| 0.0 : Hello everyone and welcome to the coverage of the second Test between England and South Africa at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The hosts are coming into the game on the back of a thumping win in the first game. Joe Root couldn't have asked for an easier start to his captaincy career. He will be aware of a possible backlash from the visitors. They will acknowledge that it was because they won a few crucial moments that they latched onto, since the visiting side did trouble them more than what the sc |
| South Africa will welcome their captain and hope that he leads them from the front in a bid to level the series 1-1. With no Kagiso Rabada and JP Duminy being dropped, it remains to be seen what combination the Proteas opt for in this important fixture. The deck is supposed to help the pacers which will mean that we might see a lot of fast bowlers in action. The Saffas have not lost a Test series in England for 20 years, will they stay alive in the series or will the home side take an unassailab |
| TOSS - South Africa win the toss and elect to bat. Three changes for them. Faf du Plessis comes in for JP Duminy, Duanne Olivier replaces Kagiso Rabada. The skipper has opted for the additional bowling of Chris Morris in place of Theunis de Bruyn. England are unchanged. |
| Interesting to see South Africa bat first, no visiting side has won a Test at Trent Bridge after opting to bat first in the last ten years. In fact, the last time a visiting side won, was way back in 2006 when Sri Lanka beat England. Hmm.... |
| The players are out in the middle for the game with their jumpers. It's pretty cold and a bit overcast too. The two South African openers are Dean Elgar and Heino Kuhn. England begin with James Anderson. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go.... |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Full and down the leg side, Elgar clips it to fine leg for a single. That was a false start from Jimmy. |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Hurls it outside off on a good length, swings away, Kuhn is beaten all ends up. A lot of swing on offer for Anderson there. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to H Kuhn, Tentative! Outside off on a length, Kuhn defends it very late towards the slip cordon. Just so you know, James Anderson has a pretty impressive record at Trent Bridge, averaging below the 20s. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Kuhn, This is wide enough for a leave by Kuhn. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Pitches it around leg, swings away, Kuhn covers the line and keeps it out. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Fullish around off, Heino pushes it back with a straight bat. An interesting over to begin. |
| Stuart Broad to share the new ball from the other end. He took 8/15 against Australia here, South Africa will not be wanting to even think on those lines. Four slips for him, no gully. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Elgar, Starts from round the wicket, angles it around the stumps, the ball pitches and moves away, Elgar does well to keep it out. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Elgar, A tad short around off, Elgar stands tall and defends it. |
| There is a short leg in place now. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Elgar, Fuller one outside off, Elgar brings his bat down in time and keeps it out. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to D Elgar, Edged! Lands it around off, Elgar looks to defend it but gets an outside edge towards the slip cordon. Thankfully for Dean, it did not carry to the fielder since it was played with soft hands. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Elgar, Slants it down the leg side, Elgar cannot clip it through. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Fuller outside off, left alone by Elgar. A maiden by Broad to begin. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Good length outside off, swinging away, left alone by the batsman. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Angles it outside off on a good length, lures Kuhn to play at it. The ball jags away and beats him all ends up. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Drifts it on the pads, turned towards square leg by Kuhn. |
| The South African players are wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for Russel Domingo's mother who passed away last week. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Good length outside off, Kuhn defends it watchfully. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Kuhn taps this one towards covers and takes a quick single. He gets off the mark at last, after 9 balls. They need to do more of this. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, Around off, Elgar defends it from his crease. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, Goes wide of the crease, angles it outside off, Kuhn lets it go through. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, RISKY! Length and outside off, Kuhn shoulders his arms to it but the ball keeps jagging back in to narrowly miss the stumps. Risky leave, that wasn't too far from the furniture. Joe Root wanted to bowl first, we know why! Heino left it on length maybe, but it was really close. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Kuhn, Dabs it towards Stokes at point and takes off. Stokes goes to his right, looks to stop the run for fails to pick up the ball. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Elgar, Angles it around off, Elgar fends it towards the leg side. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Elgar, Full and outside off, Elgar comes forward and pushes it towards covers. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Shout for an lbw, not given! Angles it around off, Elgar looks to clip but from his crease but is hit on his back leg. The players appeal but the umpire says no. Replays show it was too high. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Good length around off, tucked towards the leg side by Kuhn. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Full around off, clipped towards short mid-wicket. |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Kuhn, FOUR! First boundary of the morning! Fuller length around off, comes in, Kuhn gets in line and just pushes it down the ground past his partner at the other end for a boundary. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to H Kuhn, Good length outside off, moves away, Kuhn checks his cut shot towards point. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, NOT OUT! Angles it around middle and leg, Kuhn looks to turn it through the leg side but is hit on his pads. The bowler, especially Anderson is pretty sure despite the appeal being turned down. He was a word with Root, at the end no review taken. That always looked to be missing the stumps. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Turns it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, Slants it on a good length around the stumps, Heino is not sure of the movement and looks to turn it through. The ball nips in more and hits him on the body. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length but wide outside off, no shot offered. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, Full and outside off, left alone again. |
| 5.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, Angles it on the pads, turned through the backward square leg region for a single. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to Elgar, FOUR! Full and outside off, Elgar pushes at it but gets an outside edge wide of the slip cordon. The ball runs into the fence for a boundary. |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Full outside off, pushed towards point by Kuhn. |
| 0.0 : The floodlights have been turned on. It's a bit dark and gloomy. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Good length around off, Heino gets in line and defends it. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Hurls it outside off on a length, Kuhn gets in position and pushes it towards the off side from his crease. |
| 6.4 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Back of a length outside off, Kuhn jumps a touch, tucks it towards the leg side. |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Shorter outside off, punched towards covers. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Kuhn, FOUR! In the gap! Shorter outside off, Kuhn gets on top of it and cracks it square of the wicket on the off side for a boundary. The length was not right there by the bowler. |
| 7.1 : S Broad to Elgar, Angles it on the pads, tucked to fine leg for a single. |
| 7.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, Length ball outside off, Kuhn comes forward and pushes it towards covers. |
| 7.3 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length outside off, Kuhn jumps and punches it towards point. |
| 7.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length outside off, left alone by Kuhn. |
| 7.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, Length around off, Kuhn comes forward and blocks it. |
| 7.6 : S Broad to Kuhn, Ouch! Angles it around off on a length, Kuhn shapes to defend but the ball bounces a touch more on him. He flinches in pain after completing his shot. He seems to have hurt his bottom hand there. He is getting into awkward positions too actually. |
| The physio is out in the middle to attend Heino Kuhn. His right index finger is being treated. |
| 8.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Angles it around off, Elgar defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 8.2 : J Anderson to Elgar, BEATEN! Full and outside off, Elgar plays for the length and looks to drive. The ball jags away and beats him. |
| 8.3 : J Anderson to Elgar, JAFFA! Hurls it around off on a good length, Elgar shapes to defend at first but then looks to withdraw his bat from the shot. He is beaten all ends up. Superb ball. |
| 8.4 : J Anderson to Elgar, Length around off, Elgar taps it on the surface. |
| 8.5 : J Anderson to Elgar, Slants it outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 8.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, OUT! Elgar throws it away! Anderson keeps it full and outside off, Elgar wants to drive it away. Plays far, far from his body. Dawson flies to his right at backward point and takes a good catch. That is an important wicket for the hosts. 300th Test wicket for Anderson at home and it is a big one. The testing over has paid dividends. |
| Hashim Amla is the new man in. He has not been among the runs. Vital knock for him. |
| 9.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, Full and outside off, left alone by Kuhn. |
| 9.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, Angles it on middle and leg, Kuhn turns it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 9.3 : S Broad to Amla, Good length around middle, turned through square leg for a single. Amla gets off the mark with that. |
| 9.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, A tad short outside off, Kuhn defends it from his crease. |
| 9.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, Short and outside off, Kuhn throws his bat at it. The ball just whizzes past the bat. Not sure if such shots are needed at this time. |
| 9.6 : S Broad to Kuhn, This one is left alone watchfully by the batsman. |
| 10.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla shapes to play at first but then pulls out of the shot well. |
| 10.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Back of a length around off, Hashim gets behind the line and defends it well. |
| 10.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length around off, Amla keeps it out from his crease. |
| 10.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Lands it outside off, bounces more off a good length, Amla raises his bat and lets it go. |
| 10.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Shortish outside off, no shot offered by Amla. |
| 10.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length outside off, played towards point by the batsman. |
| Mark Wood called on for a bowl. |
| 11.1 : M Wood to Kuhn, CLOSE! Starts off with a length ball around middle, Kuhn looks to flick but is hit on his thigh pad. He was jumping there, Heino and that is what saved him, the height on that one. |
| 11.2 : M Wood to Kuhn, EDGED! Full and around off, Kuhn shapes to defend but the ball squirts off the outside edge towards backward point. Stokes stops it with a dive. |
| 11.3 : M Wood to Kuhn, Slants it on the pads, Kuhn cannot clip it away. Stifled appeal turned down as it was always going down leg. |
| 11.4 : M Wood to Kuhn, BANG! OUCH! Shorter in length around off, comes in, Kuhn shapes to pull it but takes the eyes off it. The ball gets big on him. He is hit on the back of his helmet. There is no protective gear that we see with the new helmets too. Wonder why, though. That must have hurt him. Wood had a stare and then a polite inquiry. Kuhn has called for the physio straightaway. He will also need to change his helmet. |
| The physio is out there to check with Kuhn. Seems like the young opener is okay but still it's advisable to take a few moments to soak up the blow. This one struck Kuhn on the back of the helmet, so the South African staff don't want to take any chances. He seems set to resume now. SHORT LEG COMES IN NOW. |
| 11.5 : M Wood to Kuhn, As expected, the short ball from Wood, ducked under by the batsman. |
| 11.6 : M Wood to Kuhn, Full around off, Kuhn is right behind it and defends it watchfully. Good over from Wood, testing. |
| 12.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Fullish around off, Amla looks to defend but gets it towards covers with an angled bat. |
| 12.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length outside off, tapped to the left of the gully fielder. |
| 12.3 : J Anderson to Amla, On the pads, turned through backward square leg for a single. |
| 12.4 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Wide outside off on a length, no shot offered by Kuhn. |
| 12.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Shortish around off, nips in, Kuhn is cramped for room as he looks to punch it through. The ball dies down towards covers. |
| 12.6 : J Anderson to H Kuhn, FOUR! Flashed! Shorrter in length, Kuhn flashes at it and gets it wide of the diving Stokes at backward point for a boundary. |
| 13.1 : M Wood to Amla, Length ball from Wood, Amla shuffles but does well to bring his bat down in time. Wood gets the ball to skid on so Amla has to be careful. |
| 0.0 : A change of helmet for Kuhn, he is not happy with it though and wants something to be fixed. |
| 13.2 : M Wood to Amla, This one goes away and is left alone by Hashim. |
| 13.3 : M Wood to Amla, A tad short around off, Amla gets in line of the ball and defends it. |
| 13.4 : M Wood to Amla, Shorter in length on middle, Amla shuffles across and ducks under it. |
| 13.5 : M Wood to Amla, Is that out? Nope! Wood slants it on the stumps but on a length, after pushing him back with the short ones. Amla looks to defend but the ball nips in and hits him on the box. The umpire turns down the appeal. That looked high. Good bowling, this. |
| 13.6 : M Wood to Amla, Fuller around off, Amla is right forward and defends it. |
| Time for DRINKS. A very testing period of play for the South African batsmen. Apart from Elgar, both Kuhn and now Amla have been patient to see off the new-ball spell. England will want to keep taking wickets. |
| Ben Stokes comes into the attack. |
| 14.1 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Starts with a back of a length delivery outside off, Kuhn taps tentatively towards point. |
| 14.2 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Slightly wider this time outside off, bit of extra bounce on it as Kuhn lets it pass through to the keeper. |
| 14.3 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, On a length targeting the fourth stump line, left alone to the keeper. |
| 14.4 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, FOUR! GRACEFULLY DONE! Stokes dishes out a half-volley outside off and Kuhn doesn't miss out. Drives it sweetly through mid off with nice timing to get his fourth boundary. |
| 14.5 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Good length outside off, Heino doesn't offer a stroke to that one. |
| 14.6 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Lovely line, this! Just short of a full length around off stump, Kuhn responds with an equally good leave. |
| 15.1 : M Wood to Amla, On a good length around off stump, Amla rises on his toes to defend it towards cover. |
| 15.2 : M Wood to Amla, Fullish around off stump, solid front foot defence by the veteran. |
| 15.3 : M Wood to Amla, Length ball around middle, Amla plays around his front pad and taps it towards mid on. |
| 15.4 : M Wood to Amla, Pitched up outside off, Amla drives well but straight to the fielder at cover. |
| 15.5 : M Wood to Amla, Good length outside off, watchfully left alone by Hashim. |
| 15.6 : M Wood to Amla, FOUR! SHOT OF THE MORNING! This man is all class, isn't he? Not that full but Amla gets a nice stride forward to cream the drive through the covers. Struck on the up and pierced the gap beautifully as the ball raced to the fence. Top stroke! |
| 16.1 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Very full and outside off, Stokes is lucky to get away with this loose delivery as Kuhn's punchy drive cannot beat cover. |
| 16.2 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, On middle and leg, tucked gently to the leg side. |
| 16.3 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Just short of a good length outside off, Kuhn withdraws his bat to let it pass. |
| 16.4 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, In the channel around off stump, Heino stays back and is happy to leave it alone. |
| 16.5 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, The bumper this time from Stokes, it's quite high and allows Kuhn to duck with relative ease. |
| 16.6 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Dodgy stuff from Kuhn! He has looked fidgety all morning but the unorthodox movements have been effective so far. Good length around off, he gets across the sticks to block but the bounce does him in a bit. The ball goes off the splice towards cover. |
| 17.1 : M Wood to Amla, Good leave! That came back in quite sharply after pitching but Amla has sound judgement of his off stump. Makes a fine leave. You can afford to leave some on length on this surface, at least on day one. |
| 17.2 : M Wood to Amla, Lovely ball! Slightly fuller around off, holds its line after coming in with the angle initially, Amla is stuck on the crease as he pushes tentatively at it. The ball whizzes past the outside edge to the keeper. |
| 17.3 : M Wood to Amla, Good length around off, defended solidly from the crease. |
| 17.4 : M Wood to Amla, FOUR! FAB SHOT! The bouncer from Wood but Amla is prepared for it. Controls the pull shot nicely through backward square leg to find the fence. It was slightly aerial but the veteran played the field well there. Gets to the coveted milestone well. |
| 8000 Test runs for Hashim Amla. |
| 17.5 : M Wood to Amla, Another short ball, this time Amla ducks under it. |
| 17.6 : M Wood to Amla, Make that three bouncers in a row. After a feisty pull to the first one, Amla has been his usual passive self. Ducks under this as well. |
| 18.1 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Full and very wide outside off, Kuhn doesn't offer a shot to that one. |
| 18.2 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Angled in around middle, Kuhn gets half-forward and nudges it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 18.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, The tempter from Stokes, full and wide, egging the batsman to go at it but Amla refuses to play a shot. The all-rounder isn't happy with himself, so probably that line wasn't intentional. |
| This is really good start for South Africa after the wicket earlier. |
| 18.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, FOUR! Vintage Hashim Amla! Width on offer and slightly shorter outside off, he just stands tall and punishes it behind point to get a boundary. His strong wrists did the magic there, splitting the gap to perfection. Pure class! |
| 1223 local time - Oh dear, out of nowhere, the rains have come in and it is pouring at the moment. But wait on, it is slowing down as we type. Looks like a passing shower. |
| 1237 local time update - Best news! Play to resume soon. Not a long break then. |
| Out come Hashim Amla and Heino Kuhn. This is a tricky period for them. They will be looking to play through to lunch here. |
| 18.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Sprayed down the leg side, Amla tries to glance it down to fine leg but misses. He's lucky not to get a feather on that, sometimes when you are in a lean patch, you tend to get out in weird ways. |
| Wow! Amla seems to have been struck outside the line on this lbw call. There seems to have been an inside edge too. Strange review really, it was visible to the naked eye. |
| 18.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, NOT OUT! Have to say this was a poor review from England. Never looked close in normal motion. Fullish inswinger just outside off, Amla gets forwad to block but is pinned on the front pad. Loud shout for lbw that is turned down by the umpire. Stokes is adamant on the review and coaxes Root to take it. No bat involved but impact seems outside the line and Hawk Eye confirms the same. Seemed so to the naked eye as well to be honest, probably an emotional review from Stokes |
| 19.1 : M Wood to Kuhn, On middle and leg, Kuhn tucks it to the leg side. |
| 19.2 : M Wood to Kuhn, Cracker of a delivery! Almost had Kuhn. On a good length on off stump, shapes away late as Heino pushes at it. The ball whizzes past the outside edge as he is squared up slightly. |
| 19.3 : M Wood to Kuhn, Back of a length outside off, nicely blocked off the back foot towards cover. |
| 19.4 : M Wood to Kuhn, Shortish around off stump, defended solidly from the crease. |
| 19.5 : M Wood to Kuhn, FOUR! CRUNCHED! That should ease him a bit. Shortish and outside off, this time Kuhn is early in position and crashes the back foot punch through cover. Splits the gap nicely to find the fence. |
| 19.6 : M Wood to Kuhn, Shortish on off stump, Kuhn ducks under the bumper. |
| 20.1 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length outside off, Amla stands tall and taps it towards point. |
| 20.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, More of the shorter length around middle, defended off the back foot towards mid on. |
| Some sawdust being sprinkled at the bowler's landing area. |
| 20.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Full and around off, swinging in, Amla covers the movement and pushes it towards mid-wicket. Quick single taken as the shy misses at the bowler's end. Amla was in anyway. |
| 20.4 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, Fullish and angled in from wide of the crease by Stokes, initially Kuhn thought of poking at it but eventually lets it pass. |
| 20.5 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, FOUR! Boom! He has been fierce when attacking on the off side. Short and wide, Kuhn hangs back and lashes the cut through point. Absolutely picked the bones out of that one to pick up another boundary. |
| 20.6 : Ben Stokes to Kuhn, On a length around off stump, nips in a touch as Kuhn tucks it to the leg side. |
| 21.1 : M Wood to Amla, Fullish and attacking the stumps, Amla gets across and blocks it with the full face of the bat. |
| 21.2 : M Wood to Amla, Sprayed down the leg side, easy for Amla as he turns this through backward square leg for a single. |
| 21.3 : M Wood to Kuhn, FOUR! Not sure how he pulled off this stroke, but well done in the end. Short ball on off stump, Kuhn was probably thinking of ducking initially as he took his eyes off the ball. Goes for the pull as an afterthought and gets it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Middled the stroke well despite the delayed decision. |
| 21.4 : M Wood to Kuhn, On a good length around off stump, jagging away as Heino lets it pass. |
| 21.5 : M Wood to Kuhn, Length ball around off stump, Kuhn gets right behind the line and blocks it towards cover. |
| 21.6 : M Wood to Kuhn, Fullish on off stump, gets across and pushes it back to the bowler |
| 22.1 : Ben Stokes to Amla, On a good length outside off, jags in a bit as Amla lets it pass. |
| 22.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Fuller and outside off, Amla doesn't offer a shot to that one. |
| 22.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Another full ball around off stump, this time Amla defends it solidly off the front foot towards cover. |
| 22.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Nice full ball wider outside off, Amla would usually look to drive these but he doesn't want to take any risks with lunch coming up after this over. |
| 22.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length around off, Amla stands tall and blocks it towards point. |
| 22.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Shortish around off, Amla stands tall and blocks it towards the off side. THAT SHALL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1. |
| A solid start for South Africa after opting to bat. Although they lost Elgar cheaply, young Kuhn along with senior man Amla have weathered the new-ball phase quite well. The former has copped a few blows but it hasn't affected his concentration. There has been movement on offer for the England seamers but they haven't quite hit their straps to be honest. They will look to be more accurate after the break while South Africa will want this partnership to prosper. Join us shortly for the post-lunch |
| ....Day 1...Session 2... |
| The players are back out in the middle for the second session of play. Hashim Amla and Heino Kuhn will aim to stitch a stand and build the platform. England will want to take wickets, Stuart Broad to start off the proceedings post the break. |
| 23.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length outside off, swings away, left alone by Kuhn. |
| 23.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, Hurls it outside off on a length, no shot offered by Kuhn. |
| Michael Holding on air reckons that England bowlers need to bowl a bit more full and hit the stumps. |
| England have reviewed an lbw call against Kuhn. Looked close to the naked eye. Probably just a bit high, maybe? |
| 23.3 : Broad to Kuhn, NOT OUT! Height saves Kuhn, England review in vain! Broad bowl it on a length, outside off, nips in, Kuhn looks to defend it in front of his pads. He misses and is rapped on the pads. The players appeal long and hard but nothing from the umpire. Broad as ever is confident and convinces Root to review it. Replays confirm no edge, Hawk Eye shows that the ball was missing the stumps. Height was the factor. England have lost both their reviews. |
| 23.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, Full and outside off, nothing doing. |
| 23.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, Stays back this time and defends this shorter length ball off the back foot. |
| 23.6 : S Broad to Kuhn, Slants this one on the pads, Kuhn shapes to flick but is rapped on the pads. Broad is appealing for even that. Just Broad things. |
| James Anderson to bowl from the other end. Not surprising. |
| 24.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Hurls it outside off on a length, shapes away, Amla is unmoved. |
| 24.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Wide outside off, Amla is not going to fall for it. |
| 24.3 : J Anderson to Amla, JAFFA! Bowls it around off, on a length, Amla looks to play down the line, straight but the ball just swings away a touch after pitching and beats Amla all ends up. That was a really good ball. England have bowled a lot fuller post Lunch. |
| 24.4 : J Anderson to H Amla, Edged! Another fuller one outside off, Amla comes forward to defend but gets it off the edge towards the off side. |
| 24.5 : J Anderson to H Amla, Amla once again plays this with an angled bat towards the gully fielder. |
| 24.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Slants it on the pads, Hashim won't miss out on those and clips it through square leg. They get three runs. |
| 25.1 : S Broad to Amla, Slants it down the leg side, Amla looks to clip but misses. |
| 25.2 : S Broad to Amla, Good length outside off, comes in, Amla lets it go through. |
| Looks like there is a bit of reverse on offer for Broad and Anderson. |
| 25.3 : S Broad to Amla, Broad angles one way down the leg side, the ball swings further down, Bairstow makes a good stop diving to his left. |
| 25.4 : S Broad to Amla, Wait, why? Shorter around off, Amla wants to pull but the ball gets big on him. The top edge falls short of the long leg fielder coming in. A single taken. Amla need not play such shots now. |
| 25.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, Nice bowling! Broad goes wide of the crease, angles it on a good length outside off, jags in a long way, Kuhn looks to defend but is cut into two halves. Seriously good bowling, this. |
| 25.6 : S Broad to Kuhn, Full and outside off, this time Heino is not tempted. |
| 26.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Pitched up around off, Amla covers the line and defends it watchfully coming forward. |
| 26.2 : J Anderson to Amla, A tad short, Amla is quick to camp back and punch it into covers. |
| 26.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length just outside off, Amla looks to defend off the crease, on his back foot. The ball lands wide of the stumps and Hashim is still watching it closely. Good awareness, really. |
| 26.4 : Anderson to Amla, CLOSE! Good length again outside off, comes in, Amla looks to clip it leaping a touch. Amla is rapped on his pads and the loud appeal is turned down. That looked high. Hawk Eye confirms the same. |
| 26.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Full and straight on the stumps, Amla whips it wide of mid on. The timing is good and he gets three runs as the ball slows down in the outfield. |
| 26.6 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Good length outside off, left alone by Kuhn. |
| 27.1 : S Broad to Amla, Full and outside off, Amla presses forward and defends it. |
| 0.0 : There are two men out in the deep for the short ball. |
| 27.2 : S Broad to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla stands tall and punches it through covers. Slow outfield means Ballance can chase it from extra cover and keep the ball in play. Three runs taken. |
| 27.3 : S Broad to Kuhn, Outside off on a length, no shot offered by Kuhn. |
| 27.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, OUT! Timber! Broad continues to hit the length just outside off, he gets the ball to come back in, Kuhn pushes at it from his crease and gets an inside edge onto his stumps. That was not an ideal shot to play and Heino's struggle to stay alive at the crease comes to an end. He never looked settled but survived somehow. Broad has a wicket to his name now. |
| Interesting move, Quinton de Kock comes out to bat at the number 4 position. From AB de Villiers, JP Duminy to de Kock now. How will he go here? Will he attack or hold himself back? |
| 27.5 : S Broad to Kock, Four Leg Byes! Broad goes round the wicket, slants it on the pads, de Kock misses his flick. The ball brushes off the pads and runs into the fine leg fence. Leg byes signaled. |
| 27.6 : S Broad to Kock, Outside off on a length, left alone by de Kock. |
| 28.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla punches it to covers from his crease. |
| 28.2 : J Anderson to Amla, FOUR! Class! A back of a length delivery outside off, Amla rides the bounce on that one and sends it through the point region for a boundary. Not many batsmen in the world, play as good a punch off the back foot as Amla does. Treat to watch. |
| 28.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Angles it around off, Amla gets across and tucks it towards the leg side. |
| 28.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Full and wide outside off, Hashim plays the inside the line and is beaten as the ball swings away from him. |
| 28.5 : J Anderson to Amla, BEATEN! Full and just around off, Amla is lured into the forward defence. The ball beats the bat yet again, though. This one went straight on. |
| 28.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Amla prods forward to defend but he gets an inside edge through square leg for a single. Anderson has his hands on his head. What an over. |
| 29.1 : S Broad to Amla, Full and outside off, pushed towards wide mid off by Amla. |
| 29.2 : S Broad to H Amla, FOUR! Top shot! Full and outside off, Amla comes forward and this time just caresses it through the covers for a boundary. The perfect cover drive, someone you can take home to for a relationship. Beautiful cricket shot! |
| 29.3 : S Broad to Amla, Tucks this one towards the mid-wicket region for a single. |
| 29.4 : S Broad to Kock, Broad bowls it around off, de Kock gets around his pads and turns it towards the leg side. |
| 29.5 : S Broad to de Kock, Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a couple of runs to get off the mark. |
| 29.6 : S Broad to Kock, Full outside off, de Kock drives it through covers for a single. |
| 30.1 : J Anderson to Kock, Good length around the pads, de Kock looks to clip but is hit on his pads. |
| 30.2 : J Anderson to Kock, Slants across a good length delivery, outside off, de Kock offers no shot to it. |
| 30.3 : J Anderson to Kock, Full around middle, de Kock turns it towards the left of the mid on fielder and takes a single. |
| 30.4 : J Anderson to Amla, A tad short around off, Amla gets in line and defends it. |
| 30.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Slanting on the pads, Amla shapes to flick this one but it goes off the pads towards fine leg fo a couple of leg byes. |
| 30.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Around off on a length, Amla gets across and tucks it towards the leg side. |
| 31.1 : S Broad to Kock, Full and wide outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 31.2 : S Broad to Kock, Shorter in length on off and middle, de Kock plays a controlled hook shot to fine leg for a single. |
| 31.3 : S Broad to Amla, Back of a length outside off, Amla stands tall and punches it to covers. |
| 31.4 : S Broad to Amla, Full and outside off, creamed to mid off by Hashim Amla. |
| 31.5 : S Broad to Amla, Short and wide outside off, Amla goes for the pull. It is far too wide for that shot. Moeen Ali in the deep at fine leg, has not picked it. The ball lands between him and the deep square leg fielder. A run taken. |
| 31.6 : S Broad to Kock, Lands it around off, de Kock hangs his bat out for it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 32.1 : J Anderson to H Amla, Did it carry? Nope! Good length outside off, Amla looks to play at first but then wants to leave it. The soft hands means that the edge does carry to Root diving to his left at second slip. Anderson has bowled really well to Amla post Lunch. |
| 32.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Hurls it around off, Amla gets in line of the ball and defends it. |
| 32.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Short and wide outside off, Amla needs no second invitation but cracks it towards point. |
| 32.4 : J Anderson to Amla, FOUR! This time it is in the gap! Short and wide outside off, Amla throws his bat at it. He gets it wide of the backward point fielder for a boundary. That was asking to be hit. |
| 32.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Full and outside off, left alone by Amla. |
| 32.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length around off, Amla nudges it towards fine leg. A couple of runs taken. |
| Joe Root is off the field. There is a substitute on for him. Anuj Dal is the name of the fielder. |
| 33.1 : S Broad to Kock, De Kock comes forward and taps it towards point. |
| 33.2 : S Broad to Kock, Back of a length outside off, de Kock stays back and defends it. |
| 33.3 : S Broad to Kock, That is how he got out in the previous Test, trying to angle one into covers. This one he gets it finer this time towards third man. Three runs taken. |
| 33.4 : S Broad to Amla, Good length outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| 33.5 : S Broad to Amla, Length ball outside off, shapes away, left alone. Broad is chatting along but no response from Amla. |
| 33.6 : S Broad to Amla, Hashim defends it from his crease. |
| Joe Root is back on the field, Mark Wood comes on for a bowl. He has changed ends here. |
| 34.1 : M Wood to Kock, Hurls it around off, de Kock looks to clip but gets it off the inner half through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 34.2 : M Wood to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla defends it from his crease. |
| 34.3 : M Wood to Amla, Full and outside off, Amla gets behind it and blocks it. |
| 34.4 : M Wood to Amla, Hurls it outside off, Amla comes forward to defend but does so off the outer half of the bat. |
| 34.5 : M Wood to Amla, Amla pushes this one towards point off his crease. |
| 34.6 : M Wood to Amla, Good length outside off, swings away, Amla punches it towards covers. A maiden to begin with for Wood, in this spell. |
| Time for spin! Liam Dawson comes into the attack. Will be interesting to see how the Saffas play him here. |
| 35.1 : L Dawson to Kock, Floated on a length outside off, de Kock defends nicely from the crease towards cover. |
| 35.2 : L Dawson to Kock, Quicker but on a shorter length, de Kock goes back to cut it but fails to put bat to ball. |
| 35.3 : L Dawson to Kock, Loops it outside off, drifts in, de Kock comes forward and defends it. |
| 35.4 : L Dawson to Kock, Quinton de Kock comes down and turns it towards the leg side. |
