| 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 |
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