| 1.3 : 1.3: K Rabada to Jennings, FOUR! First runs of the day and it comes in the form of a boundary. This was on a good length down the leg side. Jennings flicks it off his pads and gets a four behind square on the leg side. This should give him some confidence. |
| 6.1 : 6.1: M Morkel to Cook, FOUR! Class from Cook! Length ball on off, Cook drives it beautifully past mid off and the ball races away. This was a really well timed shot from the veteran. Hopefully it goes on to give him some confidence. |
| 7.5 : 7.5: K Rabada to A Cook, FOUR! Brilliantly timed by Cook. Width was on the offer and Cook obliged with a hard slash past point. The ball raced away to the boundary ropes in no time. It was slightly in the air but found the gap to perfection. England will need more of this. |
| 8.4 : 8.4: D Olivier to K Jennings, FOUR. |
| 10.2 : 10.2: D Olivier to Jennings, FOUR! Driven beautifully through covers! That was a full length ball on off and Jennings played it with the full face of the bat. |
| 11.1 : 11.1: Rabada to A Cook, FOUR! Bouncer down the leg side by Rabada. Cook loves the short balls and he goes for it. He misses it but the ball brushes his gloves and goes past the diving keeper for a boundary. |
| 12.1: D Olivier to Jennings, Edged and gone! Another failure for Jennings who has been put out of his misery. It was a good length ball from Olivier and Jennings pushed at it. The ball found the outside edge of the bat and flew straight into the gloves of de Cock. It was a regulation catch for the keeper and he made no mistakes. South Africa have their first wicket and will be hoping to carry on with their good start. |
| 14.3 : 14.3: D Olivier to Cook, FOUR!! majestic shot from Cook this time. It was a full length ball on off and all Cook did was time it. He drove it past the bowler as the ball raced towards the boundary ropes at long off. Maharaj put in a desperate dive but failed to stop it. |
| 19.3: M Morkel to Westley, FOUR! Fuller length delivery by Morkel and it has been given the treatment. Westley drives it solidly past mid on for a boundary. Welcome runs for the new man in as he slowly settling in. |
| 23.2 : 23.2: M Morkel to Westley, FOUR! Fuller length ball and it has been dispatched nicley by Westley. He moves slightly across to make space for flick through mid-wicket. The ball races away as two fielders try to chase it down. |
| 24.5 : 24.5: de Bruyn to Westley, FOUR! Good length ball by de Bruyn and Westley times it well. He gets on his back foot and punches it past covers for a boundary. That was a sweet shot by Westley there. |
| 25.2 : 25.2: D Olivier to Westley, FOUR! Short and wide outside off and Westley wings his bat at it. He is lucky that he went hard as the ball flew over the first slip fielder for a boundary. Streaky runs but South Africa won't mind this. The bowlers are surely creating doubts in the batsman's mind. |
| 31.2: D Olivier to Cook, FOUR! Cook finds the gap to perfection square on the off side. It was full length ball outside off, Cook just opened the face of his bat to find the boundary. Superb timing by the former England skipper. |
| 31.6 : 31.6: D Olivier to A Cook, Back of a length ball and Cook was ready for it. He got into the position to pull it over mid-wicket and find the boundary. de Bruyn put in a dove but it was in vain as the ball went past the ropes. |
| 32.6: K Maharaj to Westley, FOUR! Brilliant shot this time by Westley. Floated on middle, Westley drives it through mid on for a boundary. Westley has started to find the touch now. |
| 36.3 : 36.3: K Maharaj to Cook, OUT! Cook has been done in by the spinner on 46! Just short of a half-century and this will hurt the opener. He did all the hard work of settling in and then gets done in by the straighter one. Cook got on his front foot and looked to push it through covers but the ball took a faint outside edge which went into the gloves of the keeper. Cook has been dismissed by a spinner for the first time in this series. South Africa will be delighted with this start! |
| 39.3: K Rabada to Tom Westley, OUT c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada. England have lost their third wicket. |
| 42.2 : 42.2: K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! That's a very good shot by Root. It was a loopy ball on off and Root got to the pitch of the delivery to drive it through covers for the boundary. |
| 43.5 : 43.5: K Rabada to Joe Root, EDGED, FOUR! The break almost does the batsman in! Root gets away with that one. Full and wide outside off, Root is sucked into the drive and goes hard after it. Gets a thick outside edge which flies past second slip to the third man fence. |
| 44.6 : 44.6: K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! Gets that very fine, does the skipper. This is down the leg side and Root gets down and sweeps it very fine. Morne Morkel starts to give it a chase from fine leg but the ball wins the race. |
| 45.4 : 45.4: K Rabada to Malan, FOUR! HANDSOME! Almost similar to the previous ball but this time Malan does not let it go. The ball is not exactly a half volley, perhaps a touch shorter than that, Malan leans into it and drives it beautifully through the covers. Beautiful shot. |
| 51.4: M Morkel to Joe Root, FOUR! Slightly outside off, on a good length. Root uses the widht given to cut the ball past backward point for the boundary. Good shot by Joe Root. |
| 53.1 : 53.1: M Morkel to Malan, FOUR! Good length going down the leg side and all Malan needed was to get something on it. He flicks and helps the ball to fine leg for the boundary. De Kock put in a despairing dive but gets nowhere near the ball. |
| 55.6 : 55.6: M Morkel to D Malan, OUT! The change of angle does the trick for Morkel. It was a good length ball outside off and Malan went for the drive. He did not time it well enough and the ball found the nick. Du Plessis at second slip took a good sharp catch to dismiss Malan. South Africa will be delighted to get their man right before Tea. |
| 58.1 : 58.1: D Olivier to Joe Root, FOUR! LOVELY! Loosener from Olivier, bowls a half volley wide outside off, Root leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary! 3000 TEST RUNS AT HOME for the skipper. Third youngest after his predecessor and the great Sachin Tendulkar to achieve this feat. |