| 35.5 : L Dawson to Kock, Full and outside off, de Kokc opens the face of the bat and gets it through covers. Some good running gets them three runs. That was hit in the gap nicely. |
| 35.6 : L Dawson to Amla, Floats it around off, Amla comes forward and defends it. |
| 36.1 : M Wood to Kock, FOUR! Nice timing! Full and wide outside off, de Kock comes forward and just opens the face of the bat to get it between cover-point and point for a boundary. Superb shot. |
| 36.2 : M Wood to Kock, FOUR! Classical! Wood bowls it around the stumps, de Kock won't miss out. He walks down and clips it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary. Nice batting. |
| 36.3 : M Wood to Kock, Flowing drive! Wood now hurls it outside off, de Kock just caresses it on the up through covers. Slow outfield means they get three runs again. They have run a lot of them already. Suddenly, he is 23 in 23. |
| 36.4 : M Wood to Amla, Good length around off, nudged through backward square leg for a single. |
| There is a deep point in place now. |
| 36.5 : M Wood to Kock, Fuller around off, de Kock punches it back down the wicket with a closed face of the bat. The ball hits the timber at the other end and deflects towards mid on. |
| 36.6 : M Wood to Kock, Turns it through square leg for a single. 13 runs from the over. |
| DRINKS time! This is a good period of play for the visitors. After losing Kuhn early, both Amla and de Kock have taken their time but ensured they put away the bad ball. They will want to continue doing that. England need to stem the flow of runs here. |
| 37.1 : L Dawson to Kock, Half-tracker on off stump, de Kock swivels and pulls it well. However, there is a fielder at mid-wicket who is quite deep, almost as if for this shot. |
| 37.2 : L Dawson to de Kock, Full toss outside off, eased down the ground to long off for a single. |
| 37.3 : L Dawson to Amla, Full and outside off, pushed gently towards cover. |
| 37.4 : L Dawson to Amla, SIX! TOP STROKE! Flighted around middle, Amla dances down the pitch and holds his shape to loft it straight over the bowler's head. Timed it so well that it just cleared the ropes. The umpires check it upstairs and replays confirm the same. It's been a fluent knock from Amla so far, positive in defence and attack from the outset. He will hope to make it into a big one now. |
| 50-run stand between Amla and de Kock. |
| 33rd Test fifty for Hashim Amla. |
| 37.5 : L Dawson to Amla, Floated around off, defended solidly from the crease. |
| 37.6 : L Dawson to Amla, Floated around off, Amla uses his feet to drive it towards cover but straight to the fielder. |
| 38.1 : M Wood to Kock, Shortish and just around off stump, de Kock sways away from the line. |
| 38.2 : M Wood to Kock, Length ball on off stump, de Kock walks across and taps it gently towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 38.3 : M Wood to Amla, FOUR! That's a gift and Amla cashes in. Wood sprays it down the leg side and it's easy pickings for the batsman. A fine glance past the keeper down the leg side into the fence. |
| 38.4 : M Wood to Amla, Length ball on off stump, Amla stands tall and defends it firmly towards cover. |
| 38.5 : M Wood to H Amla, Short ball on off stump, Amla swivels and controls the pull nicely towards deep backward square leg. Single taken. |
| 38.6 : M Wood to Kock, Shortish on off stump, de Kock rises on his toes and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 39.1 : L Dawson to Kock, FOUR! How delicately done! Finesse from de Kock and he gets another boundary. Shorter and outside off, he sits back and opens the bat face ever so late. Beats backward point comfortably as the ball races to the third man fence. |
| 39.2 : L Dawson to Kock, Flighted around middle, gets across and defends it to the leg side. |
| 39.3 : Dawson to Kock, FOUR! KABOOM! De Kock has made it clear, he doesn't want to let the left-arm spinner settle. Flighted around off, he just uses his reach to loft it cleanly over the bowler's head. Struck beautifully and it goes to the long off fence on a few bounces. |
| 39.4 : L Dawson to Kock, Floated around middle, gets across and works it towards mid-wicket. |
| 39.5 : L Dawson to Kock, Loopy and wider outside off, reaches out to tap it towards cover. Easy single. |
| 39.6 : L Dawson to Amla, Tossed up gently around off, gets on the front foot and blocks it towards cover. |
| 40.1 : M Wood to Kock, On a good length outside off, de Kock walks down the track and defends gently towards cover. |
| 40.2 : M Wood to Kock, Excellent fielding! Saved a certain boundary, Anderson. Length ball outside off, de Kock walks down the track and unleashes a cracking drive. It's well stopped with a dive at short cover. Jimmy parries it towards the man stationed at cover. |
| 40.3 : M Wood to Kock, Back of a length around off, defended firmly off the back foot to the off side. |
| 40.4 : M Wood to Kock, Wood goes wide of the crease and tries to slant it across the left-hander, de Kock wanted to play across the line but mistimes it down the track towards the bowler. |
| 40.5 : M Wood to Kock, On a length outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 40.6 : M Wood to Kock, Got into a tangle there, de Kock! His primary agenda is to work the ball on the leg side but he needs to be careful here. Tries to flick a fuller ball on off stump, gets a soft leading edge towards mid off. |
| Ben Stokes comes back in for another burst. Still no signs of Moeen Ali yet, interesting from Root. |
| 41.1 : Ben Stokes to H Amla, Shortish around middle, gets back and swivels to pull towards deep square leg. Single taken. |
| 41.2 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Back of a length outside off, punched off the back foot through point for a single. |
| 41.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Length ball outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 41.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length outside off, Amla stays on the back foot and pats it towards gully. |
| 41.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Length ball outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 41.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, DROPPED BY COOK! Sharp chance but should have been taken. How costly will this prove to be? A rare lapse in concentration from Amla, drives away from the body to the outswinger. Gets a thick edge that flies low to first slip where Cook spills the chance. How England would have wanted that to stick! Amla is a long-innings player and you need to take the chance when he offers. |
| 42.1 : M Wood to Kock, Back of a length outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 42.2 : M Wood to Kock, Shortish and wider outside off, slapped to deep point. Single taken. |
| 42.3 : M Wood to Amla, On a length outside off, Amla lets it pass through to the keeper. |
| 42.4 : M Wood to Amla, Back of a length outside off, solidly defended off the back foot towards cover. |
| 42.5 : M Wood to Amla, Good length ball outside off, Hashim is happy to leave it alone. |
| 42.6 : M Wood to Amla, Shortish and around off stump, tapped off the back foot towards point. |
| 43.1 : Ben Stokes to Kock, On a good length around off stump, de Kock moves across a bit and taps it to the off side. |
| 43.2 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Very full and outside off, walks across and mistimes the drive towards mid on. |
| 43.3 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Back of a length ball outside off, nips in a touch as de Kock taps it towards third man for a single. |
| 43.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length around middle, Amla shuffles on the back foot to clip it through backward square leg. Single taken. |
| 43.5 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Good take by Bairstow! Saved his side a few extras there with a fine dive to his right. Full and sprayed well down the leg side, de Kock tries to glance it fine down the leg side but misses. |
| 43.6 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Length ball around off, de Kock defends it solidly from the crease. |
| Last-game hero, Moeen Ali comes on to bowl, finally. |
| 44.1 : M Ali to Amla, Floated on a length outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 44.2 : M Ali to Amla, Drifting in from wider outside off, another leave by Amla. |
| 44.3 : M Ali to Amla, Looped up nicely on fifth stump line, three leaves in a row now by Amla. |
| 44.4 : M Ali to Amla, What was that? Funny bit of cricket. A very high full toss from Ali, probably slipped a bit from his hand. Amla walks across in premeditated fashion to paddle it behind square leg for a single. |
| 44.5 : M Ali to Kock, Nicely done by de Kock! Floated around the stumps, he gets across the sticks and clips it sweetly down the leg side. Nicely timed but won't get a boundary due to the sluggish outfield. Another three taken by this pair. |
| 44.6 : M Ali to Amla, Flighted outside off, Amla stays back for the punch but probably went too hard at it. Mistimes the stroke towards mid off. |
| 45.1 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Length ball wider outside off, de Kock checks his drive on the up through the covers. Single taken as there is protection in the deep. |
| 45.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Good length ball outside off, defended nicely towards cover from the crease. |
| 45.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Length ball around middle, Amla tucks it around the corner for a single. |
| 45.4 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Tempter from Stokes, full and wide outside off, de Kock doesn't fall for the bait. Makes a leave. |
| 45.5 : Ben Stokes to Kock, FOUR! Cut away! De kock continues to motor along. Back of a length outside off, not that wide but he creates his own room. Cuts it through backward point to find the fence. He has changed the momentum of the innings since his arrival and it's rubbed off on Amla as well. |
| 45.6 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Length ball on off stump, de Kock gets across and taps it towards mid-wicket for a single. Stokes tries to run out Amla but no harm done. |
| 46.1 : M Ali to Kock, Flighted nicely around off stump, de Kock gets on the front foot and blocks solidly. |
| 46.2 : M Ali to Kock, Drifting in from around middle, gets across and taps it past the short leg fielder. |
| 46.3 : M Ali to Kock, Flighted on off stump, gets forward to this and pats it back to the bowler. |
| 46.4 : M Ali to Kock, Floated around middle, de Kock gets across and works it towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 46.5 : M Ali to Amla, Tossed up around middle, a bit short and allows Amla to work it off the back foot through backward square leg. Single taken. |
| 46.6 : M Ali to Kock, Fifty! Played, Quinton! Floated on off stump, de Kock reaches out and drives it down to long on for a single. Gets to the milestone and acknowledges the cheers of the crowd and his mates in the dressing room. The move to promote him to four has worked for SA but he needs to get a big one to deflate the opposition. |
| 11th Test fifty for Quinton de Kock |
| 47.1 : Ben Stokes to de Kock, FOUR! NEARLY DRAGGED ON! Back of a length around off, de Kock's tendency to play with a closed bat face nearly did him in. Got the inside edge that just flew over leg stump down to the fine leg fence. Streaky runs! |
| 47.2 : Ben Stokes to Kock, FOUR! How did he play that? He loves playing unconventional shots, this lad! Shortish around off, he kept going forward to it and one would usually get overawed by the bounce in such a situation. Not this man, he gets into a tangle yet manages to execute the pull through mid-wicket. Super shot! |
| 47.3 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Length ball wider outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 47.4 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Fullish ball outside off, de Kock reaches out and pushes it towards the off side. It's between extra cover and mid off as the batsmen take a single. |
| 47.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length outside off, Amla hangs back to that one and defends it to the off side. |
| 47.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length outside off, stays back and blocks it to the off side. |
| 48.1 : M Ali to Kock, Floated on a length outside off, defended off the back foot to the off side. |
| 48.2 : M Ali to Kock, Floated on off stump, gets across to that one and clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 48.3 : M Ali to Kock, A touch short and outside off, de Kock stays back and slaps it towards the sweeper cover region. It's to the left of the fielder and he chases it as the batsmen take two. Superb partnership, this! |
| 100-run stand between Amla and de Kock. |
| 48.4 : M Ali to Kock, A bit of drift into the batsman, worked on the leg side for a single. |
| 48.5 : M Ali to Amla, Flighted outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 48.6 : M Ali to Amla, Length ball outside off, Amla tries to block as the ball tails in a touch. Gets a faint inside edge on to the pads. |
| 49.1 : Ben Stokes to de Kock, Length ball outside off, de Kock tries to force it on the off side but the room isn't quite there. Gets a faint inside edge on to the pads. |
| 49.2 : Ben Stokes to de Kock, FOUR! JUST PAST GULLY! De Kock nearly did the same mistake that he had committed in the first innings of the last game. Fullish outside off, he walks down the track for the drive. Plays away from the body and gets a thick edge that just flies past a diving gully fielder. Boundary to third man. Even in that first innings Lord's dismissal, de Kock had departed just before a break. He would have been livid with himself if it repeated today, with SA in such a good positi |
| 49.3 : Ben Stokes to Kock, In the zone around the off stump, de Kock leaves it alone to the keeper. |
| 49.4 : Ben Stokes to de Kock, Fullish and around off stump, de Kock blocks it solidly from the crease. |
| 49.5 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Full and angled on to the pads, he shuffles across to clip it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 49.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Fullish ball outside off, nice little square drive from Amla but well stopped by Ali at point. |
| 50.1 : Ali to Kock, Flighted very full around middle, in the blockhole and well dug out by de Kock towards cover. |
| 50.2 : M Ali to Kock, Drifting in from around off stump, defended solidly towards cover. |
| 50.3 : M Ali to Kock, Fullish on off stump, leans across and drives it firmly back to the bowler. |
| 50.4 : M Ali to de Kock, Floated around off stump, de Kock pushes at it with hard hands but gets an inside edge on to the pads. |
| 50.5 : M Ali to Kock, Pushed through quicker outside off, reaches out and blocks solidly towards point. |
| 50.6 : M Ali to Kock, Flighted nicely around off stump, de Kock checks his drive back to the bowler. |
| Last over before tea coming up. |
| 51.1 : Ben Stokes to Amla, UPPISH BUT SAFE! Dug in short around off stump, Amla goes for the pull but once again, the line isn't there for the shot. Gets a top edge that luckily for him, lands safe at deep backward square leg. The fine leg fielder charges forward but in vain as it doesn't carry to him. Nervy shot from the veteran with tea around the corner. Both batsmen being a tad loose towards the break. Single taken. |
| 51.2 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Back of a length outside off, de Kock cuts it towards the off side. |
| 51.3 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Shortish outside off, cut away towards deep backward point for a single. |
| 51.4 : Ben Stokes to H Amla, Fullish and outside off, Amla checks his drive towards mid off. |
| Stokes aborts his run up as the hanky slipped from his pocket. |
| 51.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, FOUR! Glorious shot! Overpitched outside off, Amla creams the drive through the covers. Beautifully timed and nobody moved as everyone knew where that was heading, to the fence. Nicely done! |
| 51.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Full and outside off, Amla digs it out towards silly mid on. TEA ON DAY 1. |
| 123 runs in 29 overs - That's a fantastic session for the visitors. They lost Heino Kuhn early but the promotion of Quinton de Kock worked wonders for them. He along with Hashim Amla shared a century stand to steady South Africa and put them in the position they are at the moment. Both have had their moments of danger due to the slowness of the wicket. |
| England will be disappointed with their bowling. They began really well but lost control later on as de Kock did not let the bad balls go unpunished. There is still some batting to follow and the hosts will aim to keep them in check. Lot of overs left, we could be in for an entertaining final session if de Kock lasts long enough. Join us in a while for it. |
| .... Day 1, Session 3..... |
| Out come the players. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock come out to bat. They will aim to continue the batting. England will want quick wickets. They begin with Stuart Broad! A change of ends for him. Here we go... |
| 52.1 : S Broad to de Kock, OUT! What a start for England! Broad bowls it outside off on a good length, shapes away, de Kock looks to get it down to third man. The ball flies to Alastair Cook at first slip. He holds onto it on second attempt and that is the perfect start for the home side and Quinton has thrown away another start here. If he wants to bat at this position, he needs to make such starts count. |
| 0.0 : The skipper, Faf du Plessis is the new man in. |
| 52.2 : S Broad to Plessis, Bowls it full and outside off, Faf lets it go through. |
| 52.3 : S Broad to Plessis, Fuller around off, Faf comes forward and defends it. |
| 52.4 : S Broad to Plessis, Good length around off, du Plessis looks to clip but is hit on his body. |
| 52.5 : S Broad to Plessis, That was close! Broad bowls it on a length and outside off, comes in a long way, Faf is confident though and lets it go through. |
| 52.6 : S Broad to Plessis, Full but wide outside off, left alone by Faf du Plessis. |
| James Anderson to bowl from the other end. Change of ends for him too. |
| 53.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Length outside off, Amla defends it from his crease. |
| 53.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Full and outside off, Amla mistimes his drive towards mid off. |
| 53.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length outside off, shapes away, left alone. |
| 53.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Full outside off, Amla comes forward and lets it go. The ball jags in but is still wide enough of the stumps. |
| 53.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Wide outside off from Anderson, Amla is not bothered. |
| 53.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Hurls it outside off on a good length, Amla plays at it but the ball swings away and beats him all ends up. Anderson cannot believe his luck. |
| 54.1 : S Broad to Plessis, Full and outside off, left alone by Faf. |
| 54.2 : S Broad to Plessis, Good length outside off, bounces a tad more, Faf defends it but takes the bottom hand off his bat. |
| 54.3 : S Broad to Plessis, Gets in line and defends it. |
| 54.4 : S Broad to Plessis, Outswinger outside off, left alone by Faf. |
| Interesting talk from Shaun Pollock on air. He wonders if Faf du Plessis can bat at a pace in a Test. We have seen enough of him blocking and batting for long period of time. Can he counterattack at times and put the pressure back on the opposition, like he does in ODIs? Let's see. |
| 54.5 : S Broad to Plessis, Length around off, du Plessis defends it watchfully. |
| 54.6 : S Broad to Plessis, Brings this one into du Plessis from outside off, lifts with extra bounce, Faf lets it go at the last moment. |
| 55.1 : J Anderson to H Amla, FOUR! Lovely shot! Full and outside off, Amla gets behind it and drills it through covers for a majestic boundary. That was asking to be hit. |
| 55.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Slants it on the stumps, Amla clips it towards mid-wicket from his crease. |
| 55.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Too full outside off, Amla jams it out towards covers. |
| 55.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Amla gets in line and turns it towards the leg side. |
| 55.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length outside off, left alone by Amla. |
| 55.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Full outside off, driven to covers. |
| Shane Warne makes a fine point on air. Faf bats on middle stump (taking the middle stump guard)which ensures that he has covered his stumps when he is about to face a delivery. So that he can leave anything that is outside his line. Good analysis. |
| 56.1 : S Broad to Plessis, Beaten! Lands it outside off, Faf looks to push at it from his crease but is beaten. Almost got jinxed by Warne. |
| 56.2 : S Broad to Plessis, Stays back and punches it towards the off side. |
| 56.3 : S Broad to Plessis, Full and on the stumps, clipped behind square leg for a single to get off the mark. |
| 56.4 : S Broad to Amla, Full and outside off, Amla is happy to block it. |
| 56.5 : S Broad to Amla, Slants it on the pads, turned through backward square leg for a single. |
| 56.6 : S Broad to Plessis, On a length just around off, shapes away, Faf covers and defends it but is beaten by the sharp movement at the end. Made him look fidgety there. |
| 57.1 : J Anderson to Amla, FOUR! Glorious! Full and on the stumps, Hashim just presents the full face of the bat and gets it through the left of mid on for a boundary. That was a superbly timed shot. |
| 0.0 : Amla averages a whopping 184 against Anderson! That's a lot! |
| 57.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Clips it towards mid-wicket but not in the gap. |
| 57.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Shorter in length around off, Amla wants to pull it out of England but misses. Almost put the mockers on him, there with that stat. |
| 57.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Length ball outside off, left alone by Amla. |
| 57.5 : J Anderson to Amla, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Amla punches it wide of the backward point fielder for a boundary. Even the slow outfield could not stop it. Stokes seems to have hurt himself, trying to stop that one. |
| 57.6 : J Anderson to Amla, A tad short outside off, no shot offered. |
| 58.1 : S Broad to Plessis, Angles it on the stumps, turned towards mid-wicket. Faf wants a run and Amla responds well to complete it at the end. There is a shy at the striker's end but no harm done. |
| 0.0 : Broad has taken out Hashim Amla, 7 times - the most times for a bowler against Amla with Johnson. |
| 58.2 : S Broad to Amla, Amla gets behind this one and defends it. |
| 58.3 : S Broad to Amla, Full and outside off, Amla mistimes his drive towards mid off. |
| 58.4 : S Broad to Amla, OUT! Amla falls on the pull at last! England were trying to get him out playing that one all day and it has worked for them eventually. Shorter in length, Hashim goes for another pull, he does not keep it down. The ball travels straight to deep backward square leg. Mark Wood accepts the gift. And that is the eight time Broad has taken out Hashim in Tests. A needless shot to say the least. South Africa are now four down. |
| Temba Bavuma is the new man in. |
| 58.5 : S Broad to Bavuma, Good length outside off, swings away, Bavuma plays inside the line and lets it go. |
| 58.6 : S Broad to Bavuma, Around off, Bavuma comes forward and pushes it to covers. Broad ends another successful over. |
| 59.1 : J Anderson to Plessis, Good length just around off, Faf has to play at it. The ball swings away and beats him all ends up. |
| 59.2 : J Anderson to Plessis, FOUR! Punched away! Outside off on a good length, du Plessis rides with the bounce and punches it through covers for a boundary. Despite the slow outfield, the ball crosses the ropes. |
| 59.3 : J Anderson to Plessis, Stays back and pushes it to covers. Bavuma wants the single but is sent back. |
| 59.4 : J Anderson to Plessis, Good length just around off, played back to the bowler. |
| 59.5 : J Anderson to Plessis, Full around off, du Plessis opens the face of the bat and gets it towards mid off. The fielder fumbles and allows a single. |
| 59.6 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Good length outside off, Temba is not interested. |
| 60.1 : S Broad to Plessis, Good length outside off, no shot offered by Faf. |
| 60.2 : S Broad to Plessis, Turns it towards the leg side from his crease. |
| 60.3 : S Broad to Plessis, Short but going down leg, Faf pulls it towards fine leg for a single. 200 up for SA. |
| 60.4 : S Broad to Bavuma, Bavuma gets in line and defends this watchfully. |
| 60.5 : S Broad to Bavuma, FOUR! Put away! Shorter in length around the stumps, Bavuma picks it early and nails the pull through mid-wicket for a boundary. He gets off the mark in style. |
| 60.6 : S Broad to Bavuma, Blocks this one towards the leg side from his crease. |
| 61.1 : J Anderson to Plessis, FOUR! Flayed! Shorter outside off, Faf just flays it through the covers for a boundary. Wasn't in control of it but will take the result. |
| 0.0 : Cover in place now. Just from where the ball raced away, inside the ring. |
| 61.2 : J Anderson to Plessis, Good length outside off, du Plessis defends it somehow from his crease. |
| 61.3 : J Anderson to Plessis, Back of a length outside off, punched back down the wicket. |
| 61.4 : J Anderson to Plessis, FOUR! Nicely done! Full around off, du Plessis flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a boundary. He has moved on quickly here. |
| 61.5 : J Anderson to Plessis, Nudges this one through square leg with a pull for a single. |
| 61.6 : J Anderson to Bavuma, Around off on a good length, Bavuma looks to defend but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single. |
| Lot of events happening! Stokes has gone off the field, Anuj Dal - the substitute is in for him. Hold up in play as well as Bavuma is getting his thigh strapped. Some trouble there. Mark Wood comes on for a bowl. England will want to continue taking wickets here. |
| 62.1 : M Wood to Bavuma, Good length around off, Bavuma defends it towards covers. |
| 62.2 : M Wood to Bavuma, Good length again, outside off, no shot offered. |
| 62.3 : M Wood to Bavuma, Full and outside off, Bavuma is happy to let it go. |
| 62.4 : M Wood to Bavuma, Shortish outside off, Temba wants to cut it but gets a bottom edge past his stumps. |
| 62.5 : M Wood to Bavuma, Hurls it around off, Bavuma gets in line and defends it watchfully. |
| 62.6 : M Wood to T Bavuma, FOUR! Streaky! Full and outside off, Bavuma pushes at it with no feet movement. The ball squirts off the outside edge through the vacant point region for a boundary. |
| Ben Stokes is back on the field and now ready to bowl. |
| 63.1 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Slants one down the leg side, Faf cannot clip it. |
| 63.2 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Good length outside off, left alone by Faf. |
| 63.3 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Angles it on a good length on middle, du Plessis nudges it through backward square leg and takes two comfortably. |
| Du Plessis has been given out caught behind down the leg side. Opts for the review immediately. Shows he is confident that he hasn't hit it. Let's see. |
| 63.4 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, OUT! Big, big, big wicket! Stokes slants it on the pads, du Plessis wants to clip it away. The ball lobs off something and flies towards the keeper. Bairstow dives to his left, collects and appeals. The umpire rules it out but the South African skipper wants to review it. He is sure that he did not hit that one. Ultra Edge detects a spike on the glove and that should be it and South Africa have lost a big wicket. Faf must have known that it his back leg but must not |
| Oh okay, no Chris Morris yet. Vernon Philander is out to bat. This is a superb passage of play for the home side. |
| 63.5 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Good length outside off, left alone. |
| 63.6 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Bumper! Short from Stokes outside off, Philander ducks under it. |
| 64.1 : M Wood to Bavuma, Fullish outside off, swings away, Bavuma lets it go through. |
| 64.2 : M Wood to Bavuma, Hurls it fuller and on the stumps, Bavuma fails to clip it through and is hit on his pads. The players appeal but nothing from the umpire as he spotted the inside edge. |
| 64.3 : M Wood to Bavuma, Good length around off, Bavuma drags it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. His batting now is vital to take South Africa over 300. |
| 64.4 : M Wood to T Bavuma, Full and outside off, Bavuma creams it to covers where Ballance takes a good crowd catch. |
| 64.5 : M Wood to Bavuma, Length outside off, Temba lets it go through. |
| 64.6 : M Wood to Bavuma, Bavuma gets in line and turns it towards mid on from his crease. |
| 65.1 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Philander punches it offf his back foot towards covers. |
| 65.2 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Short ball, does not come onto the bat well, Philander turns it towards the leg side. |
| 65.3 : Ben Stokes to Philander, FOUR! Good shot! Philander stays back and punches this one through the covers for a boundary. South Africa need many more of these. |
| 65.4 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Back of a length around off, Philander defends it from his crease. |
| 65.5 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Bowls it around off, Philander looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 65.6 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Lets this one go through safely. |
| 66.1 : M Wood to Bavuma, Full around off, pushed to covers. |
| 66.2 : M Wood to T Bavuma, FOUR! Smacked! Shorter in length, Bavuma pulls it hard and gets it into the gap at mid-wicket for a boundary. Broad has a word with the bowler. |
| 66.3 : M Wood to Bavuma, Full around off, Bavuma pushes it into covers coming forward. |
| 66.4 : M Wood to Bavuma, FOUR! Too good! Full and outside off, Bavuma opens the face of the bat and gets it through covers for a boundary. |
| 66.5 : M Wood to Bavuma, Here comes the response from the fast bowler, a bumper outside off, Bavuma ducks under it. |
| 66.6 : M Wood to Bavuma, Good length around off, nudged through backward square leg for a single. |
| 67.1 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Full outside off, left alone by Bavuma. |
| 67.2 : Ben Stokes to Bavuma, OUT! Off the face of the bat! Stokes bowls it outside off on a length, Bavuma pushes at it at first before thinking of pulling out of the shot. The ball goes off the face of the bat to Bairstow to complete the catch. Two wickets for Stokes and he is making an impact on the game. England pulling things back really well. |
| Chris Morris comes out to bat. He can hang around and tonk a few, South Africa need that desperately at the moment. |
| 67.3 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Good length outside off, comes in a long way, Morris is late to bring his bat down but thankfully the ball beats him and goes over the stumps. |
| 67.4 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Full outside off, Morris pushes it towards covers. |
| 67.5 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Full toss outside off, Morris misses it and lets it be. |
| 67.6 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Morris comes forward and pushes it into covers. Wicket maiden for Stokes. |
| 68.1 : M Wood to Philander, Full and outside off, Philander pushes it towards point from his crease. |
| 68.2 : M Wood to Philander, Good length outside off, punched firmly from the crease towards cover. |
| 68.3 : M Wood to Philander, Sharp swing! Wood gets this to tail back in sharply, Philander gets an inside edge on to the pads as the ball trickles towards backward square leg. Single taken. |
| 68.4 : M Wood to Morris, Fullish and outside off, a hint of away swing as Morris drives fluently. Straight to point. |
| 68.5 : M Wood to Morris, Another full ball outside off, pushed towards the covers. |
| 68.6 : M Wood to C Morris, FOUR! CLASS SHOT! Fullish ball outside off, Morris leans into it and thumps the drive past mid off. Cracking stroke and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. |
| 69.1 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Pitched up outside off, Philander lets it pass to the keeper. |
| 69.2 : Ben Stokes to Philander, FOUR! Poor ball and it gets the treatment. Stokes tries to go very full and ends up gifting a full toss, Philander thrashes it through the covers to pick up a boundary. Handy runs these are for the Proteas. |
| 69.3 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Length ball outside off, tapped on the off side for a quick single. |
| 69.4 : Ben Stokes to Morris, On a length closer to off stump, Morris taps it with an angled bat to the off side. |
| 69.5 : Ben Stokes to Morris, FOUR! Fab shot! Fullish ball wide outside off, Morris times the square drive really well and gets it through point for a boundary. All of a sudden, a flurry of boundaries for the visitors. |
| 69.6 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Back of a length around middle, tucked towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| Liam Dawson comes on for another spell. |
| 70.1 : L Dawson to Morris, Floated outside off, stays back and punches it to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 70.2 : L Dawson to V Philander, Drifting in around middle, tapped gently towards the leg side. |
| 70.3 : L Dawson to Philander, Flatter ball around middle, defended solidly from the crease. |
| 70.4 : L Dawson to V Philander, Darted in around middle, looks to block but gets it off the inner half towards forward short leg. |
| 70.5 : L Dawson to Philander, Flatter outside off, Philander gets back punches it through the covers for a run. |
| 70.6 : L Dawson to Morris, Floated outside off, defended solidly from the crease to the off side. |
| 71.1 : Ben Stokes to Philander, BEATEN! That's a cracking delivery! On a length around off stump, seams away sharply as Philander pokes at it. Gets lucky to be beaten on the outside edge. |
| 71.2 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Speared well wide outside off, swings in but the line allows Philander to leave it easily. |
| 71.3 : Ben Stokes to Philander, FOUR! Slapped away! Too short and wide, asking to be hit and Philander obliges. Hammers it through point for another boundary. |
| 71.4 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Leg bye! Fullish on leg stump, Philander misses the flick and the ball goes off the pads behind square on the leg side. The batsmen cross for a leg bye. |
| 71.5 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Length ball around off, Morris defends it from the crease to the off side. |
| 71.6 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Back of a length outside off, stays on the back foot and blocks with the full face of the bat. |
| 72.1 : M Ali to Philander, Flatter and short around middle, stays back and blocks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 72.2 : M Ali to Philander, Flighted around middle, presses forward to that one and smothers it to the pitch. |
| 72.3 : M Ali to Philander, Looped up outside off, Philander pats it towards cover for a run. |
| 72.4 : M Ali to Morris, Darted in around off, solidly defended from the crease by Morris. |
| 72.5 : M Ali to Morris, Floated around off, Morris stays leg side of the ball to drive but mistimes it to cover. |
| 72.6 : M Ali to Morris, Tossed up outside off, a better drive from Morris but straight towards mid off. |
| 73.1 : L Dawson to Philander, Floated on off stump, defended solidly on to the track as he smothers it completely. |
| 73.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Drifting in from outside off, Philander gets back and taps it towards point. |
| 73.3 : L Dawson to Philander, Flatter on middle and leg, leans across and works it to the leg side. |
| 73.4 : L Dawson to Philander, Speared in around off, Philander looks to flick but gets a soft leading edge towards cover. |
| 73.5 : L Dawson to Philander, Fired in around middle, gets back and clips it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 73.6 : L Dawson to Morris, Flighted wider outside off, draws Morris forward and he does well to block it towards point. |
| 74.1 : M Ali to Philander, Looped up outside off, reaches out and drives it towards sweeper cover for a single. |
| 74.2 : M Ali to Morris, Floated outside off, leans into it and smothers it to the pitch. |
| 74.3 : M Ali to Morris, Quicker and a bit short outside off, cut away through point for a single. |
| 74.4 : M Ali to Philander, Flighted outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 74.5 : M Ali to Philander, Tossed up wider outside off, reaches out and taps it towards cover. |
| 74.6 : M Ali to Morris, Fullish around off, another solid front foot smother by Philander. |
| 75.1 : L Dawson to Philander, Fullish outside off, lunges forward and buries it on to the track. |
| 75.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Full and around off stump, Philander reaches out and drives it towards cover. |
| 75.3 : L Dawson to Philander, Full and outside off, leans into it and defends with the full face of the bat. |
| 75.4 : L Dawson to Philander, Floated outside off, reaches out and defends gently towards cover. |
| 75.5 : L Dawson to Philander, Fuller outside off, Vernon reaches out and drives towards mid off. |
| 75.6 : L Dawson to Philander, Darted in around off, defends solidly from the crease. |
| 76.1 : M Ali to Morris, Flighted outside off, driven through the covers for a single. |
| 76.2 : M Ali to Philander, Slider outside off, rocks back and punches it towards sweeper cover for a single. |
