| 0.0 : Hello and a warm welcome for the opening day of the first Test match between England and South Africa at Lord's. Joe Root is all set to lead the English side in whites and there can be no better place in the world to make a new beginning. He has some quality players in the wings who can be match-winners on their day. 2016 was poor for the hosts in the longest format of the game but this is a different affair altogether. |
| On the other hand, the Proteas have been lackluster in the limited overs so far. However, they are a brilliant side in the red-ball format. The stand-in skipper, Dean Elgar will be eager to stamp his authority in this game. The visitors have been on a roll in Tests as they are coming off series wins against Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. However, they will be wary of how dangerous the home side can be in familiar conditions. Bright skies welcome us today. Expect a cracking day of cricket. |
| Joe Root, the 80th Test captain of England gets lucky with the toss. They opt to bat. Heino Kuhn makes his Test debut for South Africa at the age of 33. |
| England (Playing XI) - Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Gary Ballance, Joe Root(c), Jonny Bairstow(wk), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson. |
| South Africa (Playing XI) - Heino Kuhn, Dean Elgar(c), Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock(wk), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel. |
| The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings will open the batting for England. Morne Morkel will bowl the first over. |
| 0.1 : M Morkel to Cook, That's a beauty to begin with! Back of a length delivery around off, Cook pokes at it but gets beaten all ends up. |
| 0.2 : M Morkel to Cook, Sprays this one down the leg side, Alastair looks to clip it but misses. |
| 0.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Very full and well outside off, Cook looks to play at it initially but decides to bail out of it at the last moment. |
| 0.4 : M Morkel to Cook, Full on off, Cook works it to wide mid on for a run. First runs for England. |
| Morne Morkel has started off pretty well here. It promises to be an exciting day of cricket. |
| 0.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, Morkel comes around the wicket and bowls a fullish delivery outside off, Jennings covers his off stump and lets it go. |
| 0.6 : M Morkel to Jennings, In the channel outside off, Keaton lets it go. Good over to begin with by Morkel. |
| Vernon Philander will bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : V Philander to Cook, Good length delivery around off, Cook doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 1.2 : V Philander to Cook, Back of a length on off, Alastair camps back and pushes it to mid off. |
| 1.3 : V Philander to Cook, Fuller length ball in line of the stumps, Cook pats it back to Philander. |
| 1.4 : V Philander to Cook, No ball! On a length on off, defended solidly off the back foot. Philander overstepped on that occasion. |
| V Philander to Cook, Wider outside off this time, the southpaw doesn't flirt with it. |
| 1.5 : V Philander to Cook, Full length and straight on this occasion, Alastair clips it through backward square leg. The fine leg fielder hares to his right and cuts it off. Two runs taken. |
| 1.6 : V Philander to Cook, No ball! Fullish on middle, Cook turns it to short mid-wicket. Philander has again missed his mark as he has overstepped. |
| V Philander to Cook, Full on off, Alastair punches it crisply to mid off. |
| 2.1 : M Morkel to Jennings, Back of a length delivery, angling in from outside off. Jennings points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 2.2 : M Morkel to Jennings, FOUR! Well played! Short of a length and straighter this time, Jennings hops back and tickles it past the keeper for a boundary. First one of the match. |
| 2.3 : M Morkel to Jennings, Length delivery outside off, Keaton hangs his bat late and pushes it with an open face to third slip. |
| 2.4 : M Morkel to Jennings, Fullish delivery wide outside off, Jennings pokes at it with minimal foot movement but gets beaten. |
| 2.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, FOUR! Easy pickings! Full and angling into pads, Jennings stays well- balanced and flicks it beautifully through mid-wicket to find the fence. Made use of the depth of the crease. |
| M Morkel to Jennings, Full and well outside off, left alone. |
| 2.6 : M Morkel to Jennings, Back of a length around off, nips in sharply. Jennings plays inside the line and lets it go. 8 from the over. |
| 3.1 : V Philander to Cook, OUT! Philander strikes! He has bowled this one right on the money and induced a false stroke. Big breakthrough for South Africa this. Philander keeps this on a good length in the channel around off, shapes away after pitching. Cook shuffles a touch and pokes at it. Ends up getting a thick outside edge and the ball flies towards de Kock behind the stumps. He moves to his left and takes a regulation catch. The Proteas are overjoyed. Great start to the game. |
| 0.0 : Gary Ballance walks in at No. 3. |
| 3.2 : V Philander to Ballance, Good length delivery outside off, moves away after landing. Ballance shuffles a touch and allows it through. |
| 3.3 : V Philander to Ballance, Length delivery outside off, Gary stays circumspect and leaves it alone. |
| 3.4 : V Philander to Ballance, Beautifully bowled! Fuller in length this time on off, Ballance prods forward to defend it but is beaten by the away seam movement. |
| 3.5 : V Philander to Ballance, Back of a length on off, Gary plays it with an angled bat past backward point. Three runs taken. |
| 3.6 : V Philander to Jennings, Full length ball on off, played with an open face to point. End of a successful over for South Africa. |
| 4.1 : M Morkel to Ballance, Morkel comes around the wicket and bangs this one short on off, Ballance ducks under it and allows it through. |
| 4.2 : M Morkel to Ballance, Length delivery outside off, a bit of inward nip in that. Gary covers his off pole and lets it on its way. |
| 4.3 : M Morkel to Ballance, Fuller this time and tailing in appreciably to Ballance. He gets a bit off-balanced as he looks to clip it but misses. The ball hits his pads and falls to the left side of short leg. A bit of excitement in the Proteas regarding this one. |
| 4.4 : M Morkel to Ballance, Fullish on off this time, Ballance prods forward in defense. |
| 4.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, On a length on off, Ballance hangs back and works it to the leg side. |
| 4.6 : M Morkel to Ballance, Dug in short on off, Ballance arches his back to evade it. |
| 5.1 : V Philander to Jennings, Fullish and angling in this time, Jennings looks to work it across but is pinged on the pads. |
| 5.2 : V Philander to Jennings, OUT! Philander continues to impress! He has kept it tight from the beginning and gets rewarded again. Length delivery around leg stump, Jennings camps back and looks to block it but is pinged on the pads. A confident appeal for an LBW and up goes the umpire's finger. Keaton walks across to his partner and thinks about the review but decides against it. The replays show that it pitched marginally outside leg. So, he is a bit unlucky. Should have taken the DRS. |
| Joe Root comes out to bat. The skipper will have to play a long innings here. England are in a spot of bother. |
| 5.3 : V Philander to Root, Fullish and on middle, Root pushes at it and gets it off the inner half through backward square leg. A run taken and he is off the mark. |
| 5.4 : V Philander to Ballance, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 5.5 : V Philander to Ballance, Fullish on middle and leg, Ballance turns it through square leg. The long leg fielder comes across to his right and keeps it down to a couple. |
| 5.6 : V Philander to Ballance, Fuller in length on off, Ballance pushes it with an open face to gully. |
| Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack. He has a short leg, three slips and a gully in place for him. |
| 6.1 : K Rabada to Root, In the channel outside off, Root doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 6.2 : K Rabada to Root, That's a peach! Rabada bowls it in the corridor of uncertainty and gets it to shape away after pitching. Root feels for it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 6.3 : K Rabada to Root, FOUR! Short and width on offer, Root chances his arms and looks to upper cut it over point but gets a thick outside edge over the slip region for a boundary. There was no third man in place and so a safe shot in the end. |
| 6.4 : K Rabada to Root, Fuller in length wide outside off, Root lets it go. |
| 6.5 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length delivery outside off, Root looks to defend it off the back foot but perhaps is foxed by a bit of lack of bounce. |
| 6.6 : K Rabada to Root, Full length delivery outside off, Joe doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 7.1 : V Philander to Ballance, Short of a length on off, Ballance points his bat skywards and lets it go. |
| 7.2 : V Philander to Ballance, Fullish delivery outside off, Gary shuffles a bit and pushes it to covers. |
| 7.3 : V Philander to G Ballance, Fuller once more on off, Gary plays it late with an open face to gully. |
| 7.4 : V Philander to Ballance, Good length delivery outside off, Ballance shapes for the cut but decides against it. |
| 7.5 : V Philander to Ballance, Fullish once again and tailing in a touch. Ballance is squared up a touch but manages to keep it out on the off side. |
| 7.6 : V Philander to Ballance, Full in length once again and in line of the stumps, Gary works it to the leg side. Good testing over from Philander. |
| 8.1 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length delivery well outside off, Root shuffles a touch and sees it carry through to the keeper. |
| 8.2 : K Rabada to Root, Shorter in length again but pretty far away to make the English skipper play as he lets it go again. |
| 8.3 : K Rabada to Root, A bit closer this time but Root is in no mood to fiddle with those. Makes the third leave in a row. |
| 8.4 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length delivery outside off, Root goes for the cut but gets beaten. |
| 8.5 : K Rabada to Root, Wide outside off on this occasion, Root leaves it alone. |
| 8.6 : K Rabada to Root, Fullish and well outside off, left alone. Ends a maiden from Rabada. |
| Change of boot for Philander. |
| 9.1 : V Philander to Ballance, Length delivery on off, Ballance stays back and pushes at it but gets an outside edge that doesn't carry to third slip. |
| 9.2 : V Philander to Ballance, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump. |
| 9.3 : V Philander to Ballance, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Ballance strokes it through extra cover for a brace. |
| 9.4 : V Philander to Ballance, That's a peach! Philander bowls it on a back of a length on off, shapes away after pitching. Ballance has no option but to play at it and the ball whizzes past his outside edge. |
| 9.5 : V Philander to Ballance, FOUR! First shot of authority from Ballance. Ful in length outside off, the southpaw leans into it and drives it crisply through covers for an exquisite boundary. |
| 9.6 : V Philander to Ballance, On a length outside off, left alone. |
| V Philander to Ballance, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 10.1 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length in the fifth stump channel, holding its line. The English skipper points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 10.2 : K Rabada to Root, Well bowled! Good length delivery outside off, nips in substantially. Root knows where his off stump is and makes a watchful leave. |
| 10.3 : K Rabada to Root, FOUR! Just over the fielder in the deep! Dug in short on middle and leg, Root goes for the pull but gets a top edge towards fine leg. The ball flies towards the substitue who is standing a fair bit inside from the ropes. He backtracks and leaps but the ball goes over him and goes over the rope on one bounce. |
| 10.4 : K Rabada to Root, On a good length outside off, punched nicely through covers for three runs. |
| 10.5 : K Rabada to Ballance, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 10.6 : K Rabada to Ballance, Full outside off, left alone. |
| Morne Morkel comes back into the attack. |
| 11.1 : M Morkel to Root, Straying on the pads, flicked through backward square leg for a run. |
| 11.2 : M Morkel to Ballance, Fullish on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 11.3 : M Morkel to Ballance, FOUR! Sublime! Fractionally overpitched outside off, Balance creams it through covers and the ball whistles away to the fence. |
| 11.4 : M Morkel to Ballance, A loud appeal for an LBW denied! Good length delivery angling in sharply from around off, Ballance looks to work it across but is hit high on the pads. The Proteas appeal confidently but the umpire shakes his head. The replays show that height was a factor. |
| 11.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, Straying on the pads, worked through square leg for a brace. |
| 11.6 : M Morkel to G Ballance, Fullish outside off, Gary strokes it through covers. Good timing on that he picks up three runs for doing so. |
| 12.1 : K Rabada to Ballance, Short and room on offer, Ballance goes for a slash but misses it completely. That was a loose shot. |
| 12.2 : K Rabada to Ballance, Fuller in length on off, Ballance pushes at it tentatively but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 12.3 : K Rabada to Ballance, Good length delivery outside off, Gary lets it go. |
| 12.4 : K Rabada to Ballance, Length delivery around off, shapes in a touch. Ballance stays back and pushes it to mid off. |
| 12.5 : K Rabada to Ballance, On a length, angling away from the southpaw who doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 12.6 : K Rabada to Ballance, Rabada comes around the wicket and bowls a length delivery outside off, angling in. Ballance plants his front foot across and leaves it alone. |
| Time for Drinks. A good first hour of play for the Proteas and they have kept the home side guessing. They got rid of the openers quickly and have bowled consistent lines and lengths. England need their skipper, Joe Root to stand up and score a big one. |
| 13.1 : M Morkel to Root, Fuller in length on off, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 13.2 : M Morkel to Root, Loose shot! Good length delivery outside off, Root looks to place it through square of the wicket on the off side but gets beaten. There was no need to fiddle with that one. |
| 13.3 : M Morkel to Root, There has been good carry on this track. Morkel bowls this one outside off on a length and gets it to zip through the deck. Root plants his front foot across and makes a watchful leave. |
| 13.4 : M Morkel to Root, Length delivery outside off, Joe taps this one wide of point to rotate strike. |
| 13.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, Morkel comes around the wicket and bangs in a bouncer outside off, Ballance drops his wrists to let it go. |
| Gary Ballance has taken a review against an LBW decision. Seems gone to the naked eye. But is it sliding down leg? |
| 13.6 : Morkel to Ballance, OUT! No, it is crashing into the middle and leg stump! The on-field call is upheld. Fuller in length on off, shapes in appreciably after pitching. Ballance hangs his weight on the back foot and looks to defend it but misses to get rapped on the pads. Morkel appeals loudly and the umpire has no hesitation in ruling that out. Gary walks across to his skipper and consults with him. Decides to go for the review. There is no inside edge on that and the Hawk Eye shows three |
| Jonny Bairstow comes out to bat. |
| 14.1 : K Rabada to Root, A tad fuller angling in, Root flicks it to the wide of mid on and calls wait. Morkel fumbles there and they scamper through for a run. |
| 14.2 : K Rabada to Bairstow, BEAUTY! A great delivery first up to Jonny. Length on off, straightens a bit. Bairstow pokes at it and gets beaten. |
| 14.3 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Good length on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot to gully where Dumminy makes a good stop to his right. |
| 14.4 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Wide outside off, Bairstow lets it through to the keeper. |
| 14.5 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Lands it on a length angling into the batsman. Jonny defends it onto the ground. |
| 14.6 : K Rabada to Bairstow, FOUR! Length outside off, Jonny plays it with an angled bat through the slip cordon and it races away to the third man fence. Bairstow is off the mark with a boundary. |
| 15.1 : M Morkel to Root, Good length on off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 15.2 : M Morkel to Root, Bouncer outside off, Root does well to evade it. |
| 15.3 : M Morkel to Root, Drifts on the pads, Root flicks it to fine leg for a run. |
| 15.4 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Short and outside off, Jonny tries to cut but gets an inside edge onto the ground to covers. |
| 15.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, BEATEN! Back of a length on off, Jonny pokes at it but gets beaten. That was a beautiful delivery from Morkel. |
| 15.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, FOUR! A poor follow up ball there. Short and wide, Jonny cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 16.1 : K Rabada to Joe Root, FOUR! DROPPED! A big drop there. Full and wide outside off, Root goes for the drive but gets an outside edge which flies to gully. Dumminy tries to get two hands at it but is late. It goes through his hands and races away to the third man fence. He was standing too close maybe. He is not someone you want to give a chance. |
| 16.2 : K Rabada to Root, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 16.3 : K Rabada to Root, Length on off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 16.4 : K Rabada to Root, A tad shorter, Root plays it with soft hands on the off side and they take a single. |
| 16.5 : K Rabada to J Bairstow, ALMOST! Length ball outside off, Bairstow tries to drive it on the up but gets an outside edge just short of gully. |
| 16.6 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Good length outside off, Bairstow does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 17.1 : M Morkel to Joe Root, Length ball on off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 17.2 : M Morkel to Joe Root, A tad fuller on off, Root tries to drive but gets an outside edge to third slip, who dives to his right and half stops it. The batsmen run a single. Root is living dangerously. |
| 17.3 : M Morkel to Bairstow, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 17.4 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Full on off, Bairstow drives it back to the bowler. |
| 17.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, A tad short outside off. Jonny thinks about cutting it but then pulls out due to the extra bounce. |
| 17.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Wide outside off, Bairstow lets it through to the keeper. |
| 18.1 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length on off, Root pushes it to point. |
| 18.2 : K Rabada to Root, Length outside off, Root lets it through to the keeper. |
| 18.3 : K Rabada to Root, Good length aroun off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 18.4 : K Rabada to Root, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Full on the pads, Root flicks it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 18.5 : K Rabada to Root, Just ahead of a length, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 18.6 : K Rabada to Root, A tad fuller outside off, Root square drives it but straight to the fielder. A good shot for no runs. |
| Keshav Maharaj into the attack. |
| 19.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Tosses it up on middle, Jonny drives it back to the bowler. |
| 19.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Floats it on the stumps, Bairstow drives it to mid off. |
| 19.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Bowls it on the pads, Bairstow tries to sweep but gets it off the toe end to mid-wicket. He was early into the shot. |
| 19.4 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 19.5 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Flatter on off, Jonny defends it with his bat and pad close together. |
| 19.6 : K Maharaj to J Bairstow, Tosses it up outside off, Bairstow tries to drive it but gets an inside edge onto his boots. There are shouts of catch it but it falls short of the bowler. |
| Vernon Philander is back on. He was probing in his first spell. Can he continue the good work? |
| 20.1 : V Philander to Joe Root, Length on off, nips away a little. Root gets it off the outer half on the off side. |
| 20.2 : V Philander to Root, Back of a length outside off, Root plays it to the point region. |
| 20.3 : V Philander to Root, Good length ball on off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 20.4 : V Philander to Root, Wide outside off, Root leaves it through to the keeper. |
| 20.5 : V Philander to Root, FOUR! Sprays this one on the pads, Root flicks it past the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary. You cannot bowl there to him, he will hit you all day. |
| 20.6 : V Philander to Root, Length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 21.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Drags his length back a little outside off, Jonny pushes it to the left of cover and sets off for a run. Bavuma has a shy at the striker's end but misses. One run is added to the total. |
| 21.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Tosses it up on off, Root drives it to mid off. |
| 21.3 : K Maharaj to Joe Root, Root comes down the track and drives it to mid on. He sets off for a run. The fielder there scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end but Root is safe. |
| 21.4 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Floats it on off, Bairstow drives it towards cover for a run. |
| 21.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Flatter on off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 21.6 : K Maharaj to Root, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 22.1 : V Philander to Bairstow, Bowled on middle, Jonny flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 22.2 : V Philander to Bairstow, Fullish on off, swinging away. Jonny lets it through to the keeper. |
| 22.3 : V Philander to Bairstow, OUT! Bairstow has to depart. Big wicket for South Africa. Length ball on off, nips back off the deck. Bairstow tries to defend it off the back foot but misses and is struck on the pads. They all go up in an appeal and the umpire rules it out. He looks towards Root and then turns and starts walking. That was quite plumb. Philander gets his third. England are struggling at the moment. Not the start they wanted after they opted to bat first. |
| Ben Stokes comes out to bat. England need a big partnership to steady things. |
| 22.4 : V Philander to Stokes, FOUR! That's an absoulte gift first up. Full on the pads, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 22.5 : V Philander to Stokes, Length outside off, Stokes lets it through to the keeper. |
| 22.6 : V Philander to Stokes, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 23.1 : K Maharaj to Root, Tosses it up on off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 23.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Floats it on the stumps, Joe Root defends it by covering the line of ball. |
| 23.3 : K Maharaj to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 23.4 : K Maharaj to Root,Bowled on the leg stump, Root paddles it around the corner for a run. |
| 23.5 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Comes over the wicket. Flights it on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot. |
| 23.6 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Quicker on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot. |
| 24.1 : V Philander to Root, Length outside off, Root pushes it to point. |
| 24.2 : V Philander to Root, Length ball swinging into the batsman, Root tries to flick but is struck high on the pads. There is a stifled appeal by the bowler but the ball must be missing leg. |
| 24.3 : V Philander to Root, Good length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 24.4 : V Philander to Root, A tad fuller on middle, Root flicks it to the right of mid off. Rabada dives and stops it. They run a single. |
| 24.5 : V Philander to Stokes, Length outside off, Stokes defends it off the front foot. Last ball to go before lunch. |
| 24.6 : V Philander to Stokes, A tad fuller on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot. THAT IS LUNCH ON DAY 1! |
| A great start to the Test series for South Africa. They were right on the money and troubled the batsmen after losing the toss. Keaton Jennings and Alastair Cook looked a bit shaky early on and fell cheaply to Philander. The Englishmen kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. Credit to the visitors for making the first session of the match count. |
| The English skipper, Joe Root is not looking that assured at the crease. He had a few nervy moments with the notable one being the drop on 16 by JP Duminy. The home side are on the back foot at the moment and the tourists need to keep attacking. Dean Elgar was aggressive with his captaincy and he needs to continue that way. The Root-Stokes partnership needs to flourish to get themselves back on track. England bat deep but a few more wickets might trigger a collapse. Join us for the afternoon ses |
| ...Day 1, Session 2... |
| We are back for the second session. Joe Root and Ben Stokes will continue their innings. Morne Morkel to bowl first up after Lunch. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 25.1 : M Morkel to Root, Starts off with a fuller length delivery outside off, zips through the pitch. Root points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 25.2 : M Morkel to Root, Similar length delivery close to off stump this time, played with an angled bat to point. |
| 25.3 : M Morkel to Root, That's a jaffa! Good length length delivery around off, angling in and straightening after pitching. Makes Joe Root play who gets completely foxed by it. |
| 25.4 : M Morkel to Joe Root, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Joe strokes it through extra cover for a brace. |
| 25.5 : M Morkel to Root, FOUR! If you bowl him on the pads he will keep picking you all day long. Full and straight, Root clips it beautifully through mid-wicket and the ball whistles away to the fence. |
| 25.6 : M Morkel to Root, Full delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot to short extra cover. |
| Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end. Two slips and a gully in place for him. |
| 26.1 : K Rabada to Stokes, A tad fuller outside off, Stokes lets it through to the keeper. |
| 26.2 : K Rabada to Stokes, Good length outside off, Stokes shoulders his arms to it. Rabada has bowled too far outside off today. |
| 26.3 : K Rabada to Stokes, Full on off, Ben Stokes plays it off the front foot. A better line from Rabada. |
| 26.4 : K Rabada to Stokes, Back of a length angling across, Stokes punches it to covers. |
| 26.5 : K Rabada to Stokes, A tad short outside off, Stokes punches it to point. |
| 26.6 : K Rabada to Stokes, Bowls it on a length on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot. A maiden by Rabada. |
| 27.1 : M Morkel to Root, Lands it on a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. He likes to wait for the ball before playing it. |
| 27.2 : M Morkel to Root, Slants it into the pads, Root flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 27.3 : M Morkel to Root, Fullish on off, Root defends it to mid on. |
| 27.4 : M Morkel to Root, Length outside off, Root cuts it to gully. |
| 27.5 : M Morkel to Root, Peach of a delivery! Bowls it on a length on off, straightens a touch after pitching. Root pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 27.6 : M Morkel to Root, A tad fuller on off, Root drives it straight down the ground. The big man goes down to his left and stops the ball in his followthrough. He saved some runs for the team there. Good work. |
| 28.1 : K Rabada to Stokes, Length ball, angling across. Stokes defends it off the front foot. |
| 28.2 : K Rabada to Stokes, FOUR! Cracking shot! Back of a length outside off, Stokes punches it through covers for a boundary. |
| 28.3 : K Rabada to Stokes, A tad fuller on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot. |
| 28.4 : K Rabada to Stokes, Good length on off, Ben Stokes plays it off the back foot. |
| 28.5 : K Rabada to Stokes, Fuller length outside off, Stokes lets it through to the keeper. |
| 28.6 : K Rabada to Stokes, A brave leave! Length ball outside off, comes in after pitching. Stokes lets it through to the keeper. That was close to the off stump. |
| 29.1 : M Morkel to Root, Back of a length on middle, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 29.2 : M Morkel to Root, Good length outside off, Root lets it through to the keeper. |
| 29.3 : M Morkel to Joe Root, A tad fuller on middle, Root flicks it down to mid on. |
| 29.4 : M Morkel to Root, Full on off, Root tries to play across the line but gets a leading edge to point. He got himself into a tangle there. |
| 29.5 : M Morkel to Root, A tad fuller on the stumps, Root drives it back to the bowler. |
| 29.6 : M Morkel to Root, FOUR! LOVELY SHOT! A tad short outside off, Root guides it between point and gully for a boundary. He has got his eye in now. |
| 30.1 : K Rabada to Stokes, Length ball, angling into the batsman. Stokes flicks it to square leg. |
| 30.2 : K Rabada to Stokes, Full ball around off, Stokes drives it back to the bowler. |
| 30.3 : K Rabada to Ben Stokes, EDGY FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Stokes slashes at it and gets a thick outside edge through the slip cordon for a boundary. |
| 30.4 : K Rabada to Stokes, Full on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot. |
| 30.5 : K Rabada to Stokes, Bowls it on a length outside off, Stokes tries to cut it but gets it off the bottom edge to covers. He went too hard at the ball there. |
| 30.6 : K Rabada to Stokes, Very full and very wide, Stokes reaches out to it and hits it straight to point. |
| 31.1 : M Morkel to Root, A tad short on off, Root shuffles in and pulls it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 31.2 : M Morkel to Stokes, Length ball outside off, Stokes shoulders his arms to it. |
| 31.3 : M Morkel to Stokes, Bowls it outside off, Ben Stokes does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 31.4 : M Morkel to Stokes, FOUR! WOW! He looks a fine player when he plays this shot. Full ball on off, Stokes leans into it and drives it back past the bowler for a boundary. |
| 31.5 : M Morkel to Stokes, Length on middle, Stokes tries to defend it but gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 31.6 : M Morkel to Root, A tad fuller around off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 32.1 : K Rabada to Stokes, Strays on the pads, Stokes flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 32.2 : K Rabada to Root, Good length on off, Root plays it to point. |
| 32.3 : K Rabada to Root, Lands it on a length, Joe Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 32.4 : K Rabada to Root, Angles it into the pads, Root flicks it through mid-wicket. Couple of runs taken. |
| The batsman moves away as the bowler reaches his mark. Not sure of the reason. |
| 32.5 : K Rabada to Root, Shorter in length on off, Root jumps and defends it down onto the ground. |
| 32.6 : K Rabada to Root, Full and wide outside off, Root lets it through to the keeper. Rabada has not been at his best today. He is a little wayward with his lines. |
| Keshav Maharaj comes back into the attack. |
| 33.1 : K Maharaj to Ben Stokes, Loopy ball outside off, Stokes drives it to mid off. |
| 33.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, SIX! That is going, going and gone. Stokes comes down the wicket and hits the ball over the bowler's head for a biggie. First maximum of the match. |
| 33.3 : K Maharaj to Stokes, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 33.4 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Bowls the arm ball on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot. |
| 33.5 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Bowled on off, Stokes defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 33.6 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Drags his length back a little, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 34.1 : K Rabada to Stokes, A well-directed bouncer, Stokes ducks under it. |
| 34.2 : K Rabada to Stokes, No ball! Length on off, Stokes punches it to mid off. He has overstepped there. |
| K Rabada to Stokes, A tad fuller on middle, Stokes drives it to the left of mid on. Morne Morkel dives and stops the ball. |
| 34.3 : K Rabada to Stokes, Shorter in length, angling across the batsman. Stokes defends it off the back foot. |
| 34.4 : K Rabada to Stokes, Fuller length ball outside off, Stokes punches it to covers. |
| 34.5 : K Rabada to Stokes, Full ball on off, Stokes drives it back to Rabada. |
| 34.6 : K Rabada to Stokes, Very full ball outside off, Stokes plays it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 35.1 : K Maharaj to Ben Stokes, Flighted ball on off, Stokes drives it to mid off. |
| 35.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 35.3 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Bowls a off spinner on off, Stokes defends it off the front foot. |
| 35.4 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Drags his length back a little, Stokes tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 35.5 : Maharaj to Stokes, FOUR! Gives the ball air on off, Stokes tries to go big but does not get it off the middle. It goes over Duminy at mid on who runs back to take the catch but does not reach it. He tries to pull it back but fails to do so. Stokes was lucky there. |
| 35.6 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Full on middle, Stokes drives it through mid on for a run. |
| 36.1 : K Rabada to Stokes, Length ball on middle, Stokes tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 36.2 : K Rabada to Ben Stokes, Short ball on middle, Stokes pulls it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 50-run stand between Joe Root and Ben Stokes. |
| 36.3 : K Rabada to Root, Bouncer again outside off, Root ducks under it. |
| 36.4 : K Rabada to Root, Sprays it down the leg side, Root attempts the flick but misses it. |
| 36.5 : K Rabada to Root, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 36.6 : K Rabada to Root, Full ball on middle, Root flicks it to mid on. |
| 37.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Loopy ball outside off, Stokes drives it to mid off. |
| 37.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Bowls it full, Stokes drives it firmly to mid off. |
| 37.3 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Bowls an off spinner on middle, Stokes works it with the turn to long on for a run. |
| 37.4 : K Maharaj to Root, Tosses it outside off, Root drives it to covers. |
| 37.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Floated on middle, Root drags it to mid on. |
| 37.6 : K Maharaj to Root, Flighted ball outside off, Root drives it towards covers and they take a run. There is a shy at the non-striker's end but he misses. A direct hit would have been close there. |
| 38.1 : K Rabada to Root, Angles it onto the pads, Root flicks it through square leg for a run. It also brings up his fifty. He has made good use of the chances given to him but there is still a long way to go. |
| 0.0 : 28th Test fifty for Joe Root. |
| 38.2 : K Rabada to Stokes, Length on middle, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 38.3 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 38.4 : K Rabada to Root, FOUR! TOP SHOT! Short ball on middle, Root pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary. He placed it really well. |
| Dean Elgar has opted to take a review against Joe Root. It is regarding a catch. Looks to the naked eye that it came straight off the helmet. |
| 38.5 : Rabada to Root, NOT OUT! South Africa lose a review. Rabada bangs it in short, Root tries to pull it but misses and is struck on the helmet. The ball lobs towards the slip cordon, Heino Kuhn from third slip comes running in and claims a catch. The umpire gives it not out. After a chat with his teammates, Elgar decides to review it and it is taken upstairs. They first check the no ball and it is pretty close there. The third umpire gives the benefit of the doubt to the bowler. There is no s |
| Drinks has been taken. Joe Root has settled in and is getting good support from Ben Stokes. The pitch has lost its sheen and the pitch is getting better for strokeplay. The English skipper will be eyeing a big one. Can the Proteas break this promising partnership? |
| 38.6 : K Rabada to Root, Good length ball on off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 39.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Bowls a arm ball on the stumps, Root drives it to short mid-wicket. |
| 39.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Tosses it up on off, Stokes tries to play the sweep but gets it off the inner half to short fine leg. |
| 39.3 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Flatter ball on off, Stokes defends it off the back foot. |
| 39.4 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Loopy ball on off, Stokes flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 39.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Driven towards the mid-off region. |
| 39.6 : K Maharaj to Joe Root, FOUR! Floats it outside off, Root drives it through cover-point for a boundary. |
| Vernon Philander is back into the attack. |
| Vernon Philander is back on. |
| 40.1 : V Philander to Stokes, Good length delivery outside off, punched to covers. |
| 40.2 : V Philander to Stokes, Stokes comes down the track and defends the length delivery. Intent from him. |
| 40.3 : V Philander to Stokes, Fullish on middle and leg, Stokes pushes it nicely to mid on. |
| 40.4 : V Philander to Stokes, Straying on the hips, tucked around the corner for a single. |
| 40.5 : V Philander to Root, Nice shape on that one. Bowls this in the channel outside off and gets it to curve away. Root plants his front foot across and allows it through. |
| 40.6 : V Philander to Root, Straighter this time, worked to the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 41.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 41.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Tossed up on off, Stokes eases it down to long on for a single. |