| 58.3 : 58.3: D Olivier to Stokes, FOUR! Bad ball, short and around middle, Stokes swivels and pulls it to the fine leg fence. |
| 58.4 : 58.4: D Olivier to Stokes, FOUR! The runs are leaking. It has been a poor start from Olivier after Tea. He overcompensates for the previous ball by bowling this too full and Stokes promptly flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Third of the over. |
| 59.6 : 59.6: M Morkel to Root, EDGED, BUT NOT TAKEN! FOUR! For once, de Kock does not dive. Big moment in the game. Poor, poor Morkel. He cannot believe it. He has bowled his heart out. He was trying to work Root over and bowled a pearler. He bowled this on a length, just outside off and forced Root to defend. Then he got the ball to move away and take the outside edge. It is a simple regulation catch for Quinton de Kock but he does not budge. Neither does Amla at first slip, who is hoping that de Kock |
| 67.1 : 67.1: D Olivier to Root, Full length ball on off and swinging in late. Root went across for the flick but missed the ball completely. This looked plumb to the naked eye and the umpire immediately raised his finger. Root walked up to Stokes asking what he felt about the review. Ben thought about before asking him to go for it. The replays showed that the ball was going on to hit the stumps and Root had to walk back to the pavilion. Olivier gets his first wicket of the day and he is pumped up beca |
| 67.4 : 67.4: D Olivier to Bairstow, FOUR! Fullish and on the pads, Bairstow clips it to the square leg fence. |
| 69.5 : 69.5: D Olivier to Stokes, FOUR! Nice shot. Half volley outside off, driven through the covers for a boundary! |
| 71.3 : 71.3: D Olivier to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Wide outside off and Stokes slashes hard at it. He cuts it past the fielder at point to find the boundary. The ball races away as four more runs are added to the total. 200 runs are on the board! |
| 74.6 : 74.6: K Maharaj to Bairstow, FOUR! That is fullish and Bairstow goes down to sweep it. He connects well and gts it through gap on square leg. The ball races away to the boundary. |
| 75.1 : 75.1: de Bruyn to Stokes, FOUR! No Ball for overstepping, not a good start at all! Starts the over with a boundary! This was a low full toss and it was asking for the treatment. Stokes smacks it through mid off and gets four runs for his efforts. |
| 81.5 : 81.5: M Morkel to Ben Stokes, EDGED! FOUR! Well, you have taken the new ball for a reason. Wickets. Why not keep an attacking field? Morne keeps it on a length outside off and induces the drive and later, the outside edge. The ball flies to the slip cordon but to an unmanned third slip and then to the third man fence! Surprised to see Faf not attacking, especially with only a few overs to the close. |
| 88.2 : 88.2: K Rabada to Stokes, EDGED, FOUR! A good testing ball, that too, at this time of the day. Rabada bangs it in short and Stokes is beaten by pace. He is late into the pull shot and is cramped for room. Halfway through the shot, he looks to abort it but is late and gets a top edge which goes over de Kock to the fine leg fence. |
| 88.5 : 88.5: K Rabada to Stokes, FOUR! A bit streaky in my opinion. On a length outside off, seaming away, Stokes looks to run it down to third man but the ball runs off the outer half of the bat, behind point to the fence. |
| 88.6 : 88.6: Rabada to Stokes, OUT! Perfect yorker! Rabada roars. Old Trafford is plunged into silence. What a ball at what an hour. He gives it his best on his very last ball of the day. Delivers a terrific yorker, around middle and off, watches Stokes' bat come down late and then sees and hears timbaaaa!!!! Beautiful ball. Excellent innings from Stokes but England would have wished to see him tomorrow with the willow. |
| 89.2 : 89.2: D Olivier to Bairstow, FOUR! MAGNIFICENT! Half volley outside off, Bairstow leans and drives it through extra cover for a boundary! |
| 89.4 : 89.4: D Olivier to J Bairstow, FOUR! A bit streaky now. On a good length outside off, Bairstow looks to defend but then decides to withdraw his bat. Is late and the ball goes off the outside edge behind gully to third man. |
| 93.6 : 93.6: M Morkel to Bairstow, FOUR! Wristy shot! This was on middle and leg, Bairstow flicks it nicely through the leg side at the square leg region for a boundary. |
| 94.1 : 94.1: K Rabada to Roland-Jones, FOUR! Good shot from Roland-Jones this time. Back-to-back boundaries from England. This was full on covers and Toby drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary. |
| 94.2 : 94.2: K Rabada to Roland-Jones, Out! Gone! Smart catch at short point by Bavuma as Rabada gets his man! The nightwatchman has done his part you can say. This was again a full length ball on off. Toby went for the drive but played it straight into the hands of Bavuma. The South African took a good sharp catch as there as he had very little time to react. South Africa will be delighted with this start! |
| 94.6 : 94.6: K Rabada to Ali, FOUR! Full on middle. Ali drives it beautifully through mid on for a boundary. Well timed by the all-rounder on this occasion. |
| 95.2 : 95.2: M Morkel to J Bairstow, FOUR! Edged this one but it goes safely over gully. That was a full length ball outside off and Bairstow drives hard at it, good that he did as well. Welcome runs for England and Bairstow. |
| 95.4 : 95.4: M Morkel to Bairstow, FOUR! Punched off the back foot through the covers this time. The fielder gave a hearty chase but it was all in vain. Two boundaries already in this over. |
| 96.2 : 96.2: K Rabada to M Ali, FOUR! Short ball on leg this time. Ali looks to pull and it looks like he manages to get something off his bat. The ball goes very fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 96.6 : 96.6: K Rabada to M Ali, FOUR! What a shot from Ali! That was a short from Rabada and it got the treatment. Ali rocked back back pulled it past mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 97.5 : 97.5: M Morkel to J Bairstow, FOUR! Good looking square cut from Bairstow for a boundary. He is looking in good touch at the moment. Another 50 for the batsman as he fights on for England. |
