle, Pope just chips it into the empty mid on region for a single.
In over# 1
6
0
0
0
4
2
Keshav Maharaj 67/1(33)
99.6
6
SIX! That has been smashed by Stokes. Floated delivery outside off, Stokes gets down on one knee and slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
99.5
.
Stokes goes back in his crease and defends this flatter delivery off the back foot.
99.4
.
Another one on the pads, worked towards the leg side.
99.3
.
On the pads of Stokes, flicked towards the man at square leg.
99.2
4
FOUR! Swept away! Floated on off, Stokes gets down on one knee and has swept it through square leg for a boundary.
99.1
2
Tossed up delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Keshav Maharaj to bowl. 32-11-55-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 72/1(20)
98.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it towards mid on for a single.
98.5
1
On a length on middle, Pope flicks it towards fine leg for a run.
98.4
1
Short delivery on leg, Stokes pulls it through square leg for a single.
98.3
.
Outside off, Ben shoulders arms to this one.
98.2
.
Length delivery on off, Stokes defends it towards point.
98.1
.
On a good length on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.
A slight halt in play as Ben Stokes is applying the spray on his hand as they are sweating too much.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
0
1
Vernon Philander 28/0(13)
97.6
1
On a length on middle, Stokes flicks it through square leg. The batsmen cross ends.
97.5
1
Length delivery outside off, Pope looks to cut but Hamza at wide slip dives and makes a good stop. The batters take a run.
97.4
.
On a good length on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
97.3
1
Length delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it through square leg for a run.
97.2
.
On a length on off, Stokes plays it towards mid off.
97.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Pope flicks it through square leg for a single.
In over# 1
4
2
0
2
0
0
Anrich Nortje 69/1(19)
96.6
4
EDGY FOUR! Woah! Nortje almost got the breakthrough there! Good length ball on middle and off, angling away. Stokes looks to drive at it but the ball goes off the outside edge through the slip cordon, wide of the man at first slip and into the third man fence.
96.5
2
Full delivery on off, Stokes drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.
96.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Stokes defends it out.
96.3
2
Short delivery on middle, Stokes pulls it through mid-wicket. Maharaj in the deep does well to stop it. The batsmen pick up a couple.
96.2
.
On a good length on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.
96.1
.
Full delivery on off, Stokes drives it towards mid off.
In over# 1
0
4
0
4
1
0
Vernon Philander 24/0(12)
95.6
.
On a good length on off, Pope keeps it out.
95.5
4
FOUR! 3rd Test half ton for Ollie Pope. It has been a calm innings from him. Short and outside off, Pope cuts it hard through point for a boundary.
95.4
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it towards mid off.
95.3
4
FOUR! Nicely played! On a length on off, Pope punches it through point for a boundary. 100-run stand is up between Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope. They came in to bat when England were in a very precarious situation but now they are taking England to a dominating position in the match.
95.2
1
Length delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it towards square leg for a run.
95.1
.
On a good length on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.
Team update - The news has finally been confirmed that Kagiso Rabada will not be available for the 4th Test match against England. He has received a demerit point and a 15 percent fine of his match fee for his celebration after dismissing English skipper Joe Root on Day 1. Rabada has accumulated 4 demerit points and thus will be unavailable for selection.
Vernon Philander to bowl for the first time on Day 2. 11-5-15-0 were his figures on Day 1.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
0
Anrich Nortje 61/1(18)
94.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Pope blocks it off the back foot.
94.5
1
On a length on middle, Stokes flicks it uppishly through square leg for a run.
94.4
.
BEATEN! Short and outside off, Stokes looks to cut but misses it. First time that Stokes has been unsettled today.
94.3
1
Length delivery on middle, Pope flicks it through square leg for a single.
94.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Pope blocks it off the front foot.
94.1
.
On a good length on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
4
2
Kagiso Rabada 58/2(19)
93.6
.
Good length ball on off, defended towards the mid off fielder.
93.5
4
FOUR! Another hit-me ball by Rabada and this brings up the 22nd Test fifty for Ben Stokes. Stokes again goes deep in his crease and pulls this ball towards the mid-wicket region for a boundary. He is a man in scintillating form and is oozing class at the moment.
93.4
.
Length ball on middle and leg, played back towards the bowler.
93.3
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
93.2
4
FOUR! Pulled away! Back of a length ball on middle, a hit-me ball by Rabada, Stokes rocks back and pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a boundary.
93.1
2
Length ball just outside off, Stokes stands tall and looks to push but the ball goes off the outside half of his bat towards third man and the batters take a couple as the fielder mops it up.
In over# 1
4
1
1
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 59/1(17)
92.6
4
FOUR! First boundary of the day and it comes off the bat of Ollie Pope. Length ball outside off, Pope gets on top of the ball, rolls his wrists and cuts the ball just behind point and the ball races away to the fence.
92.5
1
On the pads of Stokes, he flicks this one towards square leg and rotates the strike.
92.4
1
Length ball outside off, Pope cuts this one towards the man at deep backward point and gets a single.
92.3
.
Fuller ball on middle, pushed towards the man at mid on.
92.2
.
On off now, Pope plays this one towards the man at point.
92.1
.
Good length ball on off, Pope looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside half of the bat towards the man at gully who dives to his right and gathers the ball. Pope is not looking comfortable out in the middle.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 48/2(18)
91.6
.
Fuller ball on off, driven towards the man at mid off.
91.5
.
A length ball outside off, this is easily left alone by Stokes. No trouble for him.
91.4
.
Rabada now attacks the stumps angling the ball into Stokes. Ben pushes the ball towards the man at mid on.
91.3
.
Rabada drags his length back a bit, Stokes rocks back and defends this back towards the bowler.
91.2
.
Another fullish ball on off, Stokes this time pushes it towards the man at cover.
91.1
.
Rabada comes 'round the wicket straightaway, bowls a fuller ball on off. Stokes drives it straight down to the man at mid off.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 53/1(16)
90.6
.
Final ball of the first over of the day and Pope has pushed this one down to mid on.
90.5
.
Length ball just outside off, nipping back in a touch. Pope looks to defend off the back foot but is hit on the thigh pad.
90.4
1
Nortje sprays one down the leg side and that allows Stokes to get a single towards square leg. England are underway on Day 2.
90.3
.
This time on a good length on off, Stokes comes forward and pushes it back towards the bowler.
90.2
.
Another ball on a similar line, Stokes is again solid in his defense as he pushes this towards cover.
90.1
.
Nortje starts the day with a length ball on the off pole line, angling away. Stokes goes onto the back foot and blocks it out watchfully.
Finally, we are all set to begin Day 2. The players are out in the middle. Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope will resume their batting for England. Anrich Nortje will start the proceedings for the hosts.
Update 1035 Local (0835 GMT) - We have another update as now it is reported that the session will begin in 10 minutes, at 1045 Local. We are hopeful that this news is true and we can finally see some cricket from St. George's Park.
Update 1020 Local (0820 GMT) - Okay so the rain has started to come down again and now there is no official word as to when the game will start. The forecasts were of the showers arriving in the evening but they have turned out to be incorrect. Let's hope for the best so that the game can resume as quickly as possible.