| 41.3 : K Maharaj to Root, Floated outside off, patted gently to covers. |
| 41.4 : K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! Well played! Slow through the air, Root uses his feet and wrists it through mid-wicket. No protection in the deep and he picks up a boundary. Picked his spot nicely. |
| 41.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Root strides forward to the flighted delivery and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 41.6 : K Maharaj to Root, Root plays this with an open to backward point. |
| 42.1 : V Philander to Stokes, Fullish delivery attacking the stumps, pushed to mid on. |
| 42.2 : V Philander to Stokes, Length delivery on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 42.3 : V Philander to Stokes, Short of a length delivery in the same channel. Ben camps back and punches it to mid off. |
| 42.4 : V Philander to Stokes, Stays back to the length delivery and blocks it to the off side. |
| 42.5 : V Philander to Stokes, Sloppy from Rabada! Full length delivery on off, Stokes pats it towards mid off. The South African quickie jogs towards it and lets it through his legs. Concedes a run. |
| 42.6 : V Philander to Root, Back of a length outside off, Root camps back and plays it with an angled bat to point. |
| 43.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, That one gripped! Tossed up outside off, Stokes plants his front foot across and lets it go. That one turned in sharply and wasn't far from the off stump. |
| 43.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Stokes takes a couple of steps down the track and pushes it towards the short mid on fielder. |
| 43.3 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Stokes pushes it again towards the short mid on fielder and fumbles this time. A run taken. |
| 43.4 : K Maharaj to Root, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 43.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Root is nimble on his feet and turns this one through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 43.6 : K Maharaj to Root, Good effort, Bavuma! A bit short outside off, Root rocks back and cuts it through covers. Bavuma sprints after it and puts in a slide near the fence to keep the ball in play. The umpires check for it but he is fine. Saves a run for his side. |
| 44.1 : V Philander to Root, Back of a length delivery around off, keeps a touch low. Root camps back and does well to keep it out. |
| 44.2 : V Philander to Root, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 44.3 : V Philander to Root, Length delivery around off, Joe pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 44.4 : V Philander to Root, Fullish delivery on off, driven crisply to mid on. |
| 44.5 : V Philander to Root, Length delivery outside off, Root hangs back and defends it solidly to covers. |
| 44.6 : V Philander to Root, Similar length delivery outside off, Joe hangs back and defends it calmly. Good head position when he played that. |
| 45.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Slow through the air on off, Stokes kneels and sweeps it hard to Hashim Amla at deep mid-wicket. |
| 45.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 45.3 : K Maharaj to Root, Joe stays back and punches it to cover-point for a run. |
| 45.4 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Stokes comes forward in defense to the flighted delivery. |
| 45.5 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Turning into Stokes. He stays back and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 45.6 : K Maharaj to Stokes, FOUR! Shot! This time he finds the gap! Floated on off, Stokes kneels and nails the sweep past the square leg umpire. Amla at deep mid-wicket hares to his left but fails to stop the boundary. |
| Morne Morkel is called back into the attack. |
| 46.1 : M Morkel to Root, Back of a length delivery outside off, Root rises up on his toes and punches it nicely behind point. A run taken. |
| 46.2 : M Morkel to Stokes, Morkel comes around the wicket to the southpaw and bowls it on a similar length. Pushed off the back foot towards wide mid off. |
| 46.3 : M Morkel to Stokes, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Stokes creams it but straight to the fielder at extra cover. |
| 46.4 : M Morkel to Stokes, Length delivery on off, punched off the back foot to mid off. |
| Morne Morkel stopped in his delivery stride this time. May be lost his rhythm. |
| 46.5 : Morkel to Ben Stokes, No ball! What have you done Morkel? He has bowled a beauty but unfortunately, he has overstepped and what a time to do it. He steams in and bowls a length delivery on off, Stokes hangs back but is beaten for pace. Fails to defend it and the ball brushes his pads and goes onto disturb the stumps. The replays show that his front foot was way over the line. He will be kicking himself. |
| M Morkel to Stokes, Fullish on off, Stokes strokes it to extra cover where the fielder dives to his right and makes a great stop. A run taken. |
| 46.6 : M Morkel to Root, FOUR! Streaky runs! Good length delivery and well outside off, Root looks to force it through the off side but gets a thick outside edge through the slip region to find the fence. |
| Theunis de Bruyn comes into the attack. |
| 47.1 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Fullish delivery in line of the stumps, patted to mid off. |
| 47.2 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Fuller in length on middle and leg, Ben defends it down the track. |
| 47.3 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Very full on off, Stokes jams it to the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 47.4 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Same length again, clipped to mid-wicket. |
| 47.5 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Driven through mid on by the batsman. |
| 47.6 : de Bruyn to Stokes, FOUR! Low full toss on middle, Stokes clips it through backward square leg and the ball races away towards the fence. The tall Morne Morkel runs to his right but fails to prevent it from reaching the fence. The southpaw is celebrating but he is on 49. The scoreboard showed that he reached his fifty, hence the confusion. |
| 48.1 : M Morkel to Root, Straying on the pads, clipped through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 48.2 : M Morkel to Root, Short and width on offer, Root goes for the cut but misses. |
| 48.3 : M Morkel to Root, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They manage to come back for the second. |
| 48.4 : M Morkel to Joe Root, Length delivery outside off, Root is indecisive with his footwork as he gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 48.5 : M Morkel to Root, That was close! Back of a length outside off, Root pokes at it but gets an inside edge and the ball bounces over the stumps. Luck is not going Morkel's way today. |
| 48.6 : M Morkel to Root, On a fuller length outside off, shapes away after pitching. Root feels for it but gets beaten all ends up. End of a testing over from Morkel. |
| 49.1 : de Bruyn to Stokes, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 49.2 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Full length ball on middle and leg, turned to mid on. |
| 49.3 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Length delivery on middle, Stokes clips it to mid-wicket. |
| 49.4 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Very full on off, Ben squeezes it past the bowler. |
| 49.5 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Stokes takes a couple of steps down the track and hits it to mid off. |
| 49.6 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Length delivery on middle, Ben stays back and keeps it out. |
| 50.1 : M Morkel to Root, Straying on the pads, Root works it through square leg. Good running between the wickets allows them to come back for two. Root goes across to Stokes and they punch their gloves. It is been a really good partnership. |
| 0.0 : 100-run stand up between Root and Stokes. |
| 50.2 : M Morkel to Joe Root, Fullish on off, pushed off the front foot to mid off. |
| 50.3 : M Morkel to Root, That's a jaffa! Good length delivery outside off, shapes away after pitching. Root feels for it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 50.4 : M Morkel to Root, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 50.5 : M Morkel to Root, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 50.6 : M Morkel to Root, Fullish in length on off, defended solidly. |
| 51.1 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Full length ball on middle and leg, Stokes turns it through square leg. Runs hard between the wickets and hares back to complete the couple easily. He has been solid apart from the fact that he got bowled off a no ball. He will look to make it count today. |
| 0.0 : 9th Test fifty for Ben Stokes. |
| 51.2 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Fullish on off, pushed to mid off. |
| 51.3 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Drives this one sweetly but finds the mid off fielder. |
| 51.4 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Stokes drives it crisply to short cover. |
| 51.5 : de Bruyn to Stokes, Down the leg side, Stokes nudges it to fine leg. A run taken. |
| 51.6 : de Bruyn to Root, Good game awareness! Straighter in line this time from the bowler, Root takes a couple of steps down the track and works it through backward square leg. The batsmen run hard between the wickets and come back for the second. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1! |
| A good fightback by the hosts. The England captain and vice-captain have steadied the ship here for England. These two have stitched an unbeaten partnership of 106 runs. They have managed to score 100 runs in 27 overs in this session. Stokes batted with great intent but was lucky when he was bowled off a no ball. Root has been calm and composed and they both know they still have a long way to go. |
| The South African bowling on the other hand has been a little wayward. Morne Morkel has been the pick of the bowlers but was unlucky at times. The Proteas would look to come back hard after the break. Both the teams have had one session to their name. Join us in a while for the final session. |
| ...Day 1, Session 3... |
| We are back for the evening session. Joe Root and Ben Stokes to continue their innings. Kagiso Rabada to bowl first up after Tea. Two slips in place. Here we go... |
| 52.1 : K Rabada to Stokes, Shorter in length outside off, Stokes tries to cut but gets a bottom edge to covers. |
| 52.2 : K Rabada to Stokes, Back of a length angling into the batsman, Stokes defends it off the back foot. |
| 52.3 : K Rabada to Stokes, Good length on off, Ben Stokes defends it off the front foot. |
| First official warning to Kagiso Rabada for running on the danger area. He needs to be careful now. |
| 52.4 : K Rabada to Stokes, Lands it on a length on off, Stokes plays it to covers. |
| 52.5 : K Rabada to Stokes, FOUR! Beautifully timed! Back of a length ball outside off, Stokes camps back and pushes it through cover-point for a boundary. |
| 52.6 : K Rabada to Stokes, A tad shorter outside off, Stokes tries to pull but misses it. |
| Keshav Maharaj to roll his arm from the other end. |
| 53.1 : K Maharaj to Root, Floats it up on off, Root drives it to covers. |
| 53.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Loopy delivery, Root dances down the track and defends it down. |
| 53.3 : K Maharaj to Root, The ball goes straight on with the arm, Root tries to defend it but gets it off the inner half towards square leg. |
| 53.4 : K Maharaj to Root, Tosses it on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 53.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Drags his length back a little outside off, Root punches it off the back foot to the left of cover-point. Bavuma dives and makes a good stop. They think about a run but then decide against it. They should have taken a run there. |
| 53.6 : K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! Bowled on leg stump, Root paddles is fine past the keeper for a boundary. |
| 54.1 : K Rabada to Stokes, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 54.2 : K Rabada to Stokes, Full ball on middle, Stokes drives it to mid on. |
| 54.3 : K Rabada to Stokes, OUT! GONE! This is the start South Africa wanted after the break. They have got Ben Stokes. Rabada gets his first and he has broken the 114-run stand between the two. He bangs it in short around off, Stokes goes for the pull but gets a feather to the keeper. De Kock throws the ball in the air and appeals and the umpire gives it. Ben Stokes walks. Rabada is pumped about it and you can see it in his celebration. Five down for England. The visitors would want to build on t |
| Moeen Ali strides out to bat. |
| 54.4 : K Rabada to Ali, Yorker, great delivery. Moeen Ali does well to dig it out. |
| 54.5 : K Rabada to Ali, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 54.6 : K Rabada to Ali, Length on off, Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 55.1 : K Maharaj to Root, Flighted on off, Root pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 55.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Comes down the track and drives it against the spin to mid on. |
| 55.3 : K Maharaj to Root, Tosses it up on off, Root drives it to cover. |
| 55.4 : K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! Drags his length back a little, Root punches it past the diving fielder at point for a boundary. |
| 55.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Gives it air, Root comes down the track and flicks it to the right of mid on for a run. |
| The fielder at short leg is getting his protective gears on. |
| 55.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Loopy ball on off, turning in. Moeen Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 56.1 : K Rabada to Root, FOUR! Bowls it on a good length outside off, Root gets an outside edge through the slip cordon for a boundary. He moves into the 90s. |
| 56.2 : K Rabada to Root, FOUR! This will frustrate Rabada. Length outside off, Root plays it between gully and slip for a boundary. |
| Third man in place now. |
| 56.3 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length on off, Root guides it down to third man for a run. |
| 56.4 : K Rabada to Ali, Bangs it in short on the body of the batsman. Ali ducks under it. |
| 56.5 : K Rabada to M Ali, A tad fuller on middle, Ali drives it to mid on. |
| 56.6 : K Rabada to Ali, Length outside off, Ali lets it through to the keeper. |
| 57.1 : K Maharaj to Root, Floats it on off, Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 57.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Bowled on off, skids on with the arm. Root defends covering the line of the ball. |
| 57.3 : K Maharaj to Root, Comes down the track and drives it to covers. |
| 57.4 : K Maharaj to Root, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 57.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Full ball outside off, Root plays it through covers for a run. |
| 57.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Flatter on middle, Ali defends it off the back foot. |
| 58.1 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 58.2 : K Rabada to Root, A tad shorter outside off, Root cuts it through backward point for a run. He moves onto 99. |
| 58.3 : K Rabada to Ali, Full ball angling across, Moeen drives it to mid off. |
| 58.4 : K Rabada to Ali, Very full again on off, Ali flicks it to mid on. Two full deliveries now. Is he setting him up for the bouncer? |
| 58.5 : K Rabada to Ali, A tad fuller on off, Ali tries to push at it but gets it off the inner half to short leg who is a little deep. |
| 58.6 : K Rabada to Ali, A tad shorter on off, Moeen lets it through to the keeper. |
| 59.1 : K Maharaj to Root, Tosses it on leg stump, Root goes down on one knee and paddles it through short fine leg for three. It also brings up his hundred. It has been a brilliant knock. His first game as captain. He came out to bat at a difficult situation and has played with great responsibility. |
| 0.0 : 12th Test ton for Joe Root. |
| 59.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, Plays it with the turn to mid-wicket. |
| 59.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, Flatter on off, Ali defends it off the back foot. |
| 59.4 : K Maharaj to M Ali, Gives it air on off, Ali tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 59.5 : K Maharaj to Ali, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 59.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! He is off the mark with a boundary. Floats it on off, Ali sweeps it through backward square leg and the ball races to the fence. |
| 60.1 : K Rabada to Root, Sprays on the pads, Root flicks it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 60.2 : K Rabada to Ali, Back of a length on off, Ali defends it off the back foot. |
| 60.3 : K Rabada to Ali, Full ball on off, Ali on drives it. Morne Morkel at mid on runs to his right and stops it. |
| 60.4 : K Rabada to Ali, In the air... but safe! Bangs it in short, Ali plays the pull but gets a top edge towards deep backward square leg. Philander runs to his right from fine leg but the ball falls down safely. Two runs taken. |
| 60.5 : K Rabada to M Ali, FOUR! LOVELY SHOT! Full outside off, Ali creams it through covers for a boundary. |
| 60.6 : K Rabada to Ali, FOUR! This is even better. Full and wide outside off, Moeen leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary. Great shot. Two boundaries in the over. 11 runs from the over. |
| Joe Root is taking a bit of breather. He has been out there since a long time and is hydrating himself. |
| 61.1 : K Maharaj to Root, SIX! BANG! Maharaj gives it air, Root comes down the track and hits it over the long off fence for a maximum. |
| 61.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Tosses it up on off, Root drives it to long off for a run. |
| 61.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, Floats it on off, turning back into the batsman. Ali plays it down to long on for a run. |
| It has turned a bit overcast out there. |
| 61.4 : K Maharaj to Root, Bowled on off, turns away a little. Root defends it off the front foot. |
| 61.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Root comes down the track and flicks it to square leg. |
| 61.6 : K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! Bowls it on middle, Root goes down on one knee and plays a paddle fine past the keeper. Rabada gives a chase from short fine leg and tries to pull the ball back with a slide. However, the ball rolls back towards the ropes because of the slope and Joe get a boundary. A good effort there by him but he can consider himself unlucky. |
| Vernon Philander comes back into the attack. |
| 62.1 : V Philander to Ali, Length ball outside off, Ali shoulders arms to it. |
| 62.2 : V Philander to Ali, Good length outside off, Ali leaves it through to the keeper. |
| 62.3 : V Philander to Ali, A tad fuller outside off, Ali does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 62.4 : V Philander to Ali, Bowls on the pads, Ali flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| Wide long leg and deep square leg in place. |
| 62.5 : V Philander to Root, Length on middle, Root flicks it to mid on. |
| 62.6 : V Philander to Root, No ball! Lands it on a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. Philander has overstepped here. |
| V Philander to Root, Back of a length outside off, Root guides it to point. |
| 63.1 : K Maharaj to Ali, Gives it a lot of air outside off, Moeen square drives it for a couple. |
| 63.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, Bowls it on off, turning back in. Moeen Ali tries to defend it but gets it off the inner half to the leg side. |
| 63.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and defends it. |
| 63.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! Tosses it up on the stumps, Ali comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary. These two are taking the attack to the spinner. |
| 63.5 : K Maharaj to Ali, BRAVE LEAVE! Floats it outside off, gets some turn from the wicket. Ali opts to leave it. That was close to the off pole. |
| 63.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Loopy ball on off, gets some turn into the batsman. Ali tries to defend off the front foot but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls on the leg side for a run. |
| 64.1 : V Philander to M Ali, Length ball on off, jags in a bit. Ali tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. There is a stifled appeal from the keeper and slip fielder but the umpire is not interested. |
| 64.2 : V Philander to Ali, Full ball outside off, Ali drives it through extra cover. Where the fielder dives to hsi right and makes a good stop. Two runs taken. |
| 64.3 : V Philander to Ali, Angling into the pads, Ali flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 64.4 : V Philander to Root, A tad fuller, tailing into the batsman, Root gets it off the inner half down to fine leg for a run. |
| 64.5 : V Philander to Ali, Length ball on off, Ali defends it off the back foot. |
| 64.6 : V Philander to M Ali, A tad fuller outside off, Ali drives it to covers. |
| 65.1 : K Maharaj to Joe Root, Tosses up on middle, Root drives it to mid on. |
| 65.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Floats it on off, Root plays it with the turn through covers for a run. |
| 65.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, Loopy ball on off, Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 65.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Bowled outside off, turning back in. Ali plays it on the leg side for a run. |
| 65.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Flights it on off, Root tries to sweep it but gets a top edge and hits the wicket keepers helmet and the ball goes through third man for a couple. |
| 65.6 : K Maharaj to Root, Gives it air outside off, Root drives it through cover point for a run. |
| Morne Morkel comes back into the attack. |
| 66.1 : M Morkel to Root, A tad fuller on off, Root drives it to mid off. |
| 66.2 : M Morkel to Root, BEATEN! Back of a length ball outside off, Root tries to push it through the off side but gets beaten. |
| 66.3 : M Morkel to Root, Lands it on a length on off, Root plays it through cover-point for a run. |
| 66.4 : M Morkel to Ali, Comes around the wicket. Bowls it a tad full on middle, Ali drives it to mid on. |
| 66.5 : M Morkel to Ali, Bangs it in short, Ali lets it through to the keeper. |
| 66.6 : M Morkel to Ali, Length ball outside off, Ali lets it through to the keeper. |
| Theunis de Bruyn comes back into the attack. |
| 67.1 : de Bruyn to Root, A tad fuller outside off, Root walks down the wicket a little and drives it to the left of mid off for a run. |
| 67.2 : de Bruyn to Ali, Good effort by Maharaj! Full ball outside off, Ali drives it uppishly through covers. Maharaj makes good ground to his left and dives and pushes the ball back in. He saves a run for his team. The batsmen run three. |
| 67.3 : de Bruyn to Root, FOUR! LOVELY! Walks across the stumps, de Bruyn bowls it on a length on off. Root flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 67.4 : de Bruyn to Root, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 67.5 : de Bruyn to Root, FOUR! He has changed gears now. Walks across again and flicks the full ball on off through the mid-wicket region for another boundary. |
| 67.6 : de Bruyn to Root, Bowls it full on off, Root shuffles across and flicks it to square leg. |
| 68.1 : M Morkel to Ali, Back of a length on off, Ali punches it to point. |
| 68.2 : M Morkel to Ali, Angles it into the pads, Moeen flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 68.3 : M Morkel to Root, Lands it on a length outside off, stays a touch low. Root tries to punch it but gets beaten. |
| 68.4 : M Morkel to Root, Good length outside off, Root punches it off the back foot to covers. |
| 68.5 : M Morkel to Root, Bowls it on a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 68.6 : M Morkel to Root, Full on middle, Root flicks it to mid on. |
| 69.1 : de Bruyn to Ali, A tad fuller tailing back in on leg stump, Ali flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 69.2 : de Bruyn to Root, Length ball on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 69.3 : de Bruyn to Root, Good length outside off, Root plays it with soft hands through point and they run two. Superb running there by these two. |
| 69.4 : de Bruyn to Root, A tad shorter outside off, Root tries to cut it but gets it off the inside edge to covers. |
| 69.5 : de Bruyn to Joe Root, FOUR! POOR LENGTH! Full toss outside off, Root flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. He would hit that to the boundary all day. |
| 69.6 : de Bruyn to Root, Length outside off, Root dabs it down to third man for a single. The fielder fumbles and they come back for the second. |
| Time for Drinks. England are gradually moving towards a healthy position. Root is in exquisite touch at the moment. He has played some eye-catching strokes and put pressure on the Protea bowlers who have been off color in this session. Moeen Ali is giving him good support from the other end. South Africa need to get the wicket of the English skipper or else he will run away with the show. The second new ball is due in 10 overs and the visitors need to make substantial use of it. |
| Keshav Maharaj is called back for a bowl. |
| 70.1 : K Maharaj to Ali, Comes down the track and pushes the ball back to the bowler. |
| 70.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, Tosses it up outside off, Ali goes down on one knee and sweeps it through short fine leg for a couple. |
| 70.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, Loopy ball outside off, Maharaj gets some extra bounce. Ali tries to sweep but gets hit on the arm and the ball rolls on the leg side. |
| 70.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Full ball outside off, Ali drives it to backward point for a run. |
| 70.5 : K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! He has played that shot so well. Maharaj gives it air on middle, Root sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 70.6 : K Maharaj to Root, Floats it outside off, Root drives it through point for a run. |
| Temba Bavuma is introduced into the attack. Sometimes, unorthodox bowling changes work. Can he throw in a surprise? A slip in place for him. |
| 71.1 : T Bavuma to Root, A tad fuller on off, Root drives ti to mid off. |
| 71.2 : T Bavuma to Joe Root, Length outside off, Root cuts it through point for a run. |
| 71.3 : T Bavuma to Ali, Good length angling across, Ali lets it through to the keeper. |
| 71.4 : T Bavuma to Ali, Bowls it on a length, Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 71.5 : T Bavuma to Ali, Full ball outside off, Moeen tries to drive it but gets it off the inside edge to mid off. |
| 71.6 : T Bavuma to Ali, Almost an edge! Full and swinging away from Moeen. He slashes at it but gets beaten. |
| 72.1 : K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! Tosses it outside off, Root kneels down and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 0.0 : 100-run stand up between Joe Root and Moeen Ali. |
| 72.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Flatter outside off, Root drives it through point for a run. |
| 72.3 : K Maharaj to M Ali, Full ball outside off, Ali drives it to mid on. |
| 72.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Comes down the track, Maharaj pulls his length back a little. Ali flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 72.5 : K Maharaj to Joe Root, Dances down the track and pushes it to covers. |
| 72.6 : K Maharaj to Root, Drags his length back a little on off, Root dabs it to backward point. |
| 73.1 : T Bavuma to Ali, Good bowling by the part-timer. Length outside off, Ali tries to defend it but gets an inside edge which rolls to the keeper. |
| 73.2 : T Bavuma to Ali, Drifts down the leg side, Ali misses the flick and the ball brushes his pads and goes to the keeper. |
| 73.3 : T Bavuma to Ali, Length outside off, Ali drives it to covers. |
| 73.4 : T Bavuma to Ali, Yorker on middle, Ali does well to dig it out. |
| 73.5 : T Bavuma to Ali, A tad short outside off, Ali punches it off the back foot through covers for a run. |
| 73.6 : T Bavuma to Root, Bowls it on the pads, Root flicks it to fine leg for a run. |
| 74.1 : K Maharaj to Root, Flighted ball on off, Root drives it to covers. |
| 0.0 : The umpires are checking for the front foot no ball. |
| 74.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Can you belevie it, Joe Root has been stumped of a no ball? This has happened the second time today. Maharaj tosses it up on off, Root comes down the track but does not quite get to the pitch of it. The ball turns away and Root is beaten. De Kock takes the bails off. The umpires ask Root to wait as they want to check the no ball and guess what it is one. Root survives a scare. Overstepping being a spinner is just criminal. A big let off here for England. It has been Jo |
| K Maharaj to Root, Drags his length back a little, Root punches it through the off side for a run. He has a smile on his face while completing the run. There is a loud cheer from the crowd. It his 6th score of 150 or above. |
| 74.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 74.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, He plays it with the spin on the leg side. |
| 74.5 : K Maharaj to Ali, Gives it air outside off, turns back in. Ali tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 74.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Turning down the leg side, Ali helps it down the corner for a run. |
| 75.1 : T Bavuma to Ali, Full length ball on off, pushed crisply to mid off. |
| 75.2 : T Bavuma to Ali, Good length delivery angling across Ali. He looks to punch it off his back foot but gets an inside edge that rolls to the keeper. |
| 75.3 : T Bavuma to Ali, Short and room on offer, stays low. Ali cuts it behind point for a single. |
| 75.4 : T Bavuma to Root, Root dabs the fuller length delivery through point for a run. |
| 75.5 : T Bavuma to Ali, Taps this one to the cover-point region and takes a single. Easy pickings these. 300 up for England and it has been met with a huge cheer from the crowd. |
| 75.6 : T Bavuma to Root, Slow delivery outside off, stroked through point for a single. |
| 76.1 : K Maharaj to Root, Tosses it full outside off, Root drives it through cover-point for a run. |
| 76.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, Just wide of slips! How unlucky have South Africa been today, Loopy delivery outside off, goes on with the angle. Ali tries to defend it off the front foot but gets a thick outside edge. The fielder at slip dives to his right but he ball goes past him. They run three. |
| 76.3 : K Maharaj to Root, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. |
| 76.4 : K Maharaj to Root, Drags his length back a little, Root waits and guides it to point. |
| 76.5 : K Maharaj to Root, A tad shorter on off, Root plays it through covers and runs one. There is a misfield from the fielder and Root runs back for a second. |
| 76.6 : K Maharaj to Root, Floats it on off, Root sweeps it for a run. |
| 77.1 : T Bavuma to Root, Full ball on off, Root drives it to mid off. |
| 77.2 : T Bavuma to Root, Bowls it on the pads, Root flicks it to deep square leg for a run. |
| 77.3 : T Bavuma to Ali, Bangs it in short on middle, Ali does well to evade it. |
| 77.4 : T Bavuma to Ali, Length outside off, Ali pushes it to covers. |
| 77.5 : T Bavuma to Ali, Full toss outside off, Moeen drives it to mid off. |
| 77.6 : T Bavuma to Ali, Drifts on the pads, Ali flicks it through squre leg for a run. |
| 78.1 : K Maharaj to Ali, Dances down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 78.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, Drifts on the pads, Ali flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 78.3 : K Maharaj to Root, Gives it air outside off, Root drives it through mid off for a run. He wants a second but is sent back by Ali. |
| 78.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Loopy ball on middle, ALi comes down the track and drags it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 78.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Flighted on off, Root drives it uppishly through covers for a run. |
| 78.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Quicker on middle, Moeen drives it back to the bowler. |
| 79.1 : T Bavuma to Root, Length ball on middle, Root punches it to mid on. |
| 79.2 : T Bavuma to Root, Sprays on the pads, Root flicks it to fine leg for a run. |
| 79.3 : T Bavuma to Ali, Full on the pads, Moeen flicks it uppishly through square leg for a couple. |
| 79.4 : T Bavuma to Ali, Good length on middle, Ali flicks it through backward square leg for a couple. Good running. It also brings up his fifty. He has played a very good knock here and has supported Root well. |
| 10th Test fifty for Moeen Ali. |
| 79.5 : T Bavuma to Ali, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 79.6 : T Bavuma to Ali, Bouncer on middle, Ali ducks under him |
| The second new ball is due and it has been taken straightaway. The reviews will be refreshed for both the sides. |
| 80.1 : K Rabada to Root, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Root cuts it through cover-point for a boundary. Not a good start with the new ball. |
| 80.2 : K Rabada to Root, Good comback ball. Length outside off, Root tries to drive it but gets beaten. |
| 80.3 : K Rabada to Root, A tad shorter outside off, Root cuts it straight to point. |
| 80.4 : K Rabada to Root, Good length angling into the batsman, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 80.5 : K Rabada to Root, Length close to off stump, Root tries to cut it but gets it off the inner half and the ball rolls to the slip cordon. |
| 80.6 : K Rabada to Root, FOUR! Uppish but safe! A tad fuller outside off, Root slashes at and over point for a boundary. The fielder jumped in an attempt to catch it but does not get a hand to it. |
| Vernon Philander comes back into the attack. |
| 81.1 : V Philander to Ali, Very full on off, Ali digs it out to covers. |
| 81.2 : V Philander to Ali, Just ahead of a length outside off, Moeen drives it to covers. |
| 81.3 : V Philander to Ali, That is a peach! Length ball, nips away after pitching. Moeen tries to defend it but gets beaten. |
| 81.4 : V Philander to Ali, Bowled on leg stump, Ali flicks it through backward square leg for a couple. |
| 81.5 : V Philander to Ali, Good length on off, Moeen punches it to covers. |
| 81.6 : V Philander to Ali, Good length on off, Ali defends it off the front foot. |
| 82.1 : K Rabada to Root, FOUR! Length ball outside off, Root punches it on the up through covers for a boundary. |
| 82.2 : K Rabada to Root, BEATEN! Back of a length around off, zips through the pitch. Root pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 82.3 : K Rabada to Joe Root, FOUR! TOP SHOT! A tad short on off, Root pulls it through square leg for a boundary. They are leaking a lot of runs with the second new ball. |
| 82.4 : K Rabada to Root, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 82.5 : K Rabada to Ali, Bowls on the pads, Ali tries to flick it but gets it but misses and it brushes his pads and rolls on the leg side. The batsmen run a leg bye. |
| 82.6 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 83.1 : V Philander to Ali, Good length outside off, Ali lets it through to the keeper. |
| 83.2 : V Philander to Ali, Fullish on middle, Ali defends it to mid on. |
| 83.3 : V Philander to Ali, Length outside off, Moeen lets it through to the keeper. |
| 83.4 : V Philander to Ali, A tad fuller on off, Ali drives it the left of mid off for a run. This brings up the 150-run partnership. |
| 83.5 : V Philander to Root, Back of a length on off, Root defends it off the back foot. |
| 83.6 : V Philander to Root, ALMOST! Bowls a full ball on middle, Root tries to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. There is a stifled appeal from the bowler but the umpire is not interested. South Africa desperately need a wicket here. |
| 84.1 : K Rabada to Ali, Bouncer on middle, MOeen does well to evade it. |
| 84.2 : K Rabada to Ali,The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. |
| 84.3 : K Rabada to M Ali, FOUR! POOR LINE! Back of a length outside off, Ali cuts it through point for a boundary. Rabada looks tired now. |
| 84.4 : K Rabada to Ali,Shorter in length, Ali defends it off the back foot. |
| 84.5 : K Rabada to Ali, Length on off, Ali plays it off the front foot. |
| 84.6 : K Rabada to Ali, On a fuller length on leg stump, Ali tries to flick it but misses and it hits his pads. The ball rolls on the leg side and they run through for a leg bye. |
| 85.1 : V Philander to Ali, Length outside off, Moeen does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 85.2 : V Philander to Ali, Full ball on off, Ali drives it to the left of mid off. Maharaj dives and half-stops it. The ball slows down and the mid on fielder hares after it. Keeps it down to three. |
| 85.3 : V Philander to Root, FOUR! Pure class! Length outside off, Root jumps and places it through covers for a boundary. He has played a gem of a knock here. |
| 85.4 : V Philander to Root, Full outside off swinging away, Root moves across and defends it off the front foot. |
| 85.5 : V Philander to Root, Length ball on middle, Root checks his drive uppishly to mid on. |
| 85.6 : V Philander to Root, No ball! Full on the pads, Root flicks it through square leg for a run. It was signaled a no ball as Philander brushed the stumps with his hands in his delivery stride. |
| V Philander to Ali, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 86.1 : K Rabada to Root, Strays it down the leg side, Root tries to flick it but misses. |
| 86.2 : K Rabada to Joe Root, Bangs it in short, Root pulls it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 86.3 : K Rabada to Ali, Bouncer on leg stump, Ali ducks under it. |
| 86.4 : K Rabada to Ali, Back of a length on off, Moeen tucks it on the leg side for a run. |
| 86.5 : K Rabada to Root, A tad fuller on off, Root drives it back to the bowler. Rabada does well to get down and stop it. |
| 86.6 : K Rabada to Root, Back of a length on off, Root guides it through backward point for a run. THAT IS STUMPS ON DAY 1! |
| A brilliant comeback from England and it is safe to say that they have moved into a commanding position. Joe Root has been at the thick of it as he has played some breathtaking strokes in his first game as English Test captain. He has been lucky at times. He was dropped on 16 and he got stumped off a no ball when he was on 149. He has made them pay for the errors. The 114-run stand between him and Stokes led to the revival. After that, Ali came in and has been the perfect foil for the run-machin |