| 76.3 : M Ali to Morris, Looped up on a length around off, defends it solidly from the crease. |
| 76.4 : M Ali to Morris, Fullish around off, leans into it and drives it firmly back to the bowler. |
| 76.5 : M Ali to Morris, Drifting on to the pads, Morris gets across and clips it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 76.6 : M Ali to Philander, Full and around middle, leans across and defends solidly. |
| 77.1 : L Dawson to Morris, Fullish on off, leans into it and defends solidly down the track. |
| 77.2 : L Dawson to Morris, Flighted around middle, leans across and whips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 77.3 : L Dawson to Morris, Tossed up around middle, leans across and smothers it on to the pitch. |
| 77.4 : L Dawson to Morris, Almost dragged on! Floated around off, Morris winds up for the booming drive but gets a thickish inside edge. Just whizzes past leg stump down towards fine leg. Brace taken. |
| 77.5 : L Dawson to Morris, Tossed up around middle, gets on the front foot and smothers on to the track. |
| 77.6 : L Dawson to Morris, Floated around off, gets across and sweeps it down towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 78.1 : M Ali to Philander, Floated on a length outside off, blocked off the back foot towards short cover. |
| 78.2 : M Ali to Philander, Drifting in from outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 78.3 : M Ali to V Philander, Flighted outside off, Philander drives but straight towards mid off. |
| 78.4 : M Ali to Philander, Shorter in length outside off, camps back and punches it towards mid off. |
| 78.5 : M Ali to Philander, FOUR! Almost one-handed but finds the gap. Floated outside off, Philander threads the gap at cover with a weird-looking drive. Timed it well and finds the boundary with ease. |
| 78.6 : M Ali to Philander, Flatter outside off, Philander hangs back and defends it solidly. |
| Oh wow! Keaton Jennings comes on for a bowl. Maximum of an over? |
| 79.1 : K Jennings to Morris, Nearly strikes first ball! On a length around off stump, Morris on the front foot tries to keep it out. Gets an inside edge on to the pads. Kept a tad low as well. |
| 79.2 : K Jennings to Morris, Another length ball on off stump, Morris pats it back to the bowler. |
| 79.3 : K Jennings to Morris, Beaten! Jennings is making things happen. Length ball outside off, nibbles away late as Morris is beaten on the push. |
| 79.4 : K Jennings to C Morris, Fullish ball attacking the stumps, Morris gets across and pats it towards mid on. |
| 79.5 : K Jennings to Morris, Full and on middle, Morris shuffles across the sticks and whips it through mid-wicket for a couple. There was risk in the shot as he could have been lbw if he missed it. |
| 79.6 : K Jennings to Morris, Very full and on the stumps, dug out to the leg side. |
| The second new ball is now available and England have taken it straightaway. |
| James Anderson will make first use of the second new cherry. |
| 80.1 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length outside off, Philander stays back and dabs it towards point. |
| 80.2 : J Anderson to V Philander, Length ball outside off, a bit of away movement and extra bounce but Philander does well to control it. Plays it with soft hands and as a result, the edge doesn't carry to second slip. Root makes a good half-stop. |
| 80.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Full and outside off, leans forward and blocks it to the off side. |
| 80.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Elegant-looking stroke! Length ball on off stump, stays back and clips it through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 80.5 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length ball outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 80.6 : J Anderson to V Philander, FOUR! Streaky runs but SA won't mind! Fullish on off stump, the away swinger and it opens up Philander who tries to push at it. The thick edge flies past gully and runs away to the fence. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. He has been the best bowler for England today. |
| 81.1 : S Broad to Morris, Length ball around off, defended solidly off the back foot towards cover. |
| 81.2 : S Broad to Morris, Pegging away on a good length around off stump, blocked solidly from the crease towards cover. |
| 81.3 : S Broad to Morris, Back of a length around off, straightens after pitching as Morris is beaten on the jab. |
| 81.4 : S Broad to Morris, Fullish and on the pads, leans across and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 81.5 : S Broad to Philander, FOUR! Clobbered! Shortish from Broad but Philander has enough time to essay the pull stroke. Crashes it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Brings up the 50-run stand, a very vital one for the visitors. |
| 81.6 : S Broad to Philander, That's a ripper from Broad! On a length around off, curls away late to beat the edge as Philander looks to block. Nothing much any batsman could have done about this type of delivery. Unplayable! |
| 82.1 : J Anderson to Morris, Back of a length around off, tapped with an angled bat towards backward point. |
| 82.2 : J Anderson to Morris, On a good length around off, Morris stands tall and blocks it firmly towards the silly mid off region. |
| 82.3 : J Anderson to Morris, Another good length around off, defended solidly from the crease towards cover. |
| 82.4 : J Anderson to Morris, The away curler from Anderson, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 82.5 : J Anderson to Morris, Short of a good length around off, defended solidly off the back foot towards cover. |
| 82.6 : J Anderson to Morris, Back of a length outside off, hangs back and plays with an angled bat towards gully. |
| 83.1 : S Broad to Philander, The full inswinger on off stump, Philander covers the movement well and pushes it gently past the bowler. Mid on goes across to his left to stop it. |
| 83.2 : S Broad to Philander, Good length on off stump, nips back in as Philander taps it towards mid on. Was rising on his toes as he tried to counter the movement. |
| 83.3 : S Broad to Philander, Full and tailing in from middle, Philander gets it off the inner half down towards fine leg. |
| 83.4 : S Broad to Morris, Short ball from Broad, nicely dealt with by Morris who calmly ducks. |
| 83.5 : S Broad to Morris, Full and outside off, gets on the front foot and blocks well. |
| 83.6 : S Broad to Morris, Fullish and outside off, reaches out and defends it solidly to the off side. |
| 84.1 : J Anderson to Philander, Length ball closer to off, Philander stabs it from the crease. |
| 84.2 : J Anderson to Philander, Back of a length outside off, gets back and punches it to the covers. |
| 84.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Shortish outside off, sits on the back foot and pats it to the off side. |
| 84.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length on off, Philander gets it towards short mid-wicket as the batsmen hare for a single. Shy at the bowler's end misses but he was well in. |
| 84.5 : J Anderson to Morris, Fullish outside off, leans into it and defends it to the off side. |
| 84.6 : J Anderson to Morris, Good length closer to off, defends solidly from the crease. |
| 85.1 : S Broad to Philander, FOUR! SLAPPED AWAY! Philander continues to look at ease. Short and wide outside off, he stays back and flays it through cover-point to find the fence. |
| 85.2 : S Broad to Philander, Full and outside off, defended nicely off the front foot to the covers. |
| 85.3 : S Broad to Philander, Handy runs! Fullish ball outside off, Philander eases the drive through the covers. Doesn't find the fence but the big outfield allows the batsmen to come back for the third. |
| 85.4 : S Broad to Morris, Short ball on off stump, Morris ducks under the bumper. |
| 85.5 : S Broad to Morris, Shortish on off stump, Morris rises on his toes and manages to fend it awkwardly on to the pitch. |
| 85.6 : S Broad to Morris, Back of a length outside off, stays back to that one and defends it towards cover. |
| Mark Wood comes on to have a taste of the new cherry. |
| 86.1 : M Wood to Philander, On a good length outside off, seaming away, the line is too wide to force a stroke from the batsman. |
| 86.2 : M Wood to Philander, Fullish on middle, leans across and clips it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 86.3 : M Wood to Morris, An inswinger around middle, gets across and blocks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 86.4 : M Wood to Morris, That kept low! The away swinger around off stump, Morris tries to feel for it but is beaten. It barely shot through to Bairstow. |
| 86.5 : M Wood to Morris, Length ball around off, stabbed from the crease towards point. |
| 86.6 : M Wood to Morris, Good length ball outside off, blocked off the front foot towards cover. |
| Ben Stokes comes on for another spell. |
| 87.1 : Ben Stokes to V Philander, FOUR! That's been crashed! Shortish around middle, Philander swivels and clatters the pull in front of square on the leg side. Cracking shot and the ball raced away to the fence. |
| 87.2 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Back of a length on leg stump, gets back and clips it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 87.3 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Fullish around middle, Morris gets across and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 87.4 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Length ball outside off, tapped gently on the off side for a sharp single. |
| 87.5 : Ben Stokes to Philander, FOUR! More runs! Length ball outside off, Philander pushes at it with soft hands. Intentionally done although it came off the edge. The ball goes between the slips and gully to the fence. |
| 7th Test fifty for Vernon Philander. |
| 87.6 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Full and outside off, presses forward and defends it solidly. |
| 88.1 : M Wood to Morris, Good length outside off, Morris hangs back and defends it towards point. |
| 88.2 : M Wood to Morris, Full and outside off, Morris drives it to the left of mid off for a single. |
| 88.3 : M Wood to V Philander, The inswinger from Wood, it's nicely played by Philander who squirts it towards mid-wicket. |
| 88.4 : M Wood to Philander, Fullish on middle and leg, leans across and clips it towards mid-wicket. |
| 88.5 : M Wood to Philander, Fullish again on middle, leans across and clips it towards square leg. |
| 88.6 : M Wood to Philander, On a length just outside off, well left by Philander in the end. |
| 89.1 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Almost gets a nick! Morris wouldn't want to depart in this last over after doing all the hard work. On a length outside off, Morris pushes at it but is beaten. |
| 89.2 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Good length closer to off, Morris defends solidly from the crease. |
| 89.3 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Beaten again! Morris losing his focus a bit as we approach stumps. The away curler from Stokes and it just about manages to beat the outside edge as the batsman pokes at it. |
| 89.4 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Length ball on middle, worked gently with the inswing towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 89.5 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Length ball outside off, Philander gets a good stride forward and taps it towards the off side for a brisk single. |
| 89.6 : Ben Stokes to C Morris, JUST SHORT! The pair survive the day. Length ball outside off, holds its line after pitching as Morris pushes at it. The outside edge goes towards second slip but doesn't carry to Root. STUMPS ON DAY 1. |
| A fairly good day for South Africa thanks to their dogged first session. Almost all the visiting batsmen got starts but couldn't quite get the big one. Amla and de Kock stroked contrasting half-centuries as their century stand put South Africa in a good position going into tea. However, both departed to poor strokes after the break while Bavuma and Faf also failed to convert starts. It seemed like England could run through the lower order but Philander and Morris showed impeccable resolve, the f |
| England's bowlers would rue the first session where they had the conditions they needed to make use of the surface. Although they came back well in the first hour after tea, the Philander-Morris stand neutralized that. Broad was the only bowler who looked penetrative and he got a 3-fer. Stokes did get a couple of wickets but was mostly up and down. The Saffas will want to stretch the total past 350 and if possible, 400. England will hope to wipe off the tail quickly. Big morning session tomorrow |
| .....Day 2, Session 1..... |
| Hello, folks! Welcome to the coverage of Day 2 of the second Test between England and South Africa at Trent Bridge. The visitors have done decently to be in this position courtesy half centuries from Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock. Both of them though failed to kick on and it looked like the hosts would roar back in the game but it was not to be. |
| The pair of Vernon Philander and Chris Morris have mixed caution with aggression to keep their team afloat. The Proteas will want to get their total as close to 400 as possible. There is assistance for the pacers and England will be aware that they could have bowled a lot better. Not to forget the dropped catch of Amla. They will aim to wrap things up quickly and get batting. Hopefully a cracking day of cricket awaits us. |
| The players are out in the middle. The two South African all-rounders, Vernon Philander and Chris Morris come out to bat. England once again begin with James Anderson! Two slips in place for him. |
| There are issues with the ball and England hand it over to the officials. The umpire is able to pass it through the hoop and eventually decide to change it. Shouldn't they be doing it before play is to begin? |
| 90.1 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length around off, shapes away, Philander defends it watchfully. |
| 90.2 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length outside off, Philander defends it well. There was a puff of dust which came off when Anderson landed. No harm done though. |
| 90.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Gets behind the line of the ball and defends it. |
| 90.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Beaten! Hurls it outside off on a good length, Philander looks to push it through but is beaten. That was too far wide for a shot. |
| 90.5 : J Anderson to Philander, OUT! Anderson strikes! Good length around off, Philander looks to work it through the leg side but is surprised by the extra bounce on this one and the ball just lobs off the leading edge in covers. Dawson was never going to drop that and the change of ball has worked for England. A perfect start for him. Philander had a look at the deck after that shot. He would have marked it for himself. |
| Keshav Maharaj comes out to bat. South Africa will want him to do well. |
| 90.6 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Doles it outside off on a length, just outside off, Maharaj plays the line of the ball and is beaten by the away sing. Top start for Anderson. |
| As expected, Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. |
| 91.1 : S Broad to Morris, Back of a length outside off, Morris defends it from his crease. |
| 91.2 : S Broad to Morris, Good length outside off, Morris pushes it into the off side from his crease. |
| 91.3 : S Broad to Morris, Shorter in length outside off, Chris drops his wrists and lets it go through. |
| 91.4 : S Broad to Morris, Slants it down the leg side, Morris fails to clip it as it was going way down leg. |
| 91.5 : S Broad to Morris, FOUR! Easy pickings! This time Morris manages to get bat on this length ball down the leg side. The ball trickles into the fine leg fence. |
| 91.6 : S Broad to Morris, Ouch! Bumper from Broad, Morris ducks under it. The ball does not quite bounce as high as expected, Chris takes a blow on his left shoulder. |
| 92.1 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Edged! Good length just outside off, Maharaj gets squared up a touch and gets it towards point off the edge. |
| 92.2 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Full and swinging outside off, left alone by Maharaj. |
| 92.3 : J Anderson to Maharaj, Four Leg Byes! Good ball! Brings this one into the pads from outside off, Maharaj is beaten by the inward movement and is late on his shot. The ball brushed off the pads down to fine leg for a boundary. |
| 92.4 : J Anderson to Maharaj, OUT! Classical set up! Took one away, brought one in, now takes one away and gets the wicket. Anderson lands this just outside off, Maharaj is lured into the push. The ball takes the outside edge and flies towards second slip. Joe Root takes the catch diving to his left. That was really well done by both the bowler and the fielder. |
| Morne Morkel comes out to bat. South Africa in danger of being bowled out rather really early. |
| 92.5 : J Anderson to Morkel, Bowls this way down the leg side, Bairstow looks to stop it from going through and gets a hand to it. The ball is parried towards square leg but no harm done. |
| 92.6 : J Anderson to Morkel, A tad short around off, Morkel stays back and pushes it towards covers. A wicket maiden for Anderson. |
| There is a deep point in place. England happy to give Morris the single early on. How Morris goes from hereon will be vital for the visitors. |
| 93.1 : S Broad to Morris, Good length around off, Morris turns it towards the leg side. |
| 93.2 : S Broad to Morris, FOUR! Good improvisation! Short from Broad, Morris looks to leave at first by ducking but then decides to pull it. The connection is a good one and he gets a boundary. |
| 93.3 : S Broad to Morris, Morris taps this one towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 93.4 : S Broad to Morkel, Goes round the wicket and angles it outside off on a good length, Morris shapes to push at it but is beaten. |
| 93.5 : S Broad to Morkel, Full and outside off, Morkel looks to flay it over the off side but is beaten by the late away swing. |
| 93.6 : S Broad to Morkel, FOUR! Timing! Fuller from Broad, Morkel is upto it as he pushes it down the ground. The ball wins the race to the fence with Gary Ballance running after it from mid off. A boundary to end the over. |
| The point is inside the circle for Morris, Broad was happy to concede the run, not Anderson. |
| 94.1 : J Anderson to Morris, Length ball outside off, Morris comes forward and angles it towards point. |
| 94.2 : J Anderson to Morris, Nice outswinger from Anderson on middle, Morris picks it and defends it watchfully. |
| 94.3 : J Anderson to Morris, Ouch! A tad short outside off, punched on the up towards extra cover. Morkel wants the run and is backing up too far. Stokes from extra cover tries to run out Morkel at the bowler's end but misses his target. He in fact seems to have hurt himself while trying to throw that one. Must have hurt his right strain. |
| The physio is out in the middle to attend to Stokes. He seems to be fine though, we are ready for play again. |
| 94.4 : J Anderson to Morris, Slants it down the leg side, Morris wants to pick it up over backward square leg but misses it. Anderson wasn't happy with the ball. |
| 94.5 : J Anderson to Morris, FOUR! Excellent shot, Morris! Anderson bowls it around off, swings away, Morris punches it on the up back down the wicket. The ball races past his partner at the other end for a boundary. |
| 94.6 : Anderson to Morris, OUT! Anderson takes a stunner! Full and around off, Morris looks to clip it through the leg side but gets a leading edge back towards the bowler. Anderson sticks out his hands but the ball bobbles out. He takes it on the second attempt. Chris cannot believe his luck. He shadow practices playing the straight drive now, like he did on the previous ball. He is out after playing a decent knock. Jimmy has taken all the three wickets today. |
| Duanne Olivier is the last man in. With the last pair in, will be in for some fireworks here. |
| 95.1 : S Broad to Morkel, Length ball outside off, Morkel pushes it to covers. |
| 95.2 : S Broad to Morkel, Good length around the stumps, turned towards the leg side. |
| 95.3 : S Broad to Morkel, Shorter outside off, played towards point by Morkel. |
| 95.4 : S Broad to Morkel, FOUR! Nicely done! Full and outside off, Morkel just thumps it through mid off for a boundary. That was well hit by Morne. |
| 95.5 : S Broad to Morkel, Slants it on the pads, Morkel fails to clip it through. The ball goes off the pads towards square leg for a leg bye. |
| 95.6 : S Broad to Olivier, Bowls it outside off, comes in, Olivier pushes at it with his bat and pad together. Manages to survive the ball. |
| 96.1 : J Anderson to Morkel, Lands it around off, Morkel stays in his crease and defends it watchfully. |
| 96.2 : J Anderson to M Morkel, OUT! Edged and taken! Full and outside off, Morkel looks to drive it through the covers but gets an outside edge. The ball flies at a good height to Bairstow who takes it towards his left. That is it, Anderson has five to his name. 22nd five-wicket haul for him in Tests! SOUTH AFRICA BOWLED OUT FOR 335! |
| Excellent morning for England. They were hoping to wrap up the innings quickly and their spearhead Anderson ensured that the mission was accomplished. He picked all the four remaining wickets in a fine spell of swing bowling to end with a 5-fer. South Africa would have been hoping to get past 350 and even reach 400 but it was not to be. They wouldn't mind bowling now though, with the overhead conditions aiding swing. The new-ball phase will be crucial for both sides now. The England reply isn't |
| 0.1 : M Morkel to Cook, On a good length around middle and leg, Cook turns it towards the leg side. |
| 0.2 : M Morkel to Cook, What happened there? Morkel bowls it around the pads, Cook gets across to clip but fails to connect. The ball goes off something to the keeper. No appeal though. Must have been the pads. |
| 0.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Hurls it outside off on a good length, Cook raises his bat and lets it go through. |
| 0.4 : M Morkel to Cook, Back of a length on the body, Cook fends it through square leg for a single to get off the mark. |
| 0.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, Good length just around off, Jenning stays back and lets the ball hits his bat and die down towards the off side. |
| 0.6 : M Morkel to Jennings, Slants across a length ball outside off, no shot offered by Jennings. |
| Vernon Philander to bowl from the other end. He should go well on this wicket, in this conditions. |
| 1.1 : V Philander to Cook, Bowls it outside off on a length, Cook let's it go through. |
| 1.2 : V Philander to Cook, Full outside off, Cook comes forward and defends it from his crease. |
| Shane Warne on air talks about working over Alastair Cook like Ryan Harris did, bowling at the off stump and getting little movement. Philander can do that really well. |
| 1.3 : V Philander to Cook, Pushes it further outside off, brings Cook forward who taps it towards covers. |
| 1.4 : V Philander to Cook, Wide outside off, Cook has an easy leave. |
| 1.5 : V Philander to Cook, Drifts it on the pads, clipped through the gap between mid on and mid-wicket. Maharaj gets to it first and fires the throw. Two runs taken. |
| 1.6 : V Philander to Cook, Full outside off, Cook comes nicely forward to drive it towards extra cover. Philander won't mind Cook coming forward like this. |
| 2.1 : M Morkel to Jennings, Slants it outside off on a length, Jennings lets it to go through. |
| 2.2 : M Morkel to Jennings, Fuller around off, swings in a touch, Jennings drives it back to the bowler from his crease. That looked pleasing to the eyes. |
| 2.3 : M Morkel to Jennings, Good length around off, Jennings comes forward and defends it watchfully. |
| 2.4 : M Morkel to Jennings, Stays back and pushes this length ball towards covers from his crease. Morkel got good away swing there. Keaton though is happy to stay back. |
| 2.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, Short and outside off, Jennings is never going to play that. |
| 2.6 : M Morkel to Jennings, Back of a length outside off, Jennings stays back and punches it towards point. |
| 3.1 : V Philander to A Cook, CLOSE! Fuller around off, Cook prods forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Philander cannot reach it. There is no short leg. That was a genuine chance. Vernon has hit his straps right away. |
| 3.2 : V Philander to Cook, Length ball outside off, Cook thinks about playing but then pulls out of the shot at the last moment. |
| 3.3 : V Philander to Cook, And again! Hurls it just around off, Cook looks to push at it but gets another inside edge onto the pads. Philander has his hands on his head. |
| 3.4 : V Philander to Cook, Full and outside off, Cook is forward in defence. The ball goes off the inside half towards the leg side. |
| Shane Warne wants South Africa to have a short leg for Cook as Philander is bowling really well. |
| 3.5 : V Philander to Cook, Good length outside off, Cook angles it towards gully from his crease. |
| South Africa have taken a review for lbw against Cook. The Proteas are confident, even an inside edge wouldn't matter as de Kock had taken it. |
| 3.6 : V Philander to Cook, OUT! That is a huge strike! Philander bowls it just around off, Cook shapes to defend but is hit on his back leg. The keeper takes the catch and appeals as well. The players come together and appeal long and hard. Faf du Plessis opts for the review immediately. Replays show there was a spike on the Ultra Edge. It is a clean catch and that is a decision which has to be overturned. Philander does not need the short leg and he has the big wicket of the former England Test |
| Gary Ballance comes out to bat. This will be a serious test of him. |
| 4.1 : M Morkel to Jennings, OUT! What a ball! Morkel from round the wicket, angles it just outside off on a good length, the ball pitches and goes away a touch. Jennings pushes at it from his crease. The ball takes the outside edge and carries through to de Kock behind the wickets. An easy catch for him and two in two for South Africa. What a brilliant start for them. |
| 0.0 : Joe Root walks out to join his friend and flatmate at Yorkshire. England under pressure early in the innings yet again. |
| 4.2 : M Morkel to Root, Not a bad ball but Root is too good. Drifts it on middle, Root won't miss out and he clips it through the mid-wicket region. Philander hares after it from mid on and gets to it near the ropes. Three runs taken and he gets off the mark. |
| 4.3 : M Morkel to Ballance, Angles it on middle and leg, Ballance cannot clip it through and is hit on his pads. |
| 4.4 : M Morkel to Ballance, Lands it outside off, no shot offered by Gary. |
| 4.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, A tad short around off, Ballance taps it towards covers from his crease. |
| 4.6 : M Morkel to Ballance, Short outside off, wide enough for Ballance to leave. |
| 5.1 : V Philander to Root, On a length wider outside off, shapes away considerably but the line is too wide to make Root play. |
| 5.2 : V Philander to Root, Philander gets this straighter this time, on a length around off, Root plays with soft hands to tap it towards gully. |
| 5.3 : V Philander to Root, Back of a length around middle, easy for Root as he tucks this around the corner for a single. |
| 5.4 : V Philander to Ballance, Probing stuff from Philander on a length closer to off stump, subtle away movement as Ballance lets it pass. |
| 5.5 : V Philander to Ballance, Just short of a good length wider outside off, that's an easy leave for Gary. |
| 5.6 : V Philander to Ballance, Good ball! Lands it on a good length closer to the off pole, probably a hint of inward movement as Ballance leaves it well. |
| 6.1 : M Morkel to Root, Back of a length outside off, gets back and punches it towards point. |
| 6.2 : M Morkel to Root, Slightly fuller this time around middle, swinging in, Root gets it off the inner half towards fine leg. Good running gets them a brace. |
| 6.3 : M Morkel to Root, Fullish and on off stump, curling in, Root gets half forward and covers the movement well with a forward defence down the track. |
| 6.4 : M Morkel to Root, Back of a length wider outside off, Root isn't tempted to have a go at it. The situation doesn't permit him to. |
| 6.5 : M Morkel to Root, Fullish on middle and leg, worked towards square leg for a single. |
| 6.6 : M Morkel to Ballance, FOUR! Runs for the southpaw! Not exactly off the middle but Ballance won't mind. Fullish outside off, holds its line as he goes for the drive. The ball goes off the outer half through backward point. Runs all the way to the fence. |
| 7.1 : V Philander to Root, FOUR! Glorious from the captain! Not a half-volley by any stretch of imagination but Root makes it into a boundary ball. Reaches out nicely to this one and caresses it on the up through covers for a boundary. |
| 7.2 : V Philander to Joe Root, FOUR! JUST PAST GULLY! Nervy moment for Root. Plays away from the body as he tries to chase this away curler that's landed on a length. The slice flies just past the outstretched hands of a leaping Morris at gully. Races to the third man fence. |
| 7.3 : V Philander to Root, Back of a length outside off, this time Root lets it pass. |
| 7.4 : V Philander to Root, The outswinger on off stump, Root moves forward and pushes it gently towards cover. Footwork is key to counter the movement, as is playing the ball late. |
| 7.5 : V Philander to Root, FOUR! Graceful stuff! Slightly wide and on a shortish length, Root is in a positve mood, as he is always and cashes in. Essays a cracking back foot punch through the covers. Finds the fence. He is looking in good touch. |
| 7.6 : V Philander to Root, Back of a length on off stump, Root looks to work across the line but gets a soft leading edge towards Philander. He collects the ball in his followthrough and threatens to fire a throw back but the ball slips from his hands. Smiles all around. |
| 8.1 : M Morkel to Ballance, Dug in short just outside off, Ballance arches his back and evades the bumper. |
| 8.2 : M Morkel to Ballance, Fullish and angled in on off stump, pushed gently towards the fielder at mid on. |
| 8.3 : M Morkel to Ballance, This is good from Morkel, he loves bowling around the wicket to the left-hander. Lands this on a length on fourth stump line, holds its line after pitching as Ballance lets it pass. |
| 8.4 : M Morkel to Ballance, Fractionally shorter and outside off, this is an easier leave for Gary. |
| 8.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, FOUR! CREAMED! Half volley outside off, in the slot and Ballance takes full toll of it. Reaches out to that one and drives sweetly through the covers. Timed beautifully and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 8.6 : M Morkel to Ballance, FOUR! More runs for Ballance! This time Morkel tries to overcompensate and fires it on the pads. Easy for the southpaw who glances it fine down the leg side past the keeper to get another boundary. The last two overs have helped England to ease the early fall of wickets. |
| 20 runs have come in the last two overs. South Africa leaking runs at the moment. Both Root and Ballance have been positive, helped by some wayward bowling from South Africa. Maybe, it is due to the left-right combination at the crease. |
| 9.1 : V Philander to Root, Back of a length around middle, Root gets back and across to clip it towards deep backward square leg. Single taken. |
| 9.2 : V Philander to Ballance, On a good length around off stump, Ballance defends well from the crease towards short cover. |
| 9.3 : V Philander to Ballance, Lands this on a good length on fourth stump line, nicely left alone by Ballance in response. |
| 9.4 : V Philander to G Ballance, FOUR! That's sneaked through! Flurry of boundaries at the moment. Full and just outside off, Ballance gets forward to push at it with an angled bat. Plays with soft hands and the edge flies just past gully for a boundary. Morris was the man at gully and he could have done better perhaps. |
| 9.5 : V Philander to Ballance, Fullish and on off stump, driven firmly towards mid on. |
| The umpires are having a word with Philander who isn't happy with the shape of the ball. It's being checked with the 8-shape gauge and handed back to the bowler. Second instance of this today after the drama before the start when Anderson had the same issue. But the ball was changed then, not now. |
| 9.6 : V Philander to Ballance, On a good length outside off, no shot offered by GB. |
| Chris Morris comes on to bowl. |
| 10.1 : C Morris to Root, FOUR! Hammered! Morris starts with a rubbish ball, short and wide outside off stump. Root isn't going to miss out and slaps it through the covers with aplomb to find the fence. South Africa are leaking runs in the last half an hour. |
| 0.0 : Sweeper covers is in place now. |
| 10.2 : C Morris to Joe Root, FOUR! More runs! Short and too wide outside off, this time Root plays with an angled bat. Glides it past gully this time and the man at sweeper cover cannot get to it. Morris needs to get some discipline to succeed as this track is about doing the basics right. |
| 10.3 : C Morris to Root, The length continues to be short outside off, spanked off the back foot to sweeper cover. Single taken. |
| 10.4 : C Morris to Ballance, Back of a length down the leg side, would have been a decent delivery to the right-hander but Ballance isn't one and so it's another one in the wrong line by Morris. Left alone to the keeper. |
| 10.5 : C Morris to Ballance, Better from Morris! Very full and on off, a bit of tail into Ballance who squirts an inside edge down to fine leg for a single. |
| 10.6 : C Morris to Root, Just short of a fuller length outside off, Root presses forward and blocks firmly to cover. |
| 11.1 : D Olivier to Ballance, Fuller and down the leg side, Ballance tries to flick but misses as de Kock takes it well with a dive to his right. |
| 11.2 : D Olivier to Ballance, Fullish around middle, leans across and taps it wide of mid on for a single. |
| 11.3 : D Olivier to Root, Nice outswinger on a fourth stump line, watchfully left alone by Root. |
| 11.4 : D Olivier to Root, Good movement on offer for Olivier but he needs to be a bit straighter. This is wide outside off and goes further away as Root lets it alone easily. |
| 11.5 : D Olivier to Root, Fullish and angled in closer to the off stump, tidy line as Root makes another leave. |
| 11.6 : D Olivier to Root, FOUR! Clipped away! Root motors along. Fuller and on the pads, gets across and clips it elegantly through backward square leg. The timing is too good and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. It's been a very positive partnership for England, they have effectively wiped off the momentum SA gained with those early wickets. |
| 50-run stand between Root and Ballance. |
| 12.1 : C Morris to Ballance, On middle and leg, Ballance gets across and taps it to the leg side. |
| 12.2 : C Morris to Ballance, Length ball wider outside off, easily left alone by Ballance. |
| 12.3 : C Morris to Ballance, The inswinger but it's too straight from Morris, it's clipped through backward square leg for a brace. |
| There is an issue with the sightscreen. As it is behind the crowd, the people need to be sitting quietly. |
| 12.4 : C Morris to Ballance, Switches to around the wicket does Morris and gets his line right. Good length ball closer to the off stump, left alone by Ballance. |
| 12.5 : C Morris to Ballance, This is good from Morris, this is the zone he needs to be in. Another length ball in the corridor of uncertainty, Ballance is watchful as ever and leaves it alone. |
| Visible difference in Ballance's approach today. In the first Test, he was waiting back to play deliveries late but today he has gone forward to meet them early. Has worked for him so far. |
| 12.6 : C Morris to Ballance, Four Leg byes! I spoke too soon, as Morris has dished out a freebie. Strays on leg stump and although Ballance misses the flick, the ball flies off the pads past the keeper to the fine leg fence. South Africa are leaking runs with this new ball, need to be more consistent. |
| Michael Holding on air reckons that since Cook was stretching and playing in front of his pads, he was not in control of the shot. You normally see him being very compact. And with the conditions on offer, he reckons that he need not get that forward. Ballance is playing similarly actually. |
| 13.1 : Olivier to Root, Very full and shaping away from well outside off, Root bunts it out in time. |
| 13.2 : D Olivier to Root, On a length well outside off, moves further away as Root makes an easy leave. |
| 13.3 : D Olivier to Root, That's a peach! This is the line he needs to be bowling consistently as he is getting enough movement. Lands it on a length around off stump, shapes away late to beat the outside edge as Root tries to push at it. Good ball! |
| 13.4 : D Olivier to Root, Poor ball and punished! Story of the South African bowling so far with the new ball. They did take the two early wickets but since then, it's been an assortment of mixed lengths and lines, literally wasting the new ball. This is on the pads, clipped away through square leg for a brace. |
| 13.5 : D Olivier to Root, Good length around off stump, blocked firmly from the crease by Root. |
| 13.6 : D Olivier to Root, Length ball outside off, stays back and lets it pass to the keeper. |
| 14.1 : C Morris to Ballance, On a good length around fourth stump line, straightens after pitching as Ballance lifts his bat to make the leave. |
| 14.2 : C Morris to Ballance, FOUR! Off the edge! This is another poor ball but Ballance still almost made a meal of it. Full and very wide outside off, he tries to reach out to it but gets a slice that flies uppishly over gully to the third man fence. Morris isn't happy with the end result but it was a boundary ball in any case. |
| 14.3 : C Morris to Ballance, Short ball this time, Ballance ducks under it just in time. |
