South Africa vs England, RECAP: Rory Burns leads resurgence with impressive half-century as Joe Root's side chase intimidating target of 376

  • Sorry England bowled out for 181 in pursuit of South Africa's 284 in Centurion 
  • Vernon Philander takes four wickets as England collapses from decent position
  • Kagiso Rabada pitched in with three wickets as tourists struggled with pitch
  • England take four wickets as they bid to restrict the South African lead 

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England were bundled out for 181 by South Africa as they lost control of a Boxing Day Test which accelerated wildly towards a conclusion with 15 wickets on day two.

Responding to the Proteas' 284 all out, the tourists found themselves comprehensively outmatched by the inspired seam duo of Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander as they conceded a 103-run deficit.

On a Centurion pitch that has strongly favoured the bowlers, and which shows no signs of settling down, that could well prove a decisive margin but England pacemen did their best to fight fire with fire.

Stuart Broad and James Anderson both struck early before Jofra Archer picked up two, leaving South Africa 175 ahead on 72 for four at stumps. Archer was involved in late drama, risking removal from the attack with two high full-tosses at nightwatchman Anrich Nortje - only being spared when square-leg umpire Paul Reiffel saw his no-ball signal from square-leg over-ruled by Chris Gaffaney. 

Join Sportsmail's JONATHAN SPENCER for full live commentary of the third day from 7.30am on Saturday morning.

  • Jonathan Spencer

    Host commentator

And that's a wrap!

And that's all from us today, folks!

We will be back at the same time tomorrow morning as England look to continue their resurgence. They still require another 255 runs with nine wickets remaining. They couldn't, could they?

In the meantime, PAUL NEWMAN's report from Centurion will be on our home page shortly


Maharaj bowls what should be the last over of the day. Burns, who has showed real resilience and positivity throughout, is the man to see it out.

He comfortably sees off the first three deliveries before getting a thick outside edge on the next delivery. He is nearly caught at slip but the ball bounces just short and races away to the boundary - he picks up three runs.

Denly then fends off the final ball of the day. That is it. England close on 121-1 on day three. 

England need another 255 runs to win. They still have plenty to do but have given themselves some hope...

40 overs: England 118-1 (Burns 74*, Denly 10)

Denly is just trying to see out the remainder of today's play and he is showing no signs of weakness at the moment. The pitch isn't doing too much for the hosts right now.

Denly fends off the first five balls before Denly drags away to the boundary for four off a wide delivery. Good end to the over.

Neither Denly or Burns are in a hurry here...

39 overs: England 114-1 (Burns 74, Denly 6*)

Burns, currently leading England's resurgence, drives through cover for two off Maharaj. 

The South African spinner responds with two dot balls before Burns looks to go on the attack again. Maharaj pitches it wide and Burns tries to drag down but fails to make clean contact.

Burns then tries to sweep Maharaj but again can't make the desired contact. And he blocks the final delivery of the over.

England quietly going about their business right now. 

38 overs: England 112-1 (Burns 72*, Denly 6)

Burns continues to look steady and rotates the strike immediately, flicking an easy single off Pretorius into the leg side.

Denly - looking to hold out until the close of play on day three - comfortably fends off the rest of the over.

37 overs: England 111-1 (Burns 71*, Denly 6)

Philander continues to Denly and after two dot balls first up, the England batsman picks up two after flicking past square leg. 

Philander returns with two dots before going up for the lbw appeal in the last delivery. However, it's clearly going way over the top of the stumps.

Pretty comfortable for England at the moment. 

36 overs: England 109-1 (Burns 71, Denly 4*)

Burns capitalises on a short Maharaj delivery, pulling away with ease to the boundary for four. 

Just moments after moving into the 70s, he goes on the attack but gets it all wrong as Maharaj gets the better of him. He then navigates the remainder of the over.

So far, and I say so far, this has been a very decent start by England with the bat. Can they hold their nerve? 

35 overs: England 105-1 (Burns 67*, Denly 4)

Burns continues to tick along and flicks another one off his pads. Denly then immediately picks up two by steering down to third man - he thinks about a third but they decide against.

Denly, who recorded a half-century in the first innings, successfully negotiates the final three balls of the over.

34 overs: England 102-1 (Burns 66*, Denly 2)

After getting an outside edge onto Maharaj's first delivery, Burns then rotates the strike as he drops deep in the crease and pulls forcefully out to deep mid wicket.

Denly then stays firm in defence to see out another over for England. 

33 overs: England 101-1 (Burns 65*, Denly 2)

14 overs remaining today. Burns faces Philander and comfortably sees off the first two deliveries of the over.