| South Africa tried hard and got the rewards in the first session. Philander was the star of the show as he kept nagging the batsmen with probing lines and lengths to scalp three wickets. However, after the sheen was lost, the South Africans lost the intensity. Credit to the home side for taking hold of the opportunity. They scored freely after the second new ball was taken. |
| The Proteas need to come out tomorrow and make use of the moisture in the morning. The first hour will be crucial. Breakthroughs are needed in quick succession. Joe Root is looking set for a double ton and will be eyeing to take the game away from the tourists. Join us tomorrow for Day 2 at 1100 local (1000 GMT) to catch all the action. It promises to be another absorbing day of Test cricket. Till then, goodbye and cheers! |
| ...Day 2, Session 1... |
| Hello and welcome to the 2nd day of the first Test between England and South Africa at Lord's. The hosts are in a commanding position and early wickets is what the visitors will need to get back into the game. The English side will want to get somewhere close to 500. Joe Root holds the key for them and he would require support from the lower order. The Proteas need to make good use of the second new ball which is only 7 overs old. They would hope that Vernon Philander maintains his consistency a |
| We are ready to get underway. It is bright and sunny in the middle. Morne Morkel will bowl the first over of the day. Joe Root and Moeen Ali will continue their innings. South Africa have two slips in place. |
| 87.1 : M Morkel to Root, Starts off with a length delivery on off, Root covers the line and defends it stoutly. |
| 87.2 : M Morkel to Root, First runs of the Day! Straying on the pads and fullish in length, the English skipper works it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 87.3 : M Morkel to Ali, On a length on off, Ali hangs back and defends it solidly. |
| 87.4 : M Morkel to Ali, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Moeen strokes it to short cover. |
| Morkel comes around the wicket to Moeen Ali. |
| 87.5 : M Morkel to Ali, Fullish delivery, angling in from outside off. Ali eases it to covers. |
| 87.6 : M Morkel to M Ali, FOUR! Pristine! On a driving length outside off, Ali accepts the invitation and creams it gloriously through covers and the ball whistles away to the fence. Confident start to the day for England. |
| Vernon Philander will bowl from the other end. He has two slips in place. |
| 88.1 : V Philander to Root, Fuller length ball on off, Root doesn't move his feet much but defends it nicely. |
| 88.2 : V Philander to Root, Fractionally overpitched outside off, eased to short cover. |
| 88.3 : V Philander to Root, FOUR! He brings out his signature stroke with authority! That's the first boundary of the day! Good length delivery outside off, holds its line. Root punches it elegantly through covers and the ball rolls downhill. Has timed it brilliantly to earn himself another boundary. |
| 88.4 : V Philander to Joe Root, Fuller in length ths time, around that off-stump channel and stays a bit low. Root pushes at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls to the leg side. Single taken. |
| 88.5 : V Philander to Ali, Full length delivery outside off, Ali defends it confidently. |
| 88.6 : V Philander to M Ali, Fullish in length, shaping away from Ali. He pushes at it but gets an outside edge that falls well short of Elgar at second slip. |
| 89.1 : M Morkel to Root, OUT! An amazing knock from Joe Root comes to an end! He would be disappointed to miss out on a double ton. Great bowling from Morkel and he gets the big fish. He hurls in that channel outside off and makes Root play at it. He pushes at it tentatively but gets a faint outside edge behind. De Kock moves to his right and accepts the catch gleefully. The Proteas celebrate. This time the umpires do not check for the front foot no ball. The English skipper makes his way back t |
| 0.0 : Liam Dawson comes out to bat. |
| 89.2 : M Morkel to Dawson, Fullish delivery outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| Liam Dawson has been given LBW and he has reviewed it. Looks a little high. |
| 89.3 : M Morkel to Dawson, OUT! No, it is not high. The on-field call is upheld! What a beginning to the day for the Proteas. Morkel is bending his back and getting the rewards. He has been outstanding this morning. He bowls this on a good length on off and gets it to shape in substantially. Dawson is rooted to the crease as he looks to defend it but misses it to get pinged on the pads. South Africa appeal confidently and the umpire S. Ravi rules it out. Dawson reviews it immediately. The Hawk E |
| Stuart Broad strides out to the middle. |
| 89.4 : M Morkel to Broad, The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact. |
| 89.5 : M Morkel to Broad, That's a peach! Good length ball around off, straightens after pitching. Broad feels for it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 89.6 : M Morkel to Broad, Well-directed bouncer in line of the stumps, Broad does well to duck under it. What an over from Morkel, a double-wicket maiden for him. |
| 90.1 : V Philander to Ali, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 90.2 : V Philander to Ali, On a fuller length on off, Ali covers the line and defends it. |
| 90.3 : V Philander to M Ali, Edged! On a driving length outside off, Ali pushes at it with hard hands but gets an outside that falls short of a crouching Elgar at second slip. |
| 90.4 : V Philander to Ali, Good length delivery on middle and leg, Ali nudges it to square leg for a single. |
| 90.5 : V Philander to S Broad, FOUR! Almost another wicket! Fuller length delivery on off, Broad stays back and pushes at it but gets an outside edge. De Kock dives to his left but the ball goes past him for a boundary. |
| 90.6 : V Philander to Broad, Broad survives! On a length on leg stump, Broad looks to flick it away but misses to get rapped on the pads. A huge appeal for an LBW is turned down. Dean Elgar consults with his teammates and decides to not take the review. However, the replays shows three reds. Broad can consider himself a bit lucky. End of an eventful over. |
| 91.1 : M Morkel to Ali, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 91.2 : M Morkel to Ali, Outside off again, Ali lets it go. |
| 91.3 : M Morkel to Ali, Back of a length ball on the hips, Moeen hops back and turns it to backward square leg for a run. |
| 91.4 : M Morkel to Broad, FOUR! On a driving length outside off, Broad drives it square and beats the backward square leg fielder. Picks up a boundary to his name. |
| 91.5 : M Morkel to Broad, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 91.6 : M Morkel to S Broad, FOUR! Streaky runs! Full length delivery outside off, Broad plays at it with minimal foot movement and gets an outside edge that flies past the second slip fielder to the third man fence. 13 from the over. |
| 92.1 : V Philander to Ali, Good length delivery on middle and leg, shaping down a touch. Ali looks to play it across but is struck on the pads. No real appeal from the visitors as it was heading down leg. |
| 92.2 : V Philander to Ali, On a length around off, played with an open face to point. |
| 92.3 : V Philander to M Ali, FOUR! Shot! Short delivery in line of the stumps, Ali swivels across and pulls it with authority over mid-wicket. Beats the man in the deep to pick up a boundary. |
| 92.4 : V Philander to Ali, FOUR! Easy pickings! Swinging into the pads, Ali just helps it past the keeper and the ball races to the fence. Back-to-back boundaries for him. That also brings up 2000 runs for him in Test cricket. It has been a good career for him so far. |
| 2000 Test runs for Moeen Ali. |
| 92.5 : V Philander to Ali, The batsman defends it from within the crease. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 92.6 : V Philander to Broad, Straying on the pads, nudged to fine leg for a couple. |
| 93.1 : M Morkel to M Ali, Full length ball on off, eased to extra cover. |
| 93.2 : M Morkel to Ali, Similar length delivery on off, Ali covers the line and blocks it. |
| 93.3 : M Morkel to Ali, Fullish delivery on middle and leg, Ali clips it through mid-wicket. Two runs taken. |
| 93.4 : M Morkel to Ali, Fullish in length and angling into the pads, Ali tickles it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 93.5 : M Morkel to Broad, That's beautifully bowled! Morkel comes around the wicket and hits the deck hard. Broad feels for it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 93.6 : M Morkel to Broad, Short of a length ball, angling in from outside off. Broad hops back and defends it to covers. |
| 94.1 : V Philander to Ali, Fuller length delivery on off, Moeen plays it with soft hands to short cover. |
| 94.2 : V Philander to Ali, Length delivery angling across Ali. He is in two minds whether to commit to it or not. Eventually he plays it with an angled bat to gully. |
| There is a bit of an issue with the ball. The umpire cuts the pieces of leather that was coming out. We are fine to go again. |
| 94.3 : V Philander to Ali, Full length ball around off, Moeen pushes at it with hard hands but gets it off the inner half to mid on. |
| 94.4 : V Philander to Ali, Similar length delivery, attacking the stumps this time. Ali turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 94.5 : V Philander to Ali, Good length delivery slanting across Ali. He punches it crisply but finds Bavuma at extra cover. |
| 94.6 : V Philander to Ali, Back of a length ball around off, Ali chops it to covers. Good over from Philander, bags a maiden to his name. |
| 95.1 : M Morkel to Broad, Well-directed bouncer from around the wicket. Broad sways away from the line of the delivery to evade it. |
| 95.2 : M Morkel to Broad, Fullish in length in line of the stumps, Stuart pushes it to mid on. |
| 95.3 : M Morkel to Broad, This is good attacking bowling from Morkel. He knows that the southpaw is struggling with the shorter length. Broad hops back and looks to fend it but gets into a tangle. Gets an inside edge and onto his shoulder. The ball rolls past the short leg region. A run taken. |
| 95.4 : M Morkel to Ali, Ooh.. that is nasty! Another bouncer attacking the body, Ali looks to pull it away but gets it from the splice of the bat and the ball thuds into the helmet. After that, it falls behind safely. Moeen is lucky as that could have gone anywhere. |
| 95.5 : M Morkel to M Ali, Similar length delivery, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 95.6 : M Morkel to Broad, Around the hips, tucked through backward square leg for a run. |
| Kagiso Rabada is into the attack. |
| 96.1 : K Rabada to Broad, Short of a length on off, pushed off the back foot to covers. Ali wants a run but Broad says no. |
| 96.2 : K Rabada to Broad, FOUR! Close shave! Good length delivery outside off, curls back in. Broad hangs back and pushes at it but gets an inside edge that goes over the stumps. It also beats the diving de Kock to his right to roll through to the fence. 400 up for England. |
| 96.3 : K Rabada to Broad, Good length ball around off, played with an open face to point. |
| 96.4 : Rabada to S Broad, FOUR! Bouncer on middle and leg, rising on Broad. He takes it on and pulls it over backward square leg. Morkel jogs across to his right from fine leg but the ball wins the race. These are handy runs for England. |
| 96.5 : K Rabada to Broad, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 96.6 : K Rabada to Broad, Sharp bouncer in line of the stumps, Broad ducks under it. |
| Short leg comes in place. |
| 97.1 : M Morkel to Ali, Fullish on middle, Ali looks to defend it but gets it off the inner half through square leg. A run taken. |
| 97.2 : M Morkel to Broad, Back of a length delivery on off, Broad rises on his toes and plays it to point. |
| 97.3 : M Morkel to Broad, Similar length delivery, climbing on Broad. He hops back and blocks it to covers. He is trying to bounce him out. |
| 97.4 : M Morkel to Broad, Morkel bangs this one short on off, Broad drops his wrists to let it be. |
| 97.5 : M Morkel to Broad, Another bouncer and Stuart ducks under it. |
| 97.6 : M Morkel to Broad, Broad stays back to the length delivery in line of the stumps and eases it to the leg side. |
| 98.1 : K Rabada to Ali, Good length delivery in the fifty stump channel, guided to point. |
| 98.2 : K Rabada to M Ali, Shortish delivery and room on offer, Moeen cuts it hard but Bavuma at point is sharp to stop it. |
| 98.3 : K Rabada to Ali, Straying on the hips, Ali works it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 98.4 : K Rabada to Broad, Broad stays back to a delivery to which he should have been on the front foot. Rabada keeps it full and around leg stump, Stuart looks to keep it out but is hit on the pads. |
| 98.5 : K Rabada to Broad, Sharp bouncer on middle and leg, Broad takes his eyes off the ball. The ball whizzes past his right shoulder and into the hands of de Kock. |
| 98.6 : K Rabada to Broad, Great follow-up delivery. Bowls it full outside off, Broad looks to drive it but gets beaten. |
| 99.1 : M Morkel to Ali, Great effort, Bavuma! Fullish in length around off, Ali drives it crisply to extra cover where Temba dives to his right to make a brilliant half-stop. Recovers well to deny any run. |
| 99.2 : M Morkel to Ali, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side. |
| 99.3 : M Morkel to Ali, Bavuma is a terrific fielder. Such a fielding effort lifts the morale of the whole side. Fractionally overpitched outside off, Moeen crunches it to Temba at extra cover who dives to his right to stop a certain boundary. |
| 99.4 : M Morkel to Ali, Straying on the hips, tucked uppishly to fine leg for a run. |
| 99.5 : M Morkel to Broad, Dug in short outside off, Broad sits under it. |
| 99.6 : M Morkel to Broad, Another bouncer but this time it is down the leg side, Broad leaves it awkwardly. |
| Time for Drinks. Good fightback from South Africa this morning. They got the all-important breakthrough of the English skipper, Joe Root in the third over of the day itself. Morkel has been in terrific rhythm and has troubled the batsmen constantly. However, Ali and Broad have stitched together a promising partnership. The latter has rode on his luck. They have put away the lose deliveries to take the score past 400. The visitors will be aiming to run through the English side quickly. |
| 100.1 : K Rabada to Ali, Bowls a bouncer on middle, Ali pulls it through backward square leg. Morkel makes good ground to his right and dives and pushes the ball back in. The batsmen run two. Good work by the tall fast bowler. |
| 100.2 : K Rabada to Ali, Sprays it down the leg side, Ali misses the flick. |
| 100.3 : K Rabada to Ali, Length on middle, Ali flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 100.4 : K Rabada to Ali, OUT! KABOOM! Rabada strikes. A tad fuller around off, nips back in a touch. Ali tries to drive but it goes through his bat and pad and knocks the off pole. A good innings by Moeen Ali comes to an end. South Africa would want to get through the tail as quick as possible now. |
| Mark Wood comes out to bat. |
| 100.5 : K Rabada to Wood, Back of a length on middle, Wood defends it off the back foot. |
| 100.6 : K Rabada to Wood, OUT! Rabada takes two in the over. This is the second time today South Africa have struck twice in one over. Rabada bowls a back of a length ball outside off, angling into the batsman. Wood tries to defend it off the back foot but the ball stays a touch low and strikes him on the pads. They all appeal and the umpire raises his finger immediatly. Mark is on his way even before the umpire gave him out. It was that plumb. England are nine down. |
| James Anderson is the last man in. |
| 101.1 : M Morkel to Broad, FOUR! Length ball outside off, Broad punches it through covers for a boundary. He would try and add some quick runs here. |
| 101.2 : M Morkel to Broad, ALMOST! Short ball on off, Broad backs away and tries to heave it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball lobs beside the off stump, bounces and spins back but just misses the stumps. |
| 101.3 : M Morkel to Broad, Short again outside off, Broad makes room and tries to cut it but misses. |
| 101.4 : M Morkel to Broad, Full this time, Broad was late on it and it just misses the off pole. |
| 101.5 : M Morkel to Broad, Length outside off, Broad tries to defend it but the ball stays low and on the bounce to the keeper. |
| 101.6 : M Morkel to Broad, FOUR! Smashed! Short and on the body of Broad. He moves away and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 8 runs from the over. |
| 102.1 : K Rabada to Anderson, Sloppy from Rabada! Full on middle, Anderson drives it back to him. He misfields and concedes a single. A needless single given there. He would have wanted to bowl to Anderson. |
| 102.2 : K Rabada to Broad, A tad fuller outside off, Broad square drives it through point for a couple. |
| 102.3 : K Rabada to Broad, Short and angling into the batsman, Broad pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 102.4 : K Rabada to Broad, Bowls a slower short ball, Broad is early on the pull and gets it off the toe end towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 102.5 : K Rabada to Anderson, Bouncer, Anderson does well to duck under it. |
| 102.6 : K Rabada to Anderson, Sprays on the pads, Anderson tries to flick but misses. The ball brushes his pads and de Kock dives to his right and makes a good stop. Anderson survives. |
| 103.1 : M Morkel to Broad, JUST SHORT! Bangs it in short on middle, Broad cuts it uppishly through point. The ball falls just short of the man at deep point. The batsmen run through for a single. |
| 103.2 : M Morkel to Anderson, Length on middle, Anderson gets it off the inner half through square leg for a run. |
| 103.3 : M Morkel to Broad, Broad moves away, Morkel follows him with a short delivery. Stuart evades it somehow. |
| 103.4 : M Morkel to Broad, Stuart makes room, Morkel bowls it full on middle. Broad digs it out through covers for a couple. These are handy runs for England. |
| 103.5 : M Morkel to Broad, SIX! BOOM! That is going, going and gone. Short on leg stump, Broad takes on the pull and connects well. The ball flies over the square leg fence for a maximum. |
| 103.6 : M Morkel to Broad, SIX! Another one off the middle. Almost a replica of the last ball. Bouncer on middle, Broad pulls it over square leg fence for a biggie. 50 up for Broad it has been a very handy and exciting innings. |
| 11th Test fifty for Stuart Broad. |
| 104.1 : K Rabada to Anderson, Full and outside off, Anderson tries to drive it but gets beaten. |
| 104.2 : K Rabada to J Anderson, FOUR! PAINFUL! Length on off, Anderson tries to defend it off the front foot but gets an outside edge down to third man for a boundary. |
| 104.3 : K Rabada to J Anderson, SIX! THUMPED! Anderson takes it on this time. Short by Rabada on middle. Anderson gives him the charge and pulls it off the middle over the mid-wicket fence. 450 up for England now. |
| 104.4 : K Rabada to J Anderson, Driven towards the mid-on region. |
| 104.5 : K Rabada to Anderson, Bangs it in short, Anderson ducks under it. |
| 104.6 : K Rabada to Anderson, Bouncer on middle, Anderson does well to evade it. |
| 105.1 : M Morkel to Broad, FOUR! A tad fuller on off, Broad moves his front leg out of the way and slaps it through covers for another boundary. It is raining boundaries here. |
| 105.2 : Morkel to S Broad, DROPPED! A very tough chance. Full ball on off, Broad slashes at it and gets a thick outside edge which flies towards first slip. Amla jumps and gets a hand to it but cannot hang on to it. The ball rolls to third man for a run. This is frustrating for South Africa. |
| 105.3 : M Morkel to Anderson, OUT! That's it! Full ball outside off, Anderson tries to drives but gets an outside edge to de Kock who does not make a mistake. An entertaining last wicket partnership comes to an end. Morkel gets his fourth. ENGLAND HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 458. |
| England will be pleased with their effort with the bat. They were in a commanding position at the start of Day 2 but lost their skipper, Joe Root early who missed out on his double ton by a small margin. Morkel also nipped out Dawson in the same over. That sparked hopes of bowling the home side under 400 but the lower order did a commendable job along with Moeen Ali. |
| Ali kept on putting the lose balls away but Broad struggled initially at the start of his innings. However, the latter survived the fierce spells from Morkel and Rabada and eventually flourished. They scored some handy runs and were instrumental in taking their side over the 450-run mark. However, the last wicket partnership of 45 from 27 balls between Broad and Anderson gave them even more momentum. Morkel finished with four wickets but proved to be expensive. |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Starts off on a length, angling away. Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Elgar, Back of a length on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Elgar, Lovely stuff from Anderson! Back of a length outside off, gets some extra bounce. Elgar does well to drop his wrist in time. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Elgar, Good length outside off, the batsman guides it down to third man for a couple. South Africa are underway. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Elgar, Lands it on a length on off, Dean defends it off the front foot. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, Just ahead of a length on off, Elgar defends it off the front foot. A tidy over to start with by Anderson. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, Back of a length on off, Kuhn punches it off the back foot through covers. They run one. He wants a second but is sent back by his skipper. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Comes around the wicket. Bowls it on a length on off, Elgar defends it off the front foot. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Elgar, Back of a length on middle, Elgar punches it to mid on. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to D Elgar, CLOSE SHAVE! Length ball on middle, Elgar nudges it towards mid-wicket and sets off for a run. Dawson collects the ball and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. They complete the run. Had Liam hit Elgar would have been a gonner. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Kuhn, Length outside off, Kuhn lets it through to the keeper. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, A tad fuller swinging away on off, Elgar defends it off the front foot. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Elgar, Good length on middle, Dean defends it off the back foot. Anderson is bowling good lines and lengths here. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Elgar, Was there an edge? Length ball on middle, nips away after pitching. Elgar tries to defend it off the front foot but gets beaten. There was a sound when the ball passed the bat but it was of the bat hitting the pad. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Elgar, FOUR! SHOT! Full and outside off, Elgar drives it through covers for a boundary. First boundary of the day for South Africa. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Elgar, Good length on off, Elgar drops it towards covers and runs a quick single. Good batting. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Kuhn, A tad fuller outside off, Kuhn drives it to point. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Elgar, BEATEN! Length outside off, Elgar pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Angles it into the pads, Dean nudges it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Kuhn, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length outside off, the batsman does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, Lands it on a length on off, Elgar defends it off the front foot. One ball to go for lunch. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Kuhn, A nothing delivery. Length outside off, Kuhn lets it through to the keeper. Should have made the batsman play. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 2. |
| South Africa have managed to not lose a wicket and survive this tricky period. England were tight with their lines and lengths but had little assistance from the wicket. The visitors would look to play the new ball out and build good partnerships. The hosts on the other hand would try to create early inroads in the South African batting line-up. Join us in a while for the afternoon session. |
| ...Day 2, Session 2... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. Dean Elgar and Heino Kuhn to continue their innings. James Anderson to continue his spell. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Starts off with a loosener outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms to it. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to D Elgar, Length ball on off, Elgar pokes at it and gets an outside edge. The ball falls short of Cook at first slip. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, Elgar lets it through to the keeper. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Elgar, Good length outside off, Dean guides it to point. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Elgar, A tad fuller outside off, the batsman does not bother to play at it. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, Lands it on a length on leg stump, Elgar tries to flick it but misses and it hits him high on the pads. The ball lobs towards gully and there are shouts of catch it. However, it carries on the bounce to the fielder stationed there. A good over by Anderson. Starts off with a maiden. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, Length outside off, the batsman lets it through to the keeper. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, That ball has struck the batsman on the thigh pad. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to Kuhn, Full ball swinging away outside off, Kuhn lets it through watchfully. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length outside off, Kuhn shoulders his arm to it. |
| 5.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to H Kuhn, OUT! An absolute beauty by Broad. Just the start England wanted after the break. The debutante Kuhn has to depart. A tad fuller on off, Broad gets it to seam away just enough. Kuhn tries to drive but gets an outside edge to first slip where Cook takes a simple catch. South Africa lose their first. |
| Hashim Amla comes out to bat. |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Back of a length on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot towards cover for a run. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Angles it into the batsman, Amla nudges it towards square leg for a run. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to Elgar, Good length on middle, nips back into the batsman. Elgar gets it off the inner half to fine leg for a run. |
| 6.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Lands it on a length on off, Amla defends it off the front foot. |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Amla, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Bowls it on a length, angling into the batsman. Amla defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.1 : S Broad to Elgar, A tad fuller outside off, stays a touch low. Elgar lets it through to the keeper. |
| 7.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Length ball on the pads, Elgar pushes it to mid on. |
| 7.3 : Broad to Elgar, Sprays it on the pads, Elgar tries to flick but misses and is struck on the pads. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. Might be missing leg. |
| 7.4 : S Broad to Elgar, Back of a length on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.5 : S Broad to Elgar, Fullsih length on off, Dean defends it off the front foot. |
| 7.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Drifts it down the leg side, Elgar tries to flick but misses. Jonny dives to his right and collects the ball. |
| 8.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Length ball outside off, moving in with the slope. Amla shoulders his arms to it. |
| 8.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length angling in, Amla tucks it on the leg side for a run. |
| 8.3 : J Anderson to Elgar, Lands it on a length on off, Elgar guides it to gully. |
| 8.4 : J Anderson to Elgar, Bowls it on a length on off, Elgar plays it with soft hands towards covers for a run. |
| 8.5 : J Anderson to Amla, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 8.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Full on the pads, Amla flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 9.1 : S Broad to Amla, Broad bowls it from wide of the crease. Lands it on a length on middle. Amla defends it off the back foot, |
| 9.2 : S Broad to Amla, Back of a length on off, Amla defends it off the back foot. |
| 9.3 : S Broad to Amla, Just ahead of a length outside off, Amla plays it off the back foot. This is perfect Test match bowling from Broad. |
| 9.4 : S Broad to Amla, Good length on off, Amla defends it off the front foot. |
| 9.5 : S Broad to Amla, Similar length ball, Amla plays it off the front foot. |
| 9.6 : S Broad to Amla, Brilliant from Broad. He has been on the money on every ball in this over. Fuller length on off, Amla defends it off the front foot. |
| Mark Wood comes into the attack. |
| 10.1 : M Wood to Elgar, Length ball angling across. Elgar lets it through to the keeper. |
| 10.2 : M Wood to Elgar, On the pads, Elgar works it down the leg side for a run. |
| 10.3 : M Wood to Amla, A tad fuller on middle, Amla defends it off the front foot. |
| 10.4 : M Wood to Amla, Good length on off, Amla defends it off the back foot. |
| 10.5 : M Wood to Amla, Fullish length, tails back in a little. Amla gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 10.6 : M Wood to Amla, Lands it on a length outside off, Amla tries to push it but gets it off the outer half through backward point for a couple. |
| 11.1 : S Broad to Elgar, FOUR! LOVELY SHOT! A tad fuller on off, Elgar pushes it with the full face of the bat back past the bowler. The ball races away to the long off fence. |
| 11.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Hits the length on off, Elgar defends it off the front foot. |
| 11.3 : S Broad to Elgar, Lands it on a length outside off, stays a touch low. Elgar lets it through to the keeper. |
| Short mid off in place now. |
| 11.4 : S Broad to Elgar, A tad fuller outside off, Elgar lets it through to the keeper. |
| 11.5 : S Broad to Elgar, Angles it into the pads of the batsman who flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 11.6 : S Broad to Amla, Good length on middle, Amla defends it off the front foot. |
| 12.1 : M Wood to Elgar, A well-directed bouncer. Elgar ducks under it. |
| 0.0 : A slight halt as there is a bit of an issue with the sightscreen. Dean Elgar has pointed that out. It has been resolved and we are good to go again. |
| 12.2 : M Wood to Elgar, Length ball outside off, Elgar defends it off the front foot. |
| 12.3 : M Wood to Elgar, Bangs it in short on middle, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 12.4 : M Wood to Elgar, Good length on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 12.5 : M Wood to Elgar, Lands it on a length on middle, Elgar defends it off the front foot. |
| 12.6 : M Wood to Elgar, FOUR! WELL TIMED! A tad fuller on middle, Elgar drives it straight down the ground for a boundary. He has timed the ball well. |
| Time for spin now. Liam Dawson is brought into the attack. The wicket is getting slower and lower and the young spinner will look to make the most of it. |
| 13.1 : L Dawson to Amla, Bowls it full on leg stump, Amla flicks it through the right of mid on. Broad gives it chase and pushes it back before the boundary. Three runs taken by the batsman. |
| 13.2 : L Dawson to Elgar, Tosses it up outside off, gets some turn out of the rough. Elgar tries to defend it but is struck on the pads. |
| 13.3 : L Dawson to Elgar, Sharp turn and bounce for Dawson. Floats it on off, turns into the batsman. Elgar tries to defend it but gets hit on the forearm and the ball falls on the ground. |
| Silly point in place now. |
| 13.4 : L Dawson to Elgar, Loopy ball on off, Elgar sweeps it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 13.5 : L Dawson to Amla, Gives it air on middle, Amla tucks it on the leg side. |
| 13.6 : L Dawson to Amla, Drags his length back a little outside off, Amla punches it off the back foot through point for a couple. |
| 14.1 : M Wood to Elgar, Back of a length on middle, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 0.0 : Stuart Broad is out of the field at the moment. He is having a bit of an issue with his left knee and the physio is treating him. |
| 14.2 : M Wood to Elgar, Good length on off, Elgar pushes it to point. |
| 14.3 : M Wood to Elgar, A tad fuller on off, Elgar defends it with soft hands on the off side for a run. |
| 14.4 : M Wood to Amla, Sprays on the pads, Amla flicks it to fine leg for a run. |
| 14.5 : M Wood to Elgar, Length ball angling away, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 14.6 : M Wood to Elgar, Shorter in length on the body of the batsman, Elgar tucks it towards square leg. |
| 15.1 : L Dawson to Amla, Drifts on the pads, Amla tucks it through square leg for a run. |
| 15.2 : L Dawson to Elgar, FOUR! Well swept! Tosses it on off, turns into the batsman. Elgar sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 15.3 : L Dawson to Elgar, Loopy ball on off, Elgar plays the sweep through square leg for a run. |
| 15.4 : L Dawson to Amla, Slightly quicker on middle, Amla defends it off the front foot. |
| 15.5 : L Dawson to Amla, Flatter outside off, Amla cuts it to point. |
| 15.6 : L Dawson to Amla, Bowled on middle, Amla defends it off the back foot. |
| 16.1 : M Wood to Elgar, Bowls a bouncer on middle, Elgar ducks under it. |
| 16.2 : M Wood to Elgar, Back of a length on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 16.3 : M Wood to Elgar, Bangs it in short, Elgar tucks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 16.4 : M Wood to Elgar, A tad fuller outside off, Elgar watchfully lets it through. |
| 16.5 : M Wood to Elgar, Bouncer, Elgar does well to duck under it. |
| 16.6 : M Wood to Elgar, Length ball on middle, moves away of the pitch. Elgar tries to flick it but gets a leading edge and the ball rolls to point. His bottom hand came off after defending it. |
| 17.1 : L Dawson to Amla, FOUR! POOR LINE! Sprays it down the leg side, Amla tickles it fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 17.2 : L Dawson to Amla, Flatter on middle, Amla flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. Not a lot of spin against the right-hander. |
| Square leg in place now. This ploy is mainly to curb Dean Elgar from slog sweeping. He has used that shot to good effect till now. |
| 17.3 : L Dawson to Elgar, Quicker and full on middle, Elgar paddles it through short fine leg for a couple. |
| 17.4 : L Dawson to Elgar, BEATEN! Tosses it up outside off, Elgar plays for the spin but the ball does not. The batsman is beaten on the outside edge. |
| 17.5 : L Dawson to Elgar, Very full on middle, Elgar drives it back to the bowler. |
| 17.6 : L Dawson to Elgar, A tad short on the stumps, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| Time for Drinks. |
| 18.1 : M Wood to Amla, Angling into the pads, Amla flicks it to fine leg for a run. |
| 18.2 : M Wood to Elgar, EDGY FOUR! Back of a length outside off, Elgar tries to defend it off the back foot but gets an outside edge past the third slip fielder who dived to his left but could not stop it. The ball races to the third man fence. |
| 18.3 : M Wood to Elgar, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. |
| 18.4 : M Wood to Elgar, On a length outside off, Elgar shoulders his arm to it. |
| 18.5 : M Wood to Elgar, Back of a length on leg stump, Elgar pushes it to mid on. |
| 18.6 : M Wood to Elgar, A tad fuller on middle, Elgar punches it to mid off. Wood dives and tries to stop it but is unable to do so. |
| 19.1 : L Dawson to Amla, Flatter delivery on middle and leg, Amla whips it through mid-wicket for a brace. Played that well. |
| 19.2 : L Dawson to Amla, Tossed up delivery on middle and leg, stays low. Amla looks to flick it away but misses to get rapped on the pads and the ball rolls to the leg side. A loud shout for an LBW is turned down. The replays indicate that there might have been an inside edge. A single taken. |
| 19.3 : L Dawson to Elgar, Floated outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 19.4 : L Dawson to Elgar, FOUR! Aggression from the Protea skipper! Loopy delivery outside off, Elgar is nimble on his feet and lifts it over mid off for a boundary. Picked his spot to perfection. |
| 19.5 : L Dawson to D Elgar, This is a good contest between Dawson and Elgar. Keeps it loopy outside off again, Elgar comes down the track and looks to go straight but gets an outside edge. The ball flies past the first slip and rolls towards third man. Two runs taken. |
| 19.6 : L Dawson to Elgar, Elgar camps back and pushes it to mid on. Calls for the single and makes it to the other end safely. |
| Moeen Ali comes into the attack. |
| 20.1 : M Ali to Elgar, Tossed up on middle and leg, Dean lunges forward in defense. |
| 20.2 : M Ali to Elgar, Flighted outside off, pushed with soft hands to short cover. |
| 20.3 : M Ali to D Elgar, Fullish on middle, Elgar jams it to mid on and looks for a run. Decides against it as there wasn't a single on offer. |
| 20.4 : M Ali to Elgar, Gets right forward to this one and defends it to the off side. |
| 20.5 : M Ali to Elgar, Loopy delivery on off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 20.6 : M Ali to Elgar, Floated outside off, turns away slightly. Elgar comes forward and defends it nicely to covers. A good steady beginning from Ali. |
| Ben Stokes comes into the attack. |
| 21.1 : Ben Stokes to Amla, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Angling into the pads, Amla uses the depth of the crease and works it through front of square on the leg side for a boundary. |
| 21.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Amla. He is looking in good flow. On a length and straight once again. Hashim whips it through mid-wicket to find the fence. |
| 21.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Fuller in length on off, Amla shuffles a touch and defends it calmly. |
| 21.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, No ball! Length delivery on middle and off, defended stoutly by the Protea spinner. Stokes has overstepped on this occasion. He hasn't settled into a rhythm yet. |