Update 1005 Local (0805 GMT) - We have further news as the start has been delayed by another 10 minutes, which means play will resume at 1020 Local (0820 GMT).
A bit of a sad news. There was rain forecast for the day and it has come. Only, an hour early. The ground was covered and START OF PLAY HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK TO 10.10 AM LOCAL (0810 GMT).
If any, the run rate was an issue for the visitors. Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler would want to have a say in that. They will aim to get or cross 300 by Lunch itself. On the other hand, the hosts would look to pick up quick wickets and put pressure on England and keep it tight. Who will blink first?
A warm welcome to Day 2 of the 3rd Test between South Africa and England in Port Elizabeth. It was a sluggish opening day, with the batsmen struggling to get runs. But England have done well to not lose more than 4 wickets while South Africa seemed to lose the radar slightly here and there. This first session could be the most crucial one of the match. Would it be Cape Town all over again?
... Day 2, Session 1 ...
That ends a sluggish Thursday. How will Day 2 pan out? 32 runs have come off the second new ball in 10 overs. The batsmen to come for England are stroke makers - so either the visitors could cross 300 by Lunch or get close to being bowled out in the first session itself. Ben Stokes holds the key for one side, Kagiso Rabada for the other. Join us on Friday, 17th January, 2020 at 10 am local (0800 GMT) for all the action from the second day's play. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
South Africa will not be too displeased with their efforts. Philander was as frugal as one could be while Maharaj was tirelessly bowling since Lunch. His efforts helped the seamers to be rotated effectively and he found some purchase off the wicket as well. Debutant Paterson was skiddy but struggled for rhythm and was the most expensive.
A lot of time was occupied at the crease by the batsmen but the problem of doing this for too long is that if a collapse happens, then you are in a soup because the opposition suddenly gets into the game. England were 103/1 at one stage, only to be reduced to 148/4 within 16 overs. It was at this time that Rabada was raging fire but Pope then came out with an extinguisher to douse that rage as along with Stokes, he ensured England hold their heads high at the end of the day.
At the toss, the captains had slightly different views. Joe Root was happy to bat first on a pitch which looked dry and would deteriorate quickly while Faf du Plessis was a touch unsure, since stats tell him that batting is better on Day 2. England found it tough from the start, with the runs barely coming across. The openers did decently to see off the first session but struggled to get runs.
A day that has been slow-going. South Africa controlling the run rate and bogging a few England batsmen down. But the visitors would be happy with the final outcome, thanks largely to the Stokes-Pope stand, which is worth 76 now.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 55/1(32)
89.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the back foot. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 1!
89.5
.
Outside off, Pope shoulders arms to this one.
89.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Pope blocks it off the front foot.
89.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Ollie offers a solid defense on this one.
89.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Pope blocks it well.
89.1
.
Floated delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
4
1
1
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 48/2(17)
88.6
.
Bowls a bouncer, Stokes does well to duck under it.
88.5
4
FOUR! Ahhh... shouts of catch it, but that is well away from the fielder. Short of a length delivery, Stokes looks to pull but miscues it. It goes in the air, but is well wide of the man sweeping to his right from deep mid-wicket.
88.4
1
On a length on middle, Ben plays it towards mid on for a quick single.
88.3
1
Length delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
88.2
.
On a length on off, Stokes plays it to covers.
88.1
.
Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it to mid on.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 55/1(31)
87.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Ollie keeps it out.
87.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the back foot.
87.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Ollie keeps it out.
87.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Pope blocks it well.
87.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
87.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it through square leg for a run.
Maharaj is back on. 30-10-54-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 42/2(16)
86.6
1
On a length on middle, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
86.5
.
Full delivery on off, Stokes looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
86.4
.
On a good length and outside off, Ben taps it towards the off side.
86.3
.
Length delivery on off, Stokes punches it to point.
86.2
.
On a good length on off, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.
86.1
.
Length delivery outside off, Stokes looks to cut but gets a bottom edge on this one.
Kagiso Rabada is back on. 15-3-41-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 15/0(11)
85.6
4
FOUR! Well played! Full delivery on middle, Pope flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
85.5
.
Outside off, Pope shoulders arms to this one.
85.4
.
Length delivery on off, Pope defends it to point.
85.3
.
On a good length on off, Pope defends it off the front foot.
85.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Pope blocks it off the back foot.
85.1
.
On a length on middle, Pope defends it towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
1wd
0
1
Anrich Nortje 52/1(15)
84.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Stokes looks to flick but misses it.
84.5
4
FOUR! What a shot! Short delivery on leg, Stokes pulls it through square leg for a boundary.
84.4
1
Length delivery on off, Pope taps it towards point for a run.
84.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Pope looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards mid on.
84.3
1wd
WIDE! Bowls a bouncer down the leg side, Pope ducks under it.
84.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
84.1
1
On a length on middle, Stokes flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Vernon Philander 11/0(10)
83.6
.
Outside off, Pope offers no shot to this one.
83.5
.
Full delivery on off, Pope blocks it off the front foot.
83.4
.
Length delivery on off, Stokes plays it to point.
83.3
1
On a good length again on off, Stokes comes forward and looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends.
83.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Stokes looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
83.1
.
On a good length on off, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 45/1(14)
82.6
.
Short delivery on middle, Pope pulls it towards mid-wicket.
82.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Pope keeps it out.
82.4
.
Full delivery on off, Ollie drives it to covers.
82.3
.
Pope bowls it down the leg side, Pope looks to flick but misses it.
82.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Pope keeps it out.
82.1
.
On a good length on middle, Pope defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 10/0(9)
81.6
.
On a good length on off, Stokes plays it towards mid off.
81.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it to mid-wicket.
81.4
.
On a good length on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.
81.3
.
Comes down the track, but is yorked. Digs the ball towards mid off.
81.2
.
Landed outside off, left alone.
81.1
.
Huge shout for LBW! Turned down. Philander wants a review but he is overruled. A length ball outside off, coming back in, Stokes is hit on the pads as he shoulders arms. Philander, like always, believes that is out. But Faf is not sure. Replays show that it would not have come enough that much.
Philander is back on. 8-4-10-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
4
4
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 45/1(13)
80.6
4
FOUR! Third boundary of the over. Full and outside off, Pope drives it through point for a boundary. 12 runs have come from the first second-new-ball over.
80.5
4
FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for Ollie Pope. Full delivery on middle, Pope drives it through wide mid on for a boundary. That brings up the 50-run stand as well.
80.4
4
FOUR! Good shot. On a good length and outside off, Pope guides it nicely towards third man for a boundary.
80.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Pope drives it towards mid on.
80.2
.
Outside off, Pope offers no shot to this one.
80.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Pope shoulders arms to this one.
The second new ball is taken. Anrich Nortje is back on. 12-3-33-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 54/1(30)
79.6
.
Floated delivery on off, Ben keeps it out.
79.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it towards mid on.
79.4
1
Loopy delivery on off, Pope drives it through covers for a single.
79.3
1
Floated delivery on off, Stokes punches it towards point for a run.
79.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.
79.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Stokes pushes it towards mid on.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 46/0(15)
78.6
2
Full delivery on middle, Pope flicks it through square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
78.5
.
Paterson bowls it on a good length on middle, Pope looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
78.4
.