| 14.4 : C Morris to Ballance, On a length around leg stump, tucked towards square leg for a single. |
| 14.5 : C Morris to Root, Play and a miss! Evidence that there is enough movement on this pitch but SA bowlers are spraying the ball around more often than not. This is on a teasing length on fourth stump line, shapes away late to beat the edge as Root hangs his bat at it. |
| 14.6 : C Morris to Root, As has been the trend so far, a good ball is followed by a bad one. This is on the pads and Root clips it through mid-wicket. Won't make the fence but the batsmen take three anyway. |
| The umpires are going upstairs for a caught and bowled appeal. The soft signal is not out. The question is regarding whether the ball bounced after hitting the boot. Let's see. |
| 15.1 : Olivier to Root, NOT OUT! No real surprises there. Very full and swinging in from around off, Root tries to dig it out as the ball goes back towards Olivier. It came off the boot and the Proteas are excited. The umpires aren't convinced though but go upstairs to check it. The soft signal is not out. Replays show that it did bounce after hitting the boot and then carried to the bowler. |
| 15.2 : D Olivier to Root, FOUR! That's been clobbered! Short and on middle stump line, Root hangs back and pulls it powerfully through mid-wicket to find the fence. Another cracking shot as the runs keep coming at rapid pace for the hosts. |
| 15.3 : D Olivier to Root, Full and just outside off, nicely blocked off the front foot towards cover. |
| 15.4 : D Olivier to Root, Slightly fuller and just outside off, shaping away as Root makes a leave. |
| 15.5 : D Olivier to Root, TOP EDGE BUT SAFE! The short ball around off stump, good line to force a mistake and Root takes the bait with a pull. Isn't in control and miscues it over mid-wicket. The ball lands safe near the ropes as the batsmen get a brace. |
| 15.6 : D Olivier to Root, FOUR! More runs but this is a good line from Olivier. Good length and zipping away from outside off, Root plays with soft hands and an angled bat. The edge results but it's still fairly in control and the ball flies between the slips and gully to the fence. Frustrating for the bowler. |
| Michael Holding on air feels that though Olivier is getting the ball to swing, he is starting too far outside off. It is his first Test in England and that could be why he has not got his lines right. He thinks his wrist position isn't right to be bowling in these conditions. A word from his teammates would help perhaps. |
| Time to slow the game down, Keshav Maharaj brought on for a bowl. |
| Should be the last over before lunch. South Africa taking their time at the moment. |
| 16.1 : K Maharaj to Ballance, Floated on off, Ballance looks to block but gets it off the inside half towards square leg for a single. |
| 16.2 : K Maharaj to Root, Fullish around middle, Root presses forward and blocks it down the track. |
| 16.3 : K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! No stopping Root at the moment. Flatter around middle, hangs back deep in the crease and whips it away in front of square on the leg side for a boundary. Sensational counterattack from the captain, this. |
| 28th Test match fifty for Joe Root. |
| 16.4 : K Maharaj to Root, Loopy and outside off, reaches out and drives it towards cover. |
| 16.5 : K Maharaj to Root, Quicker ball outside off, stays back and defends it towards cover. |
| 16.6 : K Maharaj to Root, Floated around off stump, gets well forward and bunts it into the pitch. LUNCH ON DAY 2. |
| A fantastic session of Test cricket! South Africa were wrapped up early in the day thanks to James Anderson taking a five-for. The tourists came out firing and took out the two openers in no time. It looked like they would dominate the proceedings but they lost the plot completely. The presence of a southpaw meant the South African bowlers had to adjust their lines but they failed to do so. |
| There were too many boundary balls on offer and Joe Root made them pay. He raced away to a fifty in no time. The bowlers for the tourists like their counterparts, sprayed the new ball around and did not stick to a line and length. Faf du Plessis will surely have a word and hope that they keep the scoring down and take wickets to get back on top of the game. Join us for the second session in a while. |
| ... Day 2, Session 2.... |
| The players are back out to play. South Africa will aim to begin the session well and keep the scoring in check. Joe Root and Gary Ballance will be positive, one thinks. Morne Morkel to start the proceedings. Three slips and a gully in place. |
| 17.1 : M Morkel to Ballance, Starts off with a good length ball outside off, left alone by Ballance. |
| 17.2 : M Morkel to Ballance, Fuller around off, Ballance wants to force it through the covers but gets an inside edge through backward square leg for a single. |
| 17.3 : M Morkel to Root, Hurls it outside off on a length, Root presses forward and defends it. |
| 17.4 : M Morkel to Root, Back of a length outside off, comes in sharply, Root looks to play at first but then lets the ball go through. |
| 17.5 : M Morkel to Root, Good length outside off, shapes away, left alone by Root. |
| 17.6 : M Morkel to Root, Good length outside off, tapped towards gully by Root. A good start for Morkel after the break. |
| A change of ends for Vernon Philander. |
| 18.1 : V Philander to Ballance, OUT! What a start for Philander! Hurls it on a length just around off, Ballance looks to force it through the off side lunging from his crease. He gets an inside edge which cannons into the stumps. Another dismissal just after the break. Nasser Hussain thinks Ballance is unlucky there, there was nothing unlucky about it. It is the fuller ball again which has got the better of Ballance. |
| 0.0 : In walks Jonny Bairstow at number 5. No Ben Stokes yet, remember he hurt himself on the field. |
| 18.2 : V Philander to Bairstow, Fuller and outside off, Bairstow shapes to leave but the ball goes off the toe end of the bat towards the slip cordon. |
| 18.3 : V Philander to Bairstow, Four Leg Byes! What happened there? Philander bowls it around off, the ball kicks off from the surface, Bairstow is hit on his back pad. The ball goes between the keeper and first slip for a boundary. Leg Byes signaled. |
| 18.4 : V Philander to Bairstow, FOUR! As has been the case all day! Philander slants one on middle, Bairstow gets back and across and clips it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 18.5 : V Philander to Bairstow, Wide enough for Jonny to make a leave. |
| 18.6 : V Philander to Bairstow, Good length outside off, Bairstow looks to get it away but is beaten by the away swing. |
| 19.1 : M Morkel to Root, Morkel bowls it outside off, Root plays inside the line and is beaten by the away movement. |
| 19.2 : M Morkel to Root, Root watches this one swing further away from him and lets it go. |
| There is a deep mid-wicket in place for the mistimed pulls. |
| 19.3 : M Morkel to Root, BEAUTY! Morkel angles one on the stumps, Root is rooted to the crease as he aims to defend it. The ball brushes the back leg and carries to de Kock. This is good bowling. They needed to bowl more of these when Root was new to the crease. |
| 19.4 : M Morkel to Root, A tad short around off, Root defends it from his crease. |
| 19.5 : M Morkel to Root, Slants it on the pads, tucked to fine leg for a single. |
| 19.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Around off on a length, Bairstow looks to push but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| Deep point in place now. |
| 20.1 : V Philander to Root, Root taps it towards the off side and takes a quick single. |
| 20.2 : V Philander to J Bairstow, JUST SHORT! Full and outside off, Bairstow looks to drive it through covers but gets an outside edge. The ball drops short of Faf du Plessis at second slip. Maybe the third slip fielder could have gone for it but there was little time and Faf went with his instincts there. Or they could just come up a touch. |
| 20.3 : V Philander to Bairstow, And again! Amazing consistency from the South African bowlers to follow a good ball with one on the pads. Bairstow clips it through mid-wicket and collects two runs. |
| 20.4 : V Philander to Bairstow, Beaten! Outside off on a length, Bairstow plays for the line and hence is beaten by the away movement. |
| 20.5 : V Philander to Bairstow, Better leave! Hurls a length ball outside off, Jonny covers the line and lets it go through. |
| Nasser Hussain reckons that the change of ends has worked well for Philander since it has got the inswinger going with the wind helping him. |
| 20.6 : V Philander to Bairstow, Tucks this one through mid-wicket for a single. |
| Michael Holding spots that Philander's release of the ball is much straighter. For Olivier, the seam is angled more towards the slip cordon. Hence the swing starts early for him. |
| 21.1 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Good length around off and middle, Bairstow looks to clip it through but gets hit on his back pad. |
| 21.2 : M Morkel to Bairstow, That kept low! Morkel bowls it outside off on a good length, Bairstow looks to play from his crease. The ball does not get up at all and luckily for Jonny, it was wide of the stumps and hence he survives. |
| 21.3 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Slings one down the leg side, Bairstow fails to clip it away. |
| 21.4 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Good length outside off, Bairstow stays in his crease and defends it. |
| 21.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, FOUR! Educated edge! Outside off on a good length, Bairstow angles it wide of the gully fielder for a boundary to third man. England batsmen will play their shots, so that keeps the South African bowlers in the game all the while. |
| 21.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Bring this one into the batsman from outside off, Bairstow looks to play through the off side but is beaten by the inward movement. |
| 22.1 : V Philander to Root, Full and outside off, swings further away, Root lets it go through. |
| 22.2 : V Philander to Root, Slants it on the pads, turned through mid-wicket for a brace. Root has looked in control right from the start. |
| 22.3 : V Philander to Root, Around off, Root stays back and defends it back down the wicket. |
| How dearly would Faf have wanted Rabada here? His back up bowlers in Chris Morris and Duanne Olivier have not hit their mark. Rabada would have enjoyed bowling here. |
| 22.4 : V Philander to Root, Punches this one through the off side for a single. |
| 22.5 : V Philander to Bairstow, Good length around off, Bairstow turns it towards mid-wicket from his crease. |
| 22.6 : V Philander to Bairstow, Length around off, Bairstow turns it towards mid-wicket again. |
| The beehive for Morkel and Philander shows that the latter has made the batsmen play more bowling closer to the stumps. |
| 23.1 : M Morkel to Root, Root stays in his crease and defends this one from his crease. |
| 0.0 : Duanne Olivier is warming up. Important for them to back up their experienced bowlers. |
| 23.2 : M Morkel to Root, Outside off on a good length, left alone. |
| 23.3 : M Morkel to Root, Gets behind the line of this one and defends it back down the wicket. |
| 23.4 : M Morkel to Root, Fuller outside off, Root drives it back to the bowler. |
| 23.5 : M Morkel to Root, Width from Morkel, Root slaps it to deep point for a single. |
| 23.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Around off on a length, a solid defence from Bairstow keeps it out. |
| 24.1 : V Philander to Root, Fuller outside off, Root drives it nicely towards mid off. There is a direct hit at the bowler's end and Root wants the run but is sent back. |
| 24.2 : V Philander to Root, Full and wide outside off, pushed to deep point for a single. |
| 24.3 : V Philander to Bairstow, Slants it on the pads, Bairstow cannot clip it. The ball rolls wide of the keeper and they take a leg bye. |
| 24.4 : V Philander to Root, Full around off, Joe comes forward and taps it to covers. |
| 24.5 : V Philander to Root, FOUR! Poor ball and punished! A tad short outside off, Root picks it early and pulls it nicely through mid-wicket for a boundary. That raced away to the fence. |
| 24.6 : V Philander to Root, Good length outside off, played towards deep point for a single. |
| 25.1 : M Morkel to Root, Ouch! Back of a length around off, Root shapes to pull but this one does not bounce much and is hit on his body. He is all smiles though. |
| 25.2 : M Morkel to Joe Root, FOUR! Edged! Back of a length outside off, Root runs it down past the gully fielder for a boundary. The runs are flowing off his bat today. South Africa haven't bowled that well to him. |
| 25.3 : M Morkel to Root, Short again, this time Root plays a controlled pull through square leg. Maharaj comes across from long leg and slides to stop the ball. Philander gets to his right to help him out, the spinner fumbles but still only two runs taken. |
| 25.4 : M Morkel to Root, Root taps it to backward point and takes a quick single. |
| 25.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Length ball outside off, Bairstow looks to punch it on the up but misses. That came in a long way. |
| Ian Botham feels that South Africa's score is above average for this wicket. England will feel that too but South Africa have to bowl well to maintain the pressure. |
| 25.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Full and outside off, left alone by the batsman. |
| Dwaine Olivier comes on for a burst. |
| 26.1 : D Olivier to Root, Full outside off, Root comes forward and drives it to point. |
| 26.2 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Good length outside off, left alone by Bairstow. |
| 26.3 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Angles it around middle, Bairstow clips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Olivier is going too straight at the moment. |
| 26.4 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Full around off, Bairstow looks to drive but gets it off the outer half through covers. Bavuma goes after it from covers and stops the ball. Cannot prevent the two though. |
| 26.5 : D Olivier to Bairstow, FOUR! Top shot! Stand and deliver! Length outside off, Bairstow comes forward and spanks it through covers for a boundary. |
| 26.6 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Wide enough for a leave by Bairstow. |
| 27.1 : M Morkel to Root, FOUR! Poor ball! Shorter in length around middle, pulled down to fine leg for a boundary by Root. He continues to motor along. |
| 27.2 : M Morkel to Root, Good length outside off, Root taps it towards point and takes a single. |
| 27.3 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Wide outside off, no shot offered by the batsman. |
| 27.4 : M Morkel to Bairstow, On a length, pushed towards mid off. |
| 27.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Turns it towards mid-wicket from his crease. |
| 27.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Four Byes! Lands it outside off, Bairstow looks to defend but the ball swings in and beats the keeper diving to his left. Boundary results. |
| 28.1 : D Olivier to Root, Good length outside off, Root taps it towards point for a single. |
| 28.2 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Bairstow tickles one towards fine leg from his crease. The fielder does well to stop the ball near the fence. Two runs taken. |
| 28.3 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Lands it outside off, left alone. |
| 28.4 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Played to point by the batsman. He is playing his shots at the moment. |
| 28.5 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Bairstow comes forward and defends it. |
| 28.6 : D Olivier to Bairstow, WIDE! Sprays it way outside off, Bairstow cannot reach it. |
| D Olivier to Bairstow, Good length outside off, Bairstow mistimes his punch towards covers. |
| 29.1 : M Morkel to Root, OUT! That is a big, big, big wicket! Morkel bowls it outside off on a good length, shapes away, Root thinks he can drive it away but gets an outside edge. The ball flies to the right of de Kock who dives and takes the catch. You live by the sword, you die by it. That is a huge wicket in context of this game. He was the one who was taking the attack to the opposition and now South Africa have broken through just in time. England trail by 192 runs. |
| 0.0 : Drinks break taken. That wicket just at the stroke of the mini break will boost South Africa. They needed that badly. Even-stevens at the moment. Joe Root alone has scored 78 runs and the rest combined today have scored only 91 runs for seven wickets. Shows the class of the batsman, doesn't it? |
| Ben Stokes comes out to bat. He has not got going in this series so far and will be itching to perform. |
| 29.2 : M Morkel to Stokes, Short ball around off stump, Stokes arches his back to evade the bumper. |
| 29.3 : M Morkel to Stokes, Another bumper but this time down the leg side, easier for Stokes to negotiate this time as he gets out of the way. |
| 29.4 : M Morkel to Stokes, Gets his length fuller this time outside off, blocked firmly off the front foot towards cover. This should be a riveting bout - Stokes vs Morkel, provided the tall pacer is kept on for few more overs. |
| 29.5 : M Morkel to Stokes, Just fractionally short of a good length outside off, Stokes doesn't offer a stroke to that one. |
| 29.6 : M Morkel to Stokes, On a good length closer to off stump, straightens after pitching, good leave by Stokes. |
| 30.1 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Good length around middle, a bit of extra bounce as Bairstow taps it down the pitch off the bat sticker. |
| 30.2 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Back of a length around middle, stays back and whips it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 30.3 : D Olivier to Stokes, Bouncer from Olivier on off stump, Stokes ducks under the high bumper. |
| 30.4 : D Olivier to Stokes, Fullish around middle, a hint of inswing as Stokes pushes gently towards mid on. |
| 30.5 : D Olivier to Stokes, On a length around middle, Stokes shuffles a touch and taps it to the left of the mid on fielder. |
| 30.6 : D Olivier to Stokes, Length ball around middle, gets across and clips it to the leg side. |
| 31.1 : M Morkel to Bairstow, FOUR! Off the edge but in the gap! Bairstow gets lucky, he surely wasn't in control there. Back of a length ball outside off, Jonny pushes away from the body and gets a thick edge that flies wide of the gully fielder. Boundary to third man. |
| 0.0 : Two gullies in place now. |
| 31.2 : M Morkel to J Bairstow, Off the inner half now! Bairstow is having the rub of the green going his way. Back of a length around off stump, nips in sharply as the ball flies off the inside edge just past leg stump as it goes to fine leg. Brace taken. |
| 31.3 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Fullish on middle, crisply driven by Bairstow but straight towards mid on. |
| 31.4 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Short of a good length outside off, punchy drive from JB towards cover. |
| 31.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Length ball around middle, gets across and tucks it towards the leg side. |
| 31.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Short of a good length around off, darting in as Bairstow jabs it towards square leg for a single. |
| 32.1 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Back of a length around off, punched firmly back to the bowler. |
| 32.2 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Fuller this time on off stump, reaches out and drives it back to the bowler. |
| 32.3 : D Olivier to Bairstow, FOUR! Sloppy from Philander! He should have stopped that. Fuller outside off, Bairstow dishes out a punchy drive towards mid off where Vernon times his slide properly and lets it through to the fence. South Africa shouldn't be gifting away runs like this. |
| 32.4 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Fullish on off stump, swinging in a bit as the ball goes off the inner half of Bairstow's blade to mid-wicket. A slightly nervy phase at the moment for Jonny although he has got the luck going. |
| 32.5 : D Olivier to J Bairstow, FOUR! Fab stroke! That should ease him back into the flow! Length ball outside off, Bairstow unfurls a lovely drive through extra cover. Beautifully timed and Kuhn from sweeper cover makes a valiant attempt to his left, putting in a desperate dive as well but couldn't prevent the boundary. |
| 32.6 : D Olivier to Bairstow, Leg bye! Fullish on leg stump, Bairstow misses the flick and the ball goes off the pads towards the leg side. The batsmen sneak a leg bye. |
| Vernon Philander returns for a burst. South Africa have to do that, to not let England feel at home with the scoring. |
| 33.1 : V Philander to Bairstow, Back of a length outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 33.2 : V Philander to Bairstow, On a shortish length outside off, keeps a bit low as Bairstow adjusts to punch it towards cover. |
| South Africa have reviewed a lbw call against Bairstow. The Proteas are confident, Philander in particular. Only height could be the issue perhaps. |
| 33.3 : V Philander to Bairstow, NOT OUT! There was a faint edge and that saves Bairstow. On a length around middle, shapes away late to rap Jonny on the pads. Huge appeal for lbw, turned down by the umpire. Philander is confident and du Plessis doesn't waste time to take the review. Height could be the only factor here, or so we assume but the Snicko has a twist to offer. There is a slight spike which means a faint edge on it. That settles the case then, South Africa lose a review. |
| 33.4 : V Philander to Bairstow, Back of a length outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover. |
| 33.5 : V Philander to Bairstow, Shortish outside off, nips in a bit as JB looks to push at it. The inside edge raps him on the pads. |
| 33.6 : V Philander to J Bairstow, More streaky runs for Bairstow! He's nearing a fifty but is still to look assured at the crease. Length ball outside off, loose drive from JB as the ball goes off the outer half through backward point. The gully fielder chases it down and saves a run for his side. |
| Time for some spin. Keshav Maharaj comes back on for a bowl. |
| 34.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Fuller outside off, leans forward and drives it towards mid off. |
| 34.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, The slider outside off, JB gets half forward and defends strongly to cover. |
| 34.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Slows it down around middle, Bairstow gets the front foot nicely forward and smothers it to the ground. |
| 34.4 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Flighted on off stump, nicely defended back to the bowler by Bairstow. |
| 34.5 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Fired in on leg stump, Bairstow sweeps well but there is a man at short fine leg. Straight to him, so another dot ball. |
| 34.6 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Philander messes up again! Second time now that he has gifted runs. Flatter outside off, punched towards backward point where Vernon is late to get down. Lets it through as the batsmen get a run. |
| 35.1 : V Philander to Bairstow, Length ball outside off, punched sweetly towards the mid off fielder. |
| 35.2 : V Philander to Bairstow, Cracker from Philander! His misfields will be forgiven if he can nip a few wickets here. This is on a length around off stump, shapes away sharply to beat the outside edge as Jonny is beaten on the poke. |
| 35.3 : V Philander to Bairstow, On a length around the fourth stump line, jags away as Bairstow lets it pass. |
| 35.4 : V Philander to Bairstow, Good length angled in around off stump, Bairstow gets behind the line nicely and defends towards cover. |
| 35.5 : Philander to Bairstow, FOUR! Chipped over the bowler's head! Nicely done by Bairstow, leans forward to this fuller ball and extends his forward defence a bit to get the elevation. Lofts it very straight and it runs away to the fence for a boundary. |
| Dean Elgar takes the ball to the umpire complaining about the shape. The umpire finds it good enough and hands it back to Elgar. |
| 35.6 : V Philander to Bairstow, Length ball around off stump, defended from the crease to the off side. |
| 36.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Floated outside off, Stokes presses forward and blocks it solidly towards cover. |
| 36.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Flighted outside off, reaches out and taps it gently to the off side. |
| Square leg goes fine now. |
| Is that out? Ben Stokes seems to have been caught off the inside edge. The umpires are checking if the ball hit the grill of the helmet of the keeper in the process of the catch. |
| 36.3 : K Maharaj to Ben Stokes, OUT! MAHARAJ STRIKES! Another big wicket for South Africa! Looped up nicely outside off, turns in a touch with extra bounce as Stokes prods forward to defend. Gets a faint inside edge that strikes his pads and bobbles up to hit de Kock on his shoulder off his glove. The SA keeper reacts in time to take it eventually on the rebound. The umpires want to check if the ball struck Quinton's grill and the third umpire is convinced that it hasn't. So, Stokes has to conti |
| In walks the hero of the last game, Moeen Ali. He has a job to do here. A short leg in place. |
| 36.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! BANG! What a shot to play first ball! Confidence personified! Tossed up just outside off, Ali gets across one one leg and slogs it over mid-wicket. Clean strike and it runs away to the fence. |
| Deepish mid-wicket in place. |
| 36.5 : K Maharaj to Ali, Flighted nicely outside off, Ali looks to push at it but gets an inside edge on to the pads. |
| 36.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Flatter outside off, Ali sits back and punches it towards the off side. |
| 37.1 : V Philander to Bairstow, Philander gets nice away shape on this length ball pitched just outside off, late movement and Bairstow smartly lets it pass. |
| 37.2 : V Philander to Bairstow, Fullish on middle stump line, JB gets across and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 37.3 : V Philander to Bairstow, Back of a length just outside off, stays back and stabs it to the off side. |
| 37.4 : V Philander to Bairstow, Beaten! That's a lovely delivery from Philander! Length ball on fourth stump line, shapes away a shade as Bairstow is beaten on the poke. |
| 37.5 : V Philander to Bairstow, On a shortish length around off stump, defended off the back foot towards point. |
| 37.6 : V Philander to Bairstow, Length ball closer to off stump, Bairstow plays late with an angled bat. Steered on the bounce towards the gully fielder. |
| 38.1 : K Maharaj to Ali, Flighted around off, wristed in front of square on the leg side for a single. |
| 38.2 : K Maharaj to J Bairstow, Flatter around off, Bairstow leans into it to block but gets a thick inside edge on to the pads. |
| 38.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Floated outside off, reaches out to that one and taps it towards cover. |
| 38.4 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Flatter outside off, stays back and defends it towards cover. |
| 38.5 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, The slider around middle, JB gets his bat down in time and defends solidly. |
| 38.6 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Low full toss outside off, driven fluently towards the man at mid off. |
| 39.1 : V Philander to Ali, On a length wider outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 39.2 : V Philander to Ali, Erratic from Philander, sprayed way outside off as Ali makes an easy leave. |
| 39.3 : V Philander to Ali, Fullish ball outside off, crisply driven by Moeen towards the extra cover fielder. |
| 39.4 : V Philander to Ali, Just full and on fourth stump line, Ali doesn't offer a stroke to that one. |
| 39.5 : V Philander to Ali, FOUR! Nicely stroked! Back of a length outside off, Ali stands tall and essays a beautiful back foot punch through extra cover. Elegant stroke and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. That was so soothing to the eyes. |
| 39.6 : V Philander to Ali, On a shortish outside off, Moeen sits back and defends it to the off side. |
| 40.1 : K Maharaj to J Bairstow, OUT! GOT HIM! That's a left-arm spinner's delight, what a peach! Tossed up around middle, draws Bairstow forward and he is beaten by the turn as the ball crashes into the off stump. Massive, massive wicket this for South Africa. They are chipping away nicely and it's Maharaj who has proven to be the surprise package on a day where the seamers have been dominating. Two big wickets for him, both with excellent deliveries. |
| 0.0 : Liam Dawson comes out to bat. England will want the lower order to come good here. |
| 40.2 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Flighted around off, driven towards the extra cover region as the mid off fielder gets across to his left to stop it. Single taken, relief for Dawson after the pair at Lord's. |
| 40.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, Tossed up outside off, turns in from the footholes as Ali looks to push at it. Gets an inside edge towards short fine leg. |
| Short leg is in place now. |
| 40.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Slightly shorter outside off, punched off the back foot towards long on for a single. |
| 40.5 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Fullish around middle and leg, Dawson leans across and pushes it to the left of the short leg fielder. |
| 40.6 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Tossed up nicely around off, defended firmly off the front foot. |
| Chris Morris comes on for a bowl. Can he strike at the stroke of Tea? |
| 41.1 : C Morris to Ali, Shortish on leg stump, Ali rises on his toes to tuck it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 41.2 : C Morris to Dawson, Sprayed down the leg side, easy pickings for Dawson who clips it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 41.3 : C Morris to Ali, Short of a length outside off, punched off the back foot through the covers. A brace to the total. Morris has been dismal so far, he needs to redeem himself if South Africa are to do well as Philander and Morkel cannot do all the work. |
| Shane Warne wants South Africa to go short and quick on the body. Ali has been susceptible to the short stuff at times. |
| 41.4 : C Morris to Ali, On a shortish length outside off, Ali thinks about playing at it but withdraws the bat eventually. |
| 41.5 : C Morris to Ali, Fullish on the pads, worked away to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 41.6 : C Morris to Dawson, Back of a length angled in around off stump, defended solidly from the crease towards the off side. TEA ON DAY 2. |
| Excellent session for South Africa. They needed it after the Root-Ballance partnership that was flourishing. Philander struck in his first over after lunch to remove the southpaw but Root seemed to be chugging along to another century with Bairstow for company. Morkel, bowling an extended spell, then delivered a big blow to send the England captain on his way back. Keshav Maharaj struck two deadly blows thereafter, removing Stokes and Bairstow rather quickly to push the advantage firmly in favor |
| Despite pocketing the session, the Proteas' think tank would be worrying over the support seamers Olivier and Morris. The latter only bowled an over in the session but both of them have been unimpressive so far. The senior men, Philander in particular, have been brilliant while Maharaj has also proven to be more than a handful with the footholes. An interesting final session beckons, one that could possibly decide which way this game is heading. Join us shortly for the post-tea phase. |
| ... Day 2, Session 3... |
| The players are out for the final session. Moeen Ali and Liam Dawson come out to bat. They will play their shots or will they take their time? Let's see. Keshav Maharaj to start things off in the final session. He has an in-out field. |
| 42.1 : K Maharaj to Ali, Lands it around off, Ali clips it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 42.2 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Around off again, Dawson comes forward and defends it. |
| 42.3 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Floats it around the stumps, Dawson lunges forward and keeps it out. |
| 42.4 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Tossed up outside off, pushed to covers by Liam coming forward. |
| 42.5 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Punches this one towards point and takes a quick single. |
| 42.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Bowls it outside off, Ali is watchful as he comes forward and defends it back down the wicket. |
| Chris Morris to bowl from the other end. He has to step up and perform. He has a word of advice from Morkel. |
| Dawson is given out caught behind. He has reviewed it though. |
| 43.1 : C Morris to Dawson, NOT OUT! Good review! Morris bowls it outside off, Dawson looks to punch it through but seems to have edge it. The keeper collects and appeals. The umpire rules it out. Dawson goes for the review instantly. Replays show why, there was daylight between bat and ball there. Wonder what made the umpire give it out. Morris was almost celebrating without appealing. Shudder to think if there were no reviews....... |
| 43.2 : C Morris to L Dawson, FOUR! Edged! Outside off on a good length, Dawson looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge down to the third man fence for a boundary. |
| 43.3 : C Morris to Dawson, Wasted delivery down the leg side on a shorter length, Dawson ducks under it. |
| England have scored 25 percent of their runs through third man. That's a lot, isn't it? |
| 43.4 : C Morris to Dawson, Full and outside off, Dawson shapes to drive but is beaten all ends up. He needs to bowl more of these. |
| 43.5 : C Morris to Dawson, Back of a length just around off, Dawson stands tall and punches it towards covers. |
| 43.6 : C Morris to Dawson, Shorter in length on middle, worked through backward square leg for a couple of runs. He has been a wayward right from the start. |
| 44.1 : K Maharaj to Ali, Lands it outside off, spins in a touch, Ali stays back and defends it. |
| 44.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, Loops it outside off, Ali comes forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 44.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, Tossed up outside off, Ali looks to get forward and turn it through the leg side but is hit on his pad off the spin. Can't give it out since it was way outside off. |
| 44.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Spots Ali coming down, floats it around off. Moeen whips it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 44.5 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Angles it around middle and off, Dawson lunges forward and defends it. |
| 44.6 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Dawson is right forward to defend it. |
| 45.1 : C Morris to Ali, Shorter outside off, Moeen stays back and punches it towards covers. |
| 45.2 : C Morris to Ali, Shorter and outside off, Moeen thinks about playing a shot but spots that it is too wide and lets it go. |
| South Africa have two men back for the hook. |
| 45.3 : C Morris to Ali, Slants it on a similar length around off, Ali gets out of the way easily. |
| 45.4 : C Morris to Ali, Shorter and this time on middle and leg, Ali just lets it pass over him. |
| 45.5 : C Morris to Ali, Gets in line of this one and defends it towards the leg side from his crease. |
| 45.6 : C Morris to Ali, Full and outside off, Ali drives it hard and crashes it through covers. Kuhn gets to his left from sweeper cover and stops it from going through. A couple taken. |
| 46.1 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Shorter around off, Dawson camps back to cut but finds the fielder at point. |
| 46.2 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Lands it outside off, Dawson comes forward and defends it. |
| 46.3 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Another forward block by Dawson. |
| 46.4 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Spots Dawson coming down, shortens his length, Liam turns it towards the leg side. |
| 46.5 : K Maharaj to Dawson, FOUR! Poor ball, hit away! Slides this down the leg side, Dawson does not miss out and sweeps it down to the fine leg fence. Maharaj turned around the moment he saw that he had bowled it down leg. |
| 46.6 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Floats it around off, pushed towards mid off by Liam. |
| 47.1 : C Morris to Ali, OUT! Morris strikes! Ali waiting for the short one but gets a fuller one outside off, slices it straight to cover-point. Faf du Plessis takes the catch and that is a wicket gifted but is it one earned as well? There was a field change before this delivery, the plan was to push him back and get him pushing at fuller ones. Difference between Elgar and Faf? He and Morris look absolutely pumped up and why not. England still trail by 136 runs. So du Plessis came in from second |
| 0.0 : Stuart Broad comes out to bat. He will play his shots. |
| South Africa have taken a review for lbw. Unless he has hit this, it could be close. |
| 47.2 : C Morris to Broad, OUT! Two in two, South Africa on top! Full and spearing into the stumps, Broad is late on this and is hit on his pads. The players appeal for an lbw but the umpire says no. If Broad has not hit that, could be close. Replays show there was no bat there. Hawk Eye shows three reds and that is another wicket for Morris. Golden duck for Broad, even he was waiting for the short one and had his weight back. Two in two for Chris and he is on a hat-trick. |
| Mark Wood is the new man in. He'll have to deal with the hat-trick ball. Three slips, leg gully and a short leg greet him. |