| Ben Stokes to Amla, In the corridor of uncertainty and on a driving length, shapes away a touch. Amla resists the temptation and leaves it alone. |
| 21.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, A bit wider outside off this time, Amla doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 21.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Better line this time. In the fifth stump channel and holding its line. Amla covers his stumps and allows it through safely. Good comeback from Stokes after being hit for two boundaries in his first two deliveries. |
| 22.1 : M Ali to Elgar, Tossed up in line of the stumps, turned to mid-wicket. |
| 22.2 : M Ali to Elgar, FOUR! Good use of the feet from Elgar. This one drifts in with the arm, Elgar backs away a touch, takes a couple of steps down the track and drills it past the bowler for a boundary. |
| 22.3 : M Ali to Elgar, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 22.4 : M Ali to Elgar, Floated outside off, spins away. Elgar presses forward in defense. |
| 22.5 : M Ali to Elgar, Flighted delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 22.6 : M Ali to Elgar, Fullish delivery in line of the stumps, Elgar uses it through mid on for a run and he will retain the strike. |
| 23.1 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Good length delivery angling in from outside off, Elgar camps back and defends it to short cover. |
| 23.2 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Well bowled! Back of a length delivery around off, straightens a touch with a bit of extra bounce. Elgar pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 23.3 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Fuller in length outside off, left alone. |
| 23.4 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, FOUR! On a length outside off, Elgar guides it through the gully region and the ball races to the fence. It has been a gritty knock from the Protea skipper. Well-deserved and he needs to convert it into a big one. |
| 7th Test Fifty for Dean Elgar. |
| 23.5 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Good length ball outside off, pretty wide and Dean lets it go. |
| 23.6 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Full length delivery on middle, clipped to short mid on. |
| 24.1 : M Ali to Amla, OUT! Moeen strikes! He has got the big fish and jumps in joy. Tosses this one nicely outside off, gets it to grip and turn in appreciably from a footmark. Amla shuffles a touch and looks to clip it across but misses to get pinged on the pads. There is a confident shout in unison from the Englishmen and up goes the umpire's finger. This is a very important breakthrough for the home side. They need to keep chipping away at the wickets. |
| 0.0 : JP Duminy strides out to bat. |
| 24.2 : M Ali to Duminy, Floated around off, eased to covers. |
| 24.3 : M Ali to Duminy, Coming in with the arm this time, Duminy manages to defend it to point. |
| 24.4 : M Ali to Duminy, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 24.5 : M Ali to Duminy, A bit shorter this time, pushed off the back foot to covers. |
| 24.6 : M Ali to Duminy, Fullish outside off, Duminy lets it go. Ali bags a wicket-maiden to his name. |
| 25.1 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Good length delivery outside off, pretty wide to make Elgar play. |
| 25.2 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Dug in short and angling in from around off. Elgar ducks under it to let it sail through to the keeper. |
| 25.3 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Length delivery outside off, Elgar plays it with soft hands to covers. |
| 25.4 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Fuller in length this time outside off, Dean plants his front foot across and lets it go. |
| 25.5 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Full length delivery on off, Dean pats it to mid off. |
| 25.6 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Elgar shuffles a touch and guides the length delivery to point. |
| 26.1 : M Ali to Duminy, A confident shout for an LBW denied! Tossed up on off, spins away a touch. Duminy kneels and goes for the paddle sweep but misses to get struck on the pads. The ball rolls past the slip fielder and up go the players in an appeal. However, the umpire is not interested. Two leg byes taken. The replays show it would have missed the off stump. |
| 26.2 : M Ali to Duminy, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 26.3 : M Ali to Duminy, Flighted delivery, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 26.4 : M Ali to Duminy, JP uses his feet to this one and manages to defend it with his bat and pad close together. |
| 26.5 : M Ali to Duminy, Plays this one to covers gently. |
| 26.6 : M Ali to Duminy, FOUR! Well played! A bit short on off, Duminy makes good use of the crease and cuts it behind point for a boundary. |
| 27.1 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Straying on the pads, Elgar works it around the corner for a run. |
| 0.0 : Mark Wood can be seen warming up. |
| 27.2 : Ben Stokes to Duminy, Leg bye! Fullish in length and tailing down, Duminy moves inside the line a touch and looks to work it across but misses to get rapped on the pads. An appeal for an LBW is turned down. Replays show that it was heading down leg. |
| 27.3 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, In the channel outside off, jags in a touch. Dean covers his off pole and doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 27.4 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Stokes errs in line again and slips this one down the leg side. The Protea skipper fails to flick it. |
| 27.5 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Back of a length on off, Elgar hops back and turns it to mid-wicket. Stokes is getting inward shape but he needs to control his line. |
| 27.6 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Full length delivery outside off, Elgar prods forward and plays it with an open face to point. |
| Mark Wood is brought back into the attack. A short leg in place for him. |
| 28.1 : M Wood to Duminy, Starts off his new spell with a bouncer on off, Duminy ducks under it quickly and evades it. |
| 28.2 : M Wood to Duminy, Good length delivery on middle, JP hangs back and pats it to covers. |
| 28.3 : M Wood to Duminy, Stays back to the good length delivery angling away from him and guides it to point. |
| 28.4 : M Wood to Duminy, Back of a length on off, played with an open face to square of the wicket on the off side. |
| 28.5 : M Wood to Duminy, Wood loses his radar and sprays this one down the leg side. JP lets it go. |
| 28.6 : M Wood to Duminy, Short of a length on off, Duminy opens up a touch in his stance and glides it to point. |
| 29.1 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Full length delivery outside off, Elgar puts his head down and blocks it calmly. |
| 29.2 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Stokes errs in line again and slips this one down the leg side. Dean looks to glance it but misses. |
| 29.3 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Full delivery on off, Elgar jams it back to Stokes who collects it in his followthrough and mimes a throw at the striker's end. Aggression from the big man. |
| 29.4 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Short of a length and shaping into Elgar. He hops back and works it to square leg. A run taken. |
| 29.5 : Ben Stokes to Duminy, Length delivery on off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 29.6 : Ben Stokes to Duminy, Stokes gets this one to shape in appreciably from outside off. Duminy is caught on the crease as he looks to play it across but gets pinged on the pads. The players appeal initially but bail out of it. Ben Stokes indicates to his teammates that the angle was taking it down the leg side. |
| 30.1 : M Wood to Elgar, Bouncer to start the over with. Elgar ducks under it. |
| 30.2 : M Wood to Elgar, Back of a length on off, Elgar hangs back and blocks it. |
| 30.3 : M Wood to Elgar, Shortish delivery, angling in from outside off. Elgar pulls it behind square on the leg side for a run. |
| 30.4 : M Wood to Duminy, FOUR! Beautiful! Wood bowls this one full outside off, Duminy is quick to transfer his weight on the front foot and creams it through covers. The timing is spot on and the ball whistles away to the fence. |
| 30.5 : M Wood to JP Duminy, Back of a length delivery on off, JP is squared up a touch as he plays it to gully. |
| Three slips and a gully in place. Root is attacking a bit here. |
| 30.6 : M Wood to Duminy, That could have easily shattered the stumps! Shortish delivery around off, Duminy goes for a big pull but gets a thick inside edge onto his right boot. The ball just rolls past the off stump. Close shave that. |
| Moeen Ali is back on. |
| 31.1 : M Ali to Elgar, Drifting in to Elgar. He looks to defend but gets it off the inner half past short leg. |
| 31.2 : M Ali to Elgar, Floated in line of the stumps, pushed back down the track. |
| 31.3 : M Ali to D Elgar, This is good bowling from Ali! Gets this one to come in with the arm. Elgar prods forward to defend it but gets it off the inside edge. The ball carries on the bounce to the short leg fielder. |
| 31.4 : M Ali to Elgar, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 31.5 : M Ali to Elgar, Loopy delivery on off, patted to covers. |
| 31.6 : M Ali to Elgar, Flighted delivery, Elgar prods forward and keeps it out. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 2! |
| Both the sides will be happy with the second session. England started off well with the wicket of Heino Kuhn. Their spinners Liam Dawson and Moeen Ali got some good purchase off the surface, with the latter picking the all-important wicket of Hashim Amla. They have been disciplined with their lines and lengths and would want to continue the same after the break. |
| South Africa on the other hand, have added 86 runs in this session. Amla and Elgar steadied the ship with a 72-run partnership before the former had to depart. Duminy has looked good after coming out. The visitors would want a big partnership from these two. Join us for the final session in a while. |
| ...Day 2, Session 3... |
| We are back for the final session. Dean Elgar and JP Duminy to continue their innings. 37 overs are left in the day. Stuart Broad to start the proceedings after Tea. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go... |
| 32.1 : S Broad to Duminy, Starts off on a length outside off, Duminy lets it through to the keeper. |
| 32.2 : S Broad to Duminy, Drifts on the pads, Duminy flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. First runs after tea. |
| 32.3 : S Broad to Duminy, Good length on off, JP defends it off the front foot to gully. |
| 32.4 : S Broad to JP Duminy, A tad fuller, nips away after pitching. Duminy pokes at it and gets an outside edge which falls just short of third slip. The slip cordon has moved in closer due to the slowness of the surface. |
| 32.5 : S Broad to Duminy, Back of a length outside off, Duminy opens the face of the bat and plays it to point. |
| 32.6 : S Broad to Duminy, Lands it on a length on off, Duminy defends it off the front foot. A tidy first over after Tea. |
| Moeen Ali to continue from the other end. |
| 33.1 : M Ali to Elgar, Tosses it up on leg stump, Elgar tries to flick it but misses and is struck on the pads. |
| 33.2 : M Ali to Elgar, OUT! That's his 100th Test wicket. Earlier in the day, he also completed 2000 Test runs. Terrific bowling by him to see the back of the Protea skipper. Ali floats it on off stump and it skids on with the arm. Elgar tries to defend it but gets it off the inside edge to Ballance at short leg who takes a good catch. Ali gets his second. Elgar is walking back after a good knock. South Africa are in a bit of a bother here. They need to build a partnership. |
| Temba Bavuma is the new man in. A slip, short leg and short mid-wicket in place for him. |
| 33.3 : M Ali to Bavuma, Flights it outside off, turns in sharply. Bavuma tries to drive it through the off side but gets an inside edge onto the boots and the ball rolls to the leg side. |
| 33.4 : M Ali to T Bavuma, Loopy ball outside off, Bavuma tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 33.5 : M Ali to Bavuma, Drags his length back outside off, turns in sharply. Bavuma flicks it off the back foot through backward square leg for a run. |
| 33.6 : M Ali to Duminy, FOUR! Good shot! Flights it on off, Duminy goes down on one knee and paddles it through short fine. Wood makes good ground to his left but misfields and concedes a boundary. |
| 34.1 : S Broad to Bavuma, Length outside off, Bavuma lets it through to the keeper. |
| 34.2 : S Broad to Bavuma, Good length outside off, Bavuma shoulders his arms to it. |
| 34.3 : S Broad to Bavuma, A tad fuller and on the stumps this time, Bavuma defends it off the front foot to point. |
| 34.4 : S Broad to Bavuma, Lands it on a length, Bavuma prods forward and defends it carefully. |
| 34.5 : S Broad to Bavuma, Just ahead of a length outside off, tailing back in. Bavuma does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 34.6 : S Broad to Bavuma, Closer to the off stump this time, Bavuma leaves it watchfully. A maiden by Broad. |
| 35.1 : M Ali to Duminy, Tosses it on middle, goes on with the arm. Duminy defends it off the front foot. |
| 35.2 : M Ali to Duminy, Flatter on off, skids through with the arm, Duminy manages to get his bat down in time and the ball rolls to cover. |
| 35.3 : M Ali to Duminy, Flatter delivery on middle, Duminy looks to defend it but gets an inside edge towards short leg. |
| 35.4 : M Ali to Duminy, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 35.5 : M Ali to JP Duminy, Full ball on off, Duminy drives it beautifully to mid off. |
| 35.6 : M Ali to Duminy, Quicker outside off, Duminy plays it late through short third man for a run. |
| 36.1 : S Broad to Duminy, Good length on off, Duminy punches it off the back foot to covers. |
| 36.2 : S Broad to Duminy, OUT! Broad strikes! That was absolutely plumb. He bowls a fuller length delivery around off and gets it to tail back in a touch. Duminy tries to defend it off the front foot but misses and is rapped on the front pad. They all go up and the umpire raises his finger immediately. He has a chat with Bavuma but decides not to review it. Duminy knew he was a goner as soon as the ball hit his pads. They are in deep trouble here. They need 155 runs more to avoid the follow-on. |
| Theunis de Bruyn comes out to bat. |
| 36.3 : S Broad to Bruyn, Length on middle, de Bruyn defends it off the back foot. |
| 36.4 : S Broad to Bruyn, Good length angling into the batsman, de Bruyn tries to defend it but gets it off the inner half to short mid-wicket. |
| 36.5 : S Broad to Bruyn, Drifts on the pads, de Bruyn works it on the leg side for a run. |
| 36.6 : S Broad to T Bavuma, That stayed low! Bavuma did well to get bat on that or he was a gonner. Broad bowls it on a length on middle, Bavuma defends it off the toe end and the ball rolls to the slip region. |
| 37.1 : M Ali to Bruyn, Flatter on off, de Bruyn defends it off the back foot. |
| 37.2 : M Ali to Bruyn, Tosses it up on off, de Bruyn defends it off the front foot. |
| 37.3 : M Ali to Bruyn, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 37.4 : Ali to Bruyn, BEATEN! Good bowling here. Bowls an arm ball outside off, the batsman plays for the spin but is beaten on the outside edge. |
| 37.5 : M Ali to Bruyn, Loopy ball on off, de Bruyn sweeps it through square leg for a run. |
| 37.6 : M Ali to Bavuma, Floats it on off, Bavuma goes down on one knee and sweeps it through the leg side for a run. |
| 38.1 : S Broad to Bavuma, A tad fuller tailing back in, Bavuma drives it to mid on. |
| 38.2 : S Broad to Bavuma, Good bowling from Broad. Persisting with the stump to stump line. Fullish length on middle, Bavuma defends it off the front foot. |
| 38.3 : S Broad to Bavuma, Goes a touch wider on the crease this time and bowls it outside off, Bavuma shoulders his arms to it. |
| 38.4 : S Broad to Bavuma, Length ball angling into the batsman, Bavuma nudges it to mid-wicket. |
| 38.5 : S Broad to Bavuma, Back of a length on middle, Bavuma defends it off the back foot. |
| 38.6 : S Broad to Bavuma,The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 39.1 : M Ali to Bruyn, flights it on off, gets sharp turn. de Bruyn tries to defend it off the back foot but is struck high on the thigh pads. There is muted appeal but that was too high. |
| 39.2 : M Ali to Bruyn, How has that missed the leg stump? Tosses it up outside off, de Bruyn shuffles across and tries to defend it off the back foot. The ball grips and turns and goes just over the leg stump. The ball rolls through short fine leg and the batsman run two byes. |
| 39.3 : M Ali to Bruyn, Flatter on off, de Bruyn defends it off the back foot. |
| The fielder moves fractionally in front of square on the leg side. |
| 39.4 : M Ali to Bruyn, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 39.5 : M Ali to Bruyn, Quicker and skids on with the arm, de Bruyn defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 39.6 : M Ali to Bruyn, Flatter on off, does not turn that much. The batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 40.1 : S Broad to Bavuma, FOUR! POOR LINE! Drifts on the pads, Bavuma helps it down to the fine leg fence for a boundary. A much needed boundary for South Africa. |
| 40.2 : S Broad to Bavuma, Good length outside off, Bavuma lets it through to the keeper. |
| 40.3 : S Broad to Bavuma, Bangs it in short outside off, Bavuma tries to pull but gets beaten. There is a stifled appeal by the keeper but nothing from the umpire. |
| 40.4 : S Broad to Bavuma, Full ball angling in, Bavuma drives it to the right of short mid on who dives and half stopes it. The fielder at wide mid on over runs it and concedes a run. |
| 40.5 : S Broad to Bruyn, Lands it on a length outside off, de Bruyn plays it with soft hands towards cover for a run. |
| 40.6 : S Broad to Bavuma, Bowls it on a length on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 41.1 : M Ali to Bruyn, FOUR! That is one way to relase the pressure. Loopy ball outside off, de Bruyn comes down the track and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. |
| 41.2 : M Ali to Bruyn, Drags his length back a little outside off, de Bruyn tries to cut it but the ball turns in and goes off the inside edge on the off side. |
| 41.3 : M Ali to Bruyn, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 41.4 : M Ali to Bruyn, Flatter outside off, de Bruyn tries to defend it off the back foot. The ball stays a touch low and he gets a bottom edge on the bounce to the keeper. |
| 41.5 : M Ali to Bruyn, Floats it outside off, goes on with the arm. De Bruyn defends it off the back foot. He is staying back to most of the balls he is facing. |
| 41.6 : M Ali to Bruyn, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| James Anderson is back into the attack. Silly mid on in position for him. |
| 42.1 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Back of a length outside off, Bavuma pushes it to the vacant cover area for a run. |
| 42.2 : J Anderson to Bruyn, A tad full on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 42.3 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Good length outside off, de Bruyn defends it off the back foot to the leg side. |
| 42.4 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Replica of the last ball, de Bruyn plays it to short mid on. |
| 42.5 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Lands it on a length outside off, de Bruyn punches it to point. |
| 42.6 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Bowled outside off, de Bruyn punches it off the back foot through covers for a couple. |
| 43.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, Tosses up outside off, does not turn. Bavuma defends it off the back foot. |
| 43.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, Floats it outside off, Bavuma defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 43.3 : M Ali to Bavuma, Loopy ball on off, Bavuma pushes it to mid off. |
| 43.4 : M Ali to Bavuma, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 43.5 : M Ali to Bavuma, Full ball outside off, Bavuma shuffles across and drives it to mid off. |
| 43.6 : M Ali to Bavuma, Plays it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 44.1 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Full and angling into the pads, the batsman flicks it through square leg for a couple. |
| 44.2 : J Anderson to Bruyn, FOUR! Nicely timed! Full on the pads, de Bruyn flicks it through mid-wicket. Wood from mid on gives chase but the ball was running down the slope and he had no chance to cut it off. A boundary there. |
| 44.3 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Length ball on middle, de Bruyn defends it off the front foot. |
| 44.4 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Good length angling into the batsman who pushes it to silly mid on. |
| 44.5 : J Anderson to Bruyn, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 44.6 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Back of a length outside off, de Bruyn plays it with soft hands to cover-point. He wants a run but is sent back by Bavuma. |
| 45.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, Tosses it up on off, Bavuma defends it off the front foot. |
| 45.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, FOUR! Big shot from the little man. Ali floats it up on off, Bavuma comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary. |
| 45.3 : M Ali to Bavuma, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 45.4 : M Ali to Bavuma, FOUR! Drags his length back a little, Bavuma rocks back and whips it through mid-wicket and the ball races away to the fence. Second boundary of the over. |
| 45.5 : M Ali to T Bavuma, Short ball, turning in. Bavuma pulls it to mid-wicket. |
| 45.6 : M Ali to Bavuma, Loopy ball outside off, goes on with the arm. Bavuma tries to drive but misses. The ball hits the keeper low on the pads and rolls to Cook at leg gully. He scores a direct hit at the striker's end but no harm done. |
| Liam Dawson is called back for a bowl. |
| 46.1 : L Dawson to Bruyn, FOUR! A loosener first up. Short and on the pads. De bruyn whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 46.2 : L Dawson to Bruyn, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 46.3 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Flatter on middle, de Bruyn defends it off the back foot. |
| 46.4 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Smart shot! Tosses it up on leg stump, de Bruyn paddles it through short fine leg for three runs. |
| 46.5 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Floated it on middle, Bavuma defends it watchfully. |
| 46.6 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Full and quicker on leg stump, Bavuma paddles it to fine leg for a couple. |
| Ben Stokes comes back into the attack. |
| 47.1 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, Length ball outside off, the batsman plays it to point. |
| 47.2 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, Some away swing there! Length ball outside off, de Bruyn pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 47.3 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, Full and wide outside off, de Bruyn lets it through to the keeper. |
| 47.4 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, Angles it on the pads, de Bruyn flicks it to the left of mid-wicket for a run. |
| 47.5 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Length outside off, Bavuma shoulders arms to it. |
| 47.6 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, A tad fuller on off, Bavuma pushes it back to the bowler who stops it with his feet. |
| 48.1 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Tosses it up on middle, de Bruyn defends it off the front foot. |
| 48.2 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Loopy ball outside off, turns a little. De Bruyn watches it through to the keeper. |
| 48.3 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Flatter on off, de Bruyn defends it off the back foot. He should have been playing ahead to that one. |
| 48.4 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Quicker and skids on with the arm, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 48.5 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Drags his length back a touch, de Bruyn punches it to mid on off the back foot. |
| 48.6 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Full ball on middle, de Bruyn drives it back to the bowler. A maiden by Dawson. |
| 49.1 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Length on off, Bavuma defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 49.2 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Good length outside off, Bavuma does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 49.3 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, FOUR Sloppy from Keaton! Full and outside off, Bavuma drives to the left of Jennings at covers. He dives over the ball and the ball goes under him and races away to the fence. |
| 49.4 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 49.5 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, A well-directed bouncer, Bavuma does well to evade it. |
| 49.6 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Good length outside off, Bavuma lets it through to the keeper. |
| 50.1 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Tosses it up on off, the batsman drives it to covers. |
| 50.2 : L Dawson to de Bruyn, Flatter on middle, de Bruyn punches it towards mid on for a run. |
| 50.3 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Loopy ball on the stumps, Bavuma defends it off the front foot. |
| 50.4 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Arm ball on off, Bavuma defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 50.5 : L Dawson to T Bavuma, Flatter outside off, gets a little away turn. Bavuma dabs it to gully. He wants a single but is sent back by his partner. |
| 50.6 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Bowled on off, skids in with the arm. Bavuma defends it off the front foot. |
| Drinks break. |
| 51.1 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, Good length delivery outside off, punched crisply off the back foot to short cover. |
| 51.2 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, Angling into the hips this time, de Bruyn looks to tuck it across but the ball brushes his pads and goes behind square on the leg side. A leg bye taken. |
| 51.3 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Full length delivery outside off, driven sweetly to covers. |
| 51.4 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, On a driving length outside off and invites Temba for an expansive drive. He resists the temptation. |
| 51.5 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, FOUR! Elegant! Fractionally overpitched outside off, Bavuma leans into it and strokes it exquisitely through cover-point. Timing is spot on and the ball whistles away to the fence. |
| 51.6 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, In the channel outside off, Temba doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 52.1 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Floats it outside off, de Bruyn sweeps it through square leg for a couple. The fielder makes good ground to his left and dives and stops the ball from going for a boundary. |
| 52.2 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Drags his length back a little, de Bruyn punches it to mid off. |
| 52.3 : L Dawson to Bruyn, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 52.4 : L Dawson to de Bruyn, Loopy ball, turns away a little. De Bruyn tries to defend it but gets an outside edge and the ball rolls on the off side. |
| 52.5 : L Dawson to de Bruyn, Good stop by Root. De Bruyn comes down the track and belts it to the left of mid on. Root dives and stops it and does not concede a run. The captain is leading by example here. |
| 52.6 : L Dawson to Bruyn, FOUR! Good use of the feet. Flights it on off, de Bruyn comes down the track and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. These two are ticking along well here. |
| Temba Bavuma is having a bit of an issue with his boot. So a slight halt. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is also getting a little attention from the physio. |
| 53.1 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, A tad fuller outside off, Bavuma pushes it through cover-point for a run. |
| 53.2 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, Full and wide outside off, the batsman reaches out to it and drives it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 53.3 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Good length on off, Bavuma defends it off the back foot. |
| 53.4 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Lands it on a length on off, Bavuma plays it to point. He sets off for a run but then refuses it. |
| 53.5 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, FOUR! Uppish but safe. Short and wide outside off, Bavuma cuts it uppishly past gully for a boundary. |
| 53.6 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Wide outside off, Bavuma lets it through to the keeper. |
| Mark Wood comes back to bowl. |
| There is an LBW appeal against Theunis de Bruyn. Seems close to the naked eye. |
| 54.1 : M Wood to Bruyn, NOT OUT! England have lost a review. It was mighty close there. Full ball and tailing in on leg stump, de Bruyn tries to flick it but misses and is rapped on the pads. Mark Wood tumbles in his follow through but still appeals. The umpire gives it not out. After a chat Root decides to review. They go upstairs. Replays show the front foot is fine. There is no inside edge. The impact is in line but it is just clipping the stumps. The umpire's call stays. DE Bruyn survives. Y |
| 54.2 : M Wood to Bavuma, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 54.3 : M Wood to Bavuma, Bouncer on middle, Bavuma goes for the hook but misses. |
| 54.4 : M Wood to Bavuma, Back of a length on off, Bavuma punches it off the back foot to the off side. |
| 54.5 : M Wood to Bavuma, Length ball outside off, Bavuma plays it to point. |
| 54.6 : M Wood to Bavuma, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 55.1 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Drifts down the leg side, de Bruyn flicks it to the fine leg fence for a boundary. |
| 55.2 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, Angles it into the pads, de Bruyn plays it on the leg side for a run. |
| 55.3 : Ben Stokes to T Bavuma, Full and wide outside off, Bavuma drives it through covers for a run. |
| 55.4 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, Length outside off, de Bruyn shoulders his arms to it. |
| 55.5 : Ben Stokes to Bruyn, A tad shorter on middle, de Bruyn pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 55.6 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Bavuma cuts it through backward point for a boundary. 11 runs from the over. |
| 56.1 : M Wood to Bruyn, Back of a length on off, de Bruyn defends it off the back foot. |
| 56.2 : M Wood to Bruyn, A tad shorter on middle, de Bruyn gets it off the inner half through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 56.3 : M Wood to de Bruyn, Short again on middle, de Bruyn pulls it to square leg for a run. |
| 56.4 : M Wood to Bavuma, Shortish in length, Bavuma plays it to covers. |
| 56.5 : M Wood to Bavuma, A tad fuller outside off, Bavuma does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 56.6 : M Wood to Bavuma, Good length on off, Bavuma clips it through mid-wicket for a couple. Good running there by Bavuma. He is quick between the wickets. |
| James Anderson back into the attack. |
| 57.1 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Full and on the pads, de Bruyn flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 57.2 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Some aggression there from Jimmy. Full ball on the stumps, Bavuma drives it back to Anderson who collects the ball and throws it back towards the stumps. The ball hits Temba's boot and deflects onto the stumps. |
| 57.3 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Length on off, Bavuma defends it off the back foot. |
| 57.4 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Bowls it outside off stump, no need for the batsman to play at that. |
| 57.5 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Back of a length on off, Bavuma defends it off the back foot. |
| 57.6 : J Anderson to Bavuma, A tad fuller outside off, Bavuma drives it to point. |
| 58.1 : M Wood to Bruyn, Bouncer down the leg side, de Bruyn lets it through to the keeper. |
| 58.2 : M Wood to Bruyn, Full and down the leg side, de Bruyn tries to flick but misses. Bairstow parries it and the ball rolls to fine leg and they run two byes. |
| 58.3 : M Wood to Bruyn, Length on off, de Bruyn plays it with soft hands towards covers for a run. Cook has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. |
| 58.4 : M Wood to Bavuma, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 58.5 : M Wood to Bavuma, Almost an edge there! Short and wide outside off, Bavuma tries to cut but misses. |
| 58.6 : M Wood to Bavuma, Length ball on off, Bavuma defends it off the front foot. |
| 59.1 : J Anderson to Bruyn, A tad fuller, swinging away on off. The batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 59.2 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Lands it on a length on off, de Bruyn defends it off the front foot. |
| 59.3 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Good length on off, de Bruyn defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 59.4 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Back of a length angling into the batsman, de Bruyn punches it to mid on. |
| 59.5 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Good length delivery, de Bruyn pushes it to mid on off the back foot. |
| 59.6 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Full ball on middle, de Bruyn drives it to the bowler. |
| 60.1 : M Wood to Bavuma, Good length on off, Bavuma punches it off the back foot to point. |
| 60.2 : M Wood to Bavuma, Angles it into the batsman, Bavuma pushes it to mid on. |
| 60.3 : M Wood to Bavuma, Length ball outside off, got some swing away from the batsman. Bavuma does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 60.4 : M Wood to T Bavuma, Bangs it in short on leg stump, Bavum swivels and pulls it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 60.5 : M Wood to de Bruyn, FOUR! Stand and deliver! A tad short on middle, picks the length up early and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 60.6 : M Wood to Bruyn, Back of a length on off, de Bruyn pushes it to mid on. |
| 61.1 : J Anderson to Bavuma, A tad fuller outside off, Bavuma walks across and drives it to mid off. |
| 61.2 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Lands it on a length on off, Bavuma defends it off the front foot. |
| 61.3 : J Anderson to Bavuma, That was well-timed but was well-fielded. Full on the pads, Bavuma flicks it to mid-wicket who dives to his left and stops it. |
| 61.4 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Length ball on off, Bavuma defends it off the back foot. |
| 61.5 : J Anderson to Bavuma, FOUR! Drifts it on the pads, Bavuma tickles it to the fine leg boundary. |
| 61.6 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Full on middle, Bavuma flicks it to mid on. |
| Stuart Broad is brought back into the attack. |
| 62.1 : S Broad to Bruyn, Well wide for the batsman to play a shot at it. |
| 62.2 : S Broad to Bruyn, Length outside off, de Bruyn slices it to backward point. Bavuma looks for a run but is rightly sent back and he makes it in safely to beat Stokes' throw. |
| 62.3 : S Broad to de Bruyn, A tad fuller on off, Bavuma drives it towards mid off for a run. |
| 62.4 : S Broad to Bavuma, Back of a length on off, Bavuma punches it off the back foot to mid off. |
| 62.5 : S Broad to Bavuma, Length outside off, Bavuma lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 62.6 : S Broad to Bavuma, Good length outside off, Bavuma guides it to point. Stokes fumbles and they run through for a single. 200 up for England. |
| 63.1 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Bowls it full, Bavuma walks across and flicks it towards mid on who dives and makes a good stop. |
| 63.2 : J Anderson to Bavuma, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 63.3 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Length ball outside off, Bavuma shuffles across his stumps and punches it to point. |
| 63.4 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Full ball outside off, drives it to covers. |
| 63.5 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Fuller length, tailing back in a touch on off, Bavuma drives it to mid off. |
| 63.6 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Almost outfoxed Bavuma! The batsman walks across his stumps. Anderson bowls a full ball aiming at the leg stump. Bavuma tries to flick it but misses and the ball also misses the leg stump by a whisker. |
| 64.1 : S Broad to Bruyn, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 64.2 : S Broad to Bruyn, Lands it on a length on off, de Bruyn defends it off the front foot. |
| 64.3 : S Broad to Bruyn, A tad fuller on off, de Bruyn drives it towards covers and run a single. |
| 64.4 : S Broad to Bavuma, Good length outside off, Bavuma gets it off the outer half down to third man for a couple. |
| 64.5 : S Broad to Bavuma, Back of a length on off, Bavuma plays it off the back foot. |
| 64.6 : S Broad to Bavuma, OUCH! Short ball on middle, Bavuma shuffles across and tries to pull it but misses and is struck on the stomach. Broad comes running in and tries to kick the ball on the stumps but hits Bavuma. |
| 65.1 : J Anderson to Bruyn, Full ball on off, de Bruyn drives it back to Anderson. |
| 65.2 : Anderson to Bruyn, OUT! Anderson strikes. He breaks the 99-run stand. What a time to get the breakthrough. Just before the close of play. Length ball on off, seams away after pitching. De Bruyn tires to push at it but gets an outside edge to Bairstow who makes no mistake. They all go up in an appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Anderson gets his first wicket. Theunis de Bruyn misses out on his maiden Test fifty. |
| Kagiso Rabada is the new man in. He has been sent in as a nightwatchman. Can Anderson get through his defense? |
| 65.3 : J Anderson to Rabada, Good length outside off, Rabada defends it off the back foot. |
| 65.4 : J Anderson to Rabada, Lands it on a length on off, Rabada defends it off the back foot. |