On a good length on leg, Pope looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side.
78.3
.
Length delivery on middle, Pope tucks it to mid-wicket.
78.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Pope drives it towards mid on.
78.1
.
On a good length on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 52/1(29)
77.6
.
On off, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.
77.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Stokes defends it out.
77.4
1
Loopy delivery on off, Pope punches it towards point for a single.
77.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it through mid on for a run.
77.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Ben defends it off the back foot.
77.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it to mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 44/0(14)
76.6
.
On a good length on off, Pope keeps it out.
76.5
.
On a good length on middle, Pope looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It goes towards the off side.
76.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Short and outside off, Pope leaps and attempts the upper cut. Slashes hard and gets an outside edge but it is well over the slip region. The ball races towards third man for a boundary.
76.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Pope flicks it to square leg.
76.2
.
On a length on middle, Pope flicks it to mid-wicket.
76.1
.
On a length around off, solidly defended back down the track.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 50/1(28)
75.6
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Stokes looks to flick but gets it off the glove. It goes towards the leg side.
75.5
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery on off, Stokes drives it through covers for a boundary.
75.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Stokes blocks it well.
75.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.
75.2
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Pope flicks it towards the leg side for a run.
75.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope flicks it towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 40/0(13)
74.6
1
On a length on middle, Pope flicks it towards mid-wicket where du Plessis dives and tries to stop it but it goes beneath him. The batsmen take a single.
74.5
1
Length delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
74.4
.
On a good length on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot.
74.3
.
Full delivery on off, Ben drives it towards mid off.
74.2
.
Length delivery outside off, Stokes plays it to point.
74.1
.
Outside off, Stokes offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 45/1(27)
73.6
.
Short delivery on off, Pope cuts it to point.
73.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the front foot.
73.4
.
Quicker delivery on off, Pope looks to defend off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
73.3
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it to covers.
73.2
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Stokes comes down the track and flicks it through mid on for a run.
73.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot.
Drinks Break! A fine passage of play is developing here. South Africa did not start that well but post Lunch, they have been excellent. The frugality of runs is making England go for runs and that, in turn, is resulting in the fall of wickets. The ball is skidding through, staying low a fraction and starting to turn as well. South Africa must aim to restrict England under 250 while the visitors, should first look to go into Friday with 4 wickets down and then look for 300 tomorrow.
In over# 1
0
0
4
2
0
0
Dane Paterson 38/0(12)
72.6
.
On a length on middle, Pope flicks it to mid-wicket.
72.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Pope drives it towards mid on.
72.4
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Pope pulls it through square leg for a boundary.
72.3
2
Full again on middle, Pope flicks it through mid-wicket. Rabada in the deep slides and does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.
72.2
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it towards mid off.
72.1
.
On a good length on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 44/1(26)
71.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes keeps it out.
71.5
.
BEATEN! Flighted delivery just outside off, Stokes looks to sweep but misses it.
71.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Stokes looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
71.3
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Stokes pushes it back towards the bowler.
71.2
.
Floated delivery on middle, Stokes plays a sweep towards mid-wicket.
71.1
1
Full and outside off, pushed away from his body towards point for a single. Was reaching out there. Oohs and aahs from Maharaj and de Kock. Have to say that was good hand-eye co-ordination.
In over# 1
4
0
2
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 32/0(11)
70.6
4
FOUR! Lovely shot! Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it through mid on for a boundary. This is good batting from Ben Stokes.
70.5
.
On a good length on off, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.
70.4
2
That is actually a very good effort from mid on. Full delivery on middle, Stokes drives it down the ground. But the man from mid on dives to his right and makes a half-stop, parrying it towards mid off. The fielder has to get around though and by that time, the batsmen get two runs.
70.3
.
Outside off, Stokes offers no shot to this one.
70.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Ben defends it out.
70.1
.
On a good length on off, Stokes blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 43/1(25)
69.6
.
Bowls a yorker on middle, Pope does well to dig it out. It goes towards mid on.
69.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the back foot.
69.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Pope keeps it out.
69.3
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Pope blocks it off the back foot.
69.2
.
Full delivery on off, Pope drives it to covers.
69.1
.
Floated delivery on middle, Pope defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 26/0(10)
68.6
.
On middle, Stokes defends it towards mid on.
68.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Stokes blocks it well.
68.4
.
On a good length and outside off, Stokes offers no shot to this one.
68.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Ben blocks it off the back foot.
68.2
.
Outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to this one.
68.1
.
In the action straightaway! On a good length on off, Stokes looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where it falls short of the fielder.
Dane Paterson is back on. 9-0-26-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 43/1(24)
67.6
.
Outside off, punched off the back foot.
67.5
.
This time he goes back and blocks it out.
67.4
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
67.3
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
67.2
1
Full on middle, flicked uppishly, wide of short mid-wicket, for a single.
67.1
.
DROPPED! Tough chance. Fractionally short, around off, Stokes goes back and whips it. Pieter Malan at short leg reacts swiftly too. He sticks out his right hand but the ball does not stick.
In over# 1
1
0
1nb
1wd
4
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 41/2(15)
66.6
1
Short ball on middle, Stokes pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.
66.5
.
WIDE. That is a wild bouncer, way above the head of the batsman. Signalled so.
66.5
1nb
NO BALL! Nasty! Good length ball on off, Stokes looks to flick but misses and gets hit around the box. Seems fine to continue. Rabada has overstepped or has he? The replays show that it was a tight call. Hard to say whether the foot landed on the line while did the foot land inside and then skid through.
66.5
1wd
BOUNCER! WIDE! It is bowled around middle, Stokes ducks under it. The umpire gives it wide for height.
66.4
4
FOUR! Poor delivery and it has been rightfully put away by Stokes. Full toss on middle, Stokes whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
66.3
.
Fullish ball on off, Stokes pushes it back to the bowler.
66.2
.
Full and just outside off, Stokes looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes along the ground, towards point.
66.1
.
A length ball outside off, from around the wicket, left alone.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 42/1(23)
65.6
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short and outside off, Pope cuts it hard through point for a boundary. 150 UP FOR ENGLAND.
65.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Pope keeps it out.
65.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Pope defends it off the back foot.
65.3
.
Tossed up delivery on leg, Pope looks to defend but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
65.2
1
Floated delivery on middle, Stokes flicks it towards square leg for a run.
65.1
.
NOT OUT! No edge and the impact was outside off. The review is lost. Floated outside off from Maharaj spinning into the batsman, Stokes lunges and then looks to defend but it seems to have hit the pads. The ball goes to Zubayr Hamza at first slip. He collects and appeals. The umpire shows no interest. Faf is concerned this time, running in to ask about the review. Everyone is confident but Hamza is the most confident and the skipper, one feels, goes for a catch review. The Ultra Edge then rolls in and it shows that there was a big gap between the bat and pad. The Ball Tracker shows that the impact was outside off as well. It had hit just the pads and then gone to the first slip fielder. A review in desperation from Faf.
Is that another? Bowler appeals for LBW. Oxenford says no. Hamza says that he has caught it at slip. The skipper says let's go upstairs. Here comes Ultra Edge. Nothing on it when ball passes the bat. Now, we check for the LBW. Impact outside off. A review in desperation.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
1
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 34/2(14)
64.6
.