| 47.3 : C Morris to Wood, Goes for the full one on the stumps, Wood is up to it and defends it back down the wicket. Well thought out that. |
| 47.4 : C Morris to Wood, Shorter length ball outside off, Wood drops his wrists and lets it go. |
| 47.5 : C Morris to Wood, Banged in short but way outside off, Wood is happy to stay away from it. |
| 47.6 : C Morris to Wood, Shorter in length, Wood shapes to defend but gets it off the handle of the bat towards the off side. Double-wicket maiden for Chris Morris. |
| 48.1 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Floats it around off, Dawson comes forward to defend and does so well. |
| 48.2 : K Maharaj to Dawson, OUT! Another one bites the dust! Maharaj keeps it around off, Dawson wants to sweep it. The ball goes off the top edge and Hashim Amla gets under it at backward square leg. A safe catch. England are going down rather quickly here. Third wicket for Keshav Maharaj. England still trail by 136 runs. First time since 2007 that a spinner has taken more than 2 wickets at Trent Bridge in the first innings. |
| Jimmy Anderson is the last man in. |
| 48.3 : K Maharaj to Anderson, Shorter outside off, Anderson punches it back to the bowler. |
| 48.4 : K Maharaj to Anderson, Lands it around off, James stays back and punches it towards the leg side. |
| 48.5 : K Maharaj to Anderson, Anderson looks to reverse sweep but gets it straight onto the legs of the keeper. |
| 48.6 : K Maharaj to Anderson, Lands it outside off, Anderson comes forward to defend but fails to connect. The short leg fielder takes the catch but no harm done as there was no bat there. |
| 49.1 : C Morris to Wood, Shorter in length on the stumps, Wood fends it towards short leg. |
| 49.2 : C Morris to Wood, Slants this on the pads, Wood looks to clip but the ball keeps low and hits him on the pads. |
| 49.3 : C Morris to Wood, Shorter in length on middle, Wood thinks to pull but then aborts his shot. |
| 49.4 : C Morris to Wood, Back of a length outside off, Wood punches it towards point. There is a bit of fumble but but they don't take the single. |
| 49.5 : C Morris to Wood, Short in length, Wood gets off the mark with a nudge wide of the short leg fielder. 200 up for South Africa. |
| 49.6 : C Morris to Anderson, Fuller outside off, Anderson looks to keep it out but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 50.1 : K Maharaj to Wood, Floats it outside off, Wood comes forward and pushes it towards covers. |
| 50.2 : K Maharaj to Wood, Too full from Maharaj, Wood blocks it. |
| 50.3 : K Maharaj to Wood, Wood lunges forward and pushes it back down the wicket. |
| 50.4 : K Maharaj to Wood, Tries to slide the arm ball around off, Wood is happy to block it. |
| 50.5 : K Maharaj to M Wood, Tossed up around off, clipped through mid on for a single. |
| 50.6 : K Maharaj to Anderson, Floats it wide outside off, turns in, Anderson is happy to let it go. |
| 51.1 : C Morris to Wood, Full and outside off, Wood drives it towards mid off. |
| 51.2 : C Morris to Wood, FOUR! Handy hit! Shorter in length outside off, Wood pulls it hard through mid-wicket for a boundary. That was nicely pulled. |
| 51.3 : C Morris to Wood, Short and outside off, Wood looks to ramp it over the keeper but misses. |
| 51.4 : C Morris to Wood, Shorter and on the body, Wood arches back and gets out of the way dropping his wrists. |
| 51.5 : C Morris to M Wood, OUT! Very good catch, Faf! Short from Morris in line of the body of the batsman, Wood just fends at it from his body. The ball flies to the right of Faf du Plessis at second slip. He takes it really well leaping to his right. A very good catch to end the day. ENGLAND BOWLED OUT FOR 205. |
| A fine, fine performance from South Africa. When they were bundled out early today it looked like the hosts would dominate the proceedings. They came out firing and took out the openers in a jiffy. Joe Root put in an amazing batting performance to stroke his way to 78. England were right on top at the lunch break but South Africa came roaring back in the game with wickets after that. Senior men, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel took the big wickets of Gary Ballance and Joe Root and set it up fo |
| It was Keshav Maharaj who backed them up, taking two vital wickets to dismiss Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow. Chris Morris then turned around his bad day taking three quick wickets to run through the England tail. They will be delighted with the 130-run lead. They will want to get a good score in since batting will get tougher on this wicket which is misbehaving. England have to play catch-up from here, let's see how they go. Can they trigger a collapse? Joe Root will hope for that. Join us to se |
| 0.1 : J Anderson to Kuhn, FOUR! Ideal start for SA! Full and on the pads, Kuhn clips it nicely through mid-wicket for a boundary to get off the mark. The lead should give him the freedom to score here? |
| 0.2 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Shorter in length, bounces more, Kuhn is taken back by the bounce but does well to keep it out. |
| 0.3 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Heino comes forward and defends it towards the off side. |
| 0.4 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Straight and in line of the stumps, Kuhn gets forward and turns it towards the on side. |
| 0.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Comes forward and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 0.6 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Full and just around off, pushed into covers for a quick single. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. Three slips in place for him, no gully. |
| 1.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length outside off, Kuhn gets forward and defends it. |
| 1.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, Good length outside off, left alone by Kuhn. |
| 1.3 : S Broad to Kuhn, Full and outside off, no shot offered. |
| 1.4 : S Broad to Kuhn, Full and wide outside off, Kuhn looks to go hard through the covers but is beaten all ends up. You didn't see such shots in the first innings. Maybe the message is to be positive. |
| 1.5 : S Broad to Kuhn, A tad short outside off, Kuhn is not bothered. |
| 1.6 : S Broad to Kuhn, Kuhn comes forward to defend but gets it off the inner half towards mid on. Maiden to begin for Kuhn. |
| 2.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Full and outside off, Elgar looks to push but gets it off the inner half back down the wicket. |
| 2.2 : J Anderson to Elgar, BEATEN! Outside off on a good length, Elgar looks to play at it but is beaten. |
| 2.3 : J Anderson to Elgar, And again! Anderson slants it outside off, Dean looks to drive it through but fails to connect. |
| 2.4 : J Anderson to Elgar, Too full outside off, Elgar squeezes it through covers for a couple of runs. |
| 2.5 : J Anderson to Elgar, Plays this towards point from his crease. |
| 2.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, Lands it outside off, Elgar looks to hang his bat out for it but is beaten again. Top over from Anderson comes to an end. |
| 3.1 : S Broad to Kuhn, Lands it outside off on a length, Kuhn comes forward and defends it. |
| 3.2 : S Broad to Kuhn, Drives it towards extra cover and takes a single. |
| 3.3 : S Broad to Elgar, Goes round the wicket, angles it down the leg side, Elgar fails to clip it through. |
| 3.4 : S Broad to Elgar, Length ball outside off, no shot offered by Elgar. |
| 3.5 : S Broad to Elgar, Fuller and on the stumps, turned through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 3.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Good length just around off, Elgar plays it with an angled bat towards point. |
| 4.1 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Full and outside off, Kuhn comes forward and pushes it towards covers. |
| 0.0 : England have opted for a lbw review against Kuhn. Could be quite close here if the impact is in line. |
| 4.2 : J Anderson to Kuhn, NOT OUT! Another review wasted by Root! Anderson bowls it around off, nips in as Kuhn comes forward to defend it. The ball raps him on the pads and the players go up for an lbw. The umpire says no. The bowler convinces his captain to go for the review and Root obliges. Ball Tracker shows that the ball was bouncing over the stumps. A review wasted. Think Root needs to take his time and consider more things before opting for the review. Replays show that Kuhn is batting wa |
| 4.3 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Lands it outside off, Kuhn lets it go through. |
| 4.4 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Full and around off, turned towards the leg side. |
| 4.5 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Full and outside off, Kuhn shapes to drive it through but is beaten by the away swing. |
| 4.6 : J Anderson to Kuhn, Clips this one through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 5.1 : S Broad to Elgar, Fullish and angling into the stumps, Elgar gets across and jams it towards mid-wicket. |
| 5.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Play and a miss! Just short of a fuller length outside off, straightens after pitching as Elgar is beaten on the drive. Loose stuff from both the South African openers so far. |
| 5.3 : S Broad to Elgar, On a length closer to off stump, angling in, Elgar hangs back and defends solidly towards point. |
| 5.4 : S Broad to Elgar, Another length ball closer to off stump, played with an angled bat and the ball goes on the bounce towards third man. |
| 5.5 : S Broad to Elgar, Fullish ball on the pads, leans across and clips it sweetly through square leg for a brace. |
| 5.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Full and around off stump, Elgar defends around his front pad as the ball goes down the track to the bowler. |
| 6.1 : J Anderson to H Kuhn, Full and outside off, driven firmly towards the mid off fielder. |
| 6.2 : J Anderson to H Kuhn, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Anderson draws first blood and Root is absolutely pumped up. The outswinger on a length outside off, Kuhn pushes tentatively at it and gets a thick edge that flies low to second slip where the England captain gobbles it up. Just the start the hosts would have been hoping for after conceding a big lead. |
| Hashim Amla walks out to bat at number three. There is a deep square leg in place already trying to catch him on the pull. |
| 6.3 : J Anderson to Amla, On a length around off stump, played with an angled bat towards gully on the bounce |
| 6.4 : J Anderson to Amla, FOUR! Sloppy from Wood! Shorter but on middle and leg, Amla gets across and pulls it towards fine leg. Mark Wood runs to his right from deep square leg, dives but parries the ball to the ropes. Amla is away! |
| 6.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length around off, Amla gets in line and defends it. |
| 6.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Amla comes right forward and defends it. |
| Joe Root brings on Mark Wood for a bowl. He will be under pressure to perform at the moment. Hasn't been among the wickets. |
| 7.1 : M Wood to Elgar, FOUR! Loosener to start and put away. Wide half volley and Elgar essays a drive through cover-point. One hand came off while executing the stroke but timed it really well as the ball raced to the fence. |
| 7.2 : M Wood to Elgar, Length ball outside off, leans into it and defends gently towards cover. |
| 7.3 : M Wood to Elgar, Good length ball outside off, Elgar presses forward and defends it towards cover where the fielder dives to get a hand on it to parry it towards mid off. Brace taken. |
| 7.4 : M Wood to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, stays back and blocks it to the off side. |
| 7.5 : M Wood to Elgar, FOUR! Cracking shot! Fuller and wider outside off, Elgar leans into it nicely and drives sweetly through the covers. Timing was the highlight and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. |
| 7.6 : M Wood to Elgar, Good length closer to off stump, defends it solidly from the crease. |
| 8.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Length ball around off, Amla defends it solidly from the crease. |
| 8.2 : J Anderson to Amla, On a length outside off, Amla gets back and defends it towards the covers. |
| 8.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Length ball just outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 8.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Back of a length outside off, defended solidly from the crease to the covers. |
| 8.5 : J Anderson to Amla, On a length outside off, probing line but Amla does well to let it pass. |
| 8.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Fuller ball outside off, presses forward to that one and defends solidly to cover. |
| 9.1 : M Wood to Elgar, Dug in short just outside off, Elgar sways away from the bumper. |
| 9.2 : M Wood to Elgar, Fuller ball outside off, leans into it and taps it towards mid off. |
| 9.3 : M Wood to Elgar, Pitched up around off stump, pushed gently towards the bowler. |
| 9.4 : M Wood to Elgar, Short ball around off, Elgar sways away from the line of the bumper. |
| 9.5 : M Wood to Elgar, On a length around off, defended with an angled bat towards point. |
| 9.6 : M Wood to Elgar, Length ball around off, tails in a bit as Elgar gets across to tap it to the leg side. |
| 10.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Back of a length outside off, gets back and dabs it towards point. |
| 10.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Fullish outside off, Amla gets on the front foot and defends gently to the covers. |
| 10.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Just short of Anderson! On a length outside off, Amla stays back to drive but mistimes it towards the bowler. Doesn't carry to Jimmy who tries in vain to take the return catch. |
| 10.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Back of a length outside off, Amla hangs back and defends it to the off side. |
| 10.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Length ball outside off, Amla defends it solidly from the crease to the off side. |
| 10.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Fullish outside off, gets on the front foot and defends nicely on the bounce towards slip. |
| Interesting point from Shaun Pollock that despite batting on middle stump, Elgar plays a lot of balls wide outside off. Since he covers his stumps, in his first movement and yet pushes away from his body. Something for Elgar to work on. |
| 11.1 : M Wood to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, defended solidly off the back foot by Elgar. |
| 11.2 : M Wood to Elgar, Shortish and in the zone outside off, Elgar is right behind the line and defends solidly. |
| 11.3 : M Wood to Elgar, Shortish and on leg stump, Elgar jumps around to fend it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 11.4 : M Wood to Amla, Sharp bumper on off stump, Amla ducks under the bouncer rather comfortably. |
| 11.5 : M Wood to Amla, Fractionally short of a good length outside off, Amla lifts his bat to make a leave. |
| 11.6 : M Wood to Amla, Back of a length outside off, punched firmly off the back foot towards extra cover. |
| Drinks break taken. |
| Stuart Broad is back on for another spell. |
| 12.1 : S Broad to Elgar, Fullish ball on the pads, worked towards mid-wicket but straight to the fielder. Elgar has missed out on the freebie. |
| 12.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Fullish and on the pads, Elgar flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 12.3 : S Broad to Amla, Bowls it from wide of the crease and pushes it up to the batsman outside off, a bit of inward movement as Amla gets a faint inside edge on to the pads. The ball rolls towards mid-wicket as the batsmen cross for a run. |
| 12.4 : S Broad to Elgar, Pitched up and angled into the pads, Elgar gets across and clips it nicely through mid-wicket. The man in the deep covers good ground to his right and tidies up as the batsmen take a couple. |
| 12.5 : S Broad to Elgar, Just short of a good length outside off, Elgar rides the bounce well and dabs with an angled bat towards gully on the bounce. |
| 12.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Edged but doesn't carry! Elgar plays with soft hands and an angled bat to this length delivery outside off. The ball goes off the outside edge but on the bounce to second slip where Root makes a good stop. |
| 13.1 : M Wood to Amla, On a good length just outside off, Amla watchfully lets it pass to the keeper. |
| 13.2 : M Wood to Amla, FOUR! Through the gap! Back of a length outside off, Amla plays late with an angled bat. Soft hands and it's an educated edge that goes between the slips and gully. Trickles away to the third man fence. |
| 13.3 : M Wood to Amla, Short of a good length outside off, Amla stands tall and defends it to the off side. |
| 13.4 : M Wood to H Amla, FOUR! Pulled away! Amla hasn't played this shot well in this game so far but this is well done. Shortish on off stump, he swivels and hammers the pull nicely in front of square on the leg side. Rolled his wrists well to keep the ball down and it speeds to the fence for a boundary. |
| 13.5 : M Wood to Amla, Another short ball to follow up, this time Hashim decides to evade it. |
| 13.6 : M Wood to Amla, Back of a length closer to off stump, Amla shoulders arms to let it be. |
| 14.1 : S Broad to Elgar, FOUR! Nicely done! Broad has been dishing out too many on the pads and this time Elgar finds the fence. Nicely clips it elegantly through mid-wicket and the timing is spot on from the opener. |
| 0.0 : Switches to over the wicket. Much better, since it brings a lot more forms of dismissals in play. |
| 14.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Fullish and around off stump, solidly blocked with a forward press by Elgar. |
| 14.3 : S Broad to D Elgar, FOUR! More runs to third man! Lot of runs in that zone today. On a length outside off, Elgar plays it with late with an angled bat, it goes off the edge just past a diving gully fielder, all the way to the fence. |
| Broad wants a third man, he gets a third man. |
| 14.4 : S Broad to Elgar, Fullish around middle, gets across and defends it solidly to the leg side. |
| 14.5 : S Broad to Elgar, On a good length just outside off, Dean lets it pass through to the keeper. |
| 14.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Length ball closer to off stump, defended solidly from the crease to the off side. |
| First signs of spin as Moeen Ali comes on to bowl. Quite earlier than he came on in the first innings. The pitch conditions have a lot to do with this move, considering how well Maharaj got bite off the surface. |
| 15.1 : M Ali to Amla, Floated around middle, Amla stands tall and whips it through square leg for a single. |
| 15.2 : M Ali to Elgar, Floated outside off, presses forward and blocks it to the off side. |
| Hashim Amla has been doing some adjustment with his stance. He was batting on off stump at Lord's. In this Test, he has stood outside leg at times. To the spinner, he is back to the off stump guard. |
| 15.3 : M Ali to Elgar, Drifting in from around off stump, a bit of extra bounce and Elgar adjusts to tap it to the leg side. |
| 15.4 : M Ali to Elgar, Full toss outside off, Elgar reaches out and taps it towards mid off. |
| 15.5 : M Ali to Elgar, Flighted on off stump, Elgar leans into it and defends with an angled bat to the off side. |
| 15.6 : M Ali to D Elgar, FOUR! Risky shot but it comes off! Tossed up outside off, induces the drive from Elgar and it's a bit uppish but well past the short extra cover fielder. Rockets away to the fence for a boundary. Ali won't mind this as it's not easy to drive the ball that's pitching in the rough. |
| 16.1 : S Broad to Amla, Length ball around off stump, Amla's bat comes down with a sledgehammer to block it. |
| 16.2 : S Broad to Amla, Leg bye! On middle and leg, leans across to flick but it goes off the pads towards square leg. |
| 16.3 : S Broad to Elgar, On a shortish length outside off, stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 16.4 : S Broad to Elgar, FOUR! That's been struck as straight as an arrow. Pleasing shot from Elgar. Leans into this full ball and smears the drive straight back past the bowler. It races down the ground to the fence for a boundary. Nicely timed! |
| 16.5 : S Broad to Elgar, Good length closer to off stump, blocked solidly from the crease. |
| 16.6 : S Broad to D Elgar, Full and outside off, driven firmly towards the man at mid off. |
| Joe Root has rushed off the field. Ben Stokes is the man in charge now. |
| 17.1 : M Ali to Amla, FOUR! Intent from Amla! Flighted outside off, uses his feet and lifts it straight over the bowler's head. Clinical strike and it goes away to the long off fence on a few bounces. He will want to unsettle the off spinner. |
| 17.2 : M Ali to Amla, FOUR! Poor ball and punished! Ali gifts a full toss and Amla doesn't miss out. Slaps it through mid-wicket with disdain to pick up another boundary. The lead goes past 200 for South Africa. |
| 17.3 : M Ali to Amla, Floated aorund middle, Amla gets back and works it with the turn behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 17.4 : M Ali to Elgar, Flatter and short outside off, slapped off the back foot to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 17.5 : M Ali to Amla, Floated outside off, stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 17.6 : M Ali to Amla, Fullish outside off, Amla gets well forward to that one and defends it on to the track. |
| Joe Root is back on the field. |
| Ben Stokes comes into the attack. |
| 18.1 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, On a length ball wider outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 18.2 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Length ball outside off, leans into it and taps it towards cover. |
| 18.3 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Shortish and angled in on off stump, gets back and clips it to the leg side. Single taken. |
| 18.4 : Stokes to Amla, Good length angled in around middle, Amla shuffles a long way across but misses the flick as the ball goes off the pads to the leg side. Loud appeal especially from Stokes for lbw but turned down. Root has a long thought but decides against the review after chat with Bairstow. Replays show that it was clipping leg stump, so the on-field call would have stayed. Marginal decision, that! |
| 18.5 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Length ball outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 18.6 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Full and outside off, leans into it and blocks solidly to the off side. |
| 19.1 : M Ali to Amla, Floated around off stump, defended off the front foot to the leg side. |
| 19.2 : M Ali to Amla, Flighted on a length wider outside off, extra bounce as Amla offers no stroke. Struck high on the pad and it bobbles towards the off side. Stifled appeal for lbw but that didn't come back in enough, was too high anyway as well. |
| 19.3 : M Ali to Amla, Drifting in from outside off, defends solidly from the crease. |
| 19.4 : M Ali to Amla, Floats it up on a length outside off, Amla hangs back and gets well outside the line before padding it away. |
| 19.5 : M Ali to Amla, Flatter outside off, Amla stays back and leaves it alone. |
| 19.6 : M Ali to Amla, Looped up well outside off, another leave from Amla. |
| 20.1 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, OUCH! That's hurt and Elgar is wincing in pain. On a length around off stump, extra bounce off the surface to rap him on the forearm as he tries to defend. Instantly he is down on his knees, understandably so. That has surely stung. |
| 0.0 : The physio is out there to attend to Elgar. The magic spray is out, should sooth some of the sting. The southpaw will happy that there are just few more minutes left to stumps. He can go off and then rest well. After a few minutes of hold up, Elgar is ready to resume. This could now probably be the last over of the day. |
| 20.2 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, On a length outside off, Elgar lets it pass through to the keeper. |
| 20.3 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Angled in on a length on the fourth stump line, Elgar defends gingerly with an angled bat towards the off side. He is still feeling the pain it seems. |
| 20.4 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Another length ball this time wider outside off, easy leave for Elgar. |
| 20.5 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Back of a length angled in from outside off, Elgar drags his bat inside the line as it whizzes through to Bairstow. |
| 20.6 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Fullish and on fourth stump line, easily left alone to the keeper. |
| Liam Dawson to bowl the final over of the day. |
| 21.1 : L Dawson to Amla, Floated on leg stump, Amla gets across to that one and bunts it to the ground near short leg. |
| 21.2 : L Dawson to Amla, Drifting in from around leg stump, Amla thought about the clip stroke but then lets it pass down the leg side to the keeper. |
| 21.3 : L Dawson to Amla, Flighted around middle, Amla presses forward to defend off the inner half towards short leg. |
| 21.4 : L Dawson to Amla, Flighted on off stump, Amla pushes at it with a slightly open bat face, got his bat down just in time as he could have been lbw if he hadn't done so. |
| 21.5 : L Dawson to Amla, Darted in around middle, firmly blocked off the middle of the bat by Hashim. |
| 21.6 : L Dawson to Amla, The slider on a shortish length outside off, Amla hangs back and punches it towards cover. That's the end of the day, STUMPS ON DAY 2. |
| There could have been an argument about who owned day one but not about today, certainly South Africa's day. The morning wasn't memorable as Anderson ripped through the remaining wickets to restrict the visitors. However, the Proteas mounted a sensational comeback in the last two sessions of the day to take a firm grip over this Test match. Root was the only England batsman who looked good while the others didn't apply themselves well. After Philander and Morkel started well, Maharaj and Morris |
| England's only way to restore parity was to nip out a cluster of wickets before close but it wasn't to be. Kuhn departed cheaply to Anderson but Elgar and Amla have been resilient, mixing positive intent with solid strokeplay. The duo has eased the lead past the 200-run mark. With three full days left, the tourists can call the shots now. Perhaps a target in the 350-375 range would be in du Plessis' mind although they have all the time to make as many as they want. Tough work ahead for England. |
| ... Day 3, Session 1..... |
| Hello folks! Welcome to the coverage of the Day 3 of the second Test between England and South Africa at Trent Bridge. The visitors are right on top after a brilliant second day. They gained a lead of 130 runs and the pair of Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla has been solid to stretch it past the 200-run mark. The Proteas will aim to extend it beyond the reach of England if possible. Will they be able to do it though? |
| The deck has enough assistance for the pacers but the England bowlers have not been able to make inroads yet. They were gifted wickets in the first innings but they can't expect the visitors to repeat their mistakes. Batting will only get difficult on a deteriorating pitch and Joe Root will want his bowlers to trigger a collapse to keep the target in check. It is a massive test of his captaincy and caliber. Let's see how they fare today. |
| The players are in the middle. Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla are out to bat. England once again begin with James Anderson. Two slips in place for him. Here we go... |
| 22.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Perfect! Hurls it outside off on a length, Elgar comes forward to defend but is beaten all ends up. Just the start he would have hope for, with the edge though. |
| 22.2 : J Anderson to Elgar, First runs of the day! Drifts it on the pads, Elgar tucks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 22.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Full around off, Amla gets across and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 22.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Edged! Full around off, Amla looks to push but gets it off the outer half towards covers. There was a hint of away swing for him. |
| 22.5 : J Anderson to Amla, Amla gets in line and defends this from his surface. |
| 22.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla dabs it towards gully from his crease. |
| Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. These two have done a lot of bowling for England. |
| 23.1 : S Broad to Elgar, Around off on a length, Elgar gets across and turns it towards the leg side. |
| 23.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Fuller outside off, Elgar pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 23.3 : S Broad to Elgar, Opened up! Broad angles it around off, Dean is opened up as he looks to defend. Manages to keep it out towards the off side. |
| 23.4 : S Broad to Elgar, Hurls it around middle, Elgar comes forward and defends it watchfully. |
| 23.5 : S Broad to Elgar, FOUR! Nice shot! Full outside off, Elgar presses forward and creams it past mid off for a boundary. First one of the morning. |
| 23.6 : S Broad to D Elgar, FOUR! Edged! Broad bowls it around off, Elgar shapes to defend but gets an outside edge which rolls past the second slip fielder for a boundary to third man. Root is applauding the ball but Broad is not happy. |
| England once again have a problem with the ball. The umpires are not changing it though. They changed it yesterday and the hosts ran through the visitors lower order. |
| 24.1 : J Anderson to Amla, On a length around off, Amla gets in line and defends it. |
| 24.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Back of a length outside off, solid back foot defence by Amla. |
| 24.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Angles it on a length, Amla gets across and turns it towards the leg side. |
| 24.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Punches it into the off side for a single. |
| 24.5 : J Anderson to Elgar, Slants it across Elgar who lets it go through easily. |
| 24.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, BEATEN! On a good length outside off, Elgar feels for it and hangs his bat out for it. The ball goes past the outside edge and England cannot believe there luck. |
| 25.1 : S Broad to Amla, Angles it outside off on a length, Amla defends it watchfully. |
| 25.2 : S Broad to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla defends it towards covers. |
| 25.3 : S Broad to Amla, Amla comes forward and defends it nicely. |
| 25.4 : S Broad to Amla, Doles it outside off on a good length, Amla is happy to let it go through. |
| Broad moves the two fielders in the deep a lot more finer. |
| 25.5 : S Broad to Amla, Fuller outside off, Amla is not bothered. |
| 25.6 : S Broad to Amla, Length ball outside off, Amla shoulders his arms to it. |
| 26.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Good length around off, Elgar comes forward and closes the face of the bat to get it towards the leg side. |
| 26.2 : J Anderson to Elgar, Slants it outside off on a length, Elgar lets it go through. |
| 26.3 : J Anderson to Elgar, A tad short outside off, Elgar raises his bat and lets it pass. |
| 26.4 : J Anderson to Elgar, Wide outside off, Elgar is never going to play at that one. |
| 26.5 : J Anderson to Elgar, Full outside off, Elgar presses forward and pushes it into the gap at covers for a couple of runs. He has been watchful today. |
| 26.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, Edged! Good length outside off, Elgar looks to defend but gets an edge wide of the gully fielder. Two runs taken. Also brings up his fifty, 8th in Tests. He has played really well so far and will want to carry on. |
| 27.1 : S Broad to Amla, Good length around off and middle, clipped down to fine leg for a single. |
| 0.0 : Broad wants a third man and he gets it. |
| 27.2 : S Broad to D Elgar, Edged! Full and outside off, Elgar pushes at it and gets it wide of a diving Anderson at gully for a single to third man. Bowling to the field! |
| 27.3 : S Broad to Amla, Short and wide outside off, no shot offered by Amla. |
| 27.4 : S Broad to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla comes forward and defends it. |
| 27.5 : S Broad to Amla, Shorter in length in line of the stumps, Amla ducks under it. He got out playing the pull shot in the first innings, he won't repeat his mistake this time. |
| 27.6 : S Broad to Amla, Almost a wicket! Good length outside off, Amla pushes at it. The ball moves away, Bairstow takes it tumbling to his right. The players appeal but are not too sure. Broad is not sure too, for a change. Strange appeal. Replays confirm there was a spike on the Ultra Edge. That would have been out on review. What a miss this could be. |
| 28.1 : J Anderson to Elgar, Wide outside off, left alone. |
| 28.2 : J Anderson to Elgar, And again, Elgar edges one down to third man for a couple. He is playing with soft hands really. |
| 28.3 : J Anderson to Elgar, Around off, Elgar comes forward and pushes it towards covers. |
| 28.4 : J Anderson to Elgar, Length ball outside off, Elgar thinks to play but then hides his bat and lets it go through. |
| 28.5 : J Anderson to Elgar, This time Elgar is happy to not even think of playing and shoulders his arms to a length ball wide outside off. |
| 28.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, Good length around off, Elgar comes forward to defend but gets an inside edge towards backward square leg for a single. These two know that Anderson and Broad won't be bowling too long and hence are taking their time. |
| 29.1 : S Broad to Elgar, Good length around the stumps, Elgar gets across and taps it towards the on side. |
| 29.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Length ball outside off, Elgar comes forward and pushes it towards covers. |
| 29.3 : S Broad to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, Elgar rides the bounce and taps it towards covers. |
| 29.4 : S Broad to D Elgar, DROPPED! Fuller outside off, Elgar looks to drive but gets an outside edge towards Anderson at gully. The bowler flies to his right but cannot hold onto it. Elgar got out similarly in the first innings. There was a chance of a run out at the bowler's end but no harm done. Another chance gone missing. England haven't helped themselves here. |
| 29.5 : S Broad to Elgar, Fuller length outside off, left alone by Elgar. |
| 29.6 : S Broad to Elgar, Dean comes forward and turns it towards mid-wicket. |
| 30.1 : J Anderson to H Amla, FOUR! Poor fielding! Back of a length outside off, Amla punches it through backward point. The fielder, Ben Stokes gets a hand to it but cannot stop the ball. A boundary results. Stokes flinches in pain. |
| 30.2 : J Anderson to H Amla, Short and outside off, Amla cracks it towards backward point and this time Stokes stops it. |
| 30.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length around off, Amla defends it from his crease. |
| 30.4 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length around off, Amla looks to turn it through the leg side but gets an inside edge past his stumps for a single. England are getting a bit grump. |
| 30.5 : J Anderson to Elgar, Good length around off, Elgar comes forward and defends it. |
| 30.6 : J Anderson to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, Dean defends it. |
| 31.1 : S Broad to Amla, Good length around off, worked towards mid-wicket for a single. 100 up for South Africa. |
| 31.2 : S Broad to Elgar, Full and outside off, Elgar pushes it towards point coming forward. Dean is pushing at fuller ones just wide outside off, does not need to play at these. |
| Deep point in place, a silly mid on, two gullies in place. England trying to catch Elgar on the loose drive square of the wicket. |
| 31.3 : S Broad to Elgar, Being aware of the plan, Elgar gets across and clips it towards the leg side. |
| 31.4 : S Broad to Elgar, And again, Elgar turns it towards silly mid on. Ali parries it towards mid off and they steal a single. |
| 31.5 : S Broad to Amla, Angles it on a good length around off, Amla turns it with a swivel towards mid-wicket. He has been relatively safe and secure. |
| 31.6 : S Broad to Amla, Good length outside off, left alone by Amla. |
| Birthday Boy Shaun Pollock shows that both Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock have a very good flow of the bat which helps them control their shots better. |
| Mark Wood called on for a bowl. He has not made a mark in this series yet. |
| 32.1 : M Wood to Elgar, Starts with a length ball outside off, left alone by Elgar. |
| 32.2 : M Wood to Elgar, Full and wide outside off, Elgar tempts him but Dean does not fall for it. |
| 32.3 : M Wood to Elgar, Nicely bowled! Good length outside off, Elgar hangs his bat out for it and is beaten by the away swing. He has played and missed at quite a few. |
| 32.4 : M Wood to Elgar, And again! Wood angles it outside off on a length, Dean pokes at it and is beaten yet again. England cannot believe their luck today. |
| 32.5 : M Wood to Elgar, Hurls it outside off, left alone this time by Elgar. |
| 32.6 : M Wood to Elgar, Wrong line! Drifts it on the pads, Elgar clips it through mid-wicket. Broad gives it a chase from mid on and keeps the ball in play with a slide. Saves a run for his side. The umpire refer it upstairs but replays find Broad fine and that is a good effort. Lead is now 234! |
| Double change, Ben Stokes comes in for a burst. He too hasn't quite been at his best. |
| 33.1 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Shorter outside off, Elgar lets it go through dropping his wrists. |
| 33.2 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, Elgar looks to work it through mid-wicket but the bowler himself runs to his left and stops the ball. Does not concede the single. Well done. |