| 65.5 : J Anderson to Rabada, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 65.6 : J Anderson to Rabada, Just ahead of a length outside off, Rabada lets it through to the keeper. |
| 66.1 : S Broad to Bavuma, Bouncer on middle, Bavuma pulls it through square leg for a run. That brings the nightwatchman on strike, |
| 66.2 : S Broad to Rabada, Comes around the wicket, angles it into the batsman. Rabada defends it off the front foot. |
| 66.3 : S Broad to Rabada, Full ball on middle, Rabada drives it back to the bowler. |
| 66.4 : S Broad to Rabada, Full ball tailing back in on middle, Rabada pushes it to mid on. He wanted a run but was sent back by Bavuma. |
| 66.5 : S Broad to Rabada, Shorter in length on off, Rabada defends it off the back foot. |
| 66.6 : S Broad to K Rabada, FOUR! TOP SHOT! A tad fuller outside off, Rabada drives it through covers for a boundary. That came right from the middle of the bat. The ball boy throws it back immediately so that England can get in one more over. |
| Moeen Ali to bowl the last over of the day. Can he give his side another breakthrough? |
| 67.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, Loopy ball outside off, Bavuma lets it through to the keeper. |
| 67.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, Drags his length back a little, Bavuma pushes it down to mid on for a run. Rabada has four balls to play now. |
| Silly point in place now. |
| 67.3 : M Ali to Rabada, Tosses it on off, Rabada drives it to covers. |
| 67.4 : M Ali to Rabada, Flatter on off, Rabada defends it off the back foot. |
| 67.5 : M Ali to K Rabada, FIVE RUNS! Flighted on middle, Rabada clips it towards mid-wicket against the turn and sets off for a run. Broad takes a shy at the non-striker's end but misses by a long way. It was a wild throw from him. Joe Root who was backing up had no chance to stop it and the ball races to the cover boundary. That was needless from Broad. Replays show even if he had hit Rabada was in. |
| 67.6 : M Ali to Bavuma, He plays out the last ball with authority. Tosses it up on off, Bavuma defends it off the front foot. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 2. |
| A crucial breakthrough at the fag end of the day has given England the upper hand in the contest once again. Theunis de Bruyn and Temba Bavuma had battled it out and were determined to keep going but Anderson nipped out the former with a beauty. Nonetheless, the 99-run stand between the duo has given some sort of momentum to the visitors. It all started with their skipper, Dean Elgar gritting his way out along with good support from Amla. However, the guile of Moeen Ali got rid of them. |
| The English bowlers kept on trying hard all day long and kept nagging the batsmen with probing lines and lengths. Broad used the corridor of uncertainty to good effect and got rewarded with two wickets. The visitors still need 45 runs to avoid the follow-on and have five wickets in hand. Their first aim should be to go past that and take it from there. Bavuma is going strong and the away side will bank on him and de Kock to take their side to safe harbors. |
| Earlier in the day, the home side added 101 runs quickly in the first session to give their bowlers a good platform. On the other hand, the tourists were good in patches and will strive to perform better tomorrow. The track is getting slower and lower and the spinners will come more into play. Can the hosts run through the lower order in a jiffy or will the Proteas make an inspirational fightback? Join us for all the action on Day 3 at 1100 local (1000 GMT). It promises to be an eventful day of |
| ...Day 3, Session 1... |
| Hello and welcome to the 3rd day of the 1st Test between England and South Africa at Lord's. England will be the happier of the two sides. They were disciplined with the ball and kept chipping away at the wickets. Moeen Ali and Liam Dawson got good purchase from the wicket which will dry up more as the match progresses. They would want to continue their good work today and bowl the visitors out as quick as possible. |
| South Africa on the other hand, found run scoring difficult. They were in a spot of bother before Bavuma and de Bruyn steadied the ship. They need to apply themselves and if not overcome, then get close to the English side's total. Let's find out if they can surge a fightback. We are in for an exciting day of cricket. |
| Some more issues to ponder upon for South Africa as it was announced yesterday evening that Kagiso Rabada has been suspended for the next Test in Trent Bridge after accumulating 4 demerit points within a 24-month period for using inappropriate language to Ben Stokes on the 1st day at Lord's. |
| We are ready to get underway. Mark Wood will will start the proceedings. He has two slips in place. Rabada who came in as the nightwatchman and Bavuma will continue their innings. |
| 68.1 : M Wood to Rabada, Starts off with a fuller length delivery outside off, angling in a touch. Rabada covers his off pole and lets it go. Another example of the wicket staying low as the ball does not carry to the keeper. |
| 68.2 : M Wood to Rabada, Length delivery angling in from outside off, stays low again. Rabada hangs back and keeps it out. |
| Third slip in place. Joe Root is on the attack. |
| 68.3 : M Wood to Rabada, Short of a length delivery, rising on Kagiso. He hops back and blocks it. |
| 68.4 : M Wood to Rabada, First runs of the day! Fuller length ball outside off, Rabada leans into it and strokes it sweetly through covers. Picks up two runs to his name. |
| 68.5 : M Wood to Rabada, Well bowled! Good length delivery on off, zipping through the pitch. Rabada gets surprised a touch and plays it off the outer half to gully. |
| 68.6 : M Wood to Rabada, Straying on the hips, Kagiso nudges it around the corner for a run and he will retain the strike. |
| Ben Stokes to bowl from the other end. He has two slips and a gully in place. |
| 69.1 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, Full length delivery, tailing in sharply to Kagiso. He looks to play it through but misses to get rapped on the pads. |
| 69.2 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, Beautifully bowled! Yorker and it shapes in sharply. Rabada looks to keep it out but is pinged on the boot. That's the perfect definition of a toe-crushing yorker. |
| 69.3 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, That was a risky leave! On a length outside off, angling in substantially. Rabada leaves it alone as the ball whizzes past the off stump. |
| 69.4 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, Fullish delivery on off, Kagiso pushes at it with hard hands but gets it off the inner half back to the bowler. |
| 69.5 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, Back of a length delivery around off, good bounce on that. The southpaw camps back and plays it with an angled bat towards second slip. |
| 69.6 : Ben Stokes to K Rabada, Stokes keeps it fullish again, Rabada again goes at it with hard hands and mistimes it to back to the bowler. A good over from Stokes. |
| 70.1 : M Wood to T Bavuma, Fuller in length and tailing in from outside off, driven crisply to mid on. |
| 70.2 : M Wood to Bavuma, Wood is getting good shape! Gets it to curl back into Temba. He pushes it to mid on again. |
| 70.3 : M Wood to Bavuma, That stayed really low! Wood bowls this one on a good length well outside off, Bavuma points his bat skywards and lets it through. That died down before reaching to the keeper. |
| 70.4 : M Wood to Bavuma, On a length outside off, shapes away a touch. Temba doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 70.5 : M Wood to Bavuma, Some reverse for Wood again. Tailing in on off, Bavuma jams it out to mid on. |
| 70.6 : M Wood to Bavuma, Stays back to the good length delivery and defends it to short cover. |
| 71.1 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, Fullish delivery around off, Rabada goes for a drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads. He needs to time those rather than going too hard at them. |
| 71.2 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, Similar length delivery outside off, the southpaw toe ends his drive to cover-point. |
| 71.3 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, Good length delivery outside off, Kagiso goes hard at it again and mistimes his punch to covers. |
| 71.4 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. No Ball signalled by the Umpire. |
| Ben Stokes to Rabada, Ooh.. that was nasty! Stokes steams in and bangs in a well-directed bouncer. Rabada take his eyes off the ball, looks to sway away but takes a blow on his right shoulder. That must have stung. |
| 71.5 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, FOUR! Shot! Stokes opts to bowl this one on a fuller length on off. Rabada leans into it and strokes it through mid on to find the fence. |
| 71.6 : Ben Stokes to Rabada, Similar length on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 72.1 : M Wood to Bavuma, Back of a length outside off, played with an open face to backward point. |
| 72.2 : M Wood to Bavuma, Angling into the southpaw, turned to wide mid on for a run. |
| 72.3 : M Wood to Rabada, On a length outside off, Kagiso allows it through. |
| A short leg in place for Rabada. |
| 72.4 : M Wood to Rabada, Another sharp bouncer. The English bowlers have been right on the money this morning. Rabada sways away from the line of the delivery awkwardly to evade it. |
| 72.5 : M Wood to Rabada, Shortish delivery in line of the stumps, Kagiso pulls it hesitantly to wide mid on for a run. |
| 72.6 : M Wood to Bavuma, Full length delivery around off, Bavuma puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 73.1 : Ben Stokes to K Rabada, Stokes comes over the wicket for the first time in the day and bowls it on a driving length outside off, Rabada creams it towards wide mid off. Ali runs to his right and keeps it down to a single. |
| 73.2 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, No ball! Length delivery on off, Temba covers the line and defends it stoutly. Stokes has overstepped once again. |
| Ben Stokes to Bavuma, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side. |
| 73.3 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, FOUR! Great way to reach his half century. Stokes bowls this one on a fuller length outside off, Bavuma drives it with an open face through cover-point and the ball whistles away to the fence. He came in at a difficult situation and hasn't disappointed. He needs to convert this into a big one. |
| 7th Test fifty for Temba Bavuma. |
| 73.4 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, In the channel outside off, left alone. |
| 73.5 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Stokes goes wide of the crease and angles in a fullish delivery on off. Bavuma with a still head defends it with authority. |
| 73.6 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Short delivery in line of the stumps, Temba goes hard at the pull and mistimes it to the leg side. They sneak in a single. |
| 74.1 : M Wood to Bavuma, Dug in short, Temba pulls it nicely to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 74.2 : M Wood to Rabada, Good length delivery on off, keeps low. Kagiso hangs deep in the crease and blocks it down the track. |
| 74.3 : M Wood to Rabada, Well bowled! Wood draws Rabada forward this time and gets it to go away with the angle. Rabada falls into the temptation to drive and gets beaten all ends up. |
| 74.4 : M Wood to Rabada, Back of a length delivery on middle, the southpaw hops and blocks it towards short leg. |
| 74.5 : M Wood to Rabada, Similar length ball on off, defended solidly off the back foot. |
| 74.6 : M Wood to Rabada, FOUR! That's a gift and gleefully accepted! High full toss on off, Rabada just puts bat on ball and gets it past the right side of the point fielder. He hares after it but fails to prevent the boundary. |
| Time for spin. Moeen Ali comes into the attack. |
| 75.1 : Ali to T Bavuma, What a vicious delivery from Ali. Tosses it up nicely outside off, Bavuma hangs back and looks to defend it but gets foxed by the extra bounce. It hits him on the gloves and lobs past the right side of Gary Ballance at short leg. A run taken. |
| 75.2 : M Ali to Rabada, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| A second slip in place for Moeen Ali. |
| 75.3 : M Ali to Rabada, Floated on off, Rabada drills it back towards Ali. He crouches and gets a hand to it. Parries it to mid on fielder. |
| 75.4 : M Ali to Rabada, Loopy ball on off, Kagiso lunges forward in defense. |
| 75.5 : M Ali to Rabada, Good fielding! Tossed up on off, Rabada smashes it towards mid on who dives to his right and saves a certain boundary. |
| 75.6 : M Ali to Rabada, A bit flatter this time, the southpaw keeps it out. |
| 76.1 : M Wood to Bavuma, Fuller length ball on off, Temba puts his head down and defends it calmly. |
| 76.2 : M Wood to T Bavuma, Back of a length delivery outside off, Temba cuts it towards Dawson at cover-point. He dives to his left and takes pace off the ball. A run taken. |
| 76.3 : M Wood to Rabada, Short of a length on off, Kagiso stays back and defends it stoutly. |
| Third slip comes in place for Rabada. |
| 76.4 : M Wood to Rabada, Length delivery slanting across the southpaw. He pushes at it with minimal feet movement and gets beaten. |
| 76.5 : M Wood to Rabada, Wood once again angles this away from Kagiso and bowls it on a driving length. The southapaw is drawn into it and gets foxed. Good thinking by the quickie. He is bringing the slips into play. |
| 76.6 : M Wood to Rabada, Similar length outside off, Kagiso doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 77.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, Bowls this one slow through the air outside off, Bavuma shuffles across and lets it go through safely. |
| 77.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, The right-hander hangs back and works it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 77.3 : M Ali to Rabada, Drifting into Rabada. He offers a straight bat in defense. |
| 77.4 : M Ali to Rabada, That almost zipped through! Quicker delivery on off, Rabada is late at it but gets it off the bottom half of the bat down the track. |
| 77.5 : M Ali to Rabada, FOUR! Not where he intended but he will take it. Tossed up in line of the stumps, Rabada uses his feet and tries to go over mid on. Ends up getting it from the inner half of the bat and over mid-wicket. A boundary results. |
| 77.6 : M Ali to Rabada, Fullish delivery, eased to mid off for a single. |
| Liam Dawson brought into the attack. |
| 78.1 : L Dawson to Rabada, Floated on off, Rabada lunges forward in defense. |
| 78.2 : L Dawson to Rabada, OUT! The bowling change has done the trick! Dawson gets his first wicket. He tosses this one outside off, Rabada hangs deep in the crease and plays for the turn. However, the ball goes straight on and takes the outside edge of Rabada's bat. Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps is sharp as a hawk and grabs a brilliant catch. Kagiso departs but he has done his job. South Africa still need 15 runs to avoid the follow-on. |
| Quinton de Kock comes out to bat. |
| 78.3 : L Dawson to Kock, De Kock stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 78.4 : L Dawson to Kock, A bit short outside off, Quinton hangs back and punches it wide of point. They come back for the couple as the fielder hares after it. There is a bit of hesitation for the third run but they manage to come back for it. De Kock is off the mark. |
| 78.5 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Bavuma turns this fullish delivery to mid-wicket to rotate strike. |
| 78.6 : L Dawson to Kock, Floated around off, tapped gently to covers. End of a successful over for the home side. |
| 79.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, Floated on off, Bavuma hangs back and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 79.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, Loopy delivery around, Bavuma leans forward and defends it solidly. |
| 79.3 : M Ali to Bavuma, Slow through the air on off, patted back to the bowler. |
| 79.4 : M Ali to Bavuma, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 79.5 : M Ali to Bavuma, Full outside off, driven to cover-point. |
| 79.6 : M Ali to T Bavuma, OUT! Brilliant bowling from Ali and he gets the reward! This is his third wicket and thoroughly well-deserved. He floats this one nicely outside off, it holds its line. Bavuma plays for the spin but gets foxed. Ends up getting a thick outside edge. The ball clips the thigh of Bairstow and deviates straight to Ben Stokes. The big man is alert and pouches it safely. A courageous knock from Temba Bavuma comes to an end. South Africa's worries continue. |
| Vernon Philander comes out to bat. The second new ball is no available. |
| 80.1 : L Dawson to de Kock, FOUR! Shot! Shorter this time on middle and leg, de Kock pulls it through square leg to find the fence. England need to be careful here. |
| 80.2 : L Dawson to Kock, De Kock stays back and punches this one to mid off. |
| 80.3 : L Dawson to Kock, Quinton waits for this one to turn into him and works it around the corner. A run taken. |
| 80.4 : L Dawson to Philander, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 80.5 : L Dawson to Philander, A bit flatter on middle and leg, defended towards short leg. |
| 80.6 : L Dawson to Philander, Drifting into Philander. He defends it tentatively. |
| 81.1 : M Ali to Kock, FOUR! Well played! He is a dangerous player and accumulates his runs at a brisk pace. A bit shorter on off, turning away. De Kock rocks back and punches it through covers for an elegant boundary. |
| 81.2 : M Ali to Kock, Quinton takes a couple of steps down the track and turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 81.3 : M Ali to Kock, Floated on off, pushed back to Ali. |
| 81.4 : M Ali to Kock, De Kock takes a couple of steps down the track and strokes it through mid on for a run. |
| 81.5 : M Ali to Philander, A bit short, turning into Philander. He stays back and defends it solidly. |
| 81.6 : M Ali to Philander, Once again hangs deep inside the crease and keeps it out. South Africa need one more run to avoid the follow-on. |
| The second new ball has been taken. |
| James Anderson is into the attack. |
| 82.1 : J Anderson to Kock, Starts off with a fullish delivery slanting down the leg side, de Kock helps it to fine leg for a single. South Africa manage to avoid the follow-on |
| 82.2 : J Anderson to Philander, It's a brand new ball and it doesn't bounce at all. That will tell you the story. Bowls this one outside off, stays extremely low and seams away. Philander doesn't bother playing at it. |
| 82.3 : J Anderson to Philander, That's a peach! Good length delivery around off, seams away substantially after landing. Philander has no choice but to play at it and is beaten comprehensively. |
| 82.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Length delivery on off, Vernon defends it solidly this time. |
| 82.5 : J Anderson to Philander, Another beauty of a delivery! Hurls this one in the off stump channel, Philander feels for it but is foxed completely. |
| 82.6 : J Anderson to V Philander, Similar length on off, Philander pushes at it but gets it off the outer half to gully. |
| Time for Drinks. A good first hour for the home side. They have been right on the money and have troubled the visitors. Moeen Ali has been the pick of the bowlers for them. However, the good thing for the Proteas is that they have managed to avoid the follow-on. A gritty knock from the nightwatchman Rabada helped them keep the scoreboard ticking. Quinton de Kock has come out and is scoring runs with freedom. England will know how dangerous he can be and will be aiming to get rid of him quickly. |
| Stuart Broad comes back into the attack. Let's see how he fares with the second new ball. |
| 83.1 : S Broad to Kock, Comes around the wicket. Bowls it a tad short outside off. A loosener you can say. De Kock tries to pull it but the ball stays low and it goes under his bat. |
| 83.2 : S Broad to de Kock, Lands it on a length, de Kock tries to push at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 83.3 : S Broad to Kock, BEATEN! Gem of a ball there! Good length on off, nips away after pitching. De Kock pokes at it but gets beaten. He could so easily have edged that. |
| 83.4 : S Broad to Kock, FOUR! POOR LINE! Strays on the pads, de Kock flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 83.5 : S Broad to Kock, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries. A tad short outside off, de Kock cuts it through point for a boundary. He can score some quick runs here. |
| 83.6 : S Broad to Kock, FOUR! This one is even better. Three in a row. A tad fuller outside off, de Kock leans into it and drives it through backward point for a boundary. 12 from the over. |
| 84.1 : J Anderson to Philander, JAFFA! Fullish length on off, seaming away. Philander tries to drive it but gets beaten. |
| 84.2 : J Anderson to Philander, OUCH! Lands it on a length on off, jags back in a little. Philander tries to defend it off the front foot but is struck on the gloves due to the nasty bounce. He throws his bat away and looks in a bit of pain. There is a lot of uneven bounce on this wicket. |
| Philander is in pain and the physio attends to him. A blow to the hand does sting. The magic spray comes out. It is his bowling arm. Let's hope it is not serious. |
| 84.3 : J Anderson to Philander, FOUR! Errs in line, drifts it down the leg side. Philander flicks it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary. Not a good follow-up delivery. |
| 84.4 : J Anderson to Philander, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 84.5 : J Anderson to Philander, He is getting a lot of away movement. Good length ball on off, Philander gets it off the outer half to point. |
| 84.6 : J Anderson to Philander, Bowls it on the stumps, Philander flicks it to the right of mid on for a run. |
| 85.1 : S Broad to Philander, Good length on middle, the batsman pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 85.2 : S Broad to V Philander, FOUR! That was really well played. A tad short outside off, Philander guides it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 85.3 : S Broad to Philander, Fuller on middle, Philander defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 85.4 : S Broad to Philander, Fullish length, angling into the batsman. Philander gets it off the inner half through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 85.5 : S Broad to Philander, Just ahead of a length outside off, Philander leans into it and drives it to the right of point. Stokes dives and keeps it down to a single. |
| 85.6 : S Broad to Kock, Comes around the wicket. Angles it onto the pads. De Kock nudges it towards square leg for a run. |
| 86.1 : J Anderson to Kock, Good length on off, de Kock shuffles across and plays it with soft hands on the leg side for a run. |
| 86.2 : J Anderson to Philander, Drifts it down the leg side, Philander goes for a one-handed flick but misses. Bairstow dives to his left and fumbles but no run taken. |
| 86.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Some extra bounce again. Lands it on a length on middle, Philander takes his bottom hand off while defending it. |
| 86.4 : J Anderson to Philander, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 86.5 : J Anderson to Philander, Sprays on the pads, Vernon flicks it through square leg for a couple. |
| The umpires pass the ball through the 8-shaped gauge. However, it is fine to continue. |
| 86.6 : J Anderson to Philander, A tad fuller on off, Philander drives it to the right of mid off. The fielder dives and makes a half-stop and deflects it to mid on. De Kock wanted a run but was sent back by Philander. |
| 87.1 : Broad to Kock, STIFLED APPEAL! Fuller in length angling into the batsman, de Kock tries to flick it but gets an inside edge onto this pads. |
| 87.2 : S Broad to Kock, Full outside off, de Kock drives it through cover-point for a run. |
| 87.3 : S Broad to Philander, Lands it on a length on off, Philander defends it off the front foot. |
| 87.4 : S Broad to Philander, Good length on off, Philander defends it towards covers. |
| 87.5 : S Broad to Philander, Angles it into the pads, Vernon flicks it to fine leg for a run. |
| 87.6 : S Broad to Kock, Lands it on a length outside off, de Kock gets it off the inner half towards mid on and sets off for a run. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. A run completed. |
| 88.1 : J Anderson to de Kock, Length angling across the batsman, de Kock plays it to mid on. |
| 88.2 : J Anderson to Kock, Good length outside off, de Kock pushes it through point for a run. |
| 88.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 88.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Sprays on the pads, Philander flicks it nicely through square leg for a couple. |
| 88.5 : J Anderson to Philander, Lands it on a length on off, Philander defends it solidly. |
| 88.6 : J Anderson to Philander, Bowls it on a length outside off, Philander defends it off the front foot. |
| Joe Root and Ben Stokes get into a chat with Stuart Broad. It is important to get the fielders in the correct positions while bowling to Quinton de Kock. |
| 89.1 : S Broad to Kock, FOUR! Splits the gap to precision. Full and on the pads, de Kock flicks it between deep square leg and deep fine leg for a boundary. |
| 89.2 : S Broad to de Kock, A tad fuller outside off, de Kock tries to drive it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 89.3 : S Broad to Kock, FOUR! WOW! Top shot. Broad changes his angle. Comes over the wicket and bowls it full outside off. De Kock leans into it and drives it through mid off for a boundary. |
| 50-run stand between Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander. |
| 89.4 : S Broad to Kock, Length ball outside off, pushed to covers. |
| 89.5 : S Broad to Kock, FOUR! On the other side this time. Full on middle, de Kock flicks it through mid on for a boundary. Broad is proving to be a bit expensive today. |
| 89.6 : S Broad to Kock, Good length outside off, de Kock tries to cut it but gets beaten because of the low bounce. |
| 90.1 : J Anderson to Philander, A tad short outside off, Philander tries to pull but does not connect. |
| 90.2 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length on off, Philander defends it off the back foot. |
| 90.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Just ahead of a length, Philander defends it to mid off. |
| 90.4 : J Anderson to V Philander, Lands it on a length on off, jags back in a little. Philander tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 90.5 : J Anderson to Philander, Full ball on middle, Philander drives it to mid on. |
| 90.6 : J Anderson to Philander, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| Moeen Ali comes back into the attack. |
| 91.1 : M Ali to Kock, Tosses it up on leg stump, de Kock plays it to short leg. |
| 91.2 : M Ali to Kock, FOUR! Great use of the feet there. Moeen Ali gives it air on middle, de Kock comes down the track and lofts it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 91.3 : M Ali to Kock, Slower through the air, turns away from the batsman. De Kock tries to cut but gets beaten. There is a muted appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 91.4 : M Ali to Kock, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 91.5 : M Ali to Kock, Loopy ball outside off, de Kock drives it to cover. |
| 91.6 : M Ali to Kock, FOUR! Reaches to his fifty in style. Almost a replica of the boundary he scored previously in this over. Comes down the track and lofts it over mid-wicket and the ball races to the fence. It has been a superb innings by him and he knows he has to continue. |
| 10th Test fifty for Quinton de Kock. |
| 92.1 : J Anderson to Philander, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 92.2 : J Anderson to Philander, Angles it onto the pads, Philander misses the flick and the hits the pads and rolls towards square leg for a leg bye. |
| 92.3 : J Anderson to Kock, OUT! Superb catch. It had to be something special to get rid of him. A tad fuller angling away from the batsman. De Kock drives it uppishly towards cover-point where Ben Stokes dives to his right and takes a good low catch. That was good captaincy by Root. He had the right man at the right spot. De Kock walks back with a dejected look on his face. A big wicket for England He was looking very dangerous out there. South Africa still trail by 145. |
| Keshav Maharaj comes out to bat. |
| 92.4 : J Anderson to Maharaj, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 92.5 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Bangs it in short, Maharaj ducks under it. |
| 92.6 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Sprays on the pads, Maharaj tries to flick it but misses and the batsman is struck on the pads. |
| 93.1 : M Ali to Philander, Drags his length back outside off, Philander cuts it through covers for three. |
| 93.2 : M Ali to Maharaj, Flatter outside off, Maharaj tries to defend it but gets an outside edge through short third man for a run. |
| 93.3 : M Ali to Philander, Tosses it up on off, Philander defends it off the front foot. |
| 93.4 : M Ali to V Philander, A tad short outside off, Philander cuts it to point. |
| 93.5 : M Ali to Philander, Quicker outside off, turning back in. Philander tries to defend it but gets an outside edge on the bounce to slip. |
| 93.6 : M Ali to Philander, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 94.1 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Length ball outside off, Maharaj pushes it off the back foot through point for two. |
| 94.2 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Length ball on middle, Maharaj gets it off the inner half through square leg for a run. |
| 94.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Bangs it in short outside off, Philander tries to pull but misses. |
| 94.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Lands it on a length on off, Philander plays it with soft hands towards cover for a run. |
| 94.5 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Good length on off, Maharaj defends it off the front foot. Maharaj wanted a run but Philander sends him back. |
| 94.6 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Bowls it on a length on off, Maharaj taps it to covers and takes a run. THAT IS LUNCH ON DAY 3. |
| We have witnessed an eventful morning session of play at Lord's. South Africa have managed to score 109 runs in 27 overs for the loss of three wickets but the ball still lies in England's court. It all started with the nightwatchman Rabada playing a gritty little knock. Bavuma played well for his fifty but fell to the guile of Moeen Ali. He got turn and bounce and was the pick of the bowlers once again. |
| After that, de Kock and Philander got together and kept the scoreboard ticking. They stitched together a handy partnership of 66 runs for the 8th wicket. The former imposed himself and scored runs with freedom. He played some eye-catching strokes and scored the second fastest fifty at Lord's but departed soon after that. Philander has taken blows to his right hand and is battling it out there. He needs support from the lower order to reduce the deficit as much as possible. England on the other h |
| ...Day 3, Session 2... |
| We are back for the second session. Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj to continue their innings. Liam Dawson to bowl first up after lunch. A slip and short leg in place. Here we go... |
| 95.1 : L Dawson to Maharaj, FOUR! A loosener to start with after the break! A touch short around off, spinning away. Maharaj rocks back and cuts it late past slip. No protection in the deep and the ball rolls away to the third man fence. |
| 95.2 : L Dawson to Maharaj, Fuller on middle and leg, Keshav defends it solidly. |
| 95.3 : L Dawson to Maharaj, Around leg stump this time, Maharaj prods forward in defense. |
| 95.4 : L Dawson to Maharaj, Short delivery on middle and leg, Maharaj whips it on the bounce to short mid-wicket. Failed to capitalize on that one. |
| 95.5 : L Dawson to Maharaj, Stays back to this one and defends it. |
| 95.6 : L Dawson to Maharaj, Floated around off, stays low. Maharaj keeps it out. |
| Mark Wood will bowl from the other end. |
| 96.1 : M Wood to Philander, Back of a length outside off, Philander punches it towards mid off. |
| 96.2 : M Wood to Philander, A tad fuller swinging in to middle, Philander flicks it to square leg. |
| 96.3 : M Wood to Philander, Good length on middle, Philander pushes it to mid on. |
| 96.4 : M Wood to Philander, Lands it on a length on off, Philander defends it to covers. |
| 96.5 : M Wood to Philander, SIX! THUMPED! Short and outside off, Philander stands tall and hits it over mid-wicket for a boundary. That was hit really hard. |
| 96.6 : M Wood to Philander, That was timed beautifully! Back of a length outside off, Philander punches it off the back foot through extra cover. Broad gives it chase and pulls it back just before the rope. They run three. |
| 97.1 : L Dawson to Philander, Tosses it up on off, a little turn away. Philander defends it off the front foot. |
| 97.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Flatter on off, skids on with the arm. Philander defends it off the back foot. |
| 97.3 : L Dawson to Philander, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 97.4 : L Dawson to Philander, Bowls an arm ball on middle, Philander tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. There is a muted appeal but the umpire is not interested. |
| 97.5 : L Dawson to Philander, A tad short on off, the batsman pushes it to covers. |
| 97.6 : L Dawson to Philander, SHARP TURN! Floats it on off, gets some sharp turn away from the batsman. Philander plays it well onto the ground by removing his bottom hand off the bat. |
| 98.1 : M Wood to Maharaj, Angles it into the pads, Maharaj flicks it to square leg. |
| 98.2 : M Wood to Maharaj, Bangs it in short outside off, Keshav lets it through to the keeper. |
| 98.3 : M Wood to Maharaj, Almost an edge there. Short and outside off, Maharaj tries to cut but gets beaten. |
| 98.4 : M Wood to Maharaj, Shorter in length on off, Maharaj guides it to gully. Keaton dives to his right and makes a good stop. |
| 98.5 : M Wood to Maharaj, A tad fuller in length, the batsman pushes it to mid-wicket. |
| 98.6 : M Wood to Maharaj, Good length on middle, Maharaj defends it off the back foot. |
| 99.1 : L Dawson to Philander, Tosses it up on middle, Philander drives it back to the bowler. |
| 99.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Drags his length back, gets some turn away from the batsman. Vernon taps it towards covers for a run. |
| 99.3 : L Dawson to Maharaj, Drifts it onto the pads, Maharaj tries to flick it but misses and the ball hits the pad and rolls towards short fine leg. They run a leg bye. |
| 99.4 : L Dawson to Philander, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 99.5 : L Dawson to Philander, Floats it on off, Philander drives it towards mid off and sets off for a run. Root scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end but no damage done. |
| England take a review against Maharaj and it is regarding an LBW decision. It looks a little high. |
| 99.6 : Dawson to Maharaj, OUT! What a review by England. They have got the breakthrough. Liam Dawson gets his second. Sees Maharaj coming down the track and bowls it a little quicker on middle. Keshav tries to defend it but is struck on the front pad. They all appeal and Bairstow is very confident. The umpire gives it not out. Root after talking to his teammates decides to review. They go upstairs. Replays show that the front foot is fine. There is no inside edge. The ball pitches in line, strike |
| Morne Morkel is the last man in. |
| 100.1 : M Wood to Philander, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. |
| 100.2 : M Wood to Philander, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Philander cuts it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 100.3 : M Wood to Philander, Bangs it in short on middle, Philander takes on the pull but gets a top edge towards deep square leg. He decides not to run. |
| 100.4 : M Wood to Philander, EDGY FOUR! Bowls a bouncer on leg stump, Philander trie to pull but gets a top edge over the keeper for a boundary. These are important runs for South Africa. |
| 100.5 : M Wood to Philander, The batsman has worked it off his pads behind square. They pick up a single. Morkel has one ball to face. |
| 100.6 : M Wood to Morkel, Length ball outside off, Morkel lets it through to the keeper. |
| 101.1 : L Dawson to V Philander, Tosses it on leg middle, Philander gets it off the inner half onto his pads. |
| 101.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Full on leg stump, Vernon flicks it through square leg for a run and takes a run this time. |
| 101.3 : L Dawson to Morkel, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 101.4 : L Dawson to Morkel, Loopy ball on middle, Morkle heaves it to deep mid-wicket. He refuses for a run this time. |
| 101.5 : L Dawson to Morkel, BEATEN! Floats it outside off, Morkel plays for the turn but the ball goes on with the arm. He gets beaten. |
| 101.6 : L Dawson to Morkel, Flatter on middle, Morkel defends it off the back foot. |
| 102.1 : M Wood to Philander, Length ball on off, coming back in. Philander gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 102.2 : M Wood to Philander, A tad fuller on off, Philander defends it off the toe end of the bat. |
| 102.3 : M Wood to Philander, Good length ball, jags back into the batsman. Philander tries to defend it but is beaten and is struck on the pads. |
| 102.4 : M Wood to V Philander, FOUR! CREAMED! Full on off, Philander drives it through extra cover for a boundary. He is playing a handy knock here. |
| 102.5 : M Wood to Philander, Angles it in on the pads, Philander flicks it to deep square leg but does not run. |
| Square leg comes up to save the single. |
| 102.6 : M Wood to V Philander, FOUR! Full again outside off, Philander lifts it over covers for another boundary. |
| 103.1 : L Dawson to Morkel, Flatter on off, turning backinto the batsman. Morkel flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. He wanted a second but Philander sends him back. |
| 103.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Quicker on off, Philander tries to dab it but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls towards the off side. |
| 103.3 : L Dawson to Philander, Dances down the track and drives it towards mid off for a run. There is a shy at the striker's end but he misses. |