Short ball around middle, Pope ducks under it.
Ollie Pope is the next batsman in.
64.5
W
OUT! TIMBER! That kept low! Root has to go now! Big, big wicket and South Africa are making a comeback in this game. Back of a length delivery from Rabada. It is bowled on off, keeping a touch low and skidding through after pitching. Root misreads it, looking to defend it off the back foot but the ball sneaks under his bat and goes onto hit the off stump. So 103/1 becomes 148/4.
64.4
.
Short again on middle, Root pulls it to mid-wicket.
64.3
1
Short delivery on middle, Stokes pulls it through square leg for a single.
64.2
.
Outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to this one.
64.1
.
On a good length on off, Stokes defends it uppishly towards point.
In over# 1
2
4
4
1
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 37/1(22)
63.6
2
Floated on middle, Root sweeps it to the deep mid-wicket region and picks up a couple before the fielder can come across and clean it up. Drama in the over, with 11 runs and an LBW review.
63.5
4
FOUR! Some innovation this time from Root! Full toss on middle, Root plays the paddle sweep to the fine leg region for a boundary.
63.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Floated one on middle, Root sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.
63.3
1
Flatter one on middle, Stokes whips it to the leg side for a single.
63.2
.
NOT OUT! Umpire's call and Stokes survives! Maharaj looks in terrific form out there! A vast contrast from the previous game. Bowls a flighted one around off, Stokes looks to defend but misses to get hit on the front pad. Maharaj puts in an appeal but it is turned down by the umpire. Maharaj and Faf are involved in a discussion whether to go for a review or not. They opt for it. The Ball Tracker rolls in and it shows that it was umpire's call on impact. South Africa do not lose their review.
Now, is Ben Stokes gone too? It is very close. Where is the impact? Umpire Oxenford shakes his head. Faf takes the review, again with very less time left on the clock. Ooohh.... umpire's call on impact. Ball projected to be hitting the stumps. But, NO means NO. The umpire said no, so the decision stays as it is.
63.1
.
BEATEN! Excellent delivery! Floated outside off, spinning into the batsman. Stokes looks to defend but it cuts him in half and goes into the mitts of the keeper.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 33/1(13)
62.6
.
BOUNCER! Good one from Rabada! Bowls it around off, Root though does very well to sway away from it.
62.5
1
Rabada keeps on bowling short and this one is on middle, Stokes pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
62.4
.
Fullish on middle and leg, Ben defends it towards mid on.
62.3
.
Rabada bends his back and bowls a short one outside off, Stokes pushes it to cover.
62.2
.
On a length on off, Ben solidly blocks it out to the cover fielder.
62.1
.
Back of a length ball on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot to point.
In over# 1
1
0
0W
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 26/1(21)
61.6
1
Stokes is underway! Flatter one on middle, Stokes punches it down to long on for a single.
61.5
.
Floated on off, Stokes lunges forward and defends it out.
Ben Stokes is the new man in.
61.4
W
OUT! LBW! That is a sensational review from South Africa. England lose their third wicket. The review was taken with just 5 seconds left on the clock. But it is successful. Flighted delivery on middle, Denly looks to defend off the back foot and does so. Or, does he? Because to the naked eye, it is not clear whether the ball hit the bat first or pad. Maharaj appeals for lbw but umpire Bruce Oxenford shakes his head. Now, strangely, the men behind the wickets are not sure whether that is out. Shouldn't de Kock know about that? But Faf asks him and Quinton is mum. It is Maharaj who is dead sure that it is pad first. South Africa think for a while and eventually, du Plessis takes the review. Oxenford makes the signal and when his colleague at square leg asks him what was it, Bruce says that it hit the bat. The first look at the replays brings out a huge cheer from the crowd. Because it shows that the ball has hit ONLY the pad and there is no bat involved at all! Now, time for the Ball Tracker which shows all three reds, with the ball projected to be hitting the middle stump. What a review from Maharaj. He is single-handedly responsible for this wicket. Is this the opening which the hosts needed?
61.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Denly blocks it well.
61.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
61.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Root sweeps it towards fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
2nb
1
4
Kagiso Rabada 32/1(12)
60.6
.
Short ball down the leg side, Denly sways away from it.
60.5
.
Short of a length ball outside off, Denly shoulders arms.
60.4
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Denly ducks under it and de Kock jumps and collects it with one hand.
60.3
2
Full delivery on middle and leg, Denly whips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.
60.3
2nb
NO BALL! Rabada dishes another short one but this is down the leg side, Root helps it on its way to fine leg. The batters take a single. Rabada has overstepped.
60.2
1
Short delivery on middle, Denly pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
60.1
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Short delivery around off, Denly gets into position and cuts it through the gully region for a boundary.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 24/0(20)
59.6
1
Shorter in length outside off, Denly punches it to deep cover and takes a single.
59.5
.
Floated outside off, Denly lunges and then lets it go to the keeper.
59.4
.
Shorter one outside off, Denly rocks on his back foot and punches it to cover.
59.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Denly pushes it to mid on.
59.2
.
Floated on off, Denly prods forward and defends it to point.
59.1
1
Short delivery on off, Root punches it through point for a single.
Keshav Maharaj to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 23/1(11)
58.6
4
FOUR! This is poor bowling from Rabada. A rank long hop outside off, Denly stands tall and thrashes it over the point fielder for a boundary.
58.5
.
Good length ball down the leg side, Denly looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. No run.
58.4
.
Good length ball on off, Denly defends it out.
58.3
1
Run Out chance missed. Back of a length ball on off, Root hops and defends it to the point region. He takes off for a single. Hamza from point makes a terrific run and then throws it at the keeper's end. He has one stump to aim at but misses. If he had hit, Denly was surely a goner. There was no run there.
58.2
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around off, Root sways away from it.
58.1
.
Starts with a good length ball on middle, Root works it to mid-wicket off the back foot.
We are back for the final session of Day 1. The players are out in the middle. Joe Denly and Joe Root will resume their batting for England. Kagiso Rabada will start the proceedings for the final session of Day 1.
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
32 overs left in the day. How many wickets can the Saffas pick by Stumps? How many can England end up with? Can they get to 200 tonight? Join us back at 3 pm local (1300 GMT).
Much better bowling from South Africa post Lunch. They kept tight lines, did not allow easy runs and the visitors were forced to find ways to score. That brought about the two wickets. Philander has been phenomenal while Maharaj has been tirelessly working.
Another attritional session. South Africa would be feeling a lot better, because they managed to pick up 2 wickets as well. The pitch is a slow one but have to question England's tactics here. Not much intent to score apart from Joe Root and the top three were just ready to bed in. 300 might be a good score on this deck but you need to score, don't you? As the great Geoffrey Boycott says, you always look at a score by adding 2 extra wickets to it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 22/0(19)
57.6
.
Full delivery on off, Denly drives it but it hits the silly point fielder and then rolls to the silly mid off fielder. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1!
57.5
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the back foot.
57.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Denly plays it towards covers.
57.3
.
Full again on off, Joe drives it towards mid off.
57.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Denly drives it back towards the bowler.
57.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 10/0(8)
56.6
.
On a good length on off, the skipper keeps it out.
