Flags at half-mast at Manchester soccer and cricket arenas in memory of Elizabeth II
England resume Day 4 with a lead of 36 runs after reaching 154 for seven as wickets tumbled on Day 3 with seamer Ollie Robinson taking five for 49 to skittle South Africa out for 118 at The Oval.
England started fast after Day 1 was washed out due to rain, while there was no play on Day 2 in respect for Queen Elizabeth II. But the ECB opted to carry on, unlike other sports, on Saturday with a thrilling series finally set to reach its conclusion after the Proteas won the first Test, only for Brendon McCullum’s side to respond superbly and level the series with victory in the second Test.
After winning the toss and bowling South Africa out cheaply, England also struggled with the bat and had only a narrow advantage at the close. Ben Foakes was not out on 11 and Robinson was on three when the umpires brought play to a halt due to bad light with left-arm paceman Marco Jansen almost matched Robinson with the ball, taking four wickets for 34 runs. Follow all the action on day four of the third Test below:
South Africa 45/0 (11.0), Elgar 25, Erwee 19
Erwee sends Broad to the boundary, South Africa lead by five runs.
England bowling a little short and need a change of plan here.
Anderson back on, will Stokes bowl soon? Breakthrough needed to set up a manageable chase.
Elgar caught off guard there, it’s spat up from the wicket and pinged to fourth slip.
Jack Rathborn11 September 2022 12:24
South Africa 32/0 (8.0), Elgar 16, Erwee 15
Stuart Broad now on for England, who search for a breakthrough, as the lead is about to vanish.
Still up by eight runs, the Proteas have started superbly.
Elgar is digging in, very gritty and the pressure could switch to England if he continues.
Jack Rathborn11 September 2022 12:06
South Africa 15/0 (6.0), Elgar 10, Erwee 5
Dropped? Length ball and nudged to Anderson, it’s grabbed on the bounce.
A few moans from the Oval crowd.
Jack Rathborn11 September 2022 11:57
South Africa 15/0 (5.0), Elgar 10, Erwee 5
Robinson thinks he’s got a catch here, Erwee nicks it to fifth slip!
The crowd aren’t sure, but go up with a crackle around the Oval.
The soft signal from Nitin Menon is not out, Chris Gaffaney could overrule but the replay shows a little brush of the turf before Anderson snaffled it.
Jack Rathborn11 September 2022 11:46
WICKET! Foakes 14 (35) c. Petersen b. Jansen, England 158 (36.2)
Foakes flicks to third slip, Jansen with a beauty, England all out for 158, a lead of 40 runs.
A big applause from the Oval crowd as the players come off the pitch, Jansen has his five-for.
Jack Rathborn11 September 2022 11:20
WICKET! Leach 0 (3) b. Rabada, England 158/9 (35.4)
Leach chops on, Rabada making light work early this morning at the Oval. England nine down…
Jack Rathborn11 September 2022 11:11
England 156-8 (35.0), Leach 0, Foakes 13
Marco Jansen brings the fire from the Pavilion End.
Jack Leach starts at the non-striker’s end, Foakes fends off three balls before a single, then Leach negotiates a couple without fuss.
Jack Rathborn11 September 2022 11:08
WICKET! Robinson 3 (3) c. Elgar b. Rabada, England 155/8 (33.6)
Foakes tickles Rabada away for a single, but South Africa start superbly with the next ball.
Robinson, gone! It’s chipped up to cover and caught by Elgar, that’s a poor way to lose your wicket, especially so soon.
Jack Rathborn11 September 2022 11:04