| 33.3 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Good length wide outside off, nothing doing from Elgar. |
| 33.4 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, FOUR! Bad ball and punished! Fuller around off, now since Elgar is batting on off stump, he clips it through mid-wicket and gets a boundary this time. |
| 33.5 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Fuller around off, Elgar turns it towards the leg side. |
| 33.6 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Elgar gets outside the line and defends it watchfully. |
| 34.1 : M Wood to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla defends it from his crease. |
| 34.2 : M Wood to Amla, Slants it on the pads, clipped through backward square leg for a single. |
| 34.3 : M Wood to Elgar, Elgar turns it towards the leg side from his crease. |
| 34.4 : M Wood to Elgar, Good length around off, bounces more on Dean, Elgar taps it towards gully from his crease. Well played. |
| 34.5 : M Wood to Elgar, Shorter in length around middle, Elgar ducks under it. |
| 34.6 : M Wood to Elgar, FOUR! Nicely done! Elgar comes forward and taps this between the gully fielders for a boundary to third man. The frustration continues for the home side. |
| Stokes to bowl round the wicket now. Maybe they will look to bowl short and on the body of the batsman. |
| 35.1 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Shorter in length around middle, Amla raises his bat and lets it go. The ball follows him yet he manages to let it go. |
| 35.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Full around off, Amla comes forward and defends it. |
| 35.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Good length around off, Amla turns it towards the leg side for a single. Stokes looks to stop it from happening going to his right but cannot do so. |
| 35.4 : Ben Stokes to D Elgar, Edged! Lands it outside off, Elgar gets outside the line and plays it with soft hands. The edge does not carry to the keeper. Root was appealing for an lbw. |
| 35.5 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, Elgar defends it off his crease. |
| 35.6 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Good length outside off, bounces more on the batsman, Elgar defends it towards point. |
| Drinks time. Perfect hour for South Africa. Elgar has played and missed but survived importantly. Hashim Amla was let off and he has been solid as ever since then. Lead is growing all the time. England under pressure. |
| 36.1 : M Wood to Amla, Fullish and angled in around off stump, Amla pushes at it but gets a faint inside edge on the pads. The ball trickles towards square leg as the batsmen get a single. |
| 36.2 : M Wood to Elgar, Short ball around leg stump, Elgar is happy to duck under it. |
| 36.3 : M Wood to Elgar, On a length around leg stump, Elgar shuffles a touch and clips it in front of square on the leg side. A couple taken. |
| 36.4 : M Wood to Elgar, Tap and run from Elgar, nudges this length ball with soft hands towards cover as the batsmen scamper through for a single. |
| 36.5 : M Wood to Amla, Short ball closer to off stump, Amla evades the line of the bumper. |
| 36.6 : M Wood to Amla, FOUR! Gets it through! Shortish and outside off, Amla throws his hands at it and gets a slice that gets on the bounce through the slip cordon. No third man in place and it's a boundary. |
| 37.1 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, On a good length angling in on fourth stump line, Elgar shoulders arms to make a leave. |
| 37.2 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Honing in on that zone just outside the off stump, Elgar has a good look at it and makes another leave. |
| 37.3 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Back of a length just outside off, Elgar withdraws his bat to let it through. |
| 37.4 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, FOUR! Nicely done by Elgar! Shortish outside off, takes it on with a feisty pull through mid-wicket. Fairly in control and sends it to the fence for a boundary. Confident shot! |
| 37.5 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Length ball around off stump, Elgar gets across and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 37.6 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Angles this length ball across the left-hander, this time Elgar lets it pass. |
| Shaun Pollock notices that Anderson has a straight line from his point of release to his toes. But that is not the same for Ben Stokes. But maybe, that is why Jimmy is the leading wicket taker for England? |
| 38.1 : M Wood to Amla, Length ball outside off, Amla doesn't offer a shot to that one. |
| 38.2 : M Wood to Amla, Back of a length outside off, Amla hangs back and lets it pass. |
| 38.3 : M Wood to H Amla, Dug in short around middle, pulled towards deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 38.4 : M Wood to Elgar, Good length delivery well outside off, Elgar doesn't offer a stroke. |
| 38.5 : M Wood to Elgar, FOUR! Just short of a good length around off, extra bounce and Elgar rides it well by taking his bottom hand off at the last moment. The ball goes off the edge but on the bounce and beats gully to the fence. It might have come off the edge but the southpaw knew what he was doing there. |
| 38.6 : M Wood to D Elgar, Shortish this time on leg, Elgar swivels to help it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| Liam Dawson comes on to bowl. England did have a chat with the umpire over the ball shape once more but yet again, they have been left resigned to the same cherry. |
| 39.1 : L Dawson to Elgar, Slightly shorter in length outside off, Elgar camps back and whips it towards deep mid-wicket. Single taken. |
| 39.2 : L Dawson to Amla, Again on the shorter length, Amla punches it off the back foot towards mid on. |
| 39.3 : L Dawson to Amla, Better length from Dawson, flights it outside off and Amla mistimes the attempted drive. Gets it off the inner half and the ball goes down the track. |
| 39.4 : L Dawson to Amla, FOUR! Kaboom! Almost as if to say that the previous ball was an aberration. Flighted around off stump, Amla reaches out to that one and lofts it nonchalantly over the bowler's head. The ball races to the long off fence in no time. |
| There is a deepish mid on as Dawson goes over the wicket. |
| 39.5 : L Dawson to Amla, Loopy and outside leg stump, Amla gets across and smothers it towards the short leg fielder. |
| 39.6 : L Dawson to Amla, Fullish on the pads, Amla wrists it towards deep square leg for a single to keep strike. |
| Ben Stokes has a change of ends. |
| 40.1 : Stokes to Amla, Fine yorker on the base of off stump, Amla does well dig it out towards the off side. Good cricket all around. |
| 40.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Full and around off stump, swings in a bit as Amla looks to defend with a big front foot stride. Faint inside edge on to the pads. |
| 40.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Erratic delivery from Stokes, sprays it down the leg side as Amla shuffles across the sticks to make a leave. |
| 40.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length around middle, stays back and across to wrist it through backward square leg for a run. |
| 40.5 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Switches to around the wicket and delivers a length ball on fifth stump channel, watchfully left alone by Elgar. |
| 40.6 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Tighter line as Stokes gets this length ball closer to the off stump, Elgar though, is sure of where his off stump is and lets it pass. |
| 41.1 : L Dawson to Amla, FOUR! Smashed! Amla will not let Dawson settle, that's for sure. Steps out to this flighted delivery and launches it comfortably over mid on. Clean strike and that's another boundary for the veteran. Inches closer to another Test fifty. |
| 41.2 : L Dawson to Amla, Full and around off, leans into it and defends it solidly. |
| 41.3 : L Dawson to Amla, SIX! Reaches the milestone in style! Flighted around off stump, Amla uses his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and dismantles it over long on for a biggie. Yet another Test fifty for Amla, second of the match and he seems hell bent on dominating the England spinners here. The lead swells to 279. |
| 34th Test fifty for Hashim Amla. |
| 41.4 : L Dawson to Amla, Floated outside leg stump, Amla hangs back in his crease and allows the ball to rap his pads. |
| 41.5 : L Dawson to Amla, Floated around leg stump, Amla stays back and whips it towards mid-wicket where it is well stopped. |
| 41.6 : L Dawson to Amla, FOUR! More runs! Doesn't matter if the line is negative, Amla isn't going to stop. Floated around leg stump, a bit full and he whips it through mid-wicket with full power to find the fence once more. There were shouts of 'Catch it!' but the ball reached the fence even before they could utter it properly. |
| STAT ALERT - Hashim loves Trent Bridge! 6 innings for Hashim Amla at this venue, he has scored a half-century at least in every innings. 2 of them for South Africa, 4 for Nottinghamshire. |
| 42.1 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Shortish just outside off, Elgar arches his back to evade the bumper. |
| 42.2 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Short of a length outside off, Elgar hangs on the back foot and defends it towards backward point. |
| 42.3 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Again on the shorter length on leg stump, Amla stays on the back foot and defends towards mid-wicket. |
| 42.4 : Ben Stokes to Elgar, Stokes continues to bang the deck, Elgar rises on his toes to defend it back to the bowler. |
| 42.5 : Stokes to D Elgar, OUT! STOKES STRIKES! A soft dismissal and the short ball ploy brings England a wicket. Dug in shorter outside off, Elgar gets across to pull but ends up in a tangle with his bat going nowhere. Took his eyes off the ball and so all he did eventually was spoon to backward square leg where Anderson takes an easy catch. Much-needed strike for England but probably a bit late than they would have wanted. |
| Quinton de Kock comes out to bat. It will be interesting to see how he bats here. South Africa are a long way ahead at the moment. |
| 42.6 : Ben Stokes to Kock, Snorter to get first up! De Kock will be happy he got away with it. Stokes digs it in short and angles it into the left-hander, Quinton tries to fend but gets into an awkward position. The ball flies off his forearm and it flies down towards fine leg. The umpire feels there was glove probably and so hasn't signaled anything. So, de Kock is off the mark. |
| Jimmy Anderson is back on. Root will be hoping his premier strike bowler can ignite a collapse here with a new man in. |
| 43.1 : J Anderson to Kock, On a length outside off, de Kock stands tall and defends with a straight bat towards cover. |
| 43.2 : J Anderson to Kock, Back of a length around middle, de Kock shuffles across to work it on the leg side. The bounce does him in a bit as he taps it on to the track. |
| 43.3 : J Anderson to Kock, OUT! GOT HIM! Anderson provides his skipper with the breakthrough he wanted. Lands this on the perfect length just outside off, de Kock is lured into pushing at it but only manages to get a nick. Bairstow takes it with ease and South Africa have now lost two wickets quite quickly. The lead though is 284 and so they are fairly in control. |
| Faf du Plessis comes out to bat. |
| 43.4 : J Anderson to Plessis, On a good length just outside off, probing line as du Plessis makes a good leave. |
| 43.5 : J Anderson to Plessis, FOUR! Good shot to get off the mark! On a length around middle, du Plessis gets across and clips it just in front of square on the leg side. Initially, he was calling for two but he timed it so well that the ball raced away to the fence. |
| 43.6 : J Anderson to Plessis, Almost a wicket! Length ball around middle, Faf tries to flick but closes the bat face too early. Gets a leading edge that just falls safe on the off side. |
| 44.1 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Shortish and just outside off, Amla evades the bumper. |
| 44.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Another bumper from Stokes, he gets the same response from Amla who ducks under it. |
| 44.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, That kept low! Back of a length on off stump, Amla adjusts well to tap it towards cover for a run. |
| 44.4 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Fullish ball outside off, Faf gets half forward and eases it towards mid off. |
| 44.5 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Back of a length on leg stump, defended off the back foot to the leg side. |
| Slip comes in now. |
| 44.6 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Shortish in length and du Plessis pulls but straight towards the man at square leg. |
| 45.1 : J Anderson to Amla, Length ball arrowing in on the pads, Amla glances it down towards fine leg for a single. |
| 45.2 : J Anderson to Plessis, On a good length around off stump, du Plessis stays in his crease and defends with a straight bat. |
| 45.3 : J Anderson to Plessis, Good length ball just around off stump, Faf shapes for the back foot punch but the bat face turned in his hands. Mistimes it towards mid on. |
| 45.4 : J Anderson to Plessis, Anderson continues to probe around the off stump with a good length ball, fine leave from South African captain. |
| 45.5 : J Anderson to Plessis, On a length around off stump, gets across and defends it solidly towards mid-wicket. |
| 45.6 : J Anderson to Plessis, Length ball again in the corridor of uncertainty, Faf is watchful and lets it pass. |
| 46.1 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length outside off, stays back and defends it to the off side. |
| 46.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Shortish and just outside off, Amla evades it by arching his back. |
| 46.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, On a length and angling into Amla who tucks it off the back foot towards square leg. |
| 46.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Shortish and around middle, Amla hops across the sticks and defends it to the leg side. |
| 46.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Slightly fuller this time and just outside off, nips in sharply as Amla offers a leave. |
| 46.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Shortish around off stump, Amla gets right behind the line and defends it towards the bowler. Ends it well for SA. LUNCH ON DAY 3. |
| Another session for South Africa despite losing two quick wickets closer to the lunch break. Elgar and Amla continued to blunt the English bowling and were at ease before the former fell to a loose shot against Stokes. England got de Kock cheaply through Anderson but Amla has been solid amidst all this, showing his class. The lead is nearing 300 now and the Proteas will want to pile up the runs. No prizes for guessing what England need from here. Join us shortly for the second session. |
| ... Day 3, Session 2 ... |
| The players are out in the middle. Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis stride out to bat. They will aim to bat on and extend the lead as much possible. James Anderson to begin the proceedings post the lunch break. |
| 47.1 : J Anderson to Plessis, Starts with a good length ball outside off, left alone by Faf. |
| 47.2 : J Anderson to Plessis, Similar length, closer to the stumps though, another leave. |
| Highest 4th innings total at Trent Bridge is 440. This isn't that good a wicket maybe for it. |
| 47.3 : J Anderson to Plessis, Faf comes forward and pushes it towards the off side. |
| 47.4 : J Anderson to Plessis, FOUR! Edged! Lands it outside off, Faf comes forward to defend but gets an outside edge. It runs past the gully fielder and a boundary results. |
| 47.5 : J Anderson to du Plessis, Full around off, Faf pushes it towards mid off from his crease. |
| The banter between Faf du Plessis and James Anderson continues.... |
| 47.6 : J Anderson to du Plessis, Full around off, punch-driven towards mid off. |
| Ben Stokes to run in from the other end. |
| 48.1 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Shorter length outside off, Amla drops his wrists and lets it go. |
| 0.0 : No slips for Amla. It is a strange field for a Test. |
| 48.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Length ball outside off, Amla comes forward and defends it. |
| 48.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Good length outside off, nips in, Amla is not bothered. |
| 48.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Hurls it outside off, Amla is lured into the forward push. The ball swings away and is beaten all ends up. Bairstow collects and flinches in pain. He didn't quite take it well. This is the first time Amla has played and missed one in this innings. |
| 48.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length outside off, Amla defends it watchfully. |
| 48.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Angles a shorter length delivery around off, Amla gets across and defends it. |
| 49.1 : J Anderson to Plessis, Good length outside off, shapes in, Faf keeps his bat close to him and lets it go through. |
| 49.2 : J Anderson to Plessis, Back of a length outside off, bounces more, du Plessis looks to put it away but is surprised by the extra lift as he cannot connect. |
| 49.3 : J Anderson to Plessis, This time he gets right behind the line and defends it watchfully. |
| 49.4 : J Anderson to Plessis, Angles in a length ball outside off, du Plessis covers his stumps and lets it go. |
| 49.5 : J Anderson to Plessis, Pitched up around off, Faf comes forward and defends it. |
| 49.6 : J Anderson to Plessis, Du Plessis keeps his bat behind his pad and defends it towards the off side. |
| 50.1 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Slants it down the leg side, Amla gets across and lets it through. Stokes lost his footing there and hence drifted it down the leg side. |
| 50.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Short and going down leg, Amla is not bothered. |
| 50.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Banged in short outside off, Amla drops his wrists and lets it go through. |
| 50.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Good length outside off, Amla gets behind it and defends it. |
| 50.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Angles a back of a length delivery around off, Amla is solid in his back foot defence. |
| 50.6 : Ben Stokes to H Amla, Shortish outside off, Amla looks to push it through the off side but gets an inside edge onto his pads. A maiden by Stokes. |
| 51.1 : J Anderson to Plessis, Slants it on the pads, du Plessis almost falls over as he clips it through square leg for a single. Anderson continues to blabber along to Faf. |
| 51.2 : J Anderson to Amla, Good length outside off, left alone by Amla. More words exchanged. |
| 51.3 : J Anderson to Amla, Length ball outside off, Amla presses forward and defends it. |
| 51.4 : J Anderson to Amla, FOUR! Close but put away! Drifts it on the pads, Amla clips it nicely to the fine leg fence for a boundary. Anderson needed to bowl that from outside off. |
| 51.5 : J Anderson to Amla, That's the line! Hurls it outside off, Amla has a push at it but the ball goes away at the last moment and beats him. Only the second time Amla has been beaten today. Could not do anything about it. |
| 51.6 : J Anderson to Amla, Amla comes forward and lets this length ball go outside off. |
| In the second innings, Amla has not played as many pull shots. Tells you an experienced batsman reacts to a poor dismissal. |
| 52.1 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Good length around off, Faf lets it go through. |
| 52.2 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Shorter in length, du Plessis picks it early and ducks under it. |
| 52.3 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Short ball outside off, du Plessis smacks it through square leg for a single. |
| 52.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Back of a length outside off, punched off the back foot by Amla. |
| 52.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Shorter in length this time, outside off, Amla raises his bat and lets it go. |
| 52.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Wide outside off, Amla is not interested in this. |
| Mark Wood returns for a burst. Important that England keep the pressure on South Africa. |
| 53.1 : M Wood to Plessis, Shorter in length around off, du Plessis lets it go over him. |
| 53.2 : M Wood to Plessis, Good length outside off, no shot offered. |
| 53.3 : M Wood to Plessis, A tad short outside off, du Plessis defends it towards gully very late. |
| 53.4 : M Wood to Plessis, Good length around off, nudged towards square leg from his crease. |
| 53.5 : M Wood to Plessis, Tucks it towards square leg again from the crease. |
| 53.6 : M Wood to Plessis, Shorter in length, pulled down to long leg for a run. |
| 54.1 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Fuller outside off, Faf comes forward and pushes it towards covers. |
| 54.2 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Good length outside off, no shot offered. |
| 54.3 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Wide outside off, left alone. |
| 54.4 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Shorter around off, du Plessis looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| Stokes wants some work to be done near the landing area of the bowling. The groundstaff is out with the hammer to level it. |
| 54.5 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Shorter outside off, punched towards extra cover. Root goes to his left, slides and fumbles. That allows the single. |
| 54.6 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Amla gets across and turns it towards the square leg region. |
| 55.1 : M Wood to Amla, Shorter outside off, Amla punches it towards backward point. Wood is down on his knees, he too seems to have landed wrongly there. |
| 55.2 : M Wood to Amla, Shorter again outside off, Amla arches back and lets it go through. |
| 55.3 : M Wood to Amla, Amla gets behind this one and defends it. |
| Broad is warming up. |
| 55.4 : M Wood to Amla, Good length on middle, Amla turns it towards mid-wicket from his crease. |
| Leg gully in place. |
| 55.5 : M Wood to Amla, Back of a length outside off, Amla stands tall and defends it. |
| 55.6 : M Wood to Amla, Goes for the full one but is on middle and leg, Amla keeps it out watchfully. A maiden by Wood. |
| 56.1 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, A short ball which is pulled to deep square leg for a single. |
| 56.2 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Fuller outside off, Amla is happy to let it go. |
| 56.3 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Good length outside off, angled towards gully from Hashim. |
| 56.4 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Outside off, left alone. |
| 56.5 : Ben Stokes to Amla, Slants it on the pads, Amla clips it past the diving backward square leg fielder for a single. |
| 56.6 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Shorter in length outside off, Faf rides the bounce and defends it. Stokes calls for drinks for himself. |
| 57.1 : M Wood to Amla, Good length around off, Amla defends it watchfully. |
| 57.2 : M Wood to Amla, Shorter outside off, Amla arches back and watches it sail through. |
| 57.3 : M Wood to Amla, Amla rides the bounce on this one and turns it through backward square leg for a single. |
| A lady has dozed off at the ground. Can't fault her, honestly. |
| 57.4 : M Wood to Plessis, FOUR! Oh my word! A boundary! Shorter ball outside off, Faf du Plessis makes some room for himself and punches it through covers for a boundary. Can't believe it while I write that. Runs have been hard to come by. |
| 57.5 : M Wood to Plessis, OUCH! Short ball on middle and leg, du Plessis rides with it and fends it towards the leg side. Well played, that. |
| 57.6 : M Wood to Plessis, Goes round the wicket and bowls it on middle, short only, dragged through mid-wicket for a single. |
| Time for Stuart Broad. England have done well to not let South Africa score at will. |
| 58.1 : S Broad to Plessis, Good length ball outside off, du Plessis defends it. |
| 58.2 : S Broad to Plessis, Lands it around off, du Plessis shapes to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 58.3 : S Broad to Plessis, Fuller outside off, left alone by Faf. |
| 58.4 : S Broad to du Plessis, FOUR! Lovely shot! Broad bowls it outside off, du Plessis lunges forward and pushes it past the diving mid off fielder for a boundary. Broad was on his knees after bowling that one. |
| 58.5 : S Broad to Plessis, Punches this one to the right of mid off who mops it up. |
| 58.6 : S Broad to Plessis, Outside off, left alone. |
| Root wants the ball changed again. The umpire does not budge again. |
| 59.1 : M Wood to Amla, OUCH! Shorter in length just around off, Amla shapes to leave it but is hit on his arms. The ball rolls towards the gully fielder. Wood is flat down on the wicket. Sums up England's innings so far. |
| 59.2 : M Wood to Amla, Shorter in length from round the wicket, Amla rides the bounce and taps it to the leg side. |
| 59.3 : M Wood to Amla, Bangs it short on middle, Amla ducks. |
| No leg slip now, a short leg is in place. |
| 59.4 : M Wood to Amla, Shorter again, Amla is not bothered as it leaves it. The umpire signals it two for the over. Wood accidentally ran over the danger area and quickly turned around hoping the umpire did not spot that. The umpire didn't so he is safe. |
| 59.5 : M Wood to Amla, Amla turns it wide of short leg for a single. |
| 59.6 : M Wood to Plessis, Back over the wicket, on a length, du Plessis defends it. |
| 60.1 : S Broad to Amla, Good length outside off, left alone by Amla. It is almost as if South Africa have decided to not play their shots and tire England down. |
| 60.2 : S Broad to Amla, Angles it around off, Amla gets across and keeps it out. |
| 60.3 : S Broad to Amla, Amla comes forward and defends it off the inner half towards the leg side. |
| 60.4 : S Broad to Amla, Lands it around off, on a length, Amla comes forward to defend but gets an inside edge through his legs for a single. |
| 60.5 : S Broad to Plessis, Full and angling on the stumps, turned through square leg for a single. |
| 60.6 : S Broad to Amla, Outside off, left alone. |
| Drinks! Pretty dull period of play. Nothing happening. No scoring, few good balls but that is about it. England happy to contain, South Africa happy to tire them. |
| 61.1 : M Wood to Plessis, On a length around off, angled in as Faf defends off the back foot towards silly mid on. |
| 61.2 : M Wood to Plessis, Fullish and around off, opens up du Plessis a bit on the drive as it goes off the outer half towards extra cover. |
| 61.3 : M Wood to Plessis, FOUR! Crunched! Classy from du Plessis, sees the width on the half volley and he unleashes a open-faced drive through backward point. Totally in control and it races to the fence for a boundary. |
| 61.4 : M Wood to Plessis, Length ball around off, defended solidly from the crease. |
| 61.5 : M Wood to Plessis, FOUR! More runs for Faf! Not entirely in control this time. Fullish and outside off, throws his hands as he goes for the square drive. Gets it off the outer half through point as the ball trickles away to the fence. Some life into the innings in this over after a dull last hour. |
| 61.6 : M Wood to Plessis, Back of a length around middle, gets back and clips it down to fine leg for a run. |
| 62.1 : S Broad to Plessis, On a length just outside off, du Plessis lets it pass through to the keeper. |
| 62.2 : S Broad to Plessis, Good length just outside off, lets it pass through to the keeper. |
| 62.3 : S Broad to Plessis, Full and outside off, du Plessis presses forward to block but gets a faint inside edge on to the pads. |
| 62.4 : S Broad to Plessis, Length ball outside off, defended solidly off the front foot towards the off side. |
| 62.5 : S Broad to Plessis, Full and in the zone around the off stump, another firm block off the front foot towards cover. |
| 62.6 : S Broad to Plessis, Fuller ball outside off, leans forward and pushes it towards cover. |
| Moeen Ali comes on to bowl after a long hiatus. |
| 63.1 : M Ali to Amla, Tossed up outside off, Amla walks across the stumps and defends it down the pitch. |
| 63.2 : M Ali to Amla, Slows it down and spears it wider outside off, pushed off the back foot towards cover. In the gap and a single is taken. |
| 63.3 : M Ali to Plessis, Tossed up outside off, du Plessis gets forward and blocks it towards cover. |
| 63.4 : M Ali to Plessis, Beaten! Some excitement among the close-in fielders but du Plessis had missed it. Tries to sweep a ball from outside off stump but it sneaked beneath his blade. Bairstow didn't collect it cleanly. |
| 63.5 : M Ali to Plessis, Floated wider outside off, this time Faf is happy to leave. |
| 63.6 : M Ali to Plessis, Ali continues to bowl it from well outside off, another leave to end the over. |
| 64.1 : S Broad to Amla, Length ball just outside off, Amla lets it pass through to the keeper. |
| 64.2 : S Broad to Amla, Length ball on fourth stump line, left alone to the keeper. |
| 64.3 : S Broad to Amla, On a good length outside off, Amla brings his bat down like a sledgehammer to meet the ball. Punched to mid off. |
| 64.4 : S Broad to Amla, Fullish and closer to off stump, nips in a bit as Amla makes a fine leave. He is so much in control of the situation that nothing seems to be bothering him. The Amla we all know! |
| 64.5 : S Broad to Amla, Shortish around off, Amla brings out his first pull stroke of the day. Single to deep backward square leg. He's been ducking and evading the short stuff today, almost as if in self-restraint but decides to let it out finally. He can afford to as well, with the lead hovering in the 320s. |
| 64.6 : S Broad to Plessis, Speared well wide outside off, that's a comfortable leave for du Plessis. |
| 65.1 : M Ali to Amla, Floated on a length outside off, stays back and punches it towards the covers. |
| 65.2 : M Ali to Amla, Drifting in from outside off, defended solidly off the back foot to the covers. |
| 65.3 : M Ali to Amla, FOUR! Deft from Amla! Goes well across the sticks and plays a premeditated paddle shot down to the fine leg fence. Nicely done by the Mighty Hash, he continues to motor along. |
| 65.4 : M Ali to Amla, Fuller outside off, leans into it and defends solidly towards cover. |
| 65.5 : M Ali to Amla, Floated on a length outside off, stays back and blocks it firmly. |
| 65.6 : M Ali to Amla, Shorter and outside off, Amla hangs back and slaps it to deep cover for a single. Brings up the 50-run stand, it's come rather slowly compared to the earlier stands of this game but South Africa won't mind or care. Bossing the game, they are. |
| 66.1 : S Broad to Amla, FOUR! Classy shot! Back of a length around middle, gets on the back foot and flicks it through mid-wicket. Timed the pants off that one to send the ball across to the fence. |
| 66.2 : S Broad to Amla, Short of a length on off stump, Hashim gets across on the back foot and tucks it towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 66.3 : S Broad to Plessis, Length ball outside off, Faf lets it pass. |
| 66.4 : S Broad to du Plessis, Had to hurry! On a length outside off, du Plessis taps it towards cover as they look to steal a quick run. Ali collects the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. a direct hit might have made it close. |
| 66.5 : S Broad to Amla, Good length closer to off stump, blocked solidly from the crease. |
| Not for the first time in the game, England have a problem with the ball shape. It's handed to the umpires who hand it back after an inspection. When it's not going your own way, nothing seems to work. |
| 66.6 : S Broad to Amla, Length ball outside off, presses forward and defends solidly. |
| 67.1 : M Ali to Plessis, Fullish and around off, du Plessis gets on the front foot and smothers it to the ground. |
| 67.2 : M Ali to Plessis, Slightly shorter and spinning in a touch from outside off, dabbed off the back foot to cover-point. They take a quick run. |
| 67.3 : M Ali to Amla, Floated wider outside off, leans across to that one and taps it down the track. |
| 67.4 : M Ali to Amla, Floated outside off, gets well forward and defends with a straight bat. |
| 67.5 : M Ali to Amla, Flatter and on a length outside off, blocked nicely off the back foot. |
| 67.6 : M Ali to Amla, Tossed up outside off, Amla leans into it and thumps the ball down the ground to long on. Single taken. |
| Spin from both ends now as Liam Dawson comes on to bowl. |
| 68.1 : L Dawson to Amla, Flighted around off stump, Amla gets forward and bunts it towards the bowler. |
| 68.2 : L Dawson to Amla, FOUR! Shot! Amla's love for Dawson continues. Wastes no time in dancing down the track and chips it straight down the ground. Clears mid off and it seems to have gone all the way. The umpires want to check it and replays seem to suggest to the third umpire that it bounced just before the ropes. |
| Mid off drops back. |
| 68.3 : L Dawson to Amla, Fuller and outside off, gets well forward and blocks it. |
| 68.4 : L Dawson to Amla, Flatter outside off, Amla sits back and defends solidly. |
| 68.5 : L Dawson to Amla, Drifting in from outside off, gets back and defends it firmly to the off side. |
| Dawson is confident that he has trapped Amla lbw. Root goes for the review. That looks close actually. |
| 68.6 : L Dawson to Amla, OUT! GOOD REVIEW! England haven't been good with DRS in this game but have got his right. Nicely tossed up around middle, Amla walks down the track to work across the line but is rapped on the pads. Appeal for lbw, turned down. Was he too far down the track? England decide to review it almost quickly. No bat involved and he isn't that far down the track. Hawk Eye shows the impact to be in line and going on to hit middle stump. Amla doesn't get the century and it's Dawson |
| Temba Bavuma comes out to bat. |
| 69.1 : M Ali to Plessis, Fuller outside off, presses forward and blocks it solidly to cover. |
| 69.2 : M Ali to Plessis, Drifting in from outside off, defends solidly from the crease. |
| 69.3 : M Ali to Plessis, Floated on a length outside off, stays back and blocks it solidly. |
| 69.4 : M Ali to du Plessis, Fuller around off, leans across and drives it towards mid on for a single. |
| 69.5 : M Ali to Bavuma, Tossed up on a length outside off, Bavuma walks across the stumps and blocks it on to the track. |
| 69.6 : M Ali to T Bavuma, On a length outside off, Bavuma stays back to block but gets it off the edge towards point. |
| 70.1 : L Dawson to Plessis, Flighted around off, driven firmly back to the bowler who stops it. |
| 70.2 : L Dawson to Plessis, Drifting in from outside off, Faf presses forward and blocks solidly. |
| 70.3 : L Dawson to Plessis, Floated up around off, firmly defended off the front foot on to the pitch. |
| 70.4 : L Dawson to Plessis, Looped up on off stump, reaches out and defends towards mid-wicket. |
| 70.5 : L Dawson to Plessis, Flighted around middle, wristed to the right of mid on for a single. |
| 70.6 : L Dawson to T Bavuma, Drifting in from around off, Bavuma looks to block but it goes off the outer half to the off side. |
| 71.1 : M Ali to Plessis, Flighted outside off, Faf gets a stride forward and blocks towards mid-wicket/ |
| 71.2 : M Ali to du Plessis, Flighted again around off stump, gets across and drives it towards mid on. |
| 71.3 : M Ali to Plessis, Slightly shorter and outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover. |
| 71.4 : M Ali to Plessis, Full and outside off, leans across and defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 71.5 : M Ali to Plessis, Quicker ball on off stump, du Plessis goes back and taps it to the leg side. |
| 71.6 : M Ali to Plessis, Flighted around middle, defended down the pitch to the bowler. |
| 72.1 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Flatter on a length outside off, swept towards long leg for a single. |
| 72.2 : L Dawson to du Plessis, Tossed up outside off, driven towards mid off who is a tad deep. Single taken. |
| 72.3 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Flighted around off, defended solidly off the front foot towards cover. |
| 72.4 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Full and outside off, leans forward and defends solidly. |
| 72.5 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Flatter around leg stump, Bavuma stays back to whip it away but is struck high on the pads. |
| 72.6 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Slightly short outside off, stays back and pushes it towards cover-point. |
| 73.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, Floated on a length outside off, stays back and blocks it solidly towards cover. |
| 73.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, Drifting in from around middle, Bavuma defends it off the back foot towards short leg. |
| 73.3 : M Ali to Bavuma, Flighted outside off, reaches out and pushes it towards cover. |
| 73.4 : M Ali to Bavuma, Floated outside off, Bavuma gets across to that one and sweeps it with the turn to deep backward square leg. Single taken. |
| 73.5 : M Ali to Plessis, FOUR! Super shot! Drifting in from outside off, du Plessis uses his reach and goes down on one knee to nail the sweep in front of square on the leg side. Made terrific contact as the ball rocketed to the fence. |
| 73.6 : M Ali to Plessis, Flighted on a length outside off, sits back and makes a leave. |
| 74.1 : L Dawson to Bavuma, FOUR! Clubbed away! Dragged in short around middle, Bavuma sits on the back foot and pulls it over mid-wicket. Clean strike and it races away to the fence for a boundary. |
| 74.2 : L Dawson to T Bavuma, Low full toss outside off, Bavuma drives it sweetly to mid off. |
| 74.3 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Looped up nicely outside off, Temba checks his drive towards cover. |