| 103.4 : L Dawson to Morkel, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 103.5 : L Dawson to Morkel, In the air... but safe. Tosses it up on middle, turning back in. Morkel heaves it on the bounce to mid-wicket fora run. |
| Mid on comes up. |
| 103.6 : L Dawson to Philander, Fires it in on middle, gets some away turn. Philander gets it off the outside edge down to third man for three. It also brings his fifty up and he will remain on strike for the next over. A good knock by him. He has contributed with handy runs for South Africa. |
| 6th Test fifty for Vernon Philander. |
| Moeen Ali to roll his arm over now. |
| 104.1 : M Ali to Philander, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 104.2 : M Ali to Philander, Flatter outside off, turning back in. Philander defends it off the front foot. |
| 104.3 : M Ali to Philander, Tosses it up on off, Philander drives it back to Moeen Ali. |
| 104.4 : M Ali to Philander, Loopy ball outside off, Vernon drives it back to the bowler. |
| 104.5 : M Ali to Philander, Flighted outside off, turning back in. Philander defends it off the front foot. |
| 104.6 : M Ali to Philander, OUT! Moeen finishes things off. He gets a 4-fer. He tosses it up on off, Philander comes down the track and tries to heave it but gets an inside edge onto the pads and the deflects onto the stumps. He might consider himself a bit unlucky there. He has played a fine hand for his team. SOUTH AFRICA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 361. |
| Fifties lower down the order from de Kock and Philander have taken South Africa past the 350-run mark. It could have been a lot worse barring their effort. England have gained a handy lead of 97 runs on this track which is keeping on getting slower and lower. Moeen Ali was the star for them as he extracted sharp spin and bounce from the track utilizing the rough patches. Liam Dawson was effective too but not as threatening as his spin partner. |
| James Anderson and Stuart Broad were impressive too and picked up two wickets apiece. Joe Root was attacking with his captaincy and kept on putting the pressure on the visitors. A good show from the middle and lower middle order helped them avoid the follow-on and reduce the deficit to some extent. The home side will look to come out and play their natural game. |
| 0.1 : M Morkel to Cook, Starts off on a length on middle, Cook defends it off the back foot. |
| Vernon Philander is going for an X-ray. He took a few blows to his hand while batting. Hope it is nothing serious. |
| 0.2 : M Morkel to Cook, A touch short on middle, Cook flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 0.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length on off, Cook taps it to covers and takes off for a run. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses. |
| 0.4 : M Morkel to Jennings, Lands it on a length outside off, Keaton plays inside the line. |
| 0.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, Bowls it on a length on off, Jennings plays it with soft hands towards covers and runs for a single. The fielder picks up the ball and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Had he hit Keaton was a goner. |
| 0.6 : M Morkel to Cook, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| Kagiso Rabada to bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : K Rabada to Jennings, Length ball outside off, Keaton lets it through to the keeper. |
| 1.2 : K Rabada to Jennings, Back of a length on middle, Jennings defends it off the back foot. |
| 1.3 : K Rabada to Jennings, A tad shorter on off, Jennings gets it off the outside edge on the bounce to gully. |
| 1.4 : K Rabada to Jennings, Lands it on a length, Jennings defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 1.5 : K Rabada to Jennings, Bowls it wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 1.6 : K Rabada to Jennings, Length ball angling across the batsman, who shoulders his arms to it. |
| 2.1 : M Morkel to Cook, Sprays it down the leg side, Cook misses the flick. |
| 2.2 : M Morkel to Cook, A tad fuller on the pads, Cook flicks it straight to mid-wicket. |
| 2.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length on off, Cook defends it solidly. |
| 2.4 : M Morkel to Cook, A tad fuller on off, Cook defends it off the front foot. |
| 2.5 : M Morkel to Cook, Lands it on a length on off, Cook defends it by covering the line of the ball. Tight lines here from South Africa. |
| 2.6 : M Morkel to Cook, Length outside off, Cook lets it through to the keeper. |
| 3.1 : K Rabada to Jennings, Good length ball, shaping in a touch. Jennings tries to work it on the leg side but misses and is struck on the pads. |
| 3.2 : K Rabada to Jennings, Drifts it on the pads, Keaton tries to flick but misses and is rapped on the pads. |
| 3.3 : K Rabada to Jennings, Bangs it in short, Jennings ducks under it. He holds his pose for a while. |
| 3.4 : K Rabada to Jennings, FOUR! A tad fuller on middle, Jennings flicks it through mid-wicket for boundary. This also takes the lead above 100 for England. |
| 3.5 : K Rabada to Jennings, NO BALL! Length ball outside off, Jennings does not bother playing a shot at it. Rabada has overstepped on this occasion. |
| K Rabada to Jennings, Full on middle, Keaton drives it to mid on. |
| 3.6 : K Rabada to Jennings, Back of a length on middle, Jennings defends it off the back foot. |
| A review has been taken for LBW against Cook. Looks to have pitched outside leg. |
| 4.1 : M Morkel to Cook, NOT OUT! South Africa waste a review. Back of a length on leg stump, Cook shuffles across and tries to defend it off the back foot but misses and is struck on the pads. They all go up in an appeal but the umpire gives it not out. Elgar after a chat with his teammates decides to review. They go upstairs. Replays show that the front foot was fine. There was no inside edge. The ball has pitched outside leg. The on-filed call stays. Cook survives. |
| 4.2 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length outside off, Cook lets it through to the keeper. |
| 4.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 4.4 : M Morkel to Cook, Wide down the leg side, No trouble at all for the batsman. |
| 4.5 : M Morkel to Cook, Angles it into the pads, Cook flicks it to fine leg for a run. 1000 runs for Cook against South Africa. |
| 4.6 : M Morkel to K Jennings, Driven towards the mid off region. |
| 5.1 : K Rabada to Cook, Length ball outside off, Cook shoulders his arms to it. |
| 5.2 : K Rabada to Cook, Bowls it on a back of a length on off, Cook defends it by hoping a little. |
| 5.3 : K Rabada to Cook, Bowls a fast ball on a length on leg stump, jags back in a little and pings Cook on the thigh pad. |
| 5.4 : K Rabada to Cook, Short and wide outside off, Cook is beaten on the cut. |
| 5.5 : K Rabada to Cook, LOVELY BOWLING! Full ball, angling away from the batsman. Cook tries to drive it but gets beaten. |
| 5.6 : K Rabada to Cook, Length outside off, Cook lets it through to the keeper. |
| 6.1 : M Morkel to Jennings, Good length outside off, Keaton does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 6.2 : M Morkel to K Jennings, Full ball on off, Jennings drives it to short cover. |
| 6.3 : M Morkel to Jennings, Lands it on a length outside off, Keaton shoulders his arms to it. |
| 6.4 : M Morkel to Jennings, Length ball outside off, the batsman lets it through to the keeper. |
| 6.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, Full and wide outside off, Jennings leaves it alone. |
| 6.6 : M Morkel to Jennings, Bowled it on a length on middle, Keaton defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.1 : K Rabada to Cook, FOUR! Length ball outside off, Cook guides it down to third man for a boundary. |
| 7.2 : K Rabada to Cook, Angles it into the pads, Cook flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 7.3 : K Rabada to Cook, JAFFA! Length ball on off, Cook pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 7.4 : K Rabada to Cook, Good length on off, Cook defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.5 : K Rabada to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 7.6 : K Rabada to Cook, A tad fuller outside off, Cook guides it to point. |
| 8.1 : M Morkel to Jennings, Bangs it in short outside off, the ball bounces way above the batsman's head who ducks under it. |
| 8.2 : M Morkel to Jennings, Bouncer on leg stump, Keaton ducks under it. |
| 8.3 : M Morkel to Jennings, Lands it on a length on off, Jennings defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 8.4 : M Morkel to Jennings, Full and wide outside off, Jennings does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 8.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, A touch fuller on off, Keaton drives it to mid off. |
| 8.6 : M Morkel to Jennings, Bangs it on middle, Jennings defends it off the back foot. |
| Time for spin. Keshav Maharaj is introduced into the attack. |
| 9.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, Almost an edge there! Tosses it up outside off, goes straight with the arm. Cook tries to drive it but gets beaten. |
| 9.2 : K Maharaj to Cook, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Full toss on middle, Cook sweeps it through square leg. Amla makes good ground to his left and dives but is unable to stop it. |
| 9.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| Dean Elgar has opted to take a review against Alastair Cook. Looks close to the naked eye but the impact seems to be outside off. |
| 9.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, NOT OUT! South Africa have lost both thier reviews. This one was much closer to the last one. Looked close to the naked eye. Maharaj floats it up outside off, Cook tries to cut but is beaten by the sharp turn into him and the ball strikes him on the pads. There is a loud appeal but the umpire shakes his head. After a long chat between the South Africans they finally decied to review. The upire referrs it upstairs. The replays show the front foot is fine. There is no bat t |
| 9.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Plays it on the on side with the spin. |
| 9.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, FOUR! Loopy ball outside off, Cook drives it through covers against the spin for a boundary. |
| 10.1 : M Morkel to Jennings, Short of a length delivery angling away from Jennings. He points his bat skywards to allow it through. |
| 10.2 : M Morkel to Jennings, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Keaton leans into it and strokes it through covers. The ball is going down the slope but Kuhn sprints after it. Slides near the fence to keep the ball in play. Saves a run for his side. |
| 10.3 : M Morkel to Cook, FOUR! A bit streaky but he will take it. Good length delivery slanting across Cook. He pushes at it but gets it off the outer half. The ball flies between second slip and gully and through to the fence. |
| 10.4 : M Morkel to Cook, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! A bit fuller outside off, Cook plays at it with soft hands and gets it wide of second slip. No protection in the deep and the ball whistles away to the boundary. |
| Third slip in place for Morne Morkel. |
| 10.5 : M Morkel to Cook, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 10.6 : M Morkel to Cook, Fullish delivery attacking the stumps, Alastair eases it past the bowler. The mid on fielder runs to his left and denies a run. |
| 11.1 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Floats it outside off, turns back into the batsman. Keaton defends it off the front foot. |
| 11.2 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Tosses it on off, Keaton pushes it to covers. |
| 11.3 : K Maharaj to Jennings, INNOVATION! Maharaj bowls it full outside off, Jennings plays the reverse sweep but straight to backward point. |
| 11.4 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Flatter on off, does not turn that much. Jennings gets it off the outside edge through short third man for a run. |
| 11.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 11.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, Loopy ball outside off, Cook defends it off the front foot. |
| Kagiso Rabada is back on. |
| 12.1 : K Rabada to Jennings, A tad fuller outside off, Jennings lets it through to the keeper. |
| 12.2 : K Rabada to Jennings, Very full on off, Jennings digs it out to covers. |
| 12.3 : K Rabada to Jennings, Full outside off, the batsman drives it towards covers where Morris the substitute dives to his left and makes a good stop. |
| 12.4 : K Rabada to Jennings, Good length outside off, Jennings lets it through to the keeper. |
| 12.5 : K Rabada to Jennings, Back of a length on off, Keaton defends it off the back foot. |
| 12.6 : K Rabada to Jennings, Fullish length outside off, Jennings gets it off the outside edge on the bounce to gully. |
| 13.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, Tosses it up on middle, Cook works it with the spin on the leg side. |
| 13.2 : K Maharaj to Cook, Floats it outside off, Cook tries to sweep but misses and is struck on the pads. The ball lobs towards point. |
| 13.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 13.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, Flighted on off, Cook sweeps it to backward square leg. |
| 13.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket. |
| 13.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, FOUR! Very full ball outside off, Cook drives it through covers for a boundary. South Africa are in desperate need of a wicket here. |
| 14.1 : K Rabada to Jennings, Lands it on a length outside off, jennings lets it through to the keeper. |
| 14.2 : K Rabada to Jennings, Good length ball angling into the pads, Keaton pushes it to mid on. |
| 14.3 : K Rabada to K Jennings, Fulla and outside off, Jennings drives it towards covers. |
| 14.4 : K Rabada to Jennings, Good length outside off, Keaton shoulders his arms to it. |
| 14.5 : K Rabada to Jennings, Bowls it on a back of a length outside off, Jennings does not bother to play at it. |
| 14.6 : K Rabada to Jennings, Back of a length on off, Jennings defends it solidly. Maiden form Rabada. He is keeping things tight here. |
| 15.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, LOVELY TIMING! Loopy ball on middle, Cook works it with the spin through wide mid on for three. |
| 15.2 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Good stop by Elgar. Floats it up on off, Jennings reverse sweeps it towards first slip. Elgar manages to get a hand to it and the ball rolls towards third man for a run. |
| 15.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 15.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, Tosses it up on off, turns into Cook who defends it off the front foot. |
| 15.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Plays it with the spin on the leg side. |
| 15.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 16.1 : K Rabada to Jennings, Full on middle, Jennings drives it past mid on. There are two fielders after the ball. Kuhn chases after it from mid off and dives to stop it. The batsman run two. |
| 16.2 : K Rabada to Jennings, Sprays down the leg side, Jennings misses the flick and it goes through to the keeper. |
| News is coming in that Vernon Philander doesn't have any fracture on his right hand. There is a bit of bruising. He will likely come back tomorrow and take the field. |
| 16.3 : K Rabada to Jennings, FOUR! POOR LINE! Full on the pads, Jennings flicks it past the diving square leg fielder for a boundary. |
| 16.4 : K Rabada to Jennings, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 16.5 : K Rabada to Jennings, Strays down the leg side, Jennings lets it through to the keeper. |
| 16.6 : K Rabada to Jennings, Good length on middle, Keaton defends it solidly. THAT IS TEA ON DAY 3. |
| The English openers, Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings have managed to see the new ball through and have taken the lead to 145 runs. The former had a few nervy moments but has survived. Both the reviews were taken against him but to no avail. The fact that South Africa's go-to man, Philander didn't bowl because of an injury dented them a bit. News is that it is just a bruising on his hand but he is unlikely to bowl today. Rabada has been tidy and Maharaj has got grip and turn. Can the Proteas tu |
| ...Day 3, Session 3... |
| We are back for the final session. The players and the umpires come out in the middle. Alastair Cook to take strike. Keshav Maharaj to continue his spell. A slip and short leg in place. Here we go... |
| 17.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, Tossed up delivery, spinning in. Turned past the short leg fielder. |
| 17.2 : K Maharaj to Cook, Floated on off, worked to mid-wicket again. |
| 17.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Spinning into Alastair. Defended off the front foot to short leg. |
| 17.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, Cook prods forward and pushes it down the track. |
| 17.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 17.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, Another forward defense with the spin to the short leg fielder. Tidy over from Maharaj. |
| Will South Africa continue with pace from the other end or will we see some more spin? |
| So spin it is! JP Duminy will bowl from the other end. A slip and a short leg for him. Can he provide the breakthrough? |
| 18.1 : JP Duminy to Jennings, Tossed up outside off, spinning away. Jennings watches it closely and lets it go. |
| 18.2 : JP Duminy to Jennings, Floated outside off, eased through covers for a single. |
| 18.3 : JP Duminy to Cook, Fullish on middle and off, Cook pushes it to mid on. |
| 18.4 : JP Duminy to Cook, That was close! Sliding down the leg side, Cook looks to flick it but misses. He overbalances a bit but de Kock fails to collect it. The ball rolls beside him. Alastair thinks that it has gone behind and takes off a run. Eventually he realizes that he needs to get back and does so. |
| 18.5 : JP Duminy to Cook, Cook lunges forward in defense to this tossed up delivery. |
| 18.6 : JP Duminy to Cook, Strides forward again and blocks it nicely. |
| 19.1 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Floated around off, spinning in. Keaton comes forward and defends it solidly. |
| 19.2 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Good improvisation! Tossed up delivery, Jennings brings out the fancy reverse sweep and gets it through covers. Two runs taken. |
| 19.3 : K Maharaj to Jennings, That's hit the batsman on his pads. |
| 19.4 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Jennings uses his feet, looks to clip it away but misses to wear it on the pad. A stifled appeal is turned down. He was a long way down. |
| 19.5 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Spinning into the pads, nudged to the leg side. |
| 19.6 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Tossed up in line of he stumps, Jennings camps back and keeps it out. |
| 20.1 : JP Duminy to Cook, The batsman drives this through the covers. |
| 20.2 : JP Duminy to Cook, Nice drift towards the pads and fullish in length. Cook looks to play it across but is hit on the pads. |
| 20.3 : JP Duminy to Cook, Cook pushes the tossed up delivery down the track. |
| 20.4 : JP Duminy to Cook, FOUR! Shot! Floated outside off, Cook crunches it through covers for a boundary. The timing was spot on. |
| 20.5 : JP Duminy to A Cook, A bit short outside off, cut to point. |
| 20.6 : JP Duminy to Cook, Flighted on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 21.1 : K Maharaj to Jennings, That was not far from the leg stump! Flatter delivery, spinning into Jennings. He looks to work it across but is hit on the thigh pad. The ball falls down on the pitch and just rolls past the stumps. |
| 21.2 : K Maharaj to Jennings, FOUR! Well played! Tossed up around off, Jennings reverse sweeps it behind point and the ball races to the fence. Played that with a lot of composure and executed it to perfection. |
| 21.3 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Floated outside off, Jennings with a big stride forward pads it away. |
| 21.4 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 21.5 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Spinning down sharply down leg, Jennings fails to clip it. De Kock manages to stop it with his pads. |
| 21.6 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Spinning into Keaton. He keeps his bat and pad close together and decides to pad it away. Shouts of catch it but there was no bat on that. |
| 22.1 : JP Duminy to Cook, Floated outside off, pushed to covers. |
| 22.2 : JP Duminy to Cook, Driven through mid off by the batsman. |
| 22.3 : JP Duminy to Cook, Turns this one with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 22.4 : JP Duminy to Cook, Cook taps this one to covers with the spin. |
| 22.5 : JP Duminy to Cook, Brings out a big stride and defends it with the spin to the leg side. |
| 22.6 : JP Duminy to Cook, Good effort, Morkel! Full toss on middle, Cook plays it through wide mid on. Morkel sprints from mid on and slides near the fence to keep the ball in play. Three runs taken. |
| 23.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, Turns this with the spin to the leg side. |
| 23.2 : K Maharaj to Cook, Fullish delivery on off, defended to short leg. |
| 23.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Waits for the flatter delivery and nudges it to short mid-wicket. |
| 23.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, Loopy ball around off, worked to the leg side again. |
| 23.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Quicker one on off, spins in sharply. Cook goes for the slog sweep but gets hit on the shoulder. Intent from him. |
| 23.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, Fullish delivery on off, eased through mid on for a single. |
| 24.1 : JP Duminy to Cook, Floated on middle, clipped to mid on. |
| 24.2 : JP Duminy to Cook, Close shave! Tossed up on off, spinning away. Cook rocks back to cut but gets a bottom edge that just rolls past the off stump. |
| 24.3 : JP Duminy to Cook, A bit short around off, Cook cuts this one nicely towards Amla at point. He dives to his left and makes a half-stop. A run taken. |
| 24.4 : JP Duminy to Jennings, Floated delivery, Keaton lunges forward in defense. |
| 24.5 : JP Duminy to Jennings, Cute shot! Loopy delivery on middle and leg, Jennings kneels and paddles it to the left side of the fine leg fielder. Two runs taken. |
| 24.6 : JP Duminy to Jennings, Another paddle sweep and he has executed it well. Gets it to the same region for a run. |
| 25.1 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Jennings goes for the fancy reverse sweep but takes it on his pads. The good thing is that Maharaj bowled it a bit outside off. |
| 25.2 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Waits for this one and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 25.3 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Keaton uses his feet and decides to pad the incoming delivery away. |
| 25.4 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Flatter this time, nudged to backward square leg. |
| 25.5 : K Maharaj to K Jennings, Nicely bowled! Tossed up delivery around off, Jennings presses forward to defend but gets an inside edge past short leg. |
| 25.6 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Flatter and quicker one, defended to short leg. |
| 26.1 : JP Duminy to Cook, Cook lunges forward in defense to the flighted delivery. |
| 26.2 : JP Duminy to Cook, Floated on middle, Cook comes forward to defend but gets it off the outer half to covers. |
| 26.3 : JP Duminy to Cook, Fullish on off, eased to mid off. |
| 26.4 : JP Duminy to Cook, Slow through the air, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 26.5 : JP Duminy to Cook, Short delivery outside off, Cook goes for the cut but gets a bottom edge on the bounce to the slip fielder. |
| 26.6 : JP Duminy to Cook, Drifting into Alastair. He defends it off the inner half down the track. Back-to-back maidens. |
| 27.1 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Jennings once again uses his feet to the tossed up delivery and pads it away. |
| 27.2 : K Maharaj to Jennings, That keeps a bit low. Tossed up around off, spinning in. Jennings camps back and keeps it out. |
| 27.3 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Floated delivery, Jennings sweeps it uppishly behind square on the leg side. A run taken. |
| 27.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 27.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Loopy delivery on off, paddle swept to backward square leg. |
| 27.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, Streaky! Floated outside off, spinning in sharply. Cook comes down the track and looks to play it straight but skews it off the inner half through mid-wicket. A single taken. |
| 28.1 : JP Duminy to Cook, Sliding into the pads, worked to mid-wicket. |
| 28.2 : JP Duminy to Cook, That was a beauty! Slow through the air on middle, Cook prods forward to defend but is foxed by the vicious away turn. De Kock takes the bails off in a flash but no harm done. |
| 28.3 : JP Duminy to Cook, Quicker one around off, Cook pushes it back to Duminy. |
| 28.4 : JP Duminy to Cook, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery |
| 28.5 : JP Duminy to Cook, Tossed up delivery, Cook eases it to covers. |
| 28.6 : JP Duminy to Cook, Full in line of the stumps, Cook keeps it out. |
| 29.1 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Fullish delivery, Jennings paddles it towards short fine leg. The fielder moves to his right to stop it. A run taken. |
| 29.2 : K Maharaj to Cook, Floated outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 29.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Uppish but safe! Slow through the air, Cook goes for the sweep but gets a top edge towards deep square leg. That was risky. Single taken. |
| 29.4 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Jennings comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 29.5 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Leg bye! Tossed up around leg stump, Keaton goes for the reverse sweep but the ball brushes his pads and rolls to short fine leg. A leg bye taken. |
| 29.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, Cook nudges this one with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| Morne Morkel back into the attack. |
| 30.1 : M Morkel to Jennings, Full delivery outside off, Jennings lets it go. |
| 30.2 : M Morkel to Jennings, Fuller length ball on off, Keaton comes forward and defends it to the off side. |
| 30.3 : M Morkel to K Jennings, FOUR! Almost a wicket! Similar length delivery on off, seaming away. Jennings pushes at it with hard hands but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies towards Duminy at third slip. He dives full length to his right but the ball just about evades him and rolls to the third man fence. |
| 30.4 : M Morkel to Jennings, In the channel outside off, Jennings doesn't fiddle with it. |
| 30.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, Length delivery on off, seams away after pitching. Jennings plays inside the line but gets beaten. |
| 30.6 : M Morkel to Jennings, Good length delivery in the fifth stump channel, Keaton plants his front foot across to allow it through. |
| 31.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, Camps back to the flatter delivery and turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 31.2 : K Maharaj to Cook, Vicious turn! That could have shattered the leg stump. Dangerous way to play that. Tossed up outside off, spins down sharply. Cook shuffles across and looks to flick it but misses. Good take by de Kock. |
| 31.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Loopy delivery outside off, defended off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 31.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, Floated around off, Cook initially kneels to sweep but the length is not there. He adjusts and looks to cut it towards third man but gets beaten. |
| 31.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Fullish delivery, eased uppishly but on the bounce to silly mid on. |
| 31.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, Loopy ball outside off, Alastair goes for a sweep but gets beaten. |
| 32.1 : M Morkel to Jennings, Good length delivery on off, Keaton defends it off the back foot to the off side. |
| 32.2 : M Morkel to Jennings, Fullish on middle and leg, Jennings nudges it towards mid on. |
| 32.3 : M Morkel to Jennings, Length delivery angling away from Keaton. He doesn't flirt with it. |
| 32.4 : M Morkel to Jennings, This one is wider outside off and Jennings doesn't bother to play at it. |
| 32.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, Good length delivery on off, Keaton hops back and plays it with an angled blade to point. |
| 32.6 : M Morkel to Jennings, Fuller length delivery slanting across Keaton. He plants his front foot across and allows it through. End of a maiden. |
| 33.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, Three Leg byes! Loopy delivery outside off, Cook puts a big stride forward and goes for the sweep. The ball brushes the thigh pad and goes past de Kock. Bavuma hares after it and shows good football skills to keep the ball in play. Saves a run for his side. |
| 33.2 : K Maharaj to Jennings, Floated outside off, spinning in. Jennings looks to keep it out but is struck on the pads. The ball lobs to the silly mid on fielder. There is excitement among the players but no bat involved. |
| 33.3 : K Maharaj to Jennings, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 33.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, Close shave! Turning into Cook sharply from one of the rough patches. He comes forward to counter it but gets an inside edge on the bounce to short leg. It could have easily gone into the hands of the fielder. |
| 33.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Tossed up outside off, Cook presses forward to defend but gets it off the inner half to backward square leg. |
| 33.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, Floated around off, played with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 34.1 : M Morkel to K Jennings, Short of a length delivery outside off, Jennings chops it to the left of Duminy at gully. He dives to his left to make a good stop. |
| 34.2 : M Morkel to Jennings, Slanting across Keaton. He lets it go. |
| 34.3 : M Morkel to Jennings, In the channel outside off, left alone again. |
| 34.4 : M Morkel to Jennings, Good length delivery on off, Keaton stays back and pushes it to mid off. |
| 34.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, OUT! Morkel has provided an important breakthrough. Good consistent bowling from him and he gets rewarded. He bowls this one in the off stump channel and lands it on a good length. Gets it to seam away off the deck. Jennings plays at it away from his body and ends up getting a bottom edge. Quinton de Kock behind the stumps moves to his left and takes a regulation catch. The South Africans are elated. The stubborn 80-run opening stand has been finally broken. England |
| Gary Ballance comes out to bat. |
| 34.6 : M Morkel to Ballance, In the channel outside off, Ballance points his bat skywards to allow it through. A great over from Morkel, bags a wicket-maiden to his name. |
| 35.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, Cook stays back and turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 35.2 : K Maharaj to Cook, Floated outside off, worked around the corner this time. |
| 35.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Fullish delivery well outside off, Alastair shuffles across and defends it tentatively. |
| 35.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, Flatter and quicker one, kept out of the back foot. |
| 35.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, That was risky! Floated outside off, turning in. Cook goes for a big sweep but is rapped on the pads. There is a huge appeal for an LBW but it is turned down. The ball then brushes Alastair's gloves and rolls past the off stump. The English opener is riding his luck. |
| 35.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, Maharaj lands this one on the rough patch outside off and gets sharp inward spin. Cook goes deep inside the crease to keep it out. He eventually manages to do so. |
| 36.1 : M Morkel to Ballance, A tad fuller on middle, Ballance pushes it to mid on. |
| 36.2 : M Morkel to G Ballance, GOOD STOP! Lands it on a length angling away from the batsman, Ballance pokes at it and gets an outside edge to gully who dives to his left and makes a good stop. He saved some runs for his team there. |
| 36.3 : M Morkel to Ballance, FOUR! Too full and outside off, Ballance drives it through point for a boundary. He is off the mark. |
| 36.4 : M Morkel to Ballance, Good length on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot. |
| 36.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, Good effort by Maharaj! Full and outside off, Gary drives it through extra cover. Maharaj gives it chase, slides and pulls it back before the ball crosses the boundary. He saves a run for his team. Three runs taken by the batsmen. |
| 36.6 : M Morkel to Cook, BEATEN! Length ball outside off, nips away after pitching and also stays a touch low. Cook tries to defend it off the back foot but is beaten. |
| 37.1 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Ballance comes down the track, Maharaj drags his length back on off, Gary tries to flick it on the leg side but misses and gets hit on the pads. |
| 37.2 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Tosses it outside off, turns back into the batsman. Ballance tries to defend it but it pings him on the pads. There is a muted appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 37.3 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Loopy ball outside off, Ballance goes down on one knee and sweeps it hard. The ball hits the short leg fielder's hands and rolls down the pitch. That must have hurt. |
| 37.4 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Plays it to mid-wicket with the spin. |
| 37.5 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Dances down the track, tries to flick the ball but gets struck on the pads. |
| 37.6 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Tosses it up on off, Ballance defends it off the front foot. |
| Good news for South Africa. Vernon Philander is back on the field. |
| Kagiso Rabada is back into the attack as well. |
| 38.1 : K Rabada to Cook, A tad fuller on middle, Cook defends it out to covers. |
| 38.2 : K Rabada to Cook, Good length angling away, Cook defends it solidly. |
| 38.3 : K Rabada to Cook, Almost an edge there. Short of a Length ball outside off, Alastair pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 38.4 : K Rabada to Cook, Lands it on a length on off, Cook guides it to point. |
| 38.5 : K Rabada to Cook, Back of a length outside off, the batsman pushes it to covers. |
| 38.6 : K Rabada to Cook, Bangs it in short, Cook pulls it through square leg for a couple. |
| 39.1 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Tosses it up outside off, Ballance plays for the turn but it does not. He gets it off the otter half towards backward point. |
| 39.2 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Loopy ball outside off, turning in. Ballance tries to defend it but hits him on the pads. |
| 39.3 : K Maharaj to Ballance, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 39.4 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Floats it on off, Ballance defends it off the front foot. |
| 39.5 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Comes down the track and works the ball with the spin to silly mid on. |
| 39.6 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Flighted outside off, turning in. Gary defends it off the front foot. |
| 40.1 : K Rabada to A Cook, A tad short outside off, Cook cuts it to point. |
| 40.2 : K Rabada to Cook, Good length on off, Alastair defends it off the back foot. |
| 40.3 : K Rabada to Cook, FOUR! Lands it on a length outside off, Cook just opens his face and guides it through backward point for a boundary. |
| 40.4 : K Rabada to Cook, A tad fuller on off, Cook pushes it to covers. |
| 40.5 : K Rabada to Cook, LOVELY TIMING! Full ball outside off, Cook just strokes it past mid off who gives it chase and pulls it back just before the boundary. Three runs taken. It brings up his fifty. It has been a very patient knock by the ex-skipper. This is his 11111th run. |
| 54th Test fifty for Alastair Cook. |
| 40.6 : K Rabada to Ballance, Bowls it on the pads, Ballance flicks it through square leg for a couple. |
| 41.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, Full ball outside off, Cook tries to sweep but it hits his pad and lobs to slip. |
| 41.2 : K Maharaj to Cook, Works it with the spin on the leg side. |
| 41.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Bowled outside off, turning back in. Cook tries to sweep but gets it off the inner edge towards short fine leg for a run. |
| Dean Elgar has a chat with Keshav Maharaj. There are some adjustments in the field being made. A slight halt in play. The English batsmen take a bit of a breather. Helmet has been called in for the silly point fielder. A short leg and slip is also in place. |
| 41.4 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Tosses up outside off, turning back in. Ballance tries to play the reverse sweep but misses and is struck on the body. |
| 41.5 : K Maharaj to Ballance, The batsman has been struck on the pads as he looked to play that off the front foot. |
| 41.6 : K Maharaj to Ballance, FOUR! Loopy ball outside off, Ballance sweeps it with authority through square leg for a boundary. |
| 42.1 : K Rabada to Cook, FOUR! Angles it on the pads, Cook flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Runs are starting to flow now. |
| 42.2 : K Rabada to Cook, Lands it on a length outside off, the batsman shoulders his arms to it. |
| 42.3 : K Rabada to A Cook, A tad short outside off, Cook cuts it to point. |
| 42.4 : K Rabada to Cook, Good length outside off, Alastair defends it off the front foot. |
| 42.5 : K Rabada to A Cook, JUST SHORT! Rabada should consider himself a little unlucky. Length ball angles it away from the batsman. Cook pokes at it and gets an outside edge to Amla at first slip. Who dives ahead to catch it but the ball falls just short of him. A good stop in the end though. |
| 42.6 : K Rabada to Cook, A tad shorter outside off, Cook tries to cut it but gets a bottom edge and the ball goes on the bounce to second slip. |
| JP Duminy is back on. 8 overs are remaining in the day. |
| 43.1 : JP Duminy to Ballance, Very full on the stumps, Ballance defends it off the front foot. |