56.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Root defends it off the back foot.
56.4
.
Outside off, Root offers no shot to this one.
56.3
.
On a good length on off, the skipper blocks it off the back foot.
56.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Root looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
56.1
.
On a good length on off, Root defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 22/0(18)
55.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
55.5
1
Short and outside off, cut through point for a run.
55.4
.
Around off, watchfully defended.
55.3
.
Full and down the leg side, Joe looks to sweep but misses.
55.2
.
Oohhh... that was stone dead. But for the inside edge. The arm ball on middle, Root goes back to work it to the leg side but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
55.1
.
Floated delivery on off, Root defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 10/0(7)
54.6
.
On a good length on middle, Denly looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
54.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
54.4
1
Length delivery on off, Root taps it through point for a single.
54.3
.
On a good length on off, Root defends it out.
54.2
.
Good length delivery on middle, Root keeps it out.
54.1
.
On a good length on off, Root blocks it off the back foot.
Vernon Philander is back on. 6-3-9-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
4
0
Keshav Maharaj 21/0(17)
53.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly plays it to covers.
53.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, Denly plays it to covers.
53.4
1
Floated delivery on middle, Root flicks it towards square leg for a single.
53.3
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Root drives it to covers.
53.2
4
FOUR! That is cheekily played. Landed outside off, Root goes back and dabs it past first slip, almost near his right leg and finds a boundary at third man.
53.1
.
Landed outside off, played straight to point.
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
0
0
Anrich Nortje 33/1(12)
52.6
1
Short delivery on middle, Root pulls it towards square leg for a run.
52.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, the skipper defends it out.
52.4
.
On a good length on off, Root blocks it off the back foot.
52.3
4
FOUR! Short delivery outside off, Root looks to pull but gets a bottom edge onto the pads. It goes off the pads towards third man for a boundary.
52.2
.
Nortje bowls it down the leg side, Root looks to flick but misses it.
52.1
.
On a good length on off, Root blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 16/0(16)
51.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Denly drives it towards mid on.
51.5
.
Full delivery on off, Denly drives it towards mid off.
51.4
1
IN THE AIR BUT SAFE! Floated delivery on middle, Root looks to sweep but gets a top edge. It goes towards square leg where the fielder looks to go for the catch but it falls short of him. The batsmen take a run.
51.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Root defends it out.
51.2
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly drives it through covers for a single.
51.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 28/1(11)
50.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Root flicks it towards the leg side.
50.5
.
On a good length on off, Root blocks it off the front foot.
50.4
.
Full delivery on off, the skipper drives it towards mid off.
50.3
.
Short delivery on middle, Root pulls it towards square leg.
50.2
.
Full delivery down the leg side, Root looks to flick but misses it.
50.1
.
On a length on middle, Root flicks it to square leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 14/0(15)
49.6
.
On off, Denly keeps it out.
49.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the back foot.
49.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Joe blocks it off the front foot.
49.3
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
49.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly plays it to point.
49.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
4
0
Anrich Nortje 28/1(10)
48.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Root blocks it off the back foot.
Joe Root, the skipper, is the new batsman in.
48.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent catch by Rassie. Nortje gets his first. On a length on middle, Crawley flicks it uppishly towards leg gully where van der Dussen dives and takes a stunner of a catch to his right. That ends a stubborn innings from Crawley. More or less, crawled through the innings but after spending more than 3 hours, he would have expected more.
48.4
.
Play and a miss! Short delivery outside off, Crawley looks to play the upper cut but misses it.
48.3
.
On a good length on off, Zak defends it off the back foot.
48.2
4
FOUR! Poor delivery from Nortje. Short delivery on leg, Crawley pulls it towards fine leg for a boundary. 100 up for England.
48.1
.
On a good length on off, Crawley defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 14/0(14)
47.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly plays it to covers.
47.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Denly defends it out.
47.4
.
Full delivery on off, Joe drives it to mid off.
47.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Denly plays it to point.
47.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the back foot.
47.1
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Crawley plays it towards point for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 24/0(9)
46.6
.
Bowls a bouncer down the leg side, Denly ducks underneath it.
46.5
.
Full delivery on off, Denly drives it towards mid off.
46.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Crawley flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
46.3
.
Bowls a bumper, Zak ducks under it again.
46.2
.
Bowls a bouncer, Crawley does well to duck under it.
46.1
.
On a length on middle, Crawley flicks it to square leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 13/0(13)
45.6
.
On middle, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
45.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
45.4
.
Full delivery on middle, Joe drives it towards mid on.
45.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Denly drives it to mid on.
45.2
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly plays it to covers.
45.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly plays it to point.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
1
Anrich Nortje 23/0(8)
44.6
.
On a length on middle, Crawley flicks it towards square leg.
44.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Zak keeps it out.
44.4
.
On a good length on middle, Crawley defends it off the back foot.
44.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Crawley does well to duck under it.
44.2
1
Full again on middle, Denly flicks it uppishly towards mid-wicket for a run.
44.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Crawley flicks it uppishly towards square leg for a single.
Drinks Break! Anrich Nortje is back on. 7-2-21-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 13/0(12)
43.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Denly keeps it out.
43.5
.
BEATEN! Floated delivery outside off, Denly looks to defend but misses it.
43.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
43.3
.
Floated delivery outside off, Denly punches it to covers.
43.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Denly drives it to mid on.
43.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
4
1
1
0
0
Dane Paterson 26/0(9)
42.6
.
On a good length on off, Crawley defends it off the back foot.
42.5
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Short and outside off, Crawley plays an upper cut over point for a boundary.
42.4
1
On a length on middle, Denly flicks it towards square leg for a run.
42.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Crawley flicks it through square leg for a single.
42.2
.
Length delivery on middle, Zak pushes it towards mid on.
42.1
.
On a good length on off, Crawley blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 13/0(11)
41.6
.
Outside off, Denly looks to sweep but misses it.
41.5
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the back foot.
41.4
.
Full delivery on off, Denly drives it to mid off.
41.3
.
Loopy delivery on off, Denly plays it to covers.
41.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Joe defends it out.
41.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
In over# 1
1
2
0
1
1
0
Dane Paterson 20/0(8)
40.6
1
Short delivery on middle, Denly pulls it through square leg for a single.
40.5
2
On a good length on off, Denly looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards point. The batsmen take a single.
40.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly blocks it well.
40.3
1
Short delivery on middle, Crawley pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
40.2
1
On a good length on off, Denly defends it towards the off side and takes a quick single.
40.1
.
Outside off, Denly shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 13/0(10)
39.6
.
Full delivery on off, Zak drives it to mid off.
39.5
.
On off, Crawley plays it to covers.
39.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Crawley blocks it off the front foot.
39.3
.
Flighted delivery on off, Zak offers a solid defense on this one.
39.2
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Crawley plays it to point.
39.1
.
Floated delivery on middle, Crawley defends it out.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 15/0(7)
38.6
4
FOUR! Terrific shot. Full and outside off, Denly drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.
38.5
.
Bowls a bouncer, Denly sways away from it.
38.4
.
That ball has taken the inside edge onto the pads.
38.3
.
Full and around off, well blocked out.
38.2
.