| 98.2 : 98.2: K Rabada to Ali, OUT! Ali has to go! His aggressiveness gets the better of him. It was a length ball just outside off and Ali went a punch off his back foot. The ball took an outside edge and went straight to Faf du Plessis at second slip. Good clean catch from the South African skipper. England are in trouble now! |
| 99.2: M Morkel to Broad, Streaky! FOUR nevertheless. That was slightly short outside off and Broad went for the cut which flew over gully for the boundary. Broad won't mid them as long as they keep coming. |
| 99.3 : 99.3: Morkel to S Broad, OUT! Bowled 'em! Morne Morkel gets his man! This was a straight ball on middle and off, angling away from the bat. Broad was all over this ball as he missed the straight drive completely. The ball went on to strike the timber as England lose their ninth wicket! |
| 102.3: K Rabada to Bairstow, FOUR! Good shot from Bairstow and England will need more of these. That was full on off and driven straight down the ground for a boundary. |
| 103.2 : 103.2: M Morkel to Bairstow, FOUR! Outstanding timing. Half volley on the pads, Bairstow flicks it a bit uppishly through mid-wicket and the ball races away! |
| 103.5 : 103.5: M Morkel to Bairstow, FOUR! MURDERED! Full and wide outside off, Bairstow reaches out to this one and lofts it over cover for a boundary! |
| 104.5: K Rabada to Bairstow, FOUR! Very late cut. Nicely played. He likes that shot. Stays back to this one and dabs it pretty late behind gully to third man. |
| 105.3 : 105.3: D Olivier to Bairstow, FOUR! Improvisation! Bairstow into limited-overs mode! He walks across his stumps, picks this from a length and scoops it over fine leg for a boundary! Olivier smiles. That is all he can do. Unexpected from the batsman. |
| 105.4 : 105.4: D Olivier to Bairstow, SIX! Ho ho ho! This is serious batting. Bairstow charges into the 90s with a terrific shot. If the previous ball was a scoop, the batsman understands in advance that the length will be shorter. Jumps down the track and smashes it past Anderson into the Jimmy Anderson end! |
| 105.6 : 105.6: D Olivier to Bairstow, FOUR! Moves to 94 but Anderson will be on strike in the next over. Back of a length outside off, Bairstow goes back and across and guides it behind point. Third man starts to race across but the ball wins the race. To be honest, he would be happy that the ball won the race. |
| 106.4 : 106.4: K Maharaj to Anderson, FOUR! Outside off, Anderson gets off the mark with a cut behind point. |
| 108.4: Maharaj to Bairstow, OUT! LBW! The decision stays! Bairstow has to depart on 99. It was full and outside off, Bairstow got down with a huge stride to sweep but missed. Umpire Dharmasena thought for a while and then raised his finger. Bairstow immediately went for the review, given that he had no other choice and the impact was UMPIRE'S CALL. Only just. Tough luck for him. A thin line of difference between 99 and 100. ENGLAND ARE ALL OUT FOR 362! |
| 0.3 : 0.3: J Anderson to Elgar, Out! Anderson gets his man in the third ball itself! What a way to start for James Anderson from this end. The man gets his first wicket from there and it he would not have had it any other way. This wicket had Anderson's name all over it. A full length ball on middle, swinging further inside. Elgar had no chance as he went for the flick and got struck on the pads. Aleem Dar wasted no time in taking the decision as Anderson celebrated gleefully. Elgar thought of the rev |
| 2.2 : 2.2: J Anderson to Kuhn, FOUR! Another full length ball on middle, clipped through mid-wicket for the boundary. |
| 5.3 : 5.3: S Broad to Kuhn, FOUR! Cuts this one through point for a boundary. This was wide outside off and Kuhn rocks onto his back foot and time his shot to perfection. The ball races away to boundary goving the fielders no chance. |
| 6.3: J Anderson to Amla, FOUR! Top shot this! It was full outside off and Amla creams it through covers for the boundary. The ball right off the middle of the bat. |
| 7.6 : 7.6: S Broad to Kuhn, FOUR! Outside off, cut through point for a boundary. Superb shot from Kuhn. The Proteas have started the session very positively. |
| 9.2 : 9.2: S Broad to Amla, FOUR! Full length ball, minimum feet movement there. Amla times it very well past the bowler to get a boundary at long off. That goes off the middle of the bat and races away to the boundary. No chance for the fielders as Amla looks to be coming into his own. |
| 9.3 : 9.3: S Broad to Amla, FOUR! Another boundary for Amla! This was punched off the back foot through covers. Amla has been very positive and South Africa will want him to stay this way. Broad has been slightly expensive with his spell. |
| 11.2 : 11.2: T Roland-Jones to Amla, FOUR! Good shot by Amla! That was slightly back of a length and Amla goes deep into his crease and flicks it past square leg. The ball races away to the boundary ropes as Amla looks even more confident with each passing ball. |
| 11.3 : 11.3: T Roland-Jones to Amla, Out! Amla has to depart! Soft, soft dismissal. That was going down the leg side and Amla who has been dispatching such balls to the boundary fails to connect well this time. He looks to nudge it gently towards fine leg but plays it way too fine. It takes the inner half of the bat and goes into the gloves of Bairstow. Very easy catch for the keeper and South Africa are in a spot of bother now. The big fish has been caught cheaply. Three out of three for Roland-Jones, |
| 11.5 : 11.5: T Roland-Jones to T Bavuma, FOUR. |
| 23.4 : 23.4: T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, FOUR! On middle and off, Bavuma leans and flicks it through square leg for a boundary! |
| 27.3 : 27.3: M Ali to H Kuhn, OU! Kuhn departs! The signs were there and Kuhn finally departs. He could easily have gone before this ball. Ali floated this one just outside off. Kuhn went forward for a push at it but the ball took an outside edge thanks to a slight turn away from the bat. Stokes at first slip goes really low to complete the catch. Ali picks up his first wicket of the match, we all know what he can do once he gets going. South Africa have lost their third with the skipper coming in next |
| 30.5 : 30.5: Ben Stokes to Plessis, FOUR! Du Plessis almost gets caught behind as the ball takes an outside edge. It flies past the slip region for a boundary. That was quick on middle and off, du Plessis looked to play it towards mid on but was squared up a touch. Luckily for him it did not go straight to any of the slip fielders. |