| 74.4 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Tossed up around middle, leans into it and defends with a straight bat. |
| 74.5 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Full and on middle, driven firmly back to the bowler. |
| 74.6 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Slightly short outside off, crunched off the back foot but towards cover. |
| 75.1 : M Ali to Plessis, Floated around off stump, gets across and clips it towards square leg for a single. |
| 75.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, Flatter and on the pads, whipped off the back foot towards mid-wicket. |
| 75.3 : M Ali to Bavuma, FOUR! Creamed! Ali switches to around the wicket but delivers a fuller ball outside off, Bavuma gets to the pitch of it with a stride forward and eases it through the covers. Finds the fence easily with the flawless timing. |
| 75.4 : M Ali to Bavuma, Floated around middle, worked away on the leg side for a single. |
| 75.5 : M Ali to Plessis, Slightly short outside off, stays back and defends it towards cover-point. |
| 75.6 : M Ali to Plessis, Drifting in from around off, defended off the back foot towards the leg side. TEA ON DAY 3. |
| Another fantastic session for South Africa. They have not scored at a good rate but with a lead of 366, they are firmly in control of the game. The England seamers kept it tight. The introduction of spinners lured Amla into a loose shot and he was out for 87. That was all that went the way of the hosts. England are being bowled into the ground here. How long will South Africa bat? Let's see. Join us for the final session in a while. |
| .... Day 3, Session 3 .... |
| The players return for the final session. Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma to bat on. Liam Dawson to roll his arm over to begin.... |
| 76.1 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Flighted around middle, leans across and tucks it to the leg side. |
| 76.2 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Loopy on a length outside off, Bavuma thought about the cut stroke but then let it pass. |
| 76.3 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Floated around middle, dabbed gently to the leg side for a single. |
| 76.4 : L Dawson to Plessis, Drifting in from around off, pushed gently back to the bowler. |
| 76.5 : L Dawson to Plessis, Floated around off, Faf employs the premeditated paddle down to fine leg for a brace. |
| 76.6 : L Dawson to Plessis, Nicely done! Clips this deftly to the vacant spaces square on the leg side and they pick up a brace. |
| Moeen Ali to bowl from the other end. |
| 77.1 : M Ali to Bavuma, Floats it outside off, Bavuma comes forward and defends it. |
| 77.2 : M Ali to Bavuma, Bavuma comes down and hits it towards deep mid on for a single. |
| 77.3 : M Ali to Plessis, Outside off, du Plessis comes forward and blocks it. |
| 77.4 : M Ali to Plessis, Gets across, low and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 77.5 : M Ali to Bavuma, Fuller around off, Bavuma comes down and clips it towards wide mid on for a single. |
| 77.6 : M Ali to Plessis, Well played, Faf! Short ball outside off, punched off the back foot by Faf du Plessis. Good timing means he gets three runs and that is a fifty for the South African captain. He will want to bat on and make it big. 13th Test fifty for Faf du Plessis. |
| 78.1 : L Dawson to Plessis, Flatter around off, punched to covers. |
| 78.2 : L Dawson to Plessis, Eases this to long off for a single. |
| 78.3 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Shorter around off, punched to covers. |
| 78.4 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Fuller on middle, turned towards mid-wicket by Bavuma. |
| 78.5 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Lands it around leg, clipped towards the on side. |
| 78.6 : L Dawson to Bavuma, Loops it on off, Temba defends. |
| 79.1 : M Ali to Plessis, Shorter outside off, punched into covers by Faf. |
| 79.2 : M Ali to Plessis, FOUR! Lofted! Floats it outside off, Faf du Plessis comes down and clips it over wide long on for a boundary. |
| 79.3 : M Ali to Plessis, Clips it towards deepish mid on for a single. |
| 79.4 : M Ali to Bavuma, Short outside off, asking to be cut, Temba refuses. |
| 79.5 : M Ali to Bavuma, OUT! What a way to get out! Ali floats it outside off, Bavuma slinks down the wicket to go over long off. Mistimes it completely and Root takes the simplest of catches at mid off. The England skipper is all smiles. Another failure for Temba. SOUTH AFRICA LEAD BY 383 RUNS! |
| Vernon Philander comes out to bat. He will play his shots for sure. They can too with a lead so big. A slip and gully in place for him. |
| 79.6 : M Ali to Philander, Shorter outside off, Philander defends it. |
| Second new ball is due and TAKEN by England. The reviews are refreshed as well. |
| Enough of the spinners, James Anderson gets the second new nut. |
| 80.1 : J Anderson to Plessis, Shorter outside off, du Plessis punches it wide of Broad at mid off. Stuart gets around and mops up. A single taken. |
| 80.2 : J Anderson to Philander, A tad short outside off, Philander defends it. |
| 80.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Gets the outswinger going outside off, Vernon keeps it out. |
| 80.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length outside off, left alone by Philander. |
| 80.5 : J Anderson to Philander, An easy leave for Philander outside off. |
| 80.6 : J Anderson to Philander, Shorter outside off, punched towards mid off by Philander. |
| Stuart Broad returns for a burst with the second new cherry. |
| 81.1 : S Broad to Plessis, Gets one to come in from outside off, du Plessis punches it back down the wicket. The mid on fielder cannot cut it off. A single results. |
| 81.2 : S Broad to Philander, Ouch! Good length outside off, comes in with extra bounce, Philander fends it away off the gloves. |
| 81.3 : S Broad to Philander, This time Philander gets in line and pushes it towards the off side. |
| 81.4 : S Broad to Philander, Goes wide of the crease, angles in a good length ball, Philander punches it to covers. |
| 81.5 : S Broad to Philander, Slants it on the pads, Philander fails to clip it away. The ball rolls off the pads towards the leg side for a leg bye. |
| There is a deep point in place to give Faf the single. |
| England have taken a review for lbw against du Plessis. Could be a touch high maybe. |
| 81.6 : Broad to Plessis, NOT OUT! Waste of a review! Bowls it around off, Faf is beaten on the inswing and rapped on his pads. The players go up in an appeal. Broad is almost celebrating while he is appealing. Joe Root goes for the review without even bothering to consult anyone. Replays confirm there was no bat there. Ball Tracker shows that the ball was bouncing over the stumps by some margin. Another review wasted by Root. Doesn't take when he should and wastes one when he shouldn't. Lots to l |
| 82.1 : J Anderson to Philander, Wide outside off, left alone. |
| 82.2 : J Anderson to Philander, Length outside off, swings away, Philander plays and misses. |
| 82.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Stays in his crease and defends it. |
| 82.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length outside off, left alone. |
| 82.5 : J Anderson to Philander, Back of a length around off, bounces more, Philander takes the bottom hand off the bat and fends at it. The ball flies towards the vacant short leg region. Philander was smart to save his bowling hand there. |
| 82.6 : J Anderson to Philander, Slips it down the leg side, Philander looks to whip it over the leg side but is beaten. |
| 83.1 : S Broad to Plessis, Full and into the pads, du Plessis looks to clip it but is hit on his pads. The players appeal but nothing from the umpire. Root thinks Faf hit it. Replays show that there was no bat there. Root got that one wrong too. The ball was swinging down the leg side though. |
| 83.2 : S Broad to Plessis, FOUR! Top shot! Full and outside off, du Plessis comes forward and creams his drive through wide mid off for a boundary. Beautifully hit. |
| 83.3 : S Broad to Plessis, Full outside off, left alone. |
| 83.4 : S Broad to Plessis, Good length outside off, swings in, left alone by Faf. |
| 83.5 : S Broad to Plessis, Angles a length ball outside off, du Plessis punches it towards the off side. |
| 83.6 : S Broad to Plessis, Full and outside off, no shot offered. |
| 84.1 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length outside off, Philander plays a lovely punch off his back foot but straight to cover. |
| 84.2 : J Anderson to Philander, Full and outside off, Philander angles it towards backward point. |
| 84.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Hurls it outside off, swings away, Philander pushes at it from his crease but is beaten. |
| 84.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Tucks it behind square leg for a single. |
| 84.5 : J Anderson to Plessis, du Plessis comes forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 84.6 : J Anderson to Plessis, Good length around off, Faf stays back and defends it. |
| Nasser Hussain spots that during a review while opting for it, England have no set plan. And Root is not thinking and is going with the instance of the bowlers. |
| 85.1 : S Broad to Philander, Pushes it towards covers from his crease. |
| 85.2 : S Broad to Philander, FOUR! Lovely hit! Full and outside off, Philander gets under it and lofts it over covers for a boundary. |
| 85.3 : S Broad to Philander, FOUR! Edged! Length ball outside off, Philander comes forward and opens his face of the bat. The ball goes off the outer half through gully for a boundary. |
| 85.4 : S Broad to Philander, Full and outside off, Philander defends it from his crease. |
| 85.5 : S Broad to Philander, Angles it on a length, comes in sharply, Philander takes the bottom hand off and gets it towards backward square leg for a single. LEAD IS 400! |
| 85.6 : S Broad to Plessis, Full on middle, clipped hard towards mid-wicket. |
| 86.1 : J Anderson to Philander, Outswinger outside off, Philander defends it from his crease. |
| 86.2 : J Anderson to Philander, Full and outside off, Philander absolutely creams it back to the bowler. |
| 86.3 : J Anderson to Philander, Full and outside off, Philander pushes it towards covers. |
| 86.4 : J Anderson to Philander, Good length on the pads, Philander fails to clip it away. |
| 86.5 : J Anderson to Philander, Fuller around middle, clipped through wide mid on for a couple of runs. |
| 86.6 : J Anderson to Philander, Punches it off his crease towards mid on from his crease. |
| Mark Wood comes back on. |
| 87.1 : M Wood to Plessis, Good length around off, du Plessis turns it towards the leg side. |
| 87.2 : M Wood to Plessis, Good length around off, turned towards the leg side. |
| 87.3 : M Wood to Plessis, Good length around off, Faf du Plessis defends it from his crease. |
| 87.4 : M Wood to Plessis, CLOSE! Length ball outside off, du Plessis hangs his bat at it. The keeper takes the catch and appeals. The players appeal but nothing from the umpire. There was noise there, not sure of what. |
| 87.5 : M Wood to Plessis, Outside off, left alone. |
| 87.6 : M Wood to Plessis, Full and outside off, du Plessis is temped into the drive at first but then lets it go. |
| Nasser Hussain observes that England can have a short leg for Philander who has fended at many deliveries on his body. Missing a trick here? |
| Slight delay as Stokes gets new socks for himself. He comes on for a bowl. |
| 88.1 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Good length outside off, Philander mistimes it back down the wicket. |
| 88.2 : Ben Stokes to V Philander, Shorter in length around off, pulled through square leg for a single. |
| 88.3 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, That held up! Outside off on a length, du Plessis is early into his punch as the ball come off late. Almost pops it back to the bowler off the toe end of the bat. |
| 88.4 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Lands it outside off, left alone. |
| 88.5 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Cracks a drive towards mid off. |
| 88.6 : Ben Stokes to du Plessis, Angles it on the stumps, du Plessis shapes to clip but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Stokes has his hands on his head. |
| 89.1 : M Wood to Philander, Slants it down the leg side, Philander looks to clip it but misses. |
| 89.2 : M Wood to Philander, Outside off on a length outside off, Philander comes forward to defend but is beaten. |
| 89.3 : M Wood to Philander, Left alone by Philander outside off. |
| 89.4 : M Wood to Philander, Good length outside off, Philander shapes to push at it but is beaten all ends up. |
| 89.5 : M Wood to Philander, Comes in with the angle, Philander keeps it out. |
| 89.6 : M Wood to Philander, Full and around the stumps, Philander turns it towards mid on. |
| 90.1 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, Turns it towards square leg for a single. |
| 90.2 : Ben Stokes to V Philander, Good length, pulled to deep square leg for a run. |
| Faf du Plessis has been given out lbw. He opts for the review rather quickly. Didn't seem to get bat on it, does he feel it's going down leg? Let's see. |
| 90.3 : Ben Stokes to Plessis, OUT! Unlucky Faf! Angles a length ball on off, comes in sharply, du Plessis looks to clip but is hit on his pads. The ball kept low and that made the job of the umpire easier. Faf reviews in vain as the Ball Tracker shows three reds. The skipper has to walk back. End of a good knock. LEAD 405! |
| Chris Morris is the new man in. |
| 90.4 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Good length outside off, left alone. |
| 90.5 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Bouncer on middle, Morris ducks under it. |
| 90.6 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Slips one down the leg side, Morris cannot clip it. |
| 91.1 : M Wood to Philander, Philander turns it towards mid-wicket. |
| 91.2 : M Wood to Philander, Stays back and defends it watchfully. |
| 91.3 : M Wood to Philander, Fuller outside off, driven to covers. |
| 91.4 : M Wood to Philander, Drives this one towards mid off. |
| 91.5 : M Wood to V Philander, EDGED! Outside off on a length, Philander gets it wide of the gully fielder. Good running gets them three. |
| 91.6 : M Wood to Morris, Morris stays in his crease and defends it. |
| 92.1 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Punches this towards covers from his crease. |
| 92.2 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Slings it down the leg side, Philander looks to put it away but misses. |
| 92.3 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Shorter outside off, cracked to point by Vernon. |
| 92.4 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Full, outside off, driven to mid off. |
| 92.5 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Lands it outside off, left alone. |
| 92.6 : Ben Stokes to Philander, FOUR! Good shot! Length ball outside off, Philander punches it through covers for a boundary. |
| 93.1 : M Wood to Morris, On a length on the pads, turned towards the leg side. |
| 93.2 : M Wood to Morris, Full around off, Morris looks to defend but gets it off the inner half towards the leg side. |
| 93.3 : M Wood to Morris, Good length outside off, bounces more, Morris leaps and defends it watchfully. |
| Leg gully in place. |
| 93.4 : M Wood to Morris, Shorter in length now, Morris ducks under it. |
| An interesting stat, England haven't successfully chased a total in excess of 150 over the last five years. In the 20 attempts batting last, they have only succeeded five times with 144 being their highest chase. Enough to suggest that South Africa have enough already on the board, statistically at least. |
| 93.5 : M Wood to Morris, Morris gets in line of the ball and defends it. |
| 93.6 : M Wood to Morris, Good length outside off, Morris defends it. |
| DRINKS! |
| 94.1 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Slips one down the leg side, Philander fails to clip it away. |
| 94.2 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Four Byes! That sneaked past everyone! On a length around leg stump, shoots through low off the deck as Vernon misses the flick again. Bairstow has no chance with the low bounce as the ball races to the fine leg fence. |
| 94.3 : Ben Stokes to V Philander, Fuller on off, leans across and drives sweetly towards mid on. |
| 94.4 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Very full and outside off, Philander tries drive but gets a bottom edge that goes on the bounce towards Bairstow. Dies on him and gets past him after he gets hit on the thumb. Lobs it over Cook at first slip as the batsmen get a single. |
| Bairstow is gettng some attention to his hand. It's surely stung him. |
| 94.5 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Angled into the sticks, Morris defends firmly with a straight bat towards cover. |
| 94.6 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Spears it in around middle, leans across and defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 95.1 : M Wood to Philander, Shortish around off, nips in with bounce as Philander takes his bottom hand off to tap it on the leg side. Single taken. |
| 95.2 : M Wood to Morris, Back of a length outside off stump, Morris hangs back and bunts it to cover for a single. |
| 95.3 : M Wood to Philander, Back of a length around off, stays back and works it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 95.4 : M Wood to C Morris, FOUR! Classy from Morris! On a length outside off, he gets forward and dishes out a punchy drive past the bowler. Beats mid off comfortably as the ball races to the fence for a boundary. |
| 95.5 : M Wood to Morris, On a slightly shortish length around middle, blocked off the back foot down the pitch. |
| 95.6 : M Wood to Morris, Back of a length outside off, stays back and defends firmly. |
| 96.1 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Leg bye! Shortish and angled into the body, Philander gets across to flick but misses as it goes off the thigh pad down the leg side. They take a leg bye. |
| 96.2 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Fullish on off stump, Morris tries to drive but gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket. |
| 96.3 : Ben Stokes to Morris, FOUR! Crashed! Half volley outside off, a bit of width and that allows Morris to free his arms. Smashes the drive through the covers to find the boundary. |
| 96.4 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Back of a length around middle, gets back and defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 96.5 : Ben Stokes to Morris, On a length around middle, gets across and tucks it through backward square leg for a brace. |
| 96.6 : Ben Stokes to Morris, Dead ball! Morris cannot believe it and one cannot fault him. Sprayed down the leg side, he tries to flick as it goes off the pads towards the fine leg fence. The umpire feels that Morris wasn't trying a shot and so signals a dead ball. Strange call, that! |
| Moeen Ali is back on. |
| 97.1 : M Ali to V Philander, Some turn for Ali! The off break turns in from a shortish length, Philander hangs back to push at it but gets an inside edge on to the pads. |
| 97.2 : M Ali to Philander, Floated around middle, driven firmly back to the bowler. |
| 97.3 : M Ali to Philander, Drifting in around middle, gets back and taps it towards mid-wicket. |
| 97.4 : M Ali to Philander, Shorter in length and Vernon hangs back to work it with the turn through square leg for a single. |
| 97.5 : M Ali to Morris, Uppish but safe! Some intent from Morris as he tries to big down the ground. Slices it high over extra cover as it falls in no man's land. A couple taken. |
| 97.6 : M Ali to Morris, OUT! GOOD CATCH BY BALLANCE! Seems like the message has come out for the Protea batsmen to push for the declaration. Morris goes for the slog sweep but miscues it high on the leg side. Ballance from backward square leg covers ground to his left before taking a fine diving catch. Good piece of fielding. |
| Keshav Maharaj is the new man in. |
| 98.1 : Ben Stokes to Maharaj, Length ball angled in around middle, gets back and taps it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 98.2 : Ben Stokes to Philander, Shortish around middle, swivels to pull it towards deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 98.3 : Ben Stokes to Maharaj, Dug in short just outside off, Maharaj sways away from the line of the bumper. |
| 98.4 : Ben Stokes to Maharaj, Play and a miss! Shortish and wide outside off, Maharaj flashes at it but fails to connect. |
| 98.5 : Ben Stokes to Maharaj, Length ball outside off, defended solidly off the back foot to the off side. |
| 98.6 : Ben Stokes to Maharaj, On a length angled in around off, Maharaj looks to fend but gets an edge towards backward point. |
| 99.1 : M Ali to Philander, Flighted outside off, Philander drives well but straight towards mid off. |
| 99.2 : M Ali to Philander, Drifting in around middle, worked with the turn towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 99.3 : M Ali to Maharaj, Stays low! South Africa won't mind this with the lead they have. Maharaj tries to play back to this drifter but it sneaks beneath the bat. |
| 99.4 : M Ali to Maharaj, Floated outside off, leans forward and blocks it towards cover. |
| 99.5 : M Ali to Maharaj, OUT! Another good catch! Broad it is this time and Maharaj has to go. Steps out to play the lofted stroke but skews it down the ground. Broad from long on charges up and races to his left to take a fine tumbling catch. Well done by the tall England pacer. The lead is now 437, is a declaration around the corner? If he doesn't do it quickly, he won't get the chance as there are just 2 wickets left. |
| Morne Morkel is the new man in. |
| 99.6 : M Ali to Philander, Floated around middle, gets back and works it with the turn on the leg side for a single. |
| Liam Dawson is back on. |
| 100.1 : L Dawson to Philander, Full and outside off, driven firmly towards short extra cover. |
| 100.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Loopy and outside off, reaches out and drives it towards long off for a single. |
| 100.3 : L Dawson to Morkel, Floated on a length outside off, gets back and taps it towards the bowler. |
| 100.4 : L Dawson to Morkel, Four Byes! That's taken off! Wow! Spins in with steep bounce off the rough, Morkel gets out of the way in time after initially looking to flick. It races down to the fine leg fence. |
| 100.5 : L Dawson to Morkel, Fuller outside off, presses forward and defends solidly. |
| 100.6 : L Dawson to Morkel, On middle and leg, worked away on the leg side for a single. |
| Morkel returns the chest guard. We are in for some big shots here. |
| 101.1 : M Ali to Morkel, Floated around middle, stays back and works it on the leg side. |
| 101.2 : M Ali to Morkel, Drifting in around middle, nudged off the back foot towards the leg side for a brace. |
| 101.3 : M Ali to M Morkel, FOUR! BOOM! That's dismissed from his presence. Tossed up outside off, Morkel leans forward and thumps it straight down the ground. In the air but well wide of the mid off fielder as it rockets to the fence. Lead is now 450! |
| 101.4 : M Ali to M Morkel, Floated around off, Morkel looks to slog on the leg side but mistimes it towards mid on. Just short of the fielder. |
| 101.5 : M Ali to Morkel, Full and outside off, presses forward to that one and smothers it to the covers. |
| 101.6 : Ali to Morkel, FOUR! Hammered away! Floated on off stump, Morkel leans into it and bludgeons it over the bowler's head this time. Clean strike and finds another boundary. |
| 102.1 : L Dawson to V Philander, Fullish and outside off, driven just past the bowler towards mid off. Some mix up in the running but they get back in time. |
| 102.2 : L Dawson to Philander, Drifting in from around off, driven firmly back to the bowler. |
| 102.3 : L Dawson to V Philander, Tossed up wider outside off, Philander drives towards extra cover. Cannot beat the fielder. Single taken. |
| 102.4 : L Dawson to Morkel, Drifting in on a length outside off, defended off the back foot towards mid on. |
| 102.5 : L Dawson to Morkel, Flighted outside off, Morkel goes for a big lofted shot but makes no contact. |
| 102.6 : L Dawson to Morkel, Fullish and outside off, leans forward and drives it towards backward point. Single taken. |
| Philander takes a drink between overs. The 12th man might have come out with a message, or so we think. |
| 103.1 : M Ali to Morkel, FOUR! Morkel is having some fun! Tossed up around off, he gets under it and lifts it straight down the ground. Clears mid on comfortably as it goes to the fence for a boundary. It was hit straighter, so a long on might not have mattered. |
| Long off and long on in place. |
| 103.2 : M Ali to Morkel, Tries to repeat the slog but doesn't time it well. Single down towards long on. |
| 103.3 : M Ali to Philander, SIX! That's in the crowd! Cracking shot from Philander and it's a biggie. Fetches his off break from outside off stump and unleashes the slog sweep over deep mid-wicket. Booming hit and it's gone all the way! |
| 103.4 : M Ali to Philander, SIX! Does it again! Another booming shot! Repeats the slog sweep and this time goes over deep square leg. Another huge maximum to Philander. The lead is now 473. |
| 103.5 : M Ali to Philander, Floated around off, driven back to the bowler. |
| 103.6 : Ali to Philander, OUT! Ali has his fourth! The perks of bowling with a declaration around the corner. This is a good return catch though, Philander went hard at it with a flat-batted hit but couldn't get the elevation. Moeen reacts sharply by moving across his left to take a sharp catch. With that, du Plessis signals from the dressing room that enough is enough, SOUTH AFRICA HAVE DECLARED. |
| What domination by South Africa! Moeen Ali gets four cheap wickets as the visitors aimed for quick runs. England need a massive 474 runs to win this game. Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla set the innings up for them with a big stand. Faf du Plessis then chipped in with a fifty. The lower order enjoyed their time in the middle. All England bowlers bowled their heart out but did not have the results to show for it. The hosts' openers have a period of ten minutes to see off. Everything is stacked agains |
| 0.1 : M Morkel to Cook, What a start! COOK SURVIVES! Morkel starts with a lovely inswinger on a length that pings Cook on the pads while on the shuffle. Late appeal by the Proteas but it's suddenly intense and the umpire's finger goes up. Cook opts for the review. It did strike him a tad high. Replays show that there is no bat involved, Snicko and Hot Spot confirm it. Ball tracking shows the impact to be in line but going over the stumps. Huge sigh of relief across the ground and in the England d |
| 0.2 : M Morkel to Cook, Beaten! Morkel is breathing fire. On a shortish length outside off, Cook fishes at it and is lucky not to get an edge. |
| 0.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Length ball outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. |
| 0.4 : M Morkel to Cook, On a length wider outside off, no shot offered to that one. |
| 0.5 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length ball outside off, Cook doesn't offer a shot to that one. |
| 0.6 : M Morkel to Cook, Slightly fuller and outside off, Cook gets forward and defends solidly to cover. |
| Vernon Philander to share the new cherry. Three slips, a gully and a short leg in place. |
| 1.1 : V Philander to Jennings, Good length delivery just outside off stump, Jennings lets it pass. |
| 1.2 : V Philander to K Jennings, Just short! Philander gets a bit of extra bounce from the good length area as Jennings tries to fend at it. Finds the outside edge that goes on the bounce towards gully. |
| 1.3 : V Philander to Jennings, Fractionally short of a good length outside off, Jennings waits and jabs it towards the man at point. |
| 1.4 : V Philander to Jennings, That was close! Length ball just outside off, nips in sharply as Jennings makes a good leave. |
| 1.5 : V Philander to Jennings, Keeps it on a length around off stump, Jennings is compact in defence from the crease. |
| 1.6 : V Philander to Jennings, Back of a length around off stump, nips on sharply as Jennings looks to defend. Gets an inside edge onto his thigh. |
| 2.1 : M Morkel to Cook, On a good length wider outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| 2.2 : M Morkel to Cook, Harmless good length ball that is well outside off, Cook isn't going to play at those. |
| 2.3 : M Morkel to Cook, Fullish and angled in on off stump, pushed off the front foot towards cover. |
| 2.4 : M Morkel to Cook, Leg bye! Fullish and drifting onto the pads, Cook fails to connect the flick and it goes off the pads down to fine leg. It's a leg bye as the batsmen cross. |
| Two gullies in place. |
| 2.5 : M Morkel to Jennings, Just short of a fuller length outside off, Jennings checks his push drive towards short cover. |
| 2.6 : M Morkel to Jennings, Big appeal but turned down! Fullish and on middle, Jennings fails to flick and is struck on the pads. Probably just going down leg. |
| 3.1 : V Philander to Cook, Peach from Philander! Brings it in from a good length landing on middle stump to rap Cook on the pads. A tad high and the lbw appeal is turned down. Probably too high. |
| 3.2 : V Philander to Cook, Back of a length outside off, stays back and defends it to the on side. |
| 3.3 : V Philander to Cook, Pitched up around off, jags in just a bit as Cook adjusts to defend solidly. |
| 3.4 : V Philander to Cook, The edge doesn't carry! After a few inswingers, Philander opts for the away curler and finds the edge as well. Just short of the gully fielder. |
| 3.5 : V Philander to Cook, Back of a length outside off, defends solidly from the crease. |
| 3.6 : V Philander to Cook, Just short of a good length around off, nips in sharply to rap Cook high on the pads. Slight excitement among the Proteas but that was going over the stumps. With that, it shall be STUMPS ON DAY 3. |
| Just four overs but England have understood the enormity of the task at hand. Both Cook and Jennings have survived the scare, albeit just, as the former successfully overturned a decision to remain undefeated at close. A monumental task awaits the hosts with two full days and a tricky pitch to counter. Earlier in the day, Amla along with du Plessis and the lower order swelled the lead for the visitors with England's bowling ground into dust. South Africa are bossing the game and the first two se |
| ... Day 4, Session 1 ... |
| Hello everyone and welcome to the coverage of Day 4 of the second Test between England and South Africa in Nottingham. The visitors are sitting pretty on top after setting a monumental target in front of the hosts. Joe Root and co played their shots in their first innings but will they do it again or will they resort to playing old-school cricket? |
| The highest target chased by England at Trent Bridge is 284 against New Zealand, way back in 2004. History is with the South Africans. They will bank on their bowlers to come good on a surface which has had something for everyone. Faf du Plessis will be at his aggressive best to ensure his side can draw level the series and keep it alive. Should be a fighting day of cricket. Stay tuned for all the action. |
| Time for play! Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings are stride out to bat. They have a huge task on hand. South Africa begin the day with Morne Morkel. Three slips in place along with a gully and short leg. Here we go... |
| 4.1 : M Morkel to Jennings, Starts off with a good length ball outside off, left alone by Jennings. |
| 4.2 : M Morkel to Jennings, A tad short outside off, punched off the back foot towards point by Keaton. |
| 4.3 : M Morkel to Jennings, Brings this one into the batsman from outside off, left alone watchfully. |
| 4.4 : M Morkel to Jennings, Jennings prods forward and lets this one go through safely. |
| 4.5 : M Morkel to K Jennings, Shorter in length on middle, Jennings pulls it towards the deep backward square leg region for a single. He gets off the pair and will be relieved man. |
| 4.6 : M Morkel to Cook, Full and outside off, left alone by Cook. |
| As expected, Vernon Philander to run in from the other end. |
| 5.1 : V Philander to Jennings, Right on the money! Full and just around off, Jennings pushes it uppishly towards covers. Maharaj hares after it, gets to it, fumbles a touch but recovers well to stop the ball. Two runs taken. |
| 5.2 : V Philander to Jennings, Pitched up around off, Jennings comes forward and defends it watchfully. |
| Short leg goes out and there is a squarer short cover. |
| 5.3 : V Philander to Jennings, Jennings stays in his crease and looks to defend and does so off his back foot. |
| 5.4 : V Philander to Jennings, Philander hurls it around off, on a length, Jennings has to play at it. He does so with soft hands and hence the edge does not carry to Faf du Plessis going to his left at second slip. |
| 5.5 : V Philander to Jennings, OUT! Philander does not take long to strike! A length ball around off, straightens a tad. Jennings plays down the wrong line and leaves a big gap between bat and pad. The ball sneaks through the gap and disturbs the stumps. The perfect start for South Africa and Philander. Keaton's bad run at the top continues and so does England's search for an opener to replace Andrew Strauss and partner Cook. Replays show that Jennings' bat came across the ball and hence he could |
| In walks Gary Ballance. He has a lot to prove here. There is a short leg in place, short cover as well. |
| 5.6 : V Philander to Ballance, Hurls it around middle, Ballance is right behind it and defends it. |
| 6.1 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length outside off, lifts off the surface, Cook lets it go through. |
| 6.2 : M Morkel to Cook, Lets this one go outside off. |
| 6.3 : M Morkel to Cook, An easy leave for Cook this time. |
| 6.4 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length outside off, left alone by Cook. |
| 6.5 : M Morkel to Cook, Off the mark! Full around off, Cook comes forward to defend but does so off the inner half through the leg side for a couple of runs. |
| 6.6 : M Morkel to Cook, Turns it through mid-wicket off the crease for a brace. That too wasn't off the middle of the bat. |
| 7.1 : V Philander to Ballance, Wide enough for Ballance to let this one go through. |
| 0.0 : Nasser Hussain spots that Morkel has bowled a tad wide to Cook. Maybe to get him forward on the angle and make him drive? |
| 7.2 : V Philander to G Ballance, Edged! Just around middle and off, Ballance defends it with soft hands towards gully. |
| 7.3 : V Philander to Ballance, Gary gets behind the line of the ball and defends it. |
| 7.4 : V Philander to Ballance, This time on the inner half! Lands it around middle, Ballance looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 7.5 : V Philander to Ballance, FOUR! Edged! Philander bowls it around off, Ballance looks to defend but gets it off the outer half down to third man for a boundary. He gets off the mark as well. |
| 7.6 : V Philander to Ballance, That kept low! A length ball around leg, keeps low, Ballance manages to get his bat down in time to keep it out. |
| 8.1 : M Morkel to A Cook, Fuller around off, Cook looks to defend coming forward but the bat turns his hands and he gets it towards short leg. |
| 8.2 : M Morkel to A Cook, Pitched up outside off, Cook presses forward and drives it to covers. Morkel will be happy to see him coming forward since Cook isn't quite a one to play on his front foot a lot. |
| 8.3 : M Morkel to Cook, A tad short outside off, easy leave for Cook. |
| 8.4 : M Morkel to Cook, Full around off, Cook comes forward and defends it watchfully. |
| 8.5 : M Morkel to Cook, Drifts it on the pads, Cook clips it through backward square leg for a single. |
| 8.6 : M Morkel to Ballance, OUCH! Shorter in length around middle, the ball bounces more on the batsman, Ballance does well to ride the lift and fends it off his crease. The ball though strikes him on his left glove and he flinches in pain. Morkel enjoys that and has a word to say to Gary. Ballance actually played it well. |
| The physio is out in the middle to attend Ballance. Out comes the magic spray, Ballance pops in the painkillers and is now ready to play. |
| 9.1 : V Philander to Cook, A tad short around off, Cook is happy to defend it off his back foot. |
| 9.2 : V Philander to Cook, Back of a length outside off, Cook gets it in the gap at gully and comes back for the third. Good running there. |
| 9.3 : V Philander to Ballance, Length ball around middle and off, Ballance showing all his stumps, gets in line and defends it well. |
| 9.4 : V Philander to Ballance, Length ball outside off, Ballance is happy to let it go. |
| 9.5 : V Philander to Ballance, Fullish around off, Ballance comes forward and defends it with soft hands. |
| 9.6 : V Philander to Ballance, Good leave! Philander bowls it on a good length just around off, Ballance does not quite cover the line but lets the ball go on the bounce. The ball sails over the stumps. A brave and confident leave. |
| 10.1 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length just outside off, Cook rocks back and defends it. |
| 10.2 : M Morkel to Cook, FOUR! JUST WIDE! Morkel angles it on a good length around off, Cook looks to turn it through the leg side but gets opened up. The ball goes off the edge wide of the gully fielder. That wasn't too far. He gets a boundary. |
| 10.3 : M Morkel to Cook, This one is left alone confidently by Cook. |
| 10.4 : M Morkel to Cook, Top shot! Full and outside off, Cook comes nicely forward and drives it through the covers. Maharaj gives it a chase from covers and he gets three runs. |
| 10.5 : M Morkel to Ballance, Well taken, de Kock! Shorter in length but going down the leg side. Ballance lets it go. Quinton flies to his right and takes it superbly. |
| South Africa have taken a review for lbw against Ballance. Height could be a factor, as is usually the case with Morkel involved. Let's see. |