On a good length outside off, watchfully defended.
38.1
.
Outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 13/0(9)
37.6
1
Hmmm... Denly comes down the track and Maharaj fires it wide outside off. Denly has to reach out but adjusts well to drive the ball to long off for a single.
37.5
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly defends it out.
37.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
37.3
.
Was that a chance? Not sure. Loopy delivery on off, Denly drives it uppishly towards covers where Elgar goes for the catch but it falls just short of him. He just got his fingertips on that.
37.2
1
Flighted delivery on off, Crawley looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.
37.1
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Denly looks to play a paddle sweep but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dane Paterson 11/0(6)
36.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Joe offers a solid defense on this one.
36.5
.
Again on a good length on middle, Denly blocks it off the back foot.
36.4
.
On a good length on middle, Joe keeps it out.
36.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Denly defends it off the back foot.
36.2
.
On a length on middle, Crawley flicks it to mid-wicket.
36.1
1
On a good length on off, Crawley taps it towards the off side and takes a quick single.
Dane Paterson is back on. 5-0-10-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 11/0(8)
35.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly blocks it off the front foot.
35.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Joe keeps it out.
35.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
35.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Denly blocks it well.
35.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Joe keeps it out.
35.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Denly defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 18/1(10)
34.6
.
Bowls a bouncer, Crawley sways away from it.
34.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, Zak blocks it well.
34.4
1
Short delivery on middle, Denly pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
34.3
1
Full and outside off, Crawley drives it through covers for a run.
34.2
.
Full delivery on middle, Crawley drives it towards mid on.
34.1
.
Outside off, Crawley offers no shot to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 11/0(7)
33.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Denly defends it off the back foot.
33.5
.
Loopy delivery on off, Denly plays it to covers.
33.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Crawley drives it through mid on for a run.
33.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Zak defends it off the back foot.
33.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Crawley blocks it off the front foot.
33.1
.
Flighted delivery on off, Zak defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 16/1(9)
32.6
.
Rabada bowls it down the leg side, Denly looks to flick but misses it.
32.5
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Denly looks to defend but misses it.
32.4
.
On a good length and outside off, Denly leaves it alone.
32.3
.
Outside off, Denly does not bother to play at that.
32.2
.
Around off, watchfully defended.
32.1
.
A bouncer around off, watchfully ducked under.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 10/0(6)
31.6
.
Floated delivery on middle, Zak blocks it off the front foot.
31.5
.
BRAVE LEAVE! One knows that Maharaj usually bowls only arm balls, so to leave one on length is very risky. But Crawley dos so. Landed outside off, just fractionally short of full, Crawley gets across a touch and then shoulders arms. The ball just misses his pad and the off stump.
31.4
.
BEATEN! Loopy delivery outside off, Zak looks to defend but misses it.
31.3
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Floated delivery on middle, Crawley flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
31.2
.
Tossed up delivery on leg, Crawley looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Going down leg.
31.1
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Crawley defends it off the front foot.
Joe Denly walks in at number 3, replacing Sibley.
In over# 1
0W
2
0
4
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 16/1(8)
30.6
W
OUT! Caught at leg gully! Out of nowhere, a wicket has fallen. Rabada has struck for the Proteas. It has taken 31 overs but a wicket has gone at last. Credit to the planning. England were aiming to score runs at a slightly quicker rate than before while South Africa were looking to restrict the run flow. Rabada angled this into the right-hander from over the wicket and it was a pretty innocuous delivery, with Sibley just looking to tuck it through the on side. But he did not realize that there is a man stationed at leg gully, where Dean Elgar took it. Sibley would be crestfallen. 94 balls before this, watchful batting, makes a mistake of not watching the field on the 95th. The 70-run opening stand is broken.
30.5
2
On a length on off, Sibley guides it towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.
30.4
.
Length delivery on middle, Dominic flicks it to mid-wicket.
30.3
4
FOUR! On a good length on off, Sibley looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
30.2
.
Length delivery on middle, Sibley flicks it uppishly towards mid-wicket where it falls short of the fielder.
30.1
.
On a good length on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Keshav Maharaj 6/0(5)
29.6
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Zak keeps it out.
29.5
.
Floated delivery on middle, Crawley defends it out.
29.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Zak flicks it to mid-wicket.
29.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Crawley defends it off the front foot.
29.2
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Zak blocks it off the back foot.
29.1
2
Flighted delivery on off, Crawley looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen get two runs.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 10/0(7)
28.6
.
Outside off, Dominic shoulders arms to this one.
28.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Sibley defends it off the back foot.
28.4
1
On a length on middle, Zak flicks it through square leg for a run.
28.3
.
On a good length on middle, Crawley defends it off the back foot.
28.2
.
Outside off, left alone.
28.1
.
A length ball outside off, cutting back in, Crawley looks to tuck but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 4/0(4)
27.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Sibley blocks it off the back foot. Maiden from Maharaj.
27.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Sibley drives it to mid on.
27.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Sibley blocks it off the front foot.
27.3
.
Floated delivery on middle, Dominic defends it off the back foot.
27.2
.
Short delivery on off, Sibley cuts it to point.
27.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
We are back for the second session. The players are out in the middle. Zak Crawley and Dominic Sibley will resume the batting for England. Keshav Maharaj will start the proceedings after Lunch.
... Day 1, Session 2 ...
Cannot really say that South Africa bowled well. They did not quite bowl at the stumps and the batsmen had little difficulty in leaving the balls alone. The only positive for them is that the run rate is not that high, so if a couple of wickets fall quickly, they could enforce a collapse. But then, how can they get those wickets? Join us back at 12.40 pm local (1040 GMT) for all the action from the second session.
The openers have not exactly raced along but they have been very resilient and watchful. They have let the balls go more often than not while Dominic Sibley has seemed in total control. Zak Crawley had issues with his patience and miscued a couple of shots but other than that, both have been very good.
A boring session. That is for the fans. But as far as England are concerned, they will be very happy. A solid opening stand after electing to bat, unbroken after 2 hours, is more than what they would have hoped for. They would have realistically aimed for not more than two down but this is a bonus.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 21/0(7)
26.6
.
Landed outside off, solidly defended. LUNCH ON DAY 1!
26.5
.
A bouncer now, around off, Zak sways away from the line.
26.4
.
Slower ball, outside off, let through.
26.3
.
A bouncer, on middle, ducked under.
26.2
.
Full and around off, well blocked out.
26.1
.
On a length outside off, Crawley comes forward and defends.
In over# 1
0
0
0
2
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 4/0(3)
25.6
.
Flighted delivery on off, Dominic plays it to covers.
25.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Sibley nudges it towards the leg side.
25.4
.
Floated delivery on middle, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
25.3
2
Loopy delivery on middle, Sibley looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen get two runs.
25.2
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Sibley offers a forward defense on this one.
25.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
1
Anrich Nortje 21/0(6)
24.6
.
Huge shout for a caught behind! Turned down. A length ball, down the leg side, Crawley looks to tuck but misses. The keeper and slip cordon are confident while the bowler joins in as an afterthought.
24.5
1
Works this down the leg side for a single.
24.4
1
On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a run.
24.3
.
A short ball now, on middle, Zak ducks.
24.2
.