| 32.3 : 32.3: Ben Stokes to T Bavuma, FOUR! Streaky stuff! Back of a length ball wide outside off and. Bavuma looks to push it past point off his back foot. The ball takes an outside edge and flies over the slip fielders. Stokes won't mind this, he is creating doubts in the batsman's mind. |
| 33.2 : 33.2: M Ali to Plessis, FOUR! Creamed through the covers superbly by du Plessis. That was a fullish delivery and asking to be hit. du Plessis obliged by playing the cover drive to perfection off his front foot for a boundary. |
| 36.2: Ben Stokes to Plessis, No what he intended but gets four runs! du Plessis went for the square drive but gets a thickish edge that goes through for the boundary. Luck is not favouring stokes. He is inducing the false shots but they are not resulting in the wickets. |
| 36.4 : 36.4: Ben Stokes to Plessis, FOUR! Stokes continues to give away runs. Good length ball on the pads, du Plessis plays a wristy shot there. The ball travels through square leg for a boundary. Good shot by the South Africa skipper. |
| 38.1 : 38.1: J Anderson to Bavuma, FOUR! Starts off by conceding a boundary! It was a good length ball on off. Bavuma rocked to his back foot and punched it though the cover-point for a boundary. Not the start Anderson wanted. |
| 40.4 : 40.4: J Anderson to Bavuma, OUT! Bavuma has been bowled! Anderson gets his man with a superb delivery! The ball was slightly full just outside off. Bavuma looked to leave it but the ball seamed in and took the top of his off stump. This is exactly England were looking for. They kept bowling at this line and have been rewarded with this crucial wicket. Bavuma was fighting hard and will be very disappointed by what has happened. |
| 40.6 : 40.6: J Anderson to Plessis, OUT! Bowled! Two in the over! Well, he left the ball at the Oval and was bowled. Today, he has played at one and got bowled again! |
| 43.6: M Ali to Bruyn, FOUR! Loopy ball on off, de Bruyn plays a superb reverse sweep and gets it past backward point for the boundary. That was struck really well by de Bruyn who has just come in. |
| 48.2 : 48.2: J Anderson to de Bruyn, FOUR! Nicely done. Fullish on middle and off, de Bruyn flicks it wide of mid on and gets a boundary! |
| 48.3 : 48.3: J Anderson to Bruyn, OUT! Edged and gone next ball! Anderson is on fire. 5.3-2-12-3 in this spell so far. It was a full length ball outside off and de Bruyn looked to push it off his front foot towards covers. The ball took an outside edge and flew into the arms of Joe Root at second slip. Anderson is taking down South Africa one batsman at a time. The visitors still trail by 216 runs! |
| 54.2 : 54.2: T Roland-Jones to de Kock, FOUR! Short ball on middle and de Kock pulls it away comfortably for the boundary. It travels fast and through square leg. No chance to stop this one. |
| 55.3 : 55.3: M Ali to Maharaj, SIX! What a shot! Loopy ball on middle and Maharaj charges down and gets to the pitch of the ball. He powers it over wide long on the for the first of the innings. God aggression shown by the batsman there. |
| 55.4 : 55.4: M Ali to Maharaj, FOUR! FOUR! Loopy ball outside off and Maharaj cuts it past backward point for the boundary. |
| 55.6 : 55.6: Ali to Maharaj, OUT! LBW! Ali gets his man! He has the last laugh after getting struck for a six and four in this over. Maharaj looked like he had stepped on the gear but does not last long. This was slightly quicker and skidding into the batsman. Maharaj played all over it as he looked to flick but misses. The ball struck him right in front of the stumps and the umpire took no time in taking the decision. Maharaj asked his partner about the review but it was plumb. He has to walk back now |
| 56.6: T Roland-Jones to Kock, EDGED, FOUR! Some luck for de Kock. He pushes at this length ball away from his body, trying to force this through point but gets a thick outside edge through the vacant area between second slip and gully to the third man fence! |
| 58.4 : 58.4: T Roland-Jones to K Rabada, FOUR! A bit fortuitous. It is a length ball outside off and Rabada slightly goes hard at his push. The ball takes the outside edge but escapes through the gap between the slips and gully to the third man fence. |
| 58.5 : 58.5: T Roland-Jones to Rabada, FOUR! More confident shot. On middle and leg, Rabada chips this uppishly over the man at short mid-wicket and gets consecutive boundaries. The stand moves to 13 now. |
| 61.3 : 61.3: M Ali to Kock, FOUR! Finally gets one away in his area of liking. Short and outside off, de Kock goes back and cuts it through point. There is a sweeper cover in place but he cannot cut it off. Puts in a desperate dive to his right but in vain. The stand moves to 21 now. |
| 62.1 : 62.1: S Broad to Kock, OUT! Broad strikes and de Kock's struggle ends. Broad gets this to jag away off the seam from around off, de Kock pushes at it and gets a healthy outside edge behind. England lost a wicket late yesterday and today they have given back the honours. Guess de Kock could have stepped on the gas at some point. 24 from 66 is not what he himself would have had in his mind. Having said that, England had stifled him to no extent. |
| 64.5 : 64.5: S Broad to K Rabada, FOUR! Streaky! A length ball wide outside off, Rabada throws his bat at it and ends up slicing it over gully to third man! The deficit is now 168. |
| 65.3 : 65.3: M Ali to Morkel, FOUR! Just over! Morkel is not going to die wondering how to play the off spinner. Gets a tossed up ball and he does not care there are 21 balls left for the day. Swings it over mid on and just clears Broad over there. |
| 65.4 : 65.4: Ali to Morkel, FOUR! Nice hit. Tossed up outside off, Morkel swings it cleanly through the line and almost clears the fence at long off. The ball lands just in front. |
| 66.2 : 66.2: S Broad to M Morkel, FOUR! 'Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!' screams Broad in agony and frustration. He pitches this up to the batsman and invites the drive. Morkel obliges and gets an outside edge, but it is wide of Joe Root at second slip to the third man fence! |
| 66.6 : 66.6: S Broad to Rabada, FOUR! MARVELLOUS! Half volley outside off, Rabada leans and drives this through extra cover and gets a boundary! The stand moves to 23 from 29 balls. |