| 10.6 : M Morkel to Ballance, NOT OUT! CLOSE CALL! Morkel angles a good length ball around off, comes in, Ballance looks to defend but is hit on his front pad. The players appeal but the umpire says no. Faf is not sure, he reckons it could be missing the stumps. Morkel convinces him to go for it. It is taken upstairs. Replays confirm there was no bat there but Ball Tracker shows the ball was clipping the top of the stumps. So Ballance survives. |
| 11.1 : V Philander to Cook, Four leg byes! Philander drifts one on the pads, Cook looks to tickle but the ball rolls off the pads down to the fine leg fence. Leg Byes signaled. |
| 11.2 : V Philander to Cook, Cook defends this watchfully. |
| 11.3 : V Philander to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook comes forward and angles it towards gully off the outer half. |
| 11.4 : V Philander to Cook, Good length outside off, placed wide of the point fielder for a single. |
| Another review for lbw taken by South Africa against Ballance. If this is pitching in line, he could be a goner. |
| 11.5 : V Philander to Ballance, OUT! Philander strikes, again! He lands it around leg, Ballance looks to keep it out but the ball keeps low and raps him on the pads. Vernon is confident and wants the review. Faf falls for it yet again. Replays confirm there was no bat there. Ball Tracker shows that the ball pitched just in line, impact was in line and was hitting the stumps. Three reds and Gary Ballance has to walk back to the hut. Nothing that he could have done there. |
| Joe Root walks out to bat. He will be under serious pressure here. |
| 11.6 : V Philander to Root, Good length around off, comes in, Root looks to defend but is beaten and hit on his body. Philander has a word to say to Root. |
| 12.1 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length outside off, left alone by Cook. |
| 12.2 : M Morkel to Cook, Good length around middle and off, tucked through backward square leg for a single. |
| 12.3 : M Morkel to Root, Good length but wide outside off, Root does not go at it. Should be interesting to see if he goes for his shots like he did in the first innings. |
| 12.4 : M Morkel to Root, This time Root comes forward and pushes it towards covers. |
| 12.5 : M Morkel to Joe Root, Edged but does not carry! Morkel bowls it outside off on a length, Root pushes at it. The ball goes off the outside edge but falls short of the diving Faf du Plessis at second slip. |
| 12.6 : M Morkel to Root, Shorter in length outside off, Root lets it go through. |
| David Gower spots that Alastair Cook plays a lot more closer and under his eyes. That though is not the case with Keaton Jennings. Experienced player showing the way! |
| 13.1 : V Philander to Cook, In the air but safe! Philander bowls it just around off, Cook looks to work it across the line but gets a leading edge off the toe end of the bat. Kuhn looks to get to it from covers but cannot get to it. |
| 13.2 : V Philander to Cook, Fuller around off, Cook pushes it back down the wicket. Philander dives to his right, yes you are reading that right, he flies to his right side but cannot stop it. Mid off fielder mops it up. |
| 13.3 : V Philander to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook comes forward to defend but gets it off the inside half into the pads. |
| 13.4 : V Philander to Cook, FOUR! Edged! Good length outside off, Cook looks to push but gets it off the edge past the diving third slip fielder for a boundary. The gully fielder is a lot more closer this time. |
| 13.5 : V Philander to Cook, On the pads, Cook clips it through the leg side for a couple of runs. |
| 13.6 : V Philander to Cook, Shorter outside off, Cook punches it towards covers. |
| Gary Ballance is not moving his feet, spots David Gower. But that is something that has not changed with Ballance ever since he made his debut. He can score heavily in first class cricket but it could also show how good the bowling attacks are. |
| 14.1 : M Morkel to Root, Shorter in length on middle, Root lets it go over him. |
| 14.2 : M Morkel to Root, Shorter outside off, left alone by Root. |
| Joe Root received a blow in the nets earlier today, in the unmentionables. Pretty sure, he is watching the ball closely now. |
| 14.3 : M Morkel to Root, Good length outside off, another leave. |
| 14.4 : M Morkel to Root, Fuller around off, Root presses forward and drives it through mid off. Kuhn gets to it haring from covers and stops the ball from going through to the ropes. Three runs taken. |
| 14.5 : M Morkel to Cook, Full and outside off, left alone by Cook. |
| 14.6 : M Morkel to Cook, On a good length outside off, shaping in, Cook is happy to let it go. |
| A change of bowling, Duanne Olivier comes on for a bowl. South Africa need him to raise his game here. This could also be a move from Faf to show confidence in him. |
| 15.1 : D Olivier to Root, Fuller in length to begin with, Root drives it through mid off and gets another triple. |
| 15.2 : D Olivier to Cook, Full and outside off, Cook comes forward and defends it to covers. |
| 15.3 : D Olivier to Cook, Hurls it outside off, on a length, Cook lets it go through after thinking to play at it at first. |
| 15.4 : D Olivier to Cook, FOUR! Cannot bowl there! Olivier slants one on the pads, Cook clips it nicely through mid-wicket. Bavuma hares after it from inside the ring but cannot stop the ball from going through. Another boundary to Cook. |
| 15.5 : D Olivier to Cook, On a length, just around off, Cook defends it watchfully. |
| 15.6 : D Olivier to Cook, FOUR! Beautifully done! Full and outside off, Cook drives it through mid off. Kuhn looks to chase it down, puts in a desperate dive near the fence but comes second best to the ball. Olivier has gone for runs, this will be a good test for him and du Plessis. |
| DRINKS! The first hour has gone to South Africa. The two big wickets will surely make them feel good. Joe Root and Alastair Cook are the two guys Proteas will aim to get rid of as early as possible. |
| Chris Morris is brought into the attack. |
| 16.1 : C Morris to Root, Starts with a back of length ball on off stump, which Root defends off the back foot. |
| 16.2 : C Morris to Root, Bouncer next up on middle, which Roots lets go off, by ducking under it. |
| 16.3 : C Morris to Root, Bowls that on a length outside off, the skipper just shoulders arms to that one. |
| 16.4 : C Morris to Root, Full ball on off, Root drives it straight to covers. |
| 16.5 : C Morris to Root, Root has nothing to do with a length ball outside off and lets it go to the keeper. |
| 16.6 : C Morris to Root, Back of length ball on off, Root defends with soft hands towards point and they set off for a quick single. |
| 17.1 : D Olivier to Root, Good length ball outside off, the England skipper doesn't bother fiddling with that. |
| 17.2 : D Olivier to Root, Olivier bowls it a back of a length ball on off, Joe punches it off the back foot to point. |
| 17.3 : D Olivier to Root, Full ball on middle, Root flicks it towards deep mid-wicket all along the ground for a single. |
| 17.4 : D Olivier to Cook, Short ball on middle and going across Cook, who tries, half-mindedly, to pull and missed it. The ball passed from below the bat. |
| 17.5 : D Olivier to Cook, Fullish ball on leg and middle, Cook pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 17.6 : D Olivier to A Cook, FOUR! Streaky! Fullish ball outside off, Cook goes for the drive, gets and outside edge that goes through the slip cordon for a boundary. South Africa won't mind that. |
| 18.1 : Morris to Root, OUT! Knocked him over, beaten all ends up! Full swinging yorker on off stump, and Root's reactions showed that he was beaten for pace more than anything else. The England skipper has to walk back to the pavillion for 8, England looking in a spot of bother. |
| 0.0 : Jonny Bairstow, the English keeper, walks in at number 5. |
| 18.2 : C Morris to Bairstow, Morris welcomes Bairstow top the crease with a bouncer on off, which he lets go. |
| 18.3 : C Morris to Bairstow, Full ball on middle, Jonny plays it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 18.4 : C Morris to Bairstow, Another bouncer, down the leg side this time, Bairstow ducks under that one. |
| 18.5 : C Morris to Bairstow, Full ball on middle and leg, JB pushes it towards mid on for no run. |
| 18.6 : C Morris to Bairstow, Yet another off-direction bouncer by Morris, Jonny doesn't bother messing with that one and lets it go to de Kock. |
| 19.1 : D Olivier to Cook, Olivier bowls it on a good length on leg and middle that got Cook a bit squared up and he ends up playing it towards point. |
| 19.2 : D Olivier to A Cook, FOUR! Shot! The perfect left hander's cover drive by Cook. Over-pitched on off, Cook gets his stride out and just gently times it through covers for a boundary. Gracious shot that. Good to watch. |
| 19.3 : D Olivier to Cook, Length ball on middle, Cooks defends it from within the crease. |
| 19.4 : D Olivier to Cook, Fullish ball on middle and leg, Cook plays through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 19.5 : D Olivier to Bairstow, And the bouncer saga against Bairstow continues, this time Olivier the bowler. Bairstow ducks and lets it go. |
| 19.6 : D Olivier to J Bairstow, FOUR! Lovely shot to get off the mark. Good length ball on off and middle, JB pushes it through mid on and away from the fielder and collects four good runs to get going. |
| 20.1 : C Morris to Cook, Length ball outside off, Cooks lets it go to the keeper. |
| 20.2 : C Morris to Cook, Length ball on off, Cook defends off the back foot towards point. |
| 20.3 : C Morris to Cook, Another ball outside off, which Cook lets go. |
| 20.4 : C Morris to Cook, Short ball on middle, Cook pulls it on the leg side for a single. |
| 20.5 : C Morris to Bairstow, Length ball on off, Bairstow plays it from within the crease towards the off side for a single. |
| 20.6 : C Morris to Cook, Brilliant yorker on off stump, Cook digs it out towards the off side. |
| Keshav Maharaj comes on for a bowl. He bowled a beauty to Bairstow in the first innings. Crucial spell for him and South Africa. |
| 21.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Shortish ball on middle and leg, Bairstow misses the sweep. |
| 21.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Low full toss on middle, Jonny plays it to long on for a single. |
| 21.3 : K Maharaj to Cook, Flighted ball outside off, Cook has no business with it and lets it go. |
| 21.4 : K Maharaj to Cook, Loopy ball on off, turning into Cook, the ball hits the inside edge onto the pad and rolls on the leg side. |
| 21.5 : K Maharaj to Cook, Slow ball on middle, Cook plays it on the leg side for a single. |
| 21.6 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Brilliant delivery. Almost like the one that got him in the first innings. Pitching in the line of the stumps, it missed the outside edge by a whisker. |
| 22.1 : C Morris to Cook, Round the wicket comes Morris, length ball outside off, Cook shoulders arms to that. |
| 22.2 : C Morris to Cook, Fullish ball on off, played towards point, no run there. |
| 22.3 : C Morris to Cook, Full ball outside off, Cook lets it go to the keeper. |
| 22.4 : C Morris to Cook, Length ball on off, Cook pushes it back defensively. |
| 22.5 : C Morris to Cook, On a good length on off, Cook defends towards cover. |
| 22.6 : C Morris to Cook, A length ball on off, which Cook keeps out to finish a probing over, a maiden. |
| 23.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, FOUR! That was a flighted ball on middle and leg bowled from round the wicket. Jonny made good use of his feet to whip it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Wonderful shot that. |
| 23.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Loopy ball on middle, Bairstow gets solidly behind that and defends. |
| 23.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, JB defends that slow delivery from within the crease. |
| 23.4 : K Maharaj to J Bairstow, That's the flat arm ball on middle, luck that Bairstow got an inside edge on that. |
| 23.5 : K Maharaj to J Bairstow, Slow ball on middle, Bairstow defends and gets an inside edge on to the pads. |
| 23.6 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Loopy ball on middle, JB edgily defends that. |
| 24.1 : C Morris to Cook, Full length ball outside off, Cook defends it towards point. |
| 24.2 : C Morris to Cook, OUT! Gone! Peach of a delivery. That was a terrific bouncer on middle, which caught Cook by surprise. He looked to pull that but got in an awkward position due to the extra pace that ball came in. He ended up gloving that to the keeper and de Kock makes no mistake. Cook departs for 42, England find themselves in a soup. |
| Ben Stokes walks in next. |
| 24.3 : C Morris to Stokes, Length ball on off stump, Stokes defends it off the front foot. |
| 24.4 : C Morris to Stokes, Length ball on off, Stokes plays it towards point for no run. |
| 24.5 : C Morris to Stokes, Full ball on off, Stokes defends it solidly from within the crease. |
| 24.6 : C Morris to Stokes, A high full toss on middle, Stokes plays it towards covers, no run. |
| 25.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Loopy ball on off and middle, JB sweeps it towards short fine leg for a single. |
| 25.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Slow spinning delivery outside off, Stokes defends it uncomfortably. |
| 25.3 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Slow ball on middle, Stokes bunts it on the leg side. |
| 25.4 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Flighted ball on off, Stokes defends off the fronty foot. |
| There are two close in fielders in leg - A short leg and a forward short leg. |
| 25.5 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Flat ball outside off, Stokes gets on to the back foot and punches it down the ground to long off for a single to get off the mark. |
| 25.6 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Round the wicket bowled on middle stump, JB defends solidly. |
| 26.1 : C Morris to Stokes, FOUR! Edgy runs, but runs nevertheless. Morris bowled that on a good length outside off, inviting a prod from Stokes. The ball took the outside edge of the bat and ran through the gully region beaten the chasing Bavuma for a boundary. |
| 26.2 : C Morris to Stokes, Good length ball outside off, Stokes shoulders arms to that. |
| 26.3 : C Morris to Stokes, Back of length ball on middle and leg, Stokes plays it down defensively. |
| 26.4 : C Morris to Stokes, Now Morris is testing Stokes with the short stuff. Short ball on middle and leg, BS defended that off the back foot from within the crease, taking his eyes off the ball. The ball was in the air for a while, before landing on the ground towards the bowler. |
| A short leg comes in now. |
| 26.5 : C Morris to Stokes, Length ball in line of the stumps, BS shows his defensive skills as he defends that from within the crease. |
| 26.6 : C Morris to Stokes, Short ball on middle and leg, Stokes lets that go to de Kock. |
| Now that is an insight - Andy Zaltzman has tweeted this, "England's top 3 made a total of 79 in the match - the worst match by Eng's top 3 (2 inns min) since Joburg in 2010; worst at home since 1989." |
| 27.1 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Slow spinner on middle and off, Bairstow defends from within the crease. |
| 27.2 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Loopy ball on off, JB shows the full face of the bat to defend that. |
| 27.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, Slow loopy ball on off, JB collects a single through mid off. |
| 27.4 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Flighted ball on middle, Stokes plays it from within the crease. |
| 27.5 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Good length slow ball on off and middle, Stokes bunts it from within the crease. |
| 27.6 : K Maharaj to Stokes, The flighted ball on off has been defended from within the crease and that is LUNCH, Day 4! |
| South Africa's session easily. The England openers were made to struggle right from the word go. Vernon Philander took the first two wickets and set it up for them. Joe Root and Alastair Cook were cautious before both of them bore the brunt of Chris Morris. They were worked over by him in a threatening spell and it has pegged England a long way back. |
| Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow are out to battle it out but they will know the task on hand is not easy at all. There are still five sessions to play, 395 runs to score if they are optimistic. The visitors are firmly in control and will look to keep taking wickets. Join us in a while for the second session. |
| .....Day 4, Session 2..... |
| Welcome back for the post-lunch session. It would take a couple of wicketless sessions for the hosts to get some leeway in this game. Tough indeed but cricket is a funny game. The current pair were involved in a mammoth stand against the same opponent in South Africa in the last series these two teams were involved in, so you never know. All set for the action to resume. Morne Morkel to begin after lunch. |
| 28.1 : M Morkel to Bairstow, On a shortish length on off stump, Bairstow hangs back and blocks with a straight bat. |
| 28.2 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Back of a length around off stump, nips in a touch to rap Bairstow high on the pads. Stifled lbw shout that dies down quickly. It was quite high and add to that, Morkel it is and so you don't need to think further. |
| 28.3 : M Morkel to Bairstow, Fullish and down the leg side, Bairstow looks to clip it away as it goes down the leg side to de Kock. There was a noise, probably of the ball clipping the pad on its way through. |
| 28.4 : M Morkel to Bairstow, On a shortish length outside off, Bairstow tries to defend but gets a thick inside edge on the pads. |
| 28.5 : M Morkel to Bairstow, That's a snorter! Equally well-played by Bairstow. Dug in short and angling into the batsman. It kept coming in with the angle but Jonny did well to arch his back to evade it just in time. |
| 28.6 : M Morkel to Bairstow, FOUR! Nice shot! Slightly fuller this time but its too straight and Bairstow takes full toll of it. Clips it sweetly through mid-wicket to fetch himself a boundary. Classy stroke! |
| Keshav Maharaj to continue post the break. He has two short legs in place. |
| 29.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Tossed up wider outside off, a bit full and Stokes blocks firmly off the front foot. |
| 29.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Looped up wider outside off, Stokes reaches out and extends his forward defence to push it towards cover. Single taken. |
| 29.3 : K Maharaj to Bairstow, OUT! Brain fade from Bairstow! What kind of shot was that with the side under massive pressure? Floated outside off, he skips down the pitch and tries to go big down the ground. Doesn't get the desired elevation and ends up holing out to Morris at mid on. Glee on the faces of the Proteas and why not! This is a gift and a key wicket at that. Maharaj deserved a wicket before lunch and has been rewarded finally. |
| Moeen Ali is the new man in. |
| 29.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Drifting in from well wide outside off, turns in just a bit as Ali lets it pass. |
| 29.5 : K Maharaj to Ali, Flighted outside off, Moeen gets well forward and smothers it to the pitch. |
| 29.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Turn and bounce! The second short leg isn't there for Ali, if he was, then probably this could have gone straight to him. Rips in from the footholes outside off, extra bounce as well as Ali tries to work it on the leg side off the back foot. Lobs it wide of the short leg fielder who is in place. |
| 30.1 : M Morkel to Stokes, Switches to around the wicket and angles in a slightly fuller ball outside off, Stokes presses forward to block it well. |
| 30.2 : M Morkel to Stokes, Banged in short around middle, rises on his toes and tucks it to the leg side. |
| 30.3 : M Morkel to Stokes, More short stuff on the menu for Stokes, the line is slightly outside off this time and he drags his bat out of the way. |
| 30.4 : M Morkel to Stokes, WHAT A RIPPER! Morkel is breathing fire after the lunch break. Fiery bumper that is angling into Stokes who is midair as he tries to fend at it. The ball raps him flush oin the glove and lobs uppishly to the off side but doesn't carry to gully. We are in for a pulsating duel as Stokes isn't going to die wondering either. |
| 30.5 : M Morkel to Ben Stokes, Fullish outside off, Stokes drives crisply but Kuhn from short cover gets across to put a sliding stop to his left. Makes a clean stop and saves runs for his side. Pollock on air dwells on the importance of good fielding as this keeps the new man on strike. |
| 30.6 : M Morkel to Stokes, On a length around off stump, blocked solidly from the crease. |
| 31.1 : K Maharaj to Ali, Flighted well outside off, Ali reaches out and offers his front pad. |
| 31.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, Beaten! The rough outside the off stump continues to play tricks. Loopy delivery landing on the footmarks, Ali looks to drive but is beaten on the outside edge. |
| 31.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, Full and outside off, leans forward and blocks it solidly. |
| 31.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Drifting in from well outside off, left alone to the keeper. |
| Testing phase for the English batsmen now. |
| 31.5 : K Maharaj to Ali, More turn and alarming bounce! Ali tries to push at one that spins in viciously from the rough. The ball lobs up off the pads towards the vacant leg gully region. No inside edge involved though but a case for one more close-in fielder to be included. |
| On cue, the leg gully is in place now. |
| 31.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Fuller outside off, leans forward and blocks it solidly. |
| 32.1 : M Morkel to Stokes, Back of a length outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 32.2 : M Morkel to Stokes, Shortish again from Morkel, this time Stokes stands tall to bulldoze the pull to deep mid-wicket. Just a single for a cracking shot. |
| 32.3 : M Morkel to Ali, Back of a length angling in around middle, straightens a bit to rap Ali high on the pads. |
| 32.4 : M Morkel to Ali, Sharp bumper around off stump, Ali ducks under the bumper. |
| 32.5 : M Morkel to Ali, On a length around middle, Ali tries to work across the line but gets an inside edge on to the thigh pad. |
| 32.6 : M Morkel to Ali, On a length outside off stump, Ali is happy to leave it alone. |
| A silly point in place. |
| 33.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, FOUR! Nice shot! Full and outside off, Stokes reaches out and drives sweetly down the ground to the long off fence for a boundary. Olivier was wider at mid off and so couldn't get to it even with a dive. |
| 33.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Beaten! The mischief of the track again. This one drifts in from outside off, straightens just a touch as Stokes is beaten on the poke. |
| 33.3 : K Maharaj to Stokes, FOUR! Cheekily done! Stokes premeditates the paddle and gets a bit uppishly down the leg side to the fine leg fence. Nobody at leg gully or leg slip, so this is fairly percentage stroke to be honest. |
| 33.4 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Looped up on a length outside off, Stokes stays back and blocks it firmly to the off side. |
| 33.5 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Quicker ball outside off, stays back and defends solidly. |
| 33.6 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Almost got into an awkward position! Stokes reaches out to a floated delivery that spins in sharply from the rough. Gets pinged on the pads as it goes to the off side. Nearly became a stumping candidate there. |
| 34.1 : M Morkel to Ali, On a slightly shortish length on middle, flicked off the back foot towards square leg. |
| 34.2 : M Morkel to Ali, More of the short stuff from Morkel, smartly ducked under by Ali. |
| 34.3 : M Morkel to Ali, Back of a length outside off, shoulders arms to let it pass. |
| 34.4 : M Morkel to Ali, Sprayed down the leg side, Ali is in two minds whether to flick or leave as the ball goes through to the keeper amidst this dilemma. |
| 34.5 : M Morkel to Ali, Fractionally short of a good length around off, Ali gets right behind the line to defend it towards cover. |
| 34.6 : M Morkel to Ali, Slightly fuller and outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 35.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Slightly short and outside off, punched off the back foot towards deep mid on for a single. |
| 35.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! Nice placement! Tossed up outside off, Ali gets across on one knee to nail the sweep to the deep square leg fence. Used his reach well and made terrific connection there while also splitting the gap in the deep. Good job, Moeen! |
| 35.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! Better shot! Always risky to drive from the rough but Ali goes for the bait. Reaches out to the flighted delivery and creams the drive through the covers. Elegantly done by Moeen. Brings up the 100 for England. |
| 35.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! Make that three in a row! Ali is looking in good touch. Once again decides on the sweep fairly early and decides to go fine down the leg side. Does it fairly well and picks up another boundary. This is good, smart batting. |
| 35.5 : K Maharaj to Ali, Loopy and wider outside off, no stroke offered to that one. |
| 35.6 : K Maharaj to Ali, Fuller around off, gets across and sweeps it towards deep backward square leg for a single. |
| 36.1 : M Morkel to Ali, Short of a length angled in around middle, taps it towards mid-wicket. |
| 36.2 : M Morkel to Ali, Fullish ball outside off, Ali gets half forward and drives towards mid off. |
| 36.3 : M Morkel to M Ali, FOUR! Streaky runs for Ali! Tries to fend at a shortish ball that is angled into him. Plays with soft hands though and so the edge doesn't fly away. It goes wide of gully to the third man fence. |
| 36.4 : M Morkel to Ali, Full ball just outside off, Moeen drives it firmly back to the bowler. |
| 36.5 : M Morkel to M Ali, FOUR! Classy stroke! Ali seems unperturbed by the pitch or game situation. He's playing his shots and they are coming off as well. Fuller ball outside off, a hint of width and Moeen unfurls a beautiful drive through extra cover. Rockets to the fence. |
| 36.6 : M Morkel to Ali, Angling into Ali from a length, tucked towards the square leg region. |
| 37.1 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Slightly short and around off stump, Stokes hangs back and defends it |
| 37.2 : K Maharaj to Stokes, Drifting in from outside off, Stokes continues to stay on the back foot and works it on the leg side for a single. |
| 37.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, Tossed up invitingly outside off, Ali presses forward and smothers it to the ground. |
| 37.4 : K Maharaj to Ali, Loopy and outside off, Ali gets on the front foot and defends solidly. |
| 37.5 : K Maharaj to Ali, Floated on a length outside off, a bit short and Ali defends off the back foot nicely. |
| 37.6 : K Maharaj to M Ali, FOUR! Slammed! Tossed up well outside off, slightly full and Ali cashes in with a bludgeoning drive through the covers. Firmly struck and it sped away to the fence. |
| Vernon Philander comes back for a spell. |
| 38.1 : V Philander to Stokes, Length ball outside off, Stokes gets across and taps it to the off side. |
| 38.2 : V Philander to Stokes, Good length around off, nips in a touch as Stokes taps it off the back foot to the leg side. |
| 38.3 : V Philander to Stokes, Another in-dipper from Philander, Stokes walks down and blocks well. |
| 38.4 : V Philander to Stokes, Length ball outside off, stays back and defends it firmly to cover. |
| 38.5 : V Philander to Stokes, Short ball just around off, Stokes arches his back to evade it. |
| 38.6 : V Philander to Stokes, Length ball outside off, another leave from Stokes. |
| Ali has been given out caught behind. He opts for the review instantly. |
| 39.1 : Maharaj to Ali, NOT OUT! Loopy on a length outside off, straightens a touch as Ali hangs back to push at it. De Kock collects it and the appeal is instantaneous from the Proteas. The umpire obliges but Ali goes for the review immediately. A very, very minute aberration on the Ultra Edge but probably not the usual tiny spike that suggests an edge. Dicey one but the third umpire feels the evidence is good enough for the on-field call to stay and gives the benefit of doubt to the batsman. Ali |
| 39.2 : K Maharaj to Ali, Ali survives, again! Floated around leg stump, gets across and clips it down to the fine leg region for a brace. The throw at the keeper's end is quite good and the bails are whipped off. They decide to refer the decision upstairs but Ali was well in. |
| 39.3 : K Maharaj to Ali, OUT! GONE! Not lucky the third time, is Ali! Floated outside off, gets across to that one and sweeps but cannot keep the shot down. Kuhn is the man at square leg, placed there just two deliveries ago, just for this kind of shot and he gobbles it up. What captaincy, Sir Faf du Plessis! He's been exceptional in this game and has planned Ali's dismissal in both innings now. Delight for Maharaj, as he gets his second. |
| Liam Dawson is the new man in. |
| 39.4 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Drifting in from outside off, blocked solidly from the crease. |
| 39.5 : K Maharaj to Dawson, On a length outside off, sits back and cuts it to the off side. It was very close to the sticks and he's lucky not to have dragged it on. |
| 39.6 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Uppish again! Nicely looped up outside off, Dawson pushes at it with hard hands. Lobs it uppishly just wide of the bowler towards mid off. There was a short cover in place as well, so Dawson just about survived. |
| 40.1 : V Philander to Stokes, On the pads, Stokes gets across and works it on the leg side for a single. |
| 40.2 : V Philander to Dawson, Shortish and around middle, Dawson hangs back and tucks it through mid-wicket. Good timing but it's tidied up in the deep as the batsmen pick three. |
| 40.3 : Philander to Stokes, OUT! GOT HIM! That should be the last nail in the coffin, if ever there was one. As easy as you like! Probably among the easiest wickets Philander has taken in this game. Fullish and angled in from outside off, Stokes is a tad early into the drive and spoons it straight back towards Vernon who takes it almost nonchalantly on his followthrough. This is folding up rather quickly now. SOUTH AFRICA JUST NEED 3 MORE WICKETS TO WIN. |
| Drinks break.... |
| Stuart Broad is the new man in. He is on a king pair. |
| 40.4 : V Philander to Broad, Full and outside off, Broad comes forward and pushes it towards cover-point. |
| 40.5 : V Philander to Broad, Shorter length ball outside off, Broad does not quite pick it and makes an awkward leaping leave. De Kock has a sheepish smile. |
| 40.6 : V Philander to Broad, Here comes the bumper, Stuart was expecting it. Let's it go through. |
| 41.1 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Floats it around off, Dawson comes forward and defends it. |
| 41.2 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Shorter around off, Dawson gets across and defends it. |
| 41.3 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Fullish around off, driven towards covers. |
| 41.4 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Liam comes forward and pushes it to the off side. |
| 41.5 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Another solid front foot defence by Dawson. |
| 41.6 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Floats it outside off, left alone by Dawson. |
| 42.1 : V Philander to Broad, Good length around off, Broad stays back and punches it towards the off side. |
| 0.0 : Goes over the wicket. |
| 42.2 : V Philander to Broad, A tad short around off, punched to cover-point by Broad. |
| 42.3 : V Philander to Broad, Good length outside off, punched nicely off the back foot by Broad. He wanted a single there but Kuhn got behind it in time. |
| 42.4 : V Philander to Broad, FOUR! JUST OVER! The plan nearly worked! They are bowling full and wide to Broad to catch him on the flash. This time Stuart gets it over the leaping Bavuma at backward point. A boundary results and Broad is off the pair. |
| 42.5 : V Philander to Broad, Too good for nothing! A tad short around off, Broad punches it into covers. He thinks it is a boundary but Kuhn races to his right and stops the ball from going through. |
| 42.6 : V Philander to Broad, Philander moved the man squared at deep square leg but now bowls a searing yorker around off, Broad thankfully gets his bat down in time to take it out. Top, top bowling. |
| 43.1 : K Maharaj to L Dawson, Floats it around off, driven to long off for a single by Dawson. |
| 0.0 : Something has gone into the eyes of Broad and he makes Maharaj stop in his delivery stride. |
| 43.2 : K Maharaj to Broad, Gets across and paddles this down towards fine leg for a single. |
| 43.3 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Dawson now sweeps one through backward square leg for a single. |
| 43.4 : K Maharaj to Broad, Floats it around off, Broad shapes to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. |
| 43.5 : K Maharaj to Broad, OUT! One more throws it away! Bowls it outside off, Broad wants to go big. He looks to go over mid-wicket but has not hit that well. Morkel in the deep has the easiest of catches to take. Must laud England for the ease with which they have found the fielders. |
| Mark Wood comes out to bat. Penultimate man in. |
| 43.6 : K Maharaj to Dawson, Floats it around middle, Dawson comes forward and defends it. |
| Duanne Olivier brought back on for a bowl. He has had the least of the work to do. Can he clean up the tail? |
| 44.1 : D Olivier to M Wood, OUT! Easy as you like! Shorter in length from Olivier on the body of Wood. Mark is taken back by the bounce, he looks to fend it but the ball gets big on him and goes off the face of the bat to Morris at gully for a simple catch. Wood gets a golden duck and Olivier has a wicket to his name. South Africa a wicket away! |
| James Anderson is the last man in. |
| 44.2 : D Olivier to Anderson, OUT! All over! Banged in short and outside off, Anderson has a tame poke at it and only manages to get an outside edge to the keeper for a simple catch. Olivier has two wickets to show but what a game for the visitors. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 340 RUNS! |
| Faf du Plessis returns, South Africa return and they have leveled the series at Trent Bridge inflicting the biggest loss on England at this ground. What an inspirational leader he is and in just a matter of days he has turned things around for his side. It was a brave call to bat first and it shows how confidence rubs off on the players. |
| Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock led the way with the bat to help them post a massive total in tough batting conditions. Yes, James Anderson took another five-wicket haul but that was all that went England's way. The South African bowlers hunted the English down in packs to take a 130-run lead. Fifties for Amla, Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander ensured that hosts were chasing a massive total. |
| The Englishmen who like to play their shots found out that while they can pull it off in colored clothing, Test cricket demands more respect and application from the batsmen. With no appetite for a fight, they were rolled over for 133 in the second innings. Vernon Philander was once again the man who led the way with a 3-wicket haul. He was well backed up by Keshav Maharaj, who looks innocuous but packs a punch. |
| JOE ROOT feels that it's been contrasting emotions in the last two weeks for his team. Hopes that they can turn things around quickly. Cites South Africa's turnaround as an example for his side to follow in the next game. Admits that the loss is difficult to explain and says that perhaps South Africa adapted to conditions better. The nature of the capitulation today does disappoint him but he feels that they will bounce back from it. Doesn't feel there are too many concerns about the top order a |
| FAF DU PLESSIS feels that they did their basics better and put England under pressure for a longer period of time. Mentions that they wanted to do well for the coach who flew home for personal reasons. They wanted to do it for him. Opines that they focused on things that worked for them before. He opines that they let England dominate them in the first Test so they aimed to change that around. Is happy that they did not let go of the intensity. Credits Amla and Kuhn's partnership in the first in |
| VERNON PHILANDER (MAN OF THE MATCH) admits that they were all disappointed after the Lord's defeat and were determined to put their hands up in this game. Opines that he was a bit gingerly in the first Test after coming from an injury and reveals that he felt better in this game. Mentions with a smile that he always relishes bowling to left-handers, which England had plenty of. Feels that the ploy of playing an extra bowler eased his workload as a bowler although he had more responsibility with |
| 96.1 was the overs faced by England in this Test - the last time they faced less than 100 overs in a home Test, getting all-out in both innings, was at Headingley in Ashes 2009. Just sums up the dismal performance put in by them. They have now lost 6 of their last 8 Tests and there has been a collapse almost every Test. |
| So that's it from us for this game. We hope you enjoyed our coverage. This series is now up and alive thanks to the visitors. The coming two Tests will be good ones, hopefully. The third Test starts from July 27, 2017 at The Oval. Action begins at 1100 local (1000 GMT). We look forward to your company. Until then, it's goodbye and take care. |
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