On a length outside off, shouldered arms to. That barely bounced.
24.1
1
Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
1
Keshav Maharaj 2/0(2)
23.6
.
Full and just outside off, well defended.
23.5
1
On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
23.4
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
23.3
.
That has turned. Maharaj lands this on a shorter length around off, Sibley looks to defend but the ball spins away past the outside edge.
23.2
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
23.1
1
Huge shout for LBW, but turned down. Full and around off, Crawley looked to sweep but missed and was hit on the pads. Maharaj appealed, Faf even thought about the review but in the end, decided against it. Ultra Edge shows a spike when the ball goes past the bat.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 18/0(5)
22.6
4
EDGED, FOUR! Pretty deliberate though. A short ball, outside off, Sibley leaps in the air and looks to play the upper cut. The outside edge is taken but it flies over the slips to the third man fence.
22.5
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
22.4
.
A short ball, down the leg side, Sibley gets across and shoulders arms.
22.3
.
That must hurt. A length ball outside off, Sibley hops across and looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the groin. Not far from the box.
22.2
.
Around off, pushed straight to cover.
22.1
.
Full and just outside off, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Keshav Maharaj 0/0(1)
21.6
.
Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
21.5
.
Comes down the track but Maharaj shortens the length. Defends it watchfully.
21.4
.
On middle and off, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
21.3
.
Around off, punched off the back foot.
21.2
.
Ah.... there is a bit of drift. Crawley comes down the track and looks to flick but the drift induces some away movement and takes the leading edge. The ball goes to cover.
21.1
.
Short and around off, Crawley immediately rocks back and pulls but finds short mid-wicket.
Spin for the first time. With around 20 minutes to go for Lunch, Faf du Plessis turns to Keshav Maharaj, hoping he would turn this situation in his favour.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Anrich Nortje 14/0(4)
20.6
.
Ripper to end the over! Landed outside off, DS looks to defend and then at the last moment, looks to take his bat away. Almost nicks it behind!
20.5
.
Full and outside off, Dominic comes forward but keeps his bat hanging in the air, before withdrawing it at the last moment.
20.4
.
A bouncer now, Sibley sways away.
20.3
.
Full and straight, driven towards mid on.
20.2
.
Around off, blocked from the crease.
20.1
.
Full on middle, driven straight to mid on.
Anrich Nortje is back on. 3-0-14-0 so far for the local boy.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Vernon Philander 9/0(6)
19.6
.
That is a beauty. Full and outside off, Crawley looks to defend but the ball straightens a touch and beats the outside edge.
19.5
.
Landed outside off, left alone.
19.4
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
19.3
.
On middle and leg, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
19.2
4
FOUR! A bit streaky. Outside off, on a length, Crawley looks to punch it through the off side but the ball goes off the outside edge. It goes along the ground, through gully and finds the third man fence. 50 up for England.
19.1
.
Landed outside off, Crawley plays inside the line, then decides to let it go.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
1
1
Kagiso Rabada 9/0(6)
18.6
.
On a length on middle, Sibley pushes it to mid on.
18.5
.
On a good length and outside off, Sibley lets it go.
18.4
1
On a length on middle, Crawley flicks it through square leg. The batsmen cross ends.
18.3
.
Bowls a bouncer, Crawley does well to duck under it.
18.2
1
Length delivery on middle, Sibley flicks it towards square leg for a run.
18.1
1
Full delivery on middle, Crawley flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 5/0(5)
17.6
.
Good length delivery outside off, Sibley does not bother to play at that. Third maiden for Philander.
17.5
.
Outside off, Dominic shoulders arms to this one.
17.4
.
Full delivery on off, Sibley drives it to mid off.
17.3
.
Again outside off, Sibley does not bother to play at that.
17.2
.
Outside off, Dominic offers no shot to this one.
17.1
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Sibley looks to defend but misses it.
Vernon Philander is back on. 4-2-5-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4lb
Kagiso Rabada 6/0(5)
16.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Zak blocks it off the back foot.
16.5
.
On a length on leg, Crawley looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the keeper where de Kock does well to stop to his left.
16.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Crawley lets it sail through to the keeper.
16.3
.
Length delivery outside off, Zak taps it to point.
16.2
.
On a good length on middle, Crawley tucks it towards mid-wicket.
16.1
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! Poor delivery from Rabada. On a length on leg, Crawley looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards fine leg for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
4
0
Anrich Nortje 14/0(3)
15.6
.
On a good length on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
15.5
2
Length delivery outside off, Sibley slaps it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
15.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Sibley does well to duck under it.
15.3
.
Good length delivery on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
15.2
4
FOUR! Excellent shot. Full delivery on middle, Sibley drives it through mid on for a boundary.
15.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Sibley does not bother to play at that.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1nb
Kagiso Rabada 6/0(4)
14.6
.
Bowls a bouncer outside off, Crawley lets it sail through to the keeper.
14.5
1
Short delivery on off, Sibley defends it towards the off side and takes a quick single.
14.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
14.3
1
On a length on middle, Crawley flicks it towards square leg for a run.
14.2
.
Again outside off, Zak offers no shot to this one.
14.1
.
Rabada bowls it outside off, Crawley leaves it alone.
14.1
1nb
NO BALL! Rabada oversteps! Outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to this one.
Drinks Break!
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Anrich Nortje 8/0(2)
13.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Dominic defends it out.
13.5
.
On a good length on off, Dominic blocks it off the back foot.
13.4
.
Bowls a bouncer, Sibley lets it sail through to the keeper.
13.3
.
Outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
13.2
4
FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Sibley cuts it hard through point for a boundary.
13.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 3/0(3)
12.6
.
On a good length on off, Zak blocks it off the back foot.
12.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Crawley looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards the slip region on one bounce.
Every innings in Test cricket is important. But Mark Nicholas on air feels this is the most important one for Zak Crawley. If he gets a big one, he could be in for the future. Nasser Hussain then seconds his opinion, stating that England have been facing opening issues since the retirement of Sir Alastair Cook and with Rory Burns injured, not projected available for quite a long time, Crawley could make that spot his own.
12.4
.
On a good length on off, Crawley defends it towards covers.
12.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, Crawley leaves it alone.
12.2
.
Outside off, Zak shoulders arms to this one.
12.1
.
On a good length on middle, Crawley looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
0
Anrich Nortje 4/0(1)
11.6
.
On a good length on middle, Sibley keeps it out.
11.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Dominic blocks it off the back foot.
11.4
.
On a length on middle, Sibley flicks it to mid-wicket.
11.3
.
On a good length on middle, Dominic blocks it off the back foot.
11.2
4
FOUR! Well played! Short and outside off, Sibley punches it through point for a boundary.
11.1
.
Nortje bowls it on a good length on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
Anrich Nortje is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Kagiso Rabada 3/0(2)
10.6
.
On a good length and outside off, Crawley does not bother to play at that.
10.5
.
Outside off, Zak offers no shot to this one.
10.4
1
Good length delivery on off, Sibley defends it towards the off side. The batsmen cross ends.
10.3
.
Indecision. On a good length and outside off, Sibley looks to play that initially but then decides to leave. The decision is pretty late and the ball takes the bottom edge before bouncing in front of the keeper.