| 67.6: Malan to Rabada, FOUR! PLUNDERED! Full and around off, Rabada blasts it straight back over the bowler for a boundary! Some shots being played, eh! This stand is worth 30 from 35 balls now. Rabada moves to 23 from 27 balls and that is his 5th boundary. |
| 68.3 : 68.3: S Broad to K Rabada, OUT! Stokes plucks a stunner! What a way to end the day. Broad eventually gets a reward for persisting with his fuller length. Rabada is sucked into the drive and gets a thick outside edge. It seems like the ball will fly through the gap but Ben Stokes at gully throws himself to his left and takes it one-handed, just above the surface. The umpires check for the legality of the catch but replays confirm it is fine. Stokes gets up in style and indicates four to the dress |
| 69.6 : 69.6: J Anderson to Olivier, FOUR! Great effort from Stokes. A length ball outside off, Olivier plays that with soft hands and gets it off the outer half of the bat wide of gully. Stokes and Moeen chase it in pairs from the slip cordon and the former gets to the ball, slides and pulls it back in. However, unluckily for him, the ball rolls back into the ropes! The deficit is now 137. |
| 72.1 : 72.1: Broad to D Olivier, OUT! Broad ends South Africa's inning early in the day! Just what England would have planned when they came onto the field. He bowls this one very short around off and hurries Olivier into the pull shot. The ball takes a thick edge and flies high in the air behind the keeper. Both Bairstow and Cook are interested as they converge under it. However, Cook avoids the mishap and his experience shows as he leaves the catch to his keeper. Good decision by the former skipper a |
| 2.3 : 2.3: M Morkel to Cook, FOUR! Full length ball on middle. Cook stays back and flicks it through mid-wicket. The ball races away through the vacant region for a boundary. |
| 2.6 : 2.6: M Morkel to A Cook, FOUR! An outside edge flies past the fielder at gully and races away to the boundary at third man. The was slightly full and Cook looked to defend but got the edge. Luckily it went through the gap between slip and gully there. |
| 6.1 : 6.1: M Morkel to A Cook, OUT! Edged and gone! Surprise surprise as Cook is the batsman that departs! This is unexpected as Jennings was the batsman who looked uncomfortable while Cook was playing rather freely. However anything can happen in cricket and that is exactly what happens. Coming back to the ball, it was on a length outside off and Cook went to drive at it. He got a thick outside edge and Theunis de Bruyn at gully completes the catch. Morkel gets the first wicket of the third innings a |
| 6.6 : 6.6: M Morkel to Westley, FOUR! Westley gets off the mark with a boundary. Outside off, Westley drives it through the square on the off side for a beautiful boundary. |
| 7.4 : 7.4: K Rabada to Jennings, FOUR! Full length ball on middle and leg. Jennings flicked it nicely through mid-wicket for a boundary. He looked uncomfortable at first but is slowly getting better as he spends more time in middle. |
| 10.5 : 10.5: M Morkel to Westley, FOUR! Superb shot off the back foot! That was a back of a length and Westley rocked back to punch it through the covers. The ball raced away off the middle of the bat towards the boundary. |
| 10.6 : 10.6: M Morkel to Tom Westley, OUT! Morkel gets another as Westley departs! That was a length ball around off and Westley looked to play an on drive. However he got an outside edge which flew towards gully who took a rather straightforward catch. Great comeback from Morkel after conceding a boundary just before this. England have lost two early wickets. Aiden Markram the substitute fielder will be happy with his contribution. |
| 13.6: K Maharaj to Jennings, FOUR! There comes the reverse sweep now. Jennings played this very shot very well in Mumbai against India against the spinners. Maharaj fires this on the stumps but Jennings reverse sweeps this past short third man for a boundary. De Bruyn gives it a chase and gets to the ball with a slide but is unable to pull it back. |
| 15.2 : 15.2: K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! That is a powerful shot. Full and on middle and leg, Root gets down and powerfully sweeps it through square leg for a boundary! |
| 18.2: D Olivier to Jennings, FOUR! Jennings is somehow getting his runs. He has looked rather uncomfortable throughout the inning but still gets the boundary. The ball was full and on off as Jennings drove it off his front foot uppishly past short cover for the boundary. That raced away to the ropes giving the fielders no chance. |
| 24.2: K Rabada to K Jennings, OUT! Jennings departs after struggling for 63 balls! It was a back of a length ball wide outside off which he tries to push through the line. The ball takes an outside edge and flies into the grateful hands of Amla at first slip. Jennings was cramped for room and the ball bounced steeply on this occasion which led to his downfall. Faf du Plessis goes and gives him a hug for taking the catch. South Africa strike immediately after the break. |
| 27.6 : 27.6: K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! Bad delivery there from Maharaj. He bowls a low full toss which Root dispatches. He sweeps it hard through square leg for the boundary. Root will be happy if Maharaj bowls more of these. |
| 29.3 : 29.3: K Maharaj to Malan, OUT! Maharaj strikes and Malan has to walk. It was a loopy ball outside on which Malan looked to defend off his front foot as he danced down the track. The ball landed on the rough, took the inside edge of his bat, brushed off his pads and flew in the air. Theunis de Bruyn kept his eyes on the ball and took the catch comfortably. South Africa are getting back in the game as England lose their fourth. The lead is now effectively 208-4. |
| 30.4 : 30.4: K Rabada to Joe Root, FOUR! That is short and outside off, Root latches onto it and cuts it behind point for a boundary. That raced away. |
| 31.5 : 31.5: K Maharaj to Stokes, FOUR! That is nicely played. Full and around off, Stokes gets down and sweeps it powerfully behind square leg for a boundary. The lead is worth 220 now. Stokes gets off the mark. The stand moves to 12 from 14 balls. |