| 43.2 : JP Duminy to Ballance, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 43.3 : JP Duminy to Ballance, FOUR! Well played Gary. Uses his feet well and the lofts the ball on middle over mid on for a boundary. |
| 43.4 : JP Duminy to Ballance, Tosses it full outside off, Ballance drives it to covers. |
| 43.5 : JP Duminy to Ballance, Was there an edge there? Floats it outside off, Ballance tries to drive it but gets beaten. The ball lands on the rough and turns away sharply. First slip dives to his right and collects it. |
| 43.6 : JP Duminy to Ballance, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery |
| 44.1 : K Rabada to Cook, Full ball on middle, Cook drives it back to the bowler. |
| 44.2 : K Rabada to Cook, A tad fuller on off, the batsman drives it to mid off. |
| 44.3 : K Rabada to Cook, Good length on off, Cook defends it off the back foot. |
| 44.4 : K Rabada to Cook, Full on the pads, Alastair flicks it straight to square leg. |
| 44.5 : K Rabada to Cook, Fullish outside off, Cook drives it to point. |
| 44.6 : K Rabada to Cook, Lands it on a length outside off, Cook lets it through to the keeper. |
| 45.1 : JP Duminy to Ballance, EASY PEASY! Full toss outside off, Ballance guides it through point for a couple. |
| 45.2 : JP Duminy to Ballance, Flatter on middle, Gary flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 45.3 : JP Duminy to Cook, Very full outside off, Cook drives it to point. |
| 45.4 : JP Duminy to Cook, Slower through the air outside off, the batsman shoulders his arms to it. |
| 45.5 : JP Duminy to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 45.6 : JP Duminy to Cook, A tad short outside off, Cook cuts it through point for a run. |
| 46.1 : K Rabada to Cook, Length ball on middle, Cook drives it back to Rabada. |
| 46.2 : K Rabada to Cook, Length ball angling away, stays a touch low. Cook tries to defend it off the back foot but the ball goes under his bat. |
| 46.3 : K Rabada to Cook, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 46.4 : K Rabada to Cook, A tad fuller on middle, Cook flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses and the hits the batsman instead. |
| 46.5 : K Rabada to Ballance, Bangs it in short on middle, Ballance does well to evade it. |
| 46.6 : K Rabada to Ballance, Bowls a high full toss on leg stump, Ballance flicks it towards backward square leg for a run. |
| Keshav Maharaj is back into the attack. |
| 47.1 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Tosses it up outside off, turns back in. Ballance defends it by covering the line of the ball. |
| 47.2 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Maharaj gets some sharp spin back into the batsman. Ballance plays it to short leg. |
| 47.3 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Loopy outside off, Gary goes for the sweep but misses and it hits his back leg. |
| 47.4 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Floats it outside off, turns back into the batsman. Gary tries to defend it but it goes off the pad to short leg. |
| 47.5 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Flighted ball outside off, Ballance tries to slog sweep it but misses. |
| 47.6 : K Maharaj to Ballance, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 48.1 : K Rabada to Cook, Length ball on off stump, Cook defends it off the front foot. |
| 48.2 : K Rabada to Cook, Good length angling across the batsman who defends it to covers. |
| 48.3 : K Rabada to Cook, Slower one down the leg side, Cook misses the flick and the ball goes through to the keeper. |
| 48.4 : K Rabada to Cook, A tad short on leg stump, Cook nudges it on the leg side. |
| 48.5 : K Rabada to Cook, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 48.6 : K Rabada to Cook, Yorker on the boots, Cook flicks it down through backward square leg for a run. |
| 49.1 : K Maharaj to Cook, Comes around the wicket. Bowls it quicker on off, Cook plays it off the back foot. |
| 49.2 : K Maharaj to Cook, Plays it on the leg side with the spin. |
| 49.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Over the wicket again. Tosses it up outside off, turns back in. Cook works it with the spin on the leg side. |
| 49.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, Very full outside off, Alastair tries to drives it but misses. |
| 49.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Slower through the air outside off, turns sharply into the batsman. Cook does well to guide it past short leg. |
| 49.6 : K Maharaj to Cook, Flatter on off, the batsman plays it to square leg. |
| JP Duminy to bowl the last over of the day. |
| 50.1 : JP Duminy to Ballance, Tosses it up on off, Ballance defends it off the back foot. |
| 50.2 : JP Duminy to Ballance, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 50.3 : JP Duminy to Ballance, Fires it in on leg stump, Ballance plays it with the angle to short leg. |
| 50.4 : JP Duminy to Ballance, Slower through the air on leg stump, Ballance tucks it round the corner for a run. |
| 50.5 : JP Duminy to Cook, Bowls it on off, Cook defends it off the front foot. |
| 50.6 : JP Duminy to Cook, Floats it up on off, Cook defends it solidly. STUMPS ON DAY 3. |
| Another day which has gone in favour of the home side. Early in the day, they ensured that South Africa don't get too close to their total and after that, they persisted their way to take the lead to 216. The pitch has gripped and turned but the English batsmen have been equal to the task. The opening pair of Cook and Jennings laid the foundation for their side with a 80-run stand. The tourists tried their best, kept on attacking with aggressive field placements but didn't get the rewards. |
| The ex-English skipper is looking rock solid in the middle and Ballance is playing the perfect foil to him. Morne Morkel has been the only successful bowler till now. Philander didn't bowl today due to a bruise on his bowling hand and that only weakened them. If the Proteas are to make an inspirational fightback, their spinners will have to play a major role. With two days still to go, England will look to bat the visitors out of the game. Join us tomorrow at 1100 local (1000 GMT) to catch all t |
| ...Day 4, Session 1... |
| Hello and welcome to the 4th day of the 1st Test match between England and South Africa at Lord's. The hosts have dominated so far and they would want to continue that. They would look to bat the visitors out of the game but also give their bowlers enough time to bowl them out. The English side will be aiming to score freely and set a target in the range of 450 to 500. |
| South Africa on the other hand, would be happy with the fact that Philander will probably be able to bowl today. They would need to chip away at the wickets and stop England from scoring at a brisk rate. A lot will depend on the spinners as they are getting the most assistance out of the wicket. There is a slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Let us hope it does not play spoilsport. We can expect an eventful day of cricket. |
| We are ready to get underway. The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Gary Ballance and Alastair Cook will continue their innings. Vernon Philander to start off the proceedings with the ball today. Only a slip and gully in place. Here we go... |
| 51.1 : V Philander to Ballance, Straight away the ball tends to stay low. Length ball which jags back in a little, Ballance flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 51.2 : V Philander to Cook, Length ball outside off, Cook defends it off the back foot. |
| 51.3 : V Philander to Cook, And again. A tad fuller outside off, stays very low. Cook lets it through to the keeper who collects it on the bounce. |
| 51.4 : V Philander to Cook, Angles it into the pads, the batsman flicks it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 51.5 : V Philander to Ballance, Wide outside off, Gary shoulders his arms to it. |
| The umpire is cutting a bit of leather that is coming out of the seam. |
| 51.6 : V Philander to Ballance, OUCH! That really bounced off a length. Ballance comes forward to defend it but is struck on his glove and the ball rolls on the leg side. An eventful first over. |
| Morne Morkel to bowl from the other end. |
| 52.1 : M Morkel to Cook, Back of a length on leg stump, Cook flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 52.2 : M Morkel to Cook, Length ball angling across the batsman, Cook does not bother playing at it. The ball is staying really low. |
| 52.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Wide enough for the batsman to not play a shot at it. |
| 52.4 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length on off, Alastair defends it off the front foot. |
| 52.5 : M Morkel to Cook, A tad fuller outside off, Cook pushes it to covers. |
| 52.6 : M Morkel to Cook, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Short and wide outside off, Cook camps back and cuts it through point and the ball races away to the fence. First boundary of the day for England. |
| 53.1 : V Philander to Ballance, FOUR! POOR LINE! Sprays it on to the pads, Ballance helps it way to the fine leg fence. Morkel made good ground to his left and dives but is not able to stop the ball. |
| 53.2 : V Philander to Ballance, Length outside off, Ballance does not play a shot at it. |
| 53.3 : V Philander to Ballance, A tad fuller outside off, Gary lets it through to the keeper. This one reaches to the keeper on the second bounce. |
| 53.4 : V Philander to Ballance, Good length on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot. |
| 53.5 : V Philander to Ballance, Lands it on a length on middle, Gary flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 53.6 : V Philander to Ballance, Back of a length outside off, Ballance guides it to point. |
| 54.1 : M Morkel to Cook, Fullish length on off, Cook prods forward and pushes it to covers. That was well timed. |
| 54.2 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length on off, Cook defends it watchfully. |
| 54.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Bowls it on a length on off, Cook defends it solidly. |
| 54.4 : M Morkel to Cook, A tad short outside off, Cook goes for the cut but chops it onto the ground towards point for a run. |
| 54.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 54.6 : M Morkel to Ballance, Length ball outside off, Ballance shoulders his arms to it. |
| 55.1 : V Philander to Cook, Good length on off, nips back in after pitching. Cook defends it towards mid on. |
| 55.2 : V Philander to Cook, Angles it in on middle, Alastair punches it to mid on. |
| 55.3 : V Philander to Cook, Good length on middle, Cook defends it off the back foot. |
| 55.4 : V Philander to Cook, Full on middle, Cook drives it to the right of mid on. Elgar runs towards the ball, dives and pushes the ball towards Rabada at mid off who does the mopping up. A run taken. |
| 55.5 : V Philander to Ballance, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 55.6 : V Philander to Ballance, Length ball on leg stump, stays a touch low. Ballance defends it by getting his bat down in time. |
| 56.1 : M Morkel to Cook, Back of a length on off, Cook guides it to gully. |
| 56.2 : M Morkel to Cook, A tad fuller outside off, the batsman drives it through covers for a run. |
| 56.3 : M Morkel to Ballance, Length ball on middle, Ballance defends it off the front foot. |
| 56.4 : M Morkel to Ballance, BEATEN! Lands it on a length outside off, straightens a touch. Ballance pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 56.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, Bangs it on a length, Ballance defends it off the front foot. |
| 56.6 : M Morkel to Ballance, Full ball outside off, Ballance slashes at it but gets it off the inner half back to the bowler. |
| 57.1 : V Philander to Cook, Just ahead of a length, Cook plants his front foot forward and drives it to covers. |
| 57.2 : V Philander to Cook, A tad fuller swinging in on leg stump, Alastair tries to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 57.3 : V Philander to Cook, Good length on off, Cook gets it off the inner half to short mid-wicket. |
| 57.4 : V Philander to Cook, Lands it on a length outside off, jags back in a touch. Cook tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 57.5 : V Philander to Cook, Back of a length on off, Cook punches it to covers off the back foot. |
| 57.6 : V Philander to Cook, Bowls it on a length on middle, Cook works it towards short mid-wicket. He wants a run but is sent back by his partner. |
| 58.1 : M Morkel to Ballance, Just ahead of a length, Ballance defends it off the front foot. |
| 58.2 : M Morkel to Ballance, A touch fuller outside off, Gary leans into it and drives it through covers. Keshav makes good ground to his left and dives and manages to save a run for his team. |
| 58.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Length ball outside off, Cook drives it off the toe end through backward point for a run. |
| 58.4 : M Morkel to Ballance, Wide outside off, invites Ballance to drive. Gary obliges and slashes at it away from the body but gets beaten. |
| 58.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 58.6 : M Morkel to G Ballance, EDGED BUT SHORT! Good length outside off, Ballance pokes at it and gets an outside edge but short of Elgar at second slip. The ball hits his leg and rolls to his left. Ballance wants a run but is sent back by Cook. |
| 59.1 : V Philander to Cook, Full and swinging into the pads of Cook who flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 59.2 : V Philander to Ballance, Philander is getting some reverse swing here. He shapes it into the batsman on middle, Ballance defends it by getting forward. |
| 59.3 : V Philander to Ballance, Good length on off, Gary defends it off the front foot. |
| 59.4 : V Philander to Ballance, Lands it on a length on off, Gary defends it towards point. |
| 59.5 : V Philander to Ballance, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 59.6 : V Philander to Ballance, A tad shorter on middle, the batsman whips it through square leg for a run. |
| 60.1 : M Morkel to Ballance, Good length on off, Ballance guides it down to third man for a run. |
| 60.2 : M Morkel to Cook, OUT! Good catch, a very good catch by Bavuma. Morkel gets his second. He gets rid of Cook. A tad fuller outside off, Alastair drives it uppishly towards Bavuma at covers who moves to his right and stretches his hands to take the catch. A stubborn innings by the ex-English skipper comes to an end. South Africa have done well so far this morning. England have taken their lead upto 236. |
| Joe Root strides out to bat. |
| 60.3 : M Morkel to Root, Length outside off, Root charges down a little and lets it through to the keeper. |
| 60.4 : M Morkel to Root, A tad fuller on middle, Root drives it to mid on. |
| 60.5 : M Morkel to Root, Lands it on a length outside off, Joe punches it to covers. |
| 60.6 : M Morkel to Root, Bowls it on a length, Root shuffles across and defends it off the front foot. |
| Keshav Maharaj comes into the attack. |
| 61.1 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Tosses it up on off, Ballance defends it off the front foot. |
| 61.2 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Floats it outside off, gets some turn back into the batsman. Ballance tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball lobs down the wicket. |
| 61.3 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Plays it with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 61.4 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 61.5 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Gives it air, Ballance comes down the track, does not quite get to the pitch of the ball but still goes on with the shot. He flicks it over square leg for a couple. |
| 61.6 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Loopy outside off, Gary defends it off the front foot. |
| Root stops Morkel in his follow through of his delivery stride. |
| 62.1 : M Morkel to Joe Root, Good length on off, Root drives it back to the bowler. |
| 62.2 : M Morkel to Root, Almost a chop on! A tad fuller swinging back in. Root tries to drive it but gets an inside edge and the the ball just misses the off pole. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper who fumbles but no run taken. |
| 62.3 : M Morkel to Root, Bowls it on the pads, Root flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 62.4 : M Morkel to G Ballance, Driven through mid off by the batsman. |
| 62.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, OUT! Ballance has to depart! Morkel is on a roll here. He has got his third and second of the day. Length ball on off, straightens after pitching. Gary tries to defend it but gets an outside edge to de Kock who makes no mistake. Morkel has a big smile on his face. A good passage of play for South Africa. |
| Jonny Bairstow is the new man in. Silly mid on in place for him. |
| 62.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Lands it on a length outside off, Bairstow lets it through to the keeper. |
| 63.1 : K Maharaj to Root, WOW! That has taken a junk of the wicket. Tosses it up outside off, the ball turns way too much and is collected by first slip. That was a nasty ball. |
| 63.2 : K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! What a repose from Root. That ball does not play on his mind. Floats it up on off, Root goes down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 63.3 : K Maharaj to Root, Played with the spin to covers. |
| 63.4 : K Maharaj to Root, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. |
| 63.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Drags his length back a little, Root cuts it straight to point. |
| 63.6 : K Maharaj to Root, OUT! Maharaj gets the big fish! The centruion of the first innings fails this time. Lovely stuff from Maharaj, he set him up beautifully. He bowls an arm ball on off, Root tries to punch it through the off side and gets an inside edge and the ball shatters into the stumps. Maharaj is ecstatic. This has been an excellent hour of play for South Africa. They have not let England score freely and also chipped away at the wickets. |
| Time for Drinks. A brilliant first hour of play for South Africa. Morne Morkel has been right on the money and has used that off stump channel to good effect. Both the set batsmen have made they way back to the pavilion and so has Joe Root. England are still a long way ahead of the game but the visitors are showing some fight here. |
| 64.1 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Full length delivery around off, driven off the front foot to mid off. |
| 64.2 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Beaten! Good length delivery outside off, stays low. Bairstow hangs back to defend but gets completely foxed. |
| 64.3 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Fuller length ball around off, Jonny puts his head down and defends it calmly to short cover. |
| 64.4 : M Morkel to Bairstow, In the channel outside off, holds its line. Bairstow points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 64.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Length delivery on off, Jonny uses the depth of the crease and keeps it out. |
| 64.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, A bit fuller this time, angling into Jonny. He covers the line and defends it stoutly. Another tidy over from Morkel and its a maiden. |
| 65.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Tossed up outside off, turning in. Stokes hangs back and turns it to deep mid-wicket. A run taken. He is off the mark. |
| 65.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, A touch quicker outside off, spinning away. Jonny watches it closely and lets it go. |
| 65.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Floated around off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 65.4 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, A bit short on off, turning away. Bairstow cuts it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 65.5 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Spinning in sharply from outside off, Stokes looks to keep it out but is struck on the thigh pad. |
| 65.6 : K Maharaj to Stokes, This one turns in viciously from one of the rough patches. Stokes hangs deep in the crease to defend it but gets pinged on the thigh pad. The wicket is playing a lot of tricks now. |
| Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack for the first time in the day. |
| 66.1 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Fuller length delivery on off, the English wicketkeeper pushes it down the track. |
| 66.2 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Back of a length delivery, shaping in from outside off. Bairstow hops back and defends it beside the pitch on the leg side. |
| 66.3 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Length delivery outside off, Jonny dabs it neatly to third man to rotate strike. |
| 66.4 : K Rabada to Stokes, OUT! That is as plumb as you can get! Rabada has struck in his first over of the day. Good length delivery on off, stays low and angles into Stokes. The southpaw hangs deep in the crease and looks to keep it out but misses it to get pinged on the pads. There is a confident appeal in unison from the Proteas and the umpire has no hesitation in ruling it out. His teammates encircle Rabada to congratulate him and he puts a finger on his mouth to give a send off to the big |
| Moeen Ali is the next man in. |
| 66.5 : K Rabada to Ali, Welcomes Ali with a bouncer around off, Ali ducks awkwardly under it. |
| 66.6 : K Rabada to Ali, Good length delivery outside off, Ali pokes at it but gets beaten. A wicket-maiden for Rabada. |
| 67.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Tossed up on off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 67.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Floated outside off, Bairstow covers his off stump and allows it through. |
| 67.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Loopy delivery on off, Bairstow kneels and sweeps it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 67.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Full delivery outside off, Ali kneels and sweeps it all the way along the ground to deep mid-wicket. A run taken and he is off the mark. |
| 67.5 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Quicker delivery outside off, goes straight on. Jonny makes a watchful leave. |
| 67.6 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Full delivery this time, worked to wide mid on for a run. |
| 68.1 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Bairstow points his bat skywards and lets it be. |
| 68.2 : K Rabada to Bairstow, This one angles in substantially from a length into the wicketkeeper batsman. He hops and tucks it around the corner for a single. |
| 68.3 : K Rabada to Ali, That's a peach! Rabada runs in from around the wicket and angles it in that off stump channel. It pitches and seams away to beat the outside edge of Ali's hanging bat. |
| 68.4 : K Rabada to Ali, On a length on off, Ali with a closed bat face turns it to short mid-wicket. |
| 68.5 : K Rabada to Ali, Length delivery outside off, eased to extra cover. |
| 68.6 : K Rabada to Ali, Fullish and width on offer, Moeen goes for a drive but gets it off the outer half behind point. A single taken and he will retain the strike. |
| 69.1 : K Maharaj to Ali, Floated around off, Ali uses his feet and defends it with his bat and pad close together. |
| 69.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, Tossed up around off, Ali kneels and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a run. |
| 69.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Slow through the air on off, spinning away. Bairstow looks to sweep it but is hit on the arm. |
| 69.4 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Quicker delivery but it is far outside off. Jonny leaves it alone. |
| 69.5 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Floated outside off, closet to off stump but Bairstow makes a good leave. |
| 69.6 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Drifting in with the arm, Jonny defends it beside the pitch on the leg side. |
| 70.1 : K Rabada to Ali, Full length delivery on off, Moeen strokes it to mid off. |
| 70.2 : K Rabada to Ali, Fuller in length around off, Ali taps it towards cover-point and sets off. Bavuma is quick to attack the ball to his right but it is a well-judged single. |
| 70.3 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Good length delivery angling in from outside off, keeps a bit low. Bairstow does well to defend it off his back foot. |
| 70.4 : K Rabada to J Bairstow, Short of a length delivery well outside off, Jonny guides it past the point fielder for a couple. |
| 70.5 : K Rabada to Bairstow, On a driving length outside off. The English wicketkeeper strokes it to short cover where the fielder |
| 70.6 : K Rabada to Bairstow, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| 71.1 : K Maharaj to Ali, Ali comes forward and defends it. |
| 71.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, The batsman plays a sweep shot. One run added to the total. |
| 71.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Tossed up delivery, pushed to covers. |
| 71.4 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, A bit shorter this time, Bairstow hangs back and pushes it to the off side. |
| 71.5 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Presses forward to this one and keeps it out. |
| 71.6 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, DROPPED and FOUR! Philander has put down a dolly! Floated around off, Bairstow lofts it over wide mid off but checks his shot a touch. Philander moves to his left from long off, lines it up. However, he hesitates and the ball pops out of his hands and to add insult to injury, it rolls to the fence. He indicates to his teammates that he couldn't sight it properly due to the dark clouds above. That should have been taken, Elgar is not amused at all. |
| 72.1 : K Rabada to Ali, Short delivery on off, pulled to deep square leg for a run. |
| 72.2 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Full delivery outside off, Bairstow guides it through backward point for a run. |
| 72.3 : K Rabada to Ali, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side. One run added to the total. |
| 72.4 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Full and going down the leg side, left alone. |
| 72.5 : K Rabada to J Bairstow, Fullish on middle, pushed to mid on. |
| 72.6 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Good length outside off, dabbed to third man for a single. |
| 73.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, FOUR! Shot! Floated around off, Bairstow goes inside out over extra cover and does so with ease. Picks up a boundary to his name. |
| 73.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Tossed up outside off, Jonny lets it go. |
| 73.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, FOUR! Bairstow is taking the spinner on. Loopy delivery around off, spinning away. Jonny goes against the spin and drags it over Rabada over mid on. Has played it quite well and the ball races to the fence. |
| 73.4 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, FOUR! Great batting from the English wicketkeeper. He is putting pressure on Maharaj. Kneels and sweeps it hard to the deep mid-wicket fence. |
| 73.5 : K Maharaj to J Bairstow, Driven towards the mid off region. They pick up a single. |
| 73.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, OUT! Vicious turn and Ali gets bamboozled completely! Floated outside off, Ali uses his feet but the ball spins in sharply. He looks to defend it hesitantly but it goes through the big gap between his bat and pad and crashes into the leg stump. That will tell you the story how the wicket is getting more and more difficult to play on. The visitors are ecstatic. They are keeping on chipping away at the wickets. The home side lead by 277 runs. |
| Liam Dawson comes out to bat. |
| 74.1 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Full delivery in line of the stumps, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 74.2 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Shortish delivery on off, Jonny goes for the pull but is struck on the thigh pad. |
| 74.3 : K Rabada to Bairstow, On a length in line of the stumps, turned to the leg side. |
| 74.4 : K Rabada to Bairstow, That could have sneaked through! Good length delivery on off, tails in substantially. Bairstow looks to defend it tentatively but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls to point. A run taken. |
| 74.5 : K Rabada to Dawson, Full delivery outside off, Dawson doesn't fiddle with it. |
| Dawson has been bowled but the umpires are checking for a waist-height no ball. |
| 74.6 : Rabada to Dawson, OUT! Bowled 'em! Dawson bags a pair. Sharp pace from Rabada and he has caught the batsman completely off guard. He steams in and hurls a full toss in line of the stumps, Dawson is perhaps surprised by it and is late in bringing his bat down. The ball goes past him and knocks the middle stump over. Dawson looks at the umpire and asks him whether it is a waist height no ball. It is referred upstairs. The replays show that the front foot is fine. It also shows that the ball |
| Stuart Broad comes out to bat. |
| 75.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 75.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Outside off, left alone. |
| 75.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, A bit short, Jonny hangs back and cuts it to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 75.4 : K Maharaj to Broad, OUT! Broad bags a golden duck! This is an excellent phase of play for the Proteas. They have picked up 7 wickets for 43 runs. Before the start of the day's play, England were in the driver's seat but see how the match has completely turned on its head. Tossed up outside off, turns in sharply. Broad goes deep in the crease and goes for the flick but does so straight towards short leg. Theunis de Bruyn stationed there is sharp as a hawk and bends low to his left to grab |
| Mark Wood comes out to bat. |
| 75.5 : K Maharaj to Wood, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 75.6 : K Maharaj to Wood, Drifts this one down the leg side, Wood looks to clip it but misses. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 4! |
| What an unbelievable session this has been! The visitors have fought their way back into the game. They gave away 63 runs and bagged 7 wickets. It all started with Morkel bowling an excellent spell at the start of the day where he took 2 wickets. He was well supported by Rabada and Maharaj. South Africa have given themselves a glimpse of hope and they will come out with momentum on their side. |
| England on the other hand for once have been pegged back in this Test. They have faced a massive collapse on a wicket which is getting very difficult to bat on. Jonny Bairstow who got a reprieve on 7 is fighting it out there but he is losing partners at the other end. England are still ahead in this game with a lead of 279. But with a lot of time in hand anything below 300 can be chased down. Join us for the second session in a while. |
| ...Day 4, Session 2... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood to continue their innings. Morne Morkel to bowl first up after lunch. One slip in place. Here we go... |
| 76.1 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Starts off on a length on middle, Bairstow plays it with soft hands towards square leg for a run. |
| 76.2 : M Morkel to Wood, FOUR! POOR LINE! Angles it into the pads, Wood flicks it down to the fine leg fence. Wood gets off the mark in style. |
| 76.3 : M Morkel to Wood, Lands it on a length on off, Mark defends it off the front foot. |
| 76.4 : M Morkel to Wood, Just ahead of a length on middle, Wood pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 76.5 : M Morkel to Wood, Bangs it on a length on off, Wood defends it off the back foot. |
| 76.6 : M Morkel to Wood, Yorker on middle, Wood does well to dig it out. |
| Keshav Maharaj will continue from the other end. |
| 77.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Tosses it up on off, Bairstow drives it to long off for a run. |
| 77.2 : K Maharaj to Wood, Bowls it outside off, Wood watchfully leaves it. |
| 77.3 : K Maharaj to Wood, BIG APPEAL! Bowls an arm ball on middle and leg, Wood tries to defend it off the front foot but misses and is struck on the pads. They all go up in an appeal but the umpire gives it not out. Might be missing leg. |
| 77.4 : K Maharaj to Wood, In the air... but safe! Tosses it up on off, Wood tries to slog it but gets a top edge and the ball goes high up in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Duminy gives chase and dives full stretch but cannot get a hand to it. Two runs taken. |
| 77.5 : K Maharaj to Wood, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. |
| 77.6 : K Maharaj to Wood, A tad shorter outside off, Wood looks to cut but gets beaten. |
| 78.1 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Angles it into the pads, Bairstow flicks it through the leg side for a run. |
| 78.2 : M Morkel to M Wood, Full and on the pads, Wood tries to flick but misses and gets hit on his pads. The ball rolls towards fine leg. However, the umpire signals it as a run. May be there was an inside edge. |
| 78.3 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Lands it on a length on off, Jonny defends it off the front foot. |
| 78.4 : M Morkel to J Bairstow, FOUR! Almost drags it on! A lucky boundary for Jonny. Short and wide outside off, Bairstow tries to cut but gets an inside edge past his off stump and the ball races to the fine leg fence. |
| 78.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Length on off, Jonny defends it off the back foot. |
| 78.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, A tad fuller on off, Bairstow drives it to covers. |
| 79.1 : K Maharaj to Wood, Tosses it on off, turning away. Wood gets it off the outside edge down to short third man. Bairstow wanted a run but is sent back by Wood. |
| 79.2 : K Maharaj to Wood, Flatter on the pads, Wood misses the flick and is struck on the pads. |
| 79.3 : K Maharaj to Wood, Loopy ball outside off, Wood tries to heave it but misses. That spun a mile. |
| 79.4 : K Maharaj to Wood, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 79.5 : K Maharaj to Wood, Bowled on middle, skids on with the arm. Wood defends it solidly. |
| 79.6 : K Maharaj to Wood, FOUR! Quicker outside off, Wood drives it through cover-point for a boundary. Important runs these for England. |
| The second new ball is available now. The reviews for both the sides get refreshed as well. |
| 80.1 : M Morkel to Bairstow, A tad fuller on off, Bairstow drives it through covers for a couple. |
| 80.2 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Bowled on the pads, Jonny flicks it through square leg for a run. England lead by 300 now. |
| 80.3 : Morkel to M Wood, Bowls a well-directed bouncer on off, Wood takes on the pull but gets a top edge towards deep square leg for a run. |
| 80.4 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Full toss on middle, Jonny drives it back to the bowler. |
| 80.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Shorter in length on middle, Bairstow tucks it to square leg. |
| 80.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, FOUR! Well played Jonny. Short on middle, Bairstow upper cuts it over the keeper for a boundary. This is a handy knock from him. |
| 81.1 : K Maharaj to Wood, Tosses it on leg stump, Wood defends it off the front foot. |
| 81.2 : K Maharaj to Wood, Flatter and outside off, Wood tries to cut but is beaten. |
| 81.3 : K Maharaj to Wood, Bowled on middle, skids on with the arm. Wood defends it off the inner half to short leg.. |
| 81.4 : K Maharaj to Wood, FOUR! Floats it outside off, Wood kneels down and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 81.5 : K Maharaj to Wood, Drags his length back a little, Wood defends it off the back foot. |
| 81.6 : K Maharaj to Wood, Very full on middle, Mark defends it towards covers. |
| 82.1 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Good length outside off, Bairstow guides it down to third man for a run. He runs the first one very fast and turns for a second but Wood is quick to shout "NOOOO". |
| 82.2 : M Morkel to Wood, FOUR! Bangs it in short aimed at the rib cage of the batsman, Wood tickles it down fine for a boundary. |
| 82.3 : M Morkel to Wood, A tad short outside off, Wood goes for the cut but gets beaten. |
| 82.4 : M Morkel to Wood, Bouncer again on middle, Wood pulls it but not from the middle over mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 82.5 : M Morkel to Wood, Shorter in length, Mark guides it down to third man for a run. |
| 82.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Length ball on off, stays low a touch. Bairstow defends it off the back foot. |
| 83.1 : K Maharaj to Wood, Tossed up on off, Wood lifts it over extra cover for a couple. |
| 83.2 : K Maharaj to Wood, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 83.3 : K Maharaj to Wood, Gives it some air, Wood comes down the tracka and plays it inside out over covers for a couple. |
| 83.4 : K Maharaj to Wood, Bowled on leg stump, Bairstow paddle sweeps it through short fine leg for a run. |
| 83.5 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, The batsman has punched the ball off the backfoot. They pick up a single. |
| 83.6 : K Maharaj to Wood, A tad short outside off, Bairstow cuts it to point. |
| Kagiso Rabada is back on. Can he break this promising partnership? |
| 84.1 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Good effort from Morne! Tad fuller on off, Jonny drives it towards mid off, who dives to his right and deflcts it to mid on. They run a single. |
| 0.0 : A slip in place now. |
| 84.2 : Rabada to M Wood, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! The bowling change works wonders. Rabada breaks through this partnership. Bowls it a tad short on off, Wood goes for the pull but misses. The ball stays a touch low and hits the top of off. A good innings from Mark Wood, he has scored some useful runs. England lead by 324 runs. |
| James Anderson is the last man in. |
| 84.3 : K Rabada to Anderson, BEATEN! Length ball outside off, Anderson pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 84.4 : K Rabada to Anderson, Good length outside off, Anderson does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 84.5 : K Rabada to Anderson, Bangs it in short outside off, Anderson lets it through to the keeper. |
| 84.6 : K Rabada to Anderson, Bowls it on off stump, Anderson manages to keep it out. |
| 85.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Tries to go over the leg side against the spin but gets an inside edge down to fine leg. |