Anrich Nortje is warming up.
10.2
.
This is on a good length, just outside off, Sibley knows where his off stump is and lets it pass.
10.1
.
Landed outside off, left alone.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
0
0
Dane Paterson 10/0(5)
9.6
2
Good stop by Malan in the deep. Short delivery on middle, Crawley pulls it through mid-wicket. Malan in the deep does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs.
9.5
.
On a good length on middle, Crawley defends it off the back foot.
9.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Zak defends it off the front foot.
9.3
.
Another rash shot. Fractionally short in length on middle, Crawley looks to pull but mistimes it towards mid on. Philander comes running in for the catch but ends up picking the ball on one bounce.
9.2
.
On a good length and outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to this one.
9.1
.
Outside off, Crawley leaves it alone.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
0
1wd
Kagiso Rabada 2/0(1)
8.6
.
Short delivery on off, Dominic stands tall and defends it off the back foot.
8.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
8.4
.
Outside off, Sibley offers no shot to this one.
8.3
1
TOP EDGE BUT SAFE! First real chance in the game. Is Crawley running out of patience? Short of a length delivery, Crawley looks to pull but he is cramped for room as the ball skids through and takes the top edge. It goes just over mid on where Anrich Nortje runs backwards and tries to get to the ball but cannot get there. The batsmen take a single.
8.2
.
Outside off, Crawley leaves it alone.
8.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to this one.
8.1
1wd
WIDE! Rabada bowls it wide and outside off, Crawley does not bother to play at that.
First bowling change of the morning. Kagiso Rabada into the attack.
In over# 1
0
1wd
0
1
0
1
0
Dane Paterson 8/0(4)
7.6
.
Good length delivery outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.
7.6
1wd
WIDE! Bowls a bouncer, Sibley does well to duck under it.
7.5
.
On a length on off, Sibley pushes it towards point.
7.4
1
Good length delivery on off, Crawley taps it towards point for a single.
7.3
.
Full delivery on middle, Crawley drives it towards mid on.
7.2
1
On a length on off, Sibley plays it towards point for a single.
7.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 5/0(4)
6.6
.
On off, Crawley blocks it off the back foot.
6.5
.
On a good length on middle, Zak defends it out.
6.4
.
Good length delivery outside off, Crawley does not bother to play at that.
6.3
.
On a good length on middle, Crawley defends it off the front foot.
6.2
.
Outside off, Crawley offers no shot to this one.
6.1
.
Full delivery on off, Crawley defends it off the front foot.
By the way, the keeper is upto the stumps for Philander.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
0
Dane Paterson 5/0(3)
5.6
.
On a good length and outside off, Sibley lets it go.
5.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
5.4
.
On a length on middle, Sibley flicks it to mid-wicket.
5.3
.
Outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
5.2
2
Length delivery on off, Sibley taps it through point. The batsmen get two runs.
5.1
.
On a good length on off, Sibley looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes on the bounce towards the slip region.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
4
Vernon Philander 5/0(3)
4.6
.
Good length delivery on off, Crawley comes down the track and defends it.
4.5
.
On a length on off, Crawley plays it towards the off side.
4.4
.
Good length delivery on middle, Zak keeps it out.
4.3
.
Full delivery on off, Crawley drives it towards mid off.
4.2
.
On a good length on off, Crawley defends it off the front foot.
4.1
4
FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Crawley cuts it hard through point for a boundary. The first one of the game, off the bat.
In over# 1
4lb
0
0
1
1
0
Dane Paterson 3/0(2)
3.6
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! On a length on leg, Sibley looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards fine leg.
3.5
.
On a good length on off, Sibley defends it off the front foot.
3.4
.
Outside off, Sibley leaves it alone.
3.3
1
On a length on middle, Crawley flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
3.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Sibley flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
3.1
.
On a good length on off, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 1/0(2)
2.6
.
On a good length on off, Crawley blocks it well. Maiden from Philander.
2.5
.
Full delivery on middle, Zak defends it to mid-wicket.
2.4
.
On a good length on off, Crawley comes down the track and defends it out.
2.3
.
Outside off, Crawley shoulders arms to this one.
2.2
.
Good length delivery on off, Crawley defends it off the back foot.
2.1
.
BEATEN! On a good length and just outside off, Crawley looks to defend but misses it.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1
Dane Paterson 1/0(1)
1.6
.
Good length delivery on middle, Sibley blocks it off the back foot.
1.5
.
On a good length on off, Dominic defends it off the front foot.
1.4
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery just outside off, Sibley looks to defend but misses it.
1.3
.
Good length delivery outside off, Sibley shoulders arms to this one.
1.2
.
Outside off, Sibley offers no shot to this one.
1.1
1
On a good length on off, Crawley looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards point. The batsmen cross ends.
Interesting. It is not Kagiso Rabada. DANE PATERSON has been given the ball.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Vernon Philander 1/0(1)
0.6
.
Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.
0.5
1
England are away. A length ball, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
0.4
.
Outside off, left alone.
0.3
.
Full and outside off, ZC pushes at it but the ball takes the outside edge. Does not carry to second slip.
0.2
.
A length ball outside off, coming in a long way, Zak looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.
0.1
.
A length ball outside off, pushed towards cover.
The players take their position on the field. Zak Crawley and Dominic Sibley walk out to open for the English. It will be Vernon Philander to start off proceedings to Zak Crawley. Here we go...
Home skipper, Faf du Plessis, smiles on being informed that this is the 6th toss in a row that he has lost. But is happy that he does not have to make any decision as due to the wind coming in on the second day, batting sometimes gets easier on Day 2. So, he was in two minds whether to bat first or bowl first on this deck. On the team change, du Plessis says that it was a difficult decision to make and they have decided to hand DANE PATERSON a debut, who is a skiddy bowler. Admits that there are a lot of noises around and wants his team and his own self to shut those noises and concentrate harder.
England captain, Joe Root, says that it looks a good surface but seems dry underneath and could deteriorate as the match goes on. Informs that Mark Wood comes in for James Anderson who has gone back home. Is happy that his young unit delivered in the second Test and is looking forward to build on the momentum. On Archer and Wood, Joe says that Archer pulled up sore this morning and praises Wood for getting himself fit. Is excited with the prospect of having both in the same XI, sometime in the near future.
SOUTH AFRICA (PLAYING XI) - Pieter Malan, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Dane Peterson (DEBUT) (In place of Dwaine Pretorius), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.
ENGLAND (PLAYING XI) - Zak Crawley, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood (In place of James Anderson).
TOSS - Joe Root calls correctly. ENGLAND WILL BAT FIRST IN THEIR 500TH OVERSEAS TEST. Not surprising, because it is all about battling out the first couple of hours. Batting last generally ain't easy here.
The series stands 1-1 but England surprisingly won the second Test, in spite of being a bowler down and two key players ruled out before that game. Half the squad has been fighting with stomach bugs and hopefully, they are fine now.
Woohoo! A Test match! Just sends the shivers down our spine - not in fear but in excitement and expectation. The red cherry. White clothing. Seam movement. Swing. Competition between bat and ball. Aha... and two teams equal in strength and weakness competing. Hello and a warm welcome to the third Test between South Africa and England in Port Elizabeth.
Home