| 35.5: K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! Root has had enough of this negative bowling line. He gets down and sweeps the floated ball on leg through mid-wicket for a boundary. That was travelling fast and gave no chance to the fielders. |
| 38.4 : 38.4: M Morkel to Root, FOUR! Bad ball, full and down the leg side, Root clips it to the fine leg fence. |
| 39.2 : 39.2: K Maharaj to Root, FOUR! This line is certainly not helping the Proteas. Another one outside leg, Root plays one more sweep, only this is more of a paddle. Gets it to the fine leg fence. THE LEAD CROSSES 250. |
| 40.6 : 40.6: M Morkel to Stokes, FOUR! That has been hit with some swagger. Stokes advances down the track and then flicks this length ball nonchalantly behind square leg. There is a fielder in the deep but he is at mid-wicket. No chance of stopping that. Stokes moves to 10 with his second boundary. |
| 41.5 : 41.5: K Maharaj to Stokes, FOUR! Fine shot. Full and outside off, Stokes brings out his reverse sweep and gets it behind point for a boundary! The lead is worth 261 now. |
| 41.6 : 41.6: K Maharaj to Stokes, FOUR! PUMMELED! Danger signs for South Africa with Stokes in his mood. He dances down the track and clubs this length ball over widish mid on for a boundary. |
| 42.5 : 42.5: Olivier to Joe Root, OUT! Dragged on! South Africa manage to hold on to the game. Massive wicket. The English skipper is gone one short of a fifty. Low bounce does Root in. On a length outside off, Root comes forward and looks to punch it on the up through the covers. But the ball stays low, hits the bottom part of the bat and hits the base of off stump. Contrasting emotions. Olivier is pumped up and runs towards his keeper while Root is a bit disappointed. ENGLAND ARE EFFECTIVELY 265/5. |
| 48.1 : 48.1: D Olivier to Ben Stokes, FOUR! In the air but through the gap! That was slightly fuller and Stokes looked to defend it watchfully. However, the ball finds an outside edge and flied past the gap between slip and gully. The ball races away to the boundary as England get their first runs after 29 balls. |
| 48.3 : 48.3: D Olivier to Ben Stokes, OUT! Olivier gets another! He is really proving to be the man with a golden arm this innings after getting both set batsmen out. First Root and now Stokes. This was a good length ball angling away as Stokes looked for a front foot drive. The ball went off the outside edge and flew straight into the hands of Faf du Plessis at first slip. England lose their 6th wicket now! |
| 48.4 : 48.4: D Olivier to Ali, FOUR! ALMOST ANOTHER! On a length outside off, Moeen looks to push at that but the ball comes in, takes the inside edge and goes past the off stump to the fine leg fence! |
| 50.6 : 50.6: D Olivier to Bairstow, FOUR! Bairstow gets off the mark on the 25th delivery with a superb drive through covers. It was a full length ball outside off and Bairstow gets on his front foot to play a superb drive. That raced away towards the ropes in no time. |
| 52.4 : 52.4: D Olivier to Bairstow, FOUR! Shot! Superbly whacked through mid-wicket there. That was slightly on the shorter side and Bairstow got back to power it with a controlled pull past Amla at short mid-wicket. The ball raced away to the boundary. |
| 52.6 : 52.6: D Olivier to Bairstow, OUT! Olivier gets yet another and it is the dangerman Bairstow! He has been the highest scorer of this match so far thanks to his 99 in the first innings. The wicket-keeper batsman looked in good touch as he hit a boundary before this but it does not work out for him this time. It was a shortish ball in middle and leg and Bairstow looked to pull it over fine leg looking for a maximum. However, Rabada in the deep does really well to cover some ground and even over ran |
| 53.3 : 53.3: K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! That is a cracking shot. Fractionally short outside off, Moeen rocks back and punches it off the covers. Amla gives it a chase but the ball wins the race down the slope. |
| 54.3: D Olivier to Roland-Jones, FOUR! Ohh lovely shot. Slightly full outside off, Roland-Jones reaches out and drives it through the covers for a boundary! |
| 56.5 : 56.5: D Olivier to T Roland-Jones, FOUR! Plays a pull shot this time. That was shortish and asking to be hit. Roland-Jones obliged with a powerful shot through mid-wicket for the boundary. |
| 57.1 : 57.1: K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! Swept away effortlessly by Ali! Ali played in on the full from off through fine leg and the ball raced away towards the boundary. |
| 57.2 : 57.2: K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! Another boundary as Ali plays one more sweep shot. Ali is looking aggressive as he looks to add some quick runs. |
| 59.3 : 59.3: K Maharaj to Ali, MISFIELD! FOUR! Elgar is not enjoying his stay at first slip. Full and outside off, Moeen reverse sweeps but it goes straight to Dean Elgar at first slip. However, he exhibits a Sydney Harbour Bridge and the ball races through the tunnel to the third man fence! The stand is worth 30 from 39 balls. |
| 61.1 : 61.1: K Maharaj to Ali, FOUR! PRISTINE! Full and wide outside off, Moeen leans and lofts it over cover for a boundary! Moeen moves to 33 from 38 balls with his 5th boundary! |
| 61.3 : 61.3: K Maharaj to Ali, SIX! That is a terrific shot! Full and outside off, Moeen waltzes down the track and swings this miles over mid-wicket! The lead moves to 330 and this stand is worth 41 from 51 balls! |
| 62.5 : 62.5: K Rabada to Ali, FOUR! Fine shot. Just a tad short, around middle, Moeen swivels and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary! Moves to 43 from 47 balls with his 7th boundary! |
| 63.1 : 63.1: K Maharaj to Ali, SIX! Caught by Jonny Bairstow in the dressing room! Moeen is making Old Trafford dance to his tunes. What a knock this has been. A game-changing one. Flighted outside off, Moeen comes down the track and sends it wayyyyy over long on, right into the English balcony where Bairstow takes it with ease! The crowd cheers... England are on a roll here. The lead moves to 342. |
| 64.5 : 64.5: K Rabada to Roland-Jones, OUT! Roland-Jones departs. Not the wicket South Africa would have wanted but they will take it. A short ball outside off, Roland-Jones goes for the hook but the delivery climbs onto him. The ball goes of the top edge. Keshav Maharaj runs back. keeps his eyes on the ball and dives to take the catch. ENGLAND ARE EFFECTIVELY 347/8! |