| 85.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Tosses it up on off, Bairstow reverse sweeps it straight to point. |
| 85.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Drags his length back a little on off, Bairstow tries to cut but is beaten by the extra bounce. |
| 85.4 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Loopy ball on off, Bairstow tries to slog sweep it but misses. |
| 85.5 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, The batsman has driven it through mid off. |
| Dean Elgar is calling the fielders inside the circle to stop the single. |
| 85.6 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Slower through the air on leg stump, Bairstow kneels down and paddles it through fine leg for three. |
| 86.1 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Bowled on leg stump, Bairstow flicks it through square leg but does not take a run. |
| 86.2 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Lands it on a length outside off, Bairstow guides it to 2nd slip. |
| 86.3 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Good length on off, Jonny defends it off the back foot. |
| 86.4 : K Rabada to Bairstow, A tad short on middle, Jonny pulls it through mid-wicket for two. He brings up his fifty with it. A very good knock by him. He has always been a very reliable player for England. |
| 15th Test fifty for Jonny Bairstow. |
| 86.5 : K Rabada to Bairstow, Guides it down to third man for a run. |
| 86.6 : K Rabada to Anderson, Very full and down the leg side, Anderson misses the flick and de Kock behind the stumps collects it well. |
| There is a stumping appeal against Jonny Bairstow. He feels that he is a goner. |
| 87.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, OUT! Jonny has been stumped by his counterpart. Tossed up on leg stump. Jonny goes for the heave but misses. He drags his back leg out of the crease in the process. De Kock fails to clip the bails off in the first attempt but does it successfully the second time and appeals. The umpire checks it upstairs. Replays show his foot was out of the crease. Maharaj gets a 4-fer. Bairstow departs just after reaching his fifty. ENGLAND HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 233. |
| A good show with the ball from South Africa has helped them to restrict the lead to 330. They came out this morning and bowled with a lot of aggression to take 7 wickets for 63 runs in the first session. However, the 9th wicket stand of 45 between Bairstow and Wood did a bit of damage to the visitors. It was eventually broken by Rabada who was impressive. The wicket keeper batsman score a crucial fifty. The target is still a stiff one on this track and it would need some brilliant batting from S |
| Keshav Maharaj got a lot of turn and grip from the surface to finish with four wickets. Morkel was outstanding as well and took three wickets along with Rabada. Moeen Ali will be licking his lips at the prospect of bowling here. The home side have James Anderson and Stuart Broad in their ranks who can easily trigger a collapse. With the wicket staying low, things are still in favour of the hosts. Can the Proteas rise to the occasion and make a match out of it? Join us shortly. |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Starts off with a fuller length delivery on middle and leg, Kuhn stays back and keeps it out. |
| The umpire was not happy with the new ball that was chosen. He decided to get it replaced with a different one before the start of the innings. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Fullish delivery on off, shaping away a touch. Heino plays it with an open face to point. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Fuller in length outside off, swinging away. Kuhn points his bat skywards and allows it through. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Kuhn, That's a beauty! Anderson bowls this one in the corridor of uncertainty and gets it to shape away substantially. Kuhn pokes at it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Fractionally overpitched outside off, Kuhn strokes it nicely through covers. Stokes sprints after it and puts in a good slide near the fence to keep the ball in play. Saves a run for his side. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, Length delivery around off, curling in. Elgar camps back and pushes it with an angled blade to point. Brilliant start from Anderson. He has been right on the money. |
| Stuart Broad will bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, A tad fuller on off, Kuhn defends it off the front foot. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, Length ball outside off, the batsman shoulders his arms to it. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Kuhn, EDGY FOUR! Fullish length on off, Kuhn tries to drives but gets it off the outside edge through backward point for a boundary. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length on off, Kuhn defends it towards covers. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, Lands it on a length on off, Kuhn defends it off the back foot. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Kuhn, Length ball outside off, the batsman lets it through to the keeper. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Length on middle, Elgar tucks it towards the leg side. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Elgar, Sprays on the pads, Dean flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Good length on off, Kuhn defends it tentatively. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Kuhn, A tad fuller, swinging away from the off stump. Heino points his bat skywards. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Good length on middle, nips away after pitching. The batsman tries to play straight but gets a leading edge to point. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Elgar, Length ball on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Back of a length on off, Elgar defends it towards cover. He sets off for a run but then calls no. |
| Dean Elgar opts to take a review against an LBW decision. The height seems to be an issue. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Elgar, NOT OUT! A successful review by South Africa. Elgar survives a scare. Back of a length angling into the batsman. Dean tries to defend it but misses and is struck high on the pads. They go up in an appeal which doesn't seem so confident but the umpire gives it out. Elgar after a chat with his partner decides to review. It is taken upstairs. Replays show the front foot of the bowler is fine. The ball pitches in line, strikes him in line but is missing the stumps. The decisio |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Elgar, Length outside off, Elgar lets it through to the keeper. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Elgar, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Good length on off, Dean defends it onto the ground. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Lands it on a length on middle, Kuhn plays it with soft hands towards mid-wicket and sets off for a run. Ballance comes rushing in, picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. Would have been close had he hit. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to Elgar, Good length outside off, Elgar guides it towards point for a run. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Kuhn, A big inswinger by Anderson but on the pads, Kuhn tries to flick but misses and the ball goes off the pads down to fine leg for a leg bye. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Elgar, Bowls it on a length outside off, straightens after pitching. Dean first goes to play at it and then bails out. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to D Elgar, Tad fuller on off, Elgar drives it mid off. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, Back of a length on off, Dean punches it to point. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, Very full outside off, Kuhn lets it through to the keeper. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, Angles it into the pads of Kuhn who plays it with soft hands on the leg side. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to Kuhn, Full on off, Kuhn defends it off the front foot. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, Fullish length on off, Kuhn drives it to covers. |
| 5.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, Sprays on the pads, Heino flicks it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Back of a length on off, Elgar defends it off the back foot. |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to H Kuhn, A tad shorter outside off, Kuhn punches it to point. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Lands it on a length outside off, the batsman does not bother playing a shot at it. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Good length outside off, Heino lets it through to the keeper. |
| 6.4 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Bowls it on a length on off, Kuhn defends it solidly. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Kuhn, OUT! A soft dismissal but an excellent catch from Jonny. Anderson sprays it on the pads, Kuhn tries to flick it fine but gets it too close to the keeper. Bairstow dives to his left and takes it one-handed inches above the ground. South Africa lose their first. Bad outing for Kuhn in his first Test. |
| Hashim Amla comes out to bat at No. 3. |
| Moeen Ali comes into the attack. |
| 7.1 : M Ali to Elgar, Tosses it on off, Elgar defends it off the front foot. |
| 7.2 : M Ali to Elgar, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 7.3 : M Ali to Elgar, Flatter on middle, Dean defends it solidly. |
| 7.4 : M Ali to Elgar, Floats it on off, Elgar defends it onto the ground. |
| 7.5 : M Ali to Elgar, BEATEN! Lovely stuff from Moeen. Loopy ball on off, spins away after pitching. Elgar pokes at it but gets beaten. |
| 7.6 : M Ali to Elgar, Ali starts off with a maiden! Full ball on off, Dean drives it back to the bowler. |
| 8.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Snorter to get first up! Lands it on a length on middle, the ball bounces a bit too much and takes Amla by surprise. He hops and tries to defend it off the back foot but gets hit on his left forehand. He did really well to keep that down. He is in a little pain here. |
| 0.0 : Blows to the forehand are never to be taken lightly and the physio comes out to attend to Amla. Hope it is nothing serious. He is really vital to South Africa's cause. |
| 8.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length on off, Amla defends it off the front foot. |
| 8.3 : J Anderson to Amla, ALMOST A DRAG ON! Bowls it on a length outside off, Amla tries to defend it off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto his pads and the ball rolls on the off side. |
| 8.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Length ball on off, Amla defends it off the back foot. |
| 8.5 : J Anderson to Amla, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 8.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Back of a length on off, Amla defends it off the back foot. |
| 9.1 : Ali to Elgar, OUT! Moeen Ali is into the action. He has taken his first and he takes a superb catch. Tosses it up on off, Elgar comes down the track and drives it firmly but uppishly back at the bowler. Moeen moves to his left and takes a reverse cup close to his chest. The skipper has to depart. He might consider himself a but unlucky but South Africa are in a lot of trouble. Both the openers are back. |
| 0.0 : JP Duminy strides out to bat. |
| 9.2 : M Ali to Duminy, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 9.3 : M Ali to Duminy, Tosses it up on off, Duminy defends it off the front foot. |
| 9.4 : M Ali to JP Duminy, A tad shorter on off, Duminy gets it off the outer half to point. |
| 9.5 : M Ali to Duminy, Flatter on middle, Duminy defends it solidly. |
| 9.6 : M Ali to Duminy, Tosses it up on off, turning away. Duminy defends it off the front foot. |
| 10.1 : J Anderson to Amla, FOUR! Full ball on off, Amla leans into it and drives it in the air through covers for a boundary. The ball was not far away from the diving Ben Stokes at covers. |
| 10.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Length outside off, Amla lets it through to the keeper. |
| 10.3 : J Anderson to Amla, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 10.4 : J Anderson to Amla, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Full and on the pads, Amla flicks it through mid-wicketand the ball races to the fence. Second boundary in the over. |
| 10.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla shoulders his arms to it. |
| 10.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Back of a length outside off, Amla punches it onto the ground and the ball bounces over the short point fielder and through point for a couple. |
| 11.1 : M Ali to Duminy, A tad fuller outside off, Duminy drives it to covers. |
| 11.2 : M Ali to Duminy, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 11.3 : M Ali to JP Duminy, Flatter on off, Duminy goes back to defend. The ball skids on and takes the inside edge onto the pads. |
| 11.4 : M Ali to Duminy, Tosses it up on off, Duminy defends it solidly. |
| 11.5 : M Ali to Duminy, Floats it up on off, Duminy defends it onto the ground. |
| 11.6 : M Ali to Duminy, Quicker outside off, Duminy chops it onto the ground and the ball rolls towards point. |
| Mark Wood comes into the attack. Can he sneak in another wicket before the tea break? |
| 12.1 : M Wood to Amla, Angles it down the leg side, Amla flicks it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 12.2 : M Wood to Duminy, Length ball on off, Duminy tries to defend it off the back foot but gets a leading edge towards point. |
| 12.3 : M Wood to Duminy, A tad shorter outside off, JP tries to cut but gets an under edge to covers. |
| 12.4 : M Wood to Duminy, Bowls it on middle, Duminy plays it towards mid-wicket. |
| 12.5 : M Wood to Duminy, Back of a length on off, JP punches it through covers for a couple. |
| 12.6 : M Wood to Duminy, OUT! That was crunched but straight to the man at mid-wicket. JP can't believe his luck. Wood bangs it in short on off, Duminy pulls it hard towards Moeen Ali who takes a good catch. A needless shot from the southpaw as this was the last ball before tea. Wood gets his first and Ali takes his second catch. South Africa lose their third. 300 looks a long way from here now. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 4. |
| A flawless session for England and they are right on top in this contest. Anderson and Broad were right on the money to begin with and kept it tight. It was a rather soft dismissal for the debutant Kuhn and after that, the home side kept on applying more pressure. Then came in Moeen Ali and made an impact straightaway. He took a terrific catch of his own bowling and then grabbed another sharp one before the tea break. |
| Hashim Amla is battling it out in the middle but needs a lot of support from the others. Can the courageous Bavuma prove to be the perfect foil for him? He has to or else the visitors will be staring down the barrel. There is variable bounce on this track and it will be difficult work for the batsmen. Can the hosts keep on dominating the proceedings or will the Proteas make an inspirational comeback? Join us shortly. |
| ...Day 4, Session 3... |
| We are back for the final session. Quinton de Kock has been promoted up the order. He joins Hashim Amla at the crease. Moeen Ali to continue his spell. A slip, leg slip and short leg in place. |
| 13.1 : M Ali to Amla, Fullish delivery on off, eased to mid on. |
| 13.2 : M Ali to Amla, A bit short outside off, Amla goes back to cut it square of the wicket on the off side but misses. That should have been put away. |
| 13.3 : M Ali to Amla, Floated on off, Amla defends it with his bat and pad close together. |
| 13.4 : M Ali to Amla, Stays back to this one and keeps it out. |
| 13.5 : M Ali to Amla, Loopy delivery outside off, doesn't turn at all. Hashim goes for the big sweep but get beaten. |
| 13.6 : M Ali to Amla, Beaten again! Slow through the air well outside off, Amla goes for a booming drive but is beaten by the inward spin. Bairstow fails to collect it cleanly. |
| Liam Dawson comes into the attack. |
| 14.1 : L Dawson to Kock, Fullish around off, defended off the inner half past short leg. |
| 14.2 : L Dawson to Kock, D Kock shuffles across a touch and turns it to the leg side. |
| 14.3 : L Dawson to Kock, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 14.4 : L Dawson to Kock, Good effort, Wood! Short delivery outside off, de Kock cuts it behind point and the ball races towards the fence. Wood races to his right in the deep and slides to keep the ball in play. |
| 14.5 : L Dawson to Amla, Floated on off, pushed off the back foot to Dawson. |
| Amla has been given out LBW and he has reviewed it. Looks out to the naked eye. |
| 14.6 : L Dawson to Amla, OUT! The backbone of South Africa has been broken. Dawson tosses this one on middle and leg and gets it to turn away slightly. Amla hangs deep in the crease to keep it out but gets foxed to get pinged on the back pad. A confident appeal in unison from the home side and up goes the umpire's finger. Hashim walks across to his partner and decides to take the review. The replays shows three reds and he is a dead duck. The veteran walks back to the pavilion and with that, the |
| Temba Bavuma comes out to bat. |
| 15.1 : M Ali to Kock, Tossed up outside off, left alone. |
| 15.2 : M Ali to Kock, Quicker through the air, de Kock turns it to the deep mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 15.3 : M Ali to Kock, Floated on off, Quinton lunges forward in defense. |
| 15.4 : M Ali to Kock, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 15.5 : M Ali to Kock, Fullish on the stumps, pushed back down the track. |
| 15.6 : M Ali to de Kock, De Kock uses his feet and wrists it to mid on. |
| 16.1 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Fullish delivery in line of the stumps, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 16.2 : L Dawson to Bavuma, In the air... but safe! Coming in with the arm. Bavuma is caught high on the bat. The ball lobs towards the fielder at short mid-wicket but falls short of him. |
| 16.3 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Full on middle, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 16.4 : L Dawson to Bavuma, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 16.5 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Loopy ball on middle, Bavuma lunges forward in defense. |
| 16.6 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Fullish on middle and leg, Bavuma puts his head down and defends it calmly. Another tidy over from England. |
| 17.1 : M Ali to Kock, That wasn't far from the off pole. Quicker one around off, de kock looks to force it through but the ball whizzes past his outside edge and into the gloves of Bairstow. |
| 17.2 : M Ali to Kock, Turning into Quinton. He blocks it solidly. |
| 17.3 : M Ali to Kock, Floated outside off, de Kock uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and blocks it. |
| 17.4 : M Ali to Kock, He uses his feet again and works it beside the pitch on the leg side. Single taken. |
| 17.5 : M Ali to Bavuma, Flatter on off, Temba camps back and blocks it. |
| 17.6 : M Ali to Bavuma, Three Byes! Vicious turn and bounce! Tossed up outside off, Bavuma goes for a sweep but misses. The ball spins down sharply and goes past the keeper towards fine leg. Cook chases it and stops it near the fence. Three byes taken! |
| 18.1 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Floated delivery on middle and leg, Bavuma kneels and paddles it nicely towards fine leg. Three runs taken. |
| 18.2 : L Dawson to Kock, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 18.3 : L Dawson to Kock, Floated outside off, de Kock pushes at it but gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket. |
| 18.4 : L Dawson to Kock, Takes a couple of steps down the track and works it to short mid-wicket. |
| 18.5 : L Dawson to Kock, This one turns in appreciably from outside off, de Kock looks to play it through the off side but adjusts in the end to defend it. |
| 18.6 : L Dawson to Kock, Comes down the track to the tossed up delivery and eases it to mid on. |
| 19.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, An appeal for an LBW is denied! Floated outside off, turning in. Bavuma prods forward to defend but is struck on the pads. The players go up but the umpire is not interested. Impact was outside off. |
| 19.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, This one takes off from one of the rough patches outside off, Bavuma looks to leave it but is hit near the elbow. |
| 19.3 : M Ali to Bavuma, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 19.4 : M Ali to Bavuma, Kneels and sweeps it nicely through square leg for a run. |
| 19.5 : M Ali to Kock, Close shave! De Kock is unsure about this one and hangs back to defend in the end. He bottom edges it on the bounce to the keeper. |
| 19.6 : M Ali to Kock, That could have been close too! De Kock turns this one to the short leg fielder and goes out of the crease. The fielder doesn't gather it quickly and it gives the southpaw enough time to get back. |
| 20.1 : L Dawson to Bavuma, FOUR! Shot! A bit short outside off, Bavuma rocks back and punches it through cover-point to find the fence. |
| 20.2 : L Dawson to T Bavuma, That's a beauty! Tosses this one around leg stump, Bavuma camps back to defend but is squared up. It takes the outer half of his bat and rolls towards gully. |
| 20.3 : L Dawson to Bavuma, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 20.4 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Landed on middle and leg, Bavuma defends it to short leg. |
| 20.5 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Goes back to this one and defends it off the outer half. |
| 20.6 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Drifting into Bavuma. He looks to block it but is hit on the pads. |
| 21.1 : M Ali to de Kock, FOUR! Well played! Short outside off, de Kock rocks back and cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 21.2 : M Ali to Kock, Fullish on off, pushed to covers. |
| 21.3 : M Ali to Kock, FOUR! Deft! A bit short, allows de Kock time to go back and cut it through point. The ball races away towards the fence and the fielder gives it a chase. He puts in a desperate dive but fails to stop it. |
| 21.4 : M Ali to Kock, Presses forward to this one and blocks it. |
| 21.5 : M Ali to Kock, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 21.6 : M Ali to Bavuma, Loopy outside off, punched through point. The fielder sprints after it and does well to stop a run for his side. |
| 22.1 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 22.2 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Tossed up on middle and leg, Bavuma stays back to defend but the ball stays low. He gets an inside edge onto his pads which saves him. |
| 22.3 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Slips this one down the leg side, Bairstow fails to collect it as the ball deflects off his pads to short fine leg. |
| 22.4 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Stays back and punches this one to mid on. |
| 22.5 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Beauty! Floated on off, turns away sharply and beats Bavuma on the drive. |
| 22.6 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Quicker delivery, defended off the back foot. |
| 23.1 : M Ali to Kock, Floated delivery, de Kock lunges forward in defense. |
| 23.2 : M Ali to Kock, Tossed up around off, turns away sharply from the rough patch. De Kock plays at it and gets beaten. |
| 23.3 : M Ali to Kock, Pushed through the cover region by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 23.4 : M Ali to Bavuma, FOUR! Nicely done! Fullish around off, Bavuma kneels and sweeps it all along the carpet through square leg. Beats the man in the deep to pick up a boundary. |
| 23.5 : M Ali to Bavuma, Presses forward to keep this one out but gets hit on the body. |
| 23.6 : M Ali to Bavuma, Full outside off, swept to deep square leg for a couple. |
| 24.1 : L Dawson to de Kock, Flatter one outside off, spins in. De Kock pushes at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 24.2 : L Dawson to Kock, Floated delivery, spins in from the rough patch. Quinton plays it off the inner half around the corner. |
| 24.3 : L Dawson to Kock, Loopy delivery outside off, Quinton shuffles and blocks it. |
| 24.4 : L Dawson to Kock, De Kock is struggling in the middle! Goes for the fancy reverse sweep to the delivery outside off but wears it on the pads. |
| 24.5 : L Dawson to Kock, Turns this one with the turn to short leg. |
| 24.6 : L Dawson to Kock, He is living dangerously! Floated delivery, de Kock is early into the reverse sweep but gets it off the toe end to sweeper cover. Two runs taken. |
| 25.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, Tossed up well outside off, Bavuma shuffles across and pads it away. |
| 25.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, This one keeps low and spins into Bavuma from outside off. He manages to block it nicely. |
| 25.3 : M Ali to Bavuma, Full delivery outside off, Bavuma controls the sweep nicely to deep backward square leg. He has used that shot to good effect. |
| 25.4 : M Ali to Kock, Floated in line of the stumps, turning away. De Kock defends it to the off side. |
| 25.5 : M Ali to Kock, OUT! De Kock's struggle comes to an end! Flatter and a bit short in length on off, Quinton looks to whip it across but only manages to get an inside edge onto his right leg. The ball then goes back between his legs and hits the off stump. A bit unlucky but he has to depart. Moeen Ali continues to chip away at the wickets. South Africa are in dire straits now and are staring down the barrel. |
| Theunis de Bruyn is the next man in. |
| 25.6 : M Ali to Bruyn, De Bruyn shuffles across and pads it away. End of a successful over for Ali. |
| 26.1 : L Dawson to Bavuma, This one zips through the pitch after landing. Bavuma looks to pull but gets beaten all ends up. |
| 26.2 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Turns this with the angle to mid-wicket. |
| 26.3 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 26.4 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Floated on middle, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 26.5 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Drifts in around the pads, worked past short leg. |
| 26.6 : L Dawson to Bavuma, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 27.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, This one keeps low. Bavuma pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 27.2 : M Ali to T Bavuma, Floated outside off, Bavuma strokes it to the left of Ali who does well to stop it. |
| 27.3 : M Ali to T Bavuma, OUT! Timber! England are inching closer to victory. Ali gets his third. Flatter delivery around off and it's on a shorter length again. Spins in a bit as Bavuma is drawn into the pull shot. However, he misses it completely and the ball goes onto rattle the off stump. Perhaps he got undone by a bit of pace on it. The visitors need something extraordinary to fightback from here. |
| Vernon Philander comes out to bat. |
| 27.4 : M Ali to Philander, Floated around off, spins in. Philander prods forward to defend but gets hit on the pads. |
| 27.5 : M Ali to Philander, Loopy delivery outside off, Philander presses forward to defend but it beats him on the inside edge and pings him on the thigh pad. |
| 27.6 : M Ali to Philander, FOUR! Philander gets off the mark with a boundary! Camps back to the shorter length delivery and punches it through covers to find the fence. |
| 28.1 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Floated in line of the stumps, de Bruyn defends it solidly. |
| 28.2 : L Dawson to Bruyn, Camps back and works it past short leg for a run. Gets off the mark with that. |
| Gully in place now. |
| 28.3 : L Dawson to Philander, Floated delivery in line of the stumps, Philander keeps it out. He took his bottom hand off while countering it. He has hit in the right hand earlier and needs to be careful. |
| 28.4 : L Dawson to Philander, Camps back and defends it. Takes his bottom hand off again. |
| 28.5 : L Dawson to Philander, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 28.6 : L Dawson to Philander, Floated on middle, Philander presses forward to counter it. |
| 29.1 : M Ali to Bruyn, OUT! The wily Moeen Ali bags another 4-fer to his name! Bowls this one a bit quicker around off, de Bruyn hangs deep in the crease and expects it to turn. However, the ball skids on and takes the outside edge of Theunis's bat. It goes straight towards Ben Stokes at first slip who is alert and makes no mistake. The Englishmen are ecstatic. They are only three wickets away from a terrific win. |
| 0.0 : Keshav Maharaj strides out to the middle. |
| 29.2 : M Ali to Maharaj, Quicker and flatter on middle and leg, Maharaj manages to defend it off his back foot. If he missed that, he would have been plumb in front. |
| 29.3 : M Ali to Maharaj, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 29.4 : M Ali to K Maharaj, Full outside off, driven crisply to mid off. |
| 29.5 : M Ali to K Maharaj, Tossed up around off, bounces a bit more. Maharaj manages to pull it uppishly towards deep backward square leg. Jennings hares after it and puts in a brilliant slide near the fence to keep the ball in play. It is referred upstairs to check for the boundary but he is fine. Saves a couple for his side. |
| 29.6 : M Ali to Maharaj, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 30.1 : L Dawson to Philander, This one drifts in at first and then spins away to beat Philander on the outside edge. |
| 30.2 : L Dawson to V Philander, Coming in with the arm, Vernon stays back to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 30.3 : L Dawson to Philander, Floated around off, Philander looks to defend but gets it off the inner half. |
| 30.4 : L Dawson to Philander, Full in line of the stumps, blocked solidly. |
| 30.5 : L Dawson to Philander, Tossed up on middle and leg, worked to mid-wicket. |
| 30.6 : L Dawson to Philander, Floated on middle, Philander pushes it down the track. |
| 31.1 : M Ali to Maharaj, FOUR! Intent from Maharaj! He has not lost hopes yet. Takes a couple of steps down the track to the floated delivery outside off and lifts it over mid off for a one-bounce boundary. |
| 31.2 : M Ali to Maharaj, Maharaj uses his feet again and drags it with the spin to short mid-wicket. |
| 31.3 : M Ali to Maharaj, FOUR! Well played! Loopy delivery outside off. Maharaj puts in a big stride forward and hits it over mid on this time. Has connected it well and gets another boundary. |
| 31.4 : M Ali to Maharaj, OUT! Moeen Ali gets his third 5-fer in Test cricket! He has varied his pace to perfection and has reaped the rewards. Stellar performance from him. A bit short outside off, stays a bit low and turns in substantially. Maharaj is cramped for room a touch but goes through with his cut shot. Ends up getting a thick inside edge and it shatters back into the stumps. Only a matter of time before England wrap up this game. |
| Kagiso Rabada comes out to bat. |
| 31.5 : M Ali to Rabada, Fullish delivery around off, Rabada prods forward in defense. |
| 31.6 : M Ali to K Rabada, This one drifts in on off, Rabada looks to defend it tentatively but gets an outside edge that falls of Stokes at first slip. |
| 32.1 : L Dawson to Philander, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 32.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Philander stays back and turns this one with the spin to mid-wicket. |
| 32.3 : L Dawson to Philander, FOUR! Low full toss on off, Philander kneels and slogs it over mid-wicket. Has connected it well and gets the desired result! |
| 32.4 : L Dawson to Philander, Drifting into the pads, Vernon nudges it past short leg and into the gap. Picks up two runs for doing so. |
| 32.5 : L Dawson to Philander, Slower through the air around off, Philander cuts it to sweeper cover. Two runs taken. |
| 32.6 : L Dawson to Philander, Floated on middle, turns away sharply to beat Philander's forward defense. |
| 33.1 : M Ali to Rabada, Floated outside off, driven crisply to extra cover. |
| 33.2 : M Ali to Rabada, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 33.3 : Ali to Rabada, FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Floated on off, Rabada thumps it towards Ali who leaps to take it but it flies over him in a jiffy and races away to the ropes. |
| 33.4 : M Ali to Rabada, Tossed up delivery, defended off the front foot. |
| 33.5 : M Ali to Rabada, OUT! Ali continues to shine! He has a gem of a game. He scored runs for his side and is leading his side to a victory with authority. Tossed up around off and it's a bit short in length. That enocurages Rabada to go for the cut but there is some extra bounce. He gets a thin edge and Bairstow behind the stumps takes a fine catch. It has been an outstanding display of spin bowling from Ali. |
| Morne Morkel comes out to bat. |
| 33.6 : M Ali to Morkel, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 34.1 : L Dawson to Philander, Quicker one on off, Philander looks to punch it but is late on it. Manages to keep it out. |
| 34.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Presses forward to this one and defends it. |
| 34.3 : L Dawson to Philander, Floated on off, Philander defends it off the front foot. |
| 34.4 : L Dawson to Philander, Tossed up on off, Philander prods forward to defend but gets beaten by the sharp away turn. |
| 34.5 : L Dawson to Philander, Presses forward and blocks it. |
| 34.6 : L Dawson to Philander, A bit short outside off, cut to point. |
| 35.1 : M Ali to Morkel, Morkel works this one to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 35.2 : M Ali to Philander, This one turns in sharply from one of the rough patches. Philander covers his stumps and lets it be. |
| 35.3 : M Ali to Philander, Four Byes! Vicious turn again. Gets this one to turn in sharply from outside off and goes past Philander's attempted flick. Bairstow has no chance to collect it. Cook and Stokes sprint after it, a bit of contest going on between them but the ball wins the race. The crowd enjoyed that one. |
| 35.4 : M Ali to Philander, Philander eases this one through mid on for a run. |
| 35.5 : M Ali to Morkel, Morkel turns this one to deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 35.6 : M Ali to Philander, SIX! What a shot! Hits it and holds his pose for the cameramen after that. Lines himself up to the tossed up delivery outside and thumps it over wide mid on for a maximum. |
| 36.1 : L Dawson to Morkel, SIX! Morkel takes Dawson on and gets the better of him. Uses his feet and slogs it towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder is positioned quite inside the boundary ropes. He backtracks but it clears him with ease. |
| 36.2 : L Dawson to Morkel, This one turns in sharply from outside off and raps Morkel on the pads. |
| 36.3 : L Dawson to Morkel, SIX! The big man is enjoying himself. Tossed up delivery on off, Morkel lifts it over long on and clears the fence with ease. |
| 36.4 : L Dawson to Morkel, OUT! That's the final nail in the coffin! A thoroughly well-deserved victory for the home side and they are elated! Dawson floats this one outside off, Morkel once again looks to go big but drags his heave to deep mid-wicket. Jennings runs in front and pouches it safely. England win by 211 runs to go 1-0 up in the series. |
| What a performance by England, they have blown away the visitors. Root has started his reign as Test captain with a thumping victory at the home of cricket, Lord's. They bowled South Africa out for a paltry 119 earlier today. They were clinical with the ball in this innings. Moeen Ali, what a game he has had with the bat and the ball. He completed 2000 runs in Test cricket, bagged his first 10-fer and also took his 100th wicket. He bamboozled the Protea batsmen with his spin. He was well support |
| South Africa on the other hand, kept losing wickets at regular intervals and could never stitch a partnership together. They could not handle the bounce and spin this track offered. Chasing 323 with an in-experience batting line up was never going to be easy and they fell way short of it. |
| Earlier in the game, South Africa started the first session really well but some sloppy fielding and bowling no balls at the wrong time helped the home side to crawl back into the game. Joe Root who was dropped quite early in his innings went onto score a ton and led from the front. The English side never looked back after that, they were always on top and dominated the Saffas in all three departments. Stay tuned for the presentation. |
| South Africa skipper, Dean Elgar says that it is good to see Faf back into the mix. Adds that he is disappointed with their performance this afternoon. Declares that something under 300 was quite gettable. Mentions that he had hopes after bowling England out today. Further adds that they knew it was a challenge on this track and were not up to the mark. States that two to three times on Day 1, they could have had a lot of less runs scored against them. Reckons that they took their chances but it |
| England skipper, Joe Root says that it is a great start. Feels happy about going into the Trent Bridge 1-0 up. Mentions that throughout the game they were good. Reckons that the way Moeen played in the first innings put the pressure back on South Africa. Further adds that he was terrific with the bowl after that. States that everyone contributed throughout the game and deserve credit. Feels that Cook, Gary and Jennings set it up for them last night. Ends by saying that they batted superbly at th |
| Man of the Match, Moeen Ali reckons this is one of his best all round performances. Feels the wicket is great. He admits he made the batsman play as much as they can. Opines he learned a lot about his action and credits Shakib to help him improve. Mentions he had a clear mind set Root asked him to attack and he did that. He further adds no.7 is a good place to bat as the new ball is dew at that time and it makes it easy to score. Appreciates Liam Dawson for his bowling and feels he was unlucky n |
| That is it from us today, England have been clinical in all three departments in this game and were always on top. South Africa will be disappointed with the way they played and will have to pull their socks up in the next game if they are to level the series. Join us for the 2nd Test on the 18th of July at Trent Birdge (1100 AM Local) and (1000 GMT). |
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