| 65.1 : 65.1: K Maharaj to Ali, SIX! Terrific shot! Full and outside off, Moeen comes down the track and sends it sailing over deep mid-wicket! |
| 66.1: K Rabada to Ali, FOUR! SLAM! Full on middle, Moeen slaps it straight back down the ground. Rabada puts out his right hand but the ball races to the fence. |
| 66.3 : 66.3: K Rabada to S Broad, FOUR! Straightaway Broad opens the face of his bat and pierces the gap through covers. The ideal start for the home side. It was fullish length ball outside off and Broad played it off the middle of his bat. |
| 67.4 : 67.4: M Morkel to Broad, OUT! Broad's stay in the middle doesn't last long as Morne Morkel gets his man in his first over of the day. It was a full length ball around off which Broad looked to drive straight down the ground. However, he could not time it well enough and ball sliced off the outside half of his bat towards De Bruyn at point. |
| 68.5 : 68.5: K Rabada to Ali, FOUR! Super shot from Ali who is continuing from where he left off yesterday. This was a full length ball on middle, angling across and Ali promptly flicked it away. The ball raced away through mid-wicket for the boundary. |
| 69.1 : 69.1: M Morkel to Anderson, OUT! Morkel gets his fourth of the innings and also the last English wicket of the series. It was a shortish ball on middle and leg. Anderson got on his toes and tried to defend it but was caught in an awkward position and ended up playing it towards de Bruyn at short leg. The fielder caught it but fumbled, he made sure though that he didn't let it slip by taking his hands close to his chest. SOUTH AFRICA HAVE BEEN SET A TARGET OF 380! |
| 0.4 : 0.4: J Anderson to H Kuhn, FOUR! Edged! Another away swinger and this time it gets the edge. Kuhn looked to play it to the on side but could not connect the way he wanted to. The ball flew between third slip and gully to race away for the boundary. |
| 2.2 : 2.2: J Anderson to Elgar, FOUR! Top shot! Straight as an arrow! That was full on off and a gentle push was enough along with the precise timing to take the ball down the ground. Moeen Ali gave the chase from mid on but could not get there in time. |
| 3.4 : 3.4: S Broad to Elgar, OUT! Gone! Stuart Broad is fired up as South Africa lose their first wicket. It was an unplayable delivery! The ball pitched in middle and swung slightly away as Elgar looked to defend. It took a faint edge and went behind into the gloves of Bairstow. England are delighted with this start as Elgar walks off shaking his head. |
| 10.1 : 10.1: J Anderson to Kuhn, OUT! Hint of away movement and it is enough to induce the edge. Heino Kuhn went to push at but could not get enough of his bat behind it. The ball went off the outside edge into the grateful arms of Cook at first slip. Not a very happy tour for Heino Kuhn as he fails yet again. |
| 14.2 : 14.2: T Roland-Jones to T Bavuma, FOUR! Full and outside off. Bavuma goes for a drive but ends up squirting it past gully. The ball races away to the boundary ropes for a welcome boundary. Not a good start by Roland-Jones. |
| 17.6 : 17.6: M Ali to Amla, FOUR! Amla uses his feet well on this instance. It was floated on middle and Amla shuffled across before clipping it through mid-wicket for the boundary. He plays this shot really well. |
| 18.6: Roland-Jones to Bavuma, OUT! It's given! It was a very very faint edge there but the 3rd umpire was convinced thanks to the snicko showing a slight edge. Questionable call as the ball seemed to miss the edge however snicko showed a small edge which was enough for the umpire to reverse the decision. The ball was on a good length, shaping slightly away and Bavuma looked to defend. He missed it as Bairstow behind took the catch and jumped with joy. All the slip fielders were also interested b |
| 25.4 : 25.4: M Ali to Amla, FOUR! Amla reverse sweeps this away for the boundary at third man. Stokes at slip did really well to anticipate the shot but he overran and missed the ball as it raced away to the ropes. Good shot by Amla on this occasion. |
| 26.2 : 26.2: T Roland-Jones to Amla, FOUR! In the air but in the gap! That goes uppishly through the cover-point region for the boundary. It was a fullish ball on off as Amla went for the drive. The ball goes off the outside edge of his bat and races away. Finally some runs for South Africa! |
| 26.5 : 26.5: T Roland-Jones to Amla, FOUR! Super shot! That's an Amla special! It was a full length ball on off and he timed his cover drive to perfection. He got to the pitch of the ball and creamed it through covers off the middle of the bat. The ball raced away for a well-deserved boundary. |
| 26.6 : 26.6: T Roland-Jones to Amla, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Amla. This time he drives it through the mid off region for the boundary. It was a full length ball and asking to be hit. With that South Africa get 20 percent of their score through this over. |
| 27.4 : 27.4: M Ali to Amla, FOUR! Reverse sweep this time by Amla and he gets the desired result. That was loopy and around off. Amla did really well to get some bat on the shot as the ball raced away to the third man boundary. |
| 28.6 : 28.6: T Roland-Jones to Plessis, FOUR! Good length ball outside off and du Plessis plays a good square-cut to get the boundary. That was timed to perfection from the South African batsman as he gives the perfect response to getting hit on the ribs. |
| 30.5 : 30.5: T Roland-Jones to Amla, FOUR! That was another full length ball on off and Amla drove it through the covers for another boundary. That is his seventh boundary of the inning as he starts to look more and more confident. |
| 32.6 : 32.6: S Broad to Plessis, FOUR! Top shot from du Plessis and that should surely give him confidence. It was full length ball on middle. Du Plessis got behind it and drove straight past the bowler and through mid on for the boundary. Both these batsmen are looking comfortable now. |
| 33.1 : 33.1: Ben Stokes to Amla, FOUR! On the pads this time and it has been worked fine down the leg side for the boundary. Not the best of starts. |
| 33.3 : 33.3: Ben Stokes to Amla, FOUR! Another boundary for Amla as he gets to his 35th Test Fifty. It was a short delivery and he pulled it past fine leg to get the boundary. With that, South Africa cross the 100-run mark. |
| 34.2 : 34.2: S Broad to Plessis, FOUR! Top shot from du Plessis. That was full and on the pads and all du Plessis flicked it superbly through fine leg off his back foot for the boundary. |
| 40.5 : 40.5: S Broad to Plessis, FOUR! Fabulous shot. The last ball he could not get it away but this time he does. Full and wide outside off, du Plessis reaches out to this one and drives it through the covers for a boundary! |
| 41.6 : 41.6: Ben Stokes to Amla, FOUR! Guess that was bowled purposely. Amla was dismissed in a similar fashion down the leg side in the first innings. But this is far too wide outside leg and Amla flicks it to the fine leg fence. The stand moves to 82 now and South Africa need 258 more to win. |
| 43.2 : 43.2: Ben Stokes to Amla, FOUR! A good shot. Not as much venom in this pitch as it was earlier. So if you are going to bang it in, make sure you bang it very short. Else it will sit up for the batsman to play a shot he wishes. Amla punches this through the covers and gets a boundary. Moves to 63 with his 11th boundary. |
| 43.6 : 43.6: Ben Stokes to Amla, FOUR! Short and outside off, not that bad a ball as the previous boundary, but this time Amla gets on top of the bounce, leaps and punches it through the covers for another boundary. The stand moves to 92 now and the Proteas need another 248 to win. |
| 46.1 : 46.1: M Ali to Amla, FOUR! There comes the century stand. A good fight shown after the early hiccups. Landed outside off, Amla goes back and punches it behind point. There is a fielder in the deep but he is far too fine and Amla gets a boundary. 237 more needed to win now. |
| 47.5 : 47.5: Joe Root to Plessis, FOUR! Smacked back down the ground! It was loopy and full on off. Du Plessis drove it past mid off for the boundary. Superb shot from the skipper against his counterpart. |
| 48.1 : 48.1: M Ali to Amla, SIX! Amla dances down the track and smacks this straight over the bowlers head. That sails all the way over the ropes for the first six of this innings. Superb shot from Amla! |
| 49.3 : 49.3: T Roland-Jones to Plessis, FOUR! Could have been a caught and bowled! That was full on off and du Plessis played it uppishly past the bowler. Roland-Jones got his hands towards it but failed to get anything on the ball. The ball raced away to the boundary ropes at long off. |
| 50.2 : 50.2: Ali to Amla, OUT! Ali gets Amla! The review has proved to be a good one. It was pitching outside off but spinning sharply in. Struck him in line and was going on to hit the leg stump. Replays showed a small spike as the ball went past the bat but it was not enough to convince the umpire there was an edge. Amla missed his flick and this time he paid the penalty. The 123-run stand has come to an end along with what could be Amla's last knock in England. |
| 52.1 : 52.1: M Ali to Plessis, FOUR! Beautiful shot. Full and outside off, du Plessis gets across and whips this wide of mid on. Joe Root gets across to his right, dives, but the ball goes through. A fighting knock from the skipper. 208 more to win now... |
| 52.4 : 52.4: M Ali to de Kock, OUT! Edged and gone! De Kock goes cheaply. Full and outside off, de Kock looks to drive but the ball spins away slightly and goes off the outside edge. Alastair Cook at second slip does the formalities. Forgetful Test for de Kock. Or even series. |
| 52.6 : 52.6: M Ali to de Bruyn, OUT! Second wicket in the over! This game has changed big time. Landed outside off, de Bruyn stays back to defend. Not quite sure whether the ball spun or went away off the drift but somehow, it took the edged. It was a low one to Ben Stokes at first slip and he makes no mistake. England 4 wickets away from a series win. |
| 53.2 : 53.2: T Roland-Jones to Plessis, FOUR! Charges down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball to smack it past the fielder at mid on. The ball races away to the boundary as Faf seems to step on the gas now. |
| 57.1 : 57.1: J Anderson to Plessis, OUT! Got 'em! Du Plessis is not pleased at all by himself. He had worked so hard up until this point but falls cheaply. It was a good length ball wide outside off and du Plessis went to cut it hard through point. The ball took a faint edge and went straight behind into the gloves of Bairstow. England are just three wickets from a well-deserved victory now. Jimmy Anderson gets his second of the inning now. |
| 59.1: J Anderson to Maharaj, FOUR! Short and outside off, Maharaj punches it behind point. The fielder gets a hand to it and deflects it behind. There is a fielder in the deep but the ball wins the race. |
| 60.4 : 60.4: Ali to Maharaj, FOUR! That is a fine shot. Full and outside off, Maharaj comes down the track and blasts this down the ground. Mid off barely moved and mid on had to go to long off to fetch the ball. |
| 61.6 : 61.6: Anderson to Rabada, OUT! Caught! Number 8 goes! Full and outside off, a touch wider, Rabada drove it uppishly. He could not get enough elevation but what a catch from Tom Westley at short cover. He leapt full stretch and took a wonderful catch. The end is nigh... |
| 62.2 : 62.2: M Ali to Maharaj, SIX! Some runs in the kitty for Maharaj. It was a tossed up delivery outside off, Maharaj came down the track and sent it sailing over long on. There was a fielder in the deep but only as a spectator. |
| 62.4 : 62.4: M Ali to Morkel, OUT! Morkel's stay in the middle has come to an end as Ali picks his fourth wicket. It was a loopy ball outside off and Morkel cleared his front leg to try and smack this over the bowlers head. He did not get the direction that he wanted as the ball flew towards mid off. Joe Root back-tracked and kept his eye on the ball, taking a good jumping catch. England are a wicket away from a win now! |
| 62.5 : 62.5: M Ali to D Olivier, OUT! Ali cleans the last man straightaway to clinch the victory and series for England! How apt as he has been the star performer for the team in this series and he picks up another 5-fer. It was a loopy ball on off and Olivier tried to prod at it off his front foot. The ball took an outside edge and flew to Stokes at first slip who took a regulation catch. THE HOSTS WIN THE SERIES 3-1! |
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