He then swings wildly at a wide Philander delivery but fails to make contact and the ball sails through to De Kock. 

With the final ball of the over, Burns flicks through mid wicket for a single to keep the strike. England 101-1.

32 overs: 100-1 (Burns 64*, Denly 2)

Maharaj continues to Denly and the pressure is starting to build on England. 

It's another maiden for the South African spinner. Denly is just easing his way into the innings.

Sibley's dismissal...
31 overs: England 100-1 (Burns 64, Denly 2*)

Philander replaces Rabada in South Africa's attack and immediately goes up for the lbw appeal against Denly. However, the umpire doesn't budge and replays show it's going way over the stumps.

Denly holds his nerve and follows up with two solid blocks on the front foot before flicking straight to mid wicket.

He then manages to rotate the strike by tickling a single down fine leg. 100 up for England - target now 276.

Burns faces the last ball remaining in the over and it's a jaffa from Philander. The line beats the opener all ends up.

30 overs: England 99-1 (Burns 64, Denly 1*)

Maharaj, full of confidence now, continues. He starts off with a dot ball to Denly before the England batsman gets off the mark with a drive through cover for one.

Burns then blocks on his back foot before Maharaj bowls a beauty. He catches it in the perfect area, spinning back in before beating the opener all ends up.

Burns just about survives. That will be in his mind now...

29 overs: England 98-1 (Burns 64, Denly 0*)

Rabada now goes in search for another breakthrough. But Burns has ideas of his own and smashes sweetly to the cover boundary for four!

With the final delivery of the over, Burns picks up another two after squeezing past point.

WICKET: Sibley 29, c & b Maharaj (England 92-1)

Burns rotates the strike, pushing through mid on for a single off Maharaj. Sibley then tries to punch through mid wicket but picks out the fielder.

Then a much better line follows from Maharaj as Sibley gets an outside edge onto the ball. And a few balls later, Sibley GOES!

What a soft dismissal that is. Sibley tries to punch it straight up the ground and inadvertently lofts it straight into the hands of Maharaj, who just couldn't drop it.

Huge breakthrough for South Africa!

27 overs:England 91-0 (57*, Sibley 29)

After keeping the strike for the first four deliveries of Rabada's eighth over, Burns punches a single away.

Sibley faces the final ball of the over and he punishes Rabada, flicking past gully for four. 

England continuing to frustrate the hosts in Centurion. This is their biggest first-wicket partnership this year...

26 overs: England 86-0 (Burns 56*, Sibley 25)

Maharaj is tucked away for four as Sibley beautifully knocks it away leg side to the boundary. Just a little too straight from the South African spinner.

He follows up with four dot balls to finish.

Burns celebrates his 50!
25 overs: England 82-0 (Burns 56, Sibley 21*)

Rabada continues and Burns manages to clip him down towards mid on for a couple.

The South African seamer follows up with three dot balls, with the last delivery an absolute beauty - it just about misses Burns' outside edge.

But Burns gets his focus back and sees off the final two balls.

24 overs: England 80-0 (Burns 54*, Sibley 21)

Another relatively comfortable over for Sibley as he fends off Maharaj. It's a maiden but England certainly won't mind that right now.

23 overs: England 80-0 (Burns 54, Sibley 21*)

Then just two balls later, Burns produces an absolutely fine cover drive off Rabada to reduce the chase to less than 300 now.

Rabada produces a peach of a delivery next and Burns swings his bat at it. He should have left that one. A dot ball to finish. England now 80-0.

50 up for Burns!

After a quick drinks break, Rabada resumes the bowling in Centurion. He goes round the wicket to Burns and after the opener leaves the first ball, he punches a wide ball away for his 50!

A massively important start to the innings for Burns. A few scares early on but has shown plenty of fluency and positivity. 

22 overs: England 72-0 (Burns 46*, Sibley 21)

Maharaj comes into the attack as South Africa look for some spin to do the magic. Sibley is the man to face and while it's a maiden over, it's all too comfortable for the England opener.

Hope for England?

PAUL NEWMAN IN CENTURION: I always hesitate to do updates at times like this in case it puts the mockers on England but they are at least showing a semblance of resistance so far in this innings.  

I think we can safely say this is the best Dominic Sibley has looked in Test cricket up to now while Rory Burns has looked at his quirky yet positive and productive best.

A long, long way to go of course but it's a start.

21 overs: England 72-0 (Burns 46*, Sibley 21)

Burns leaves first up from Rabada before flicking off his pads for two down leg side as Philander does well to tidy up on the boundary.

A much better line next up from Rabada, which is equally matched by Burns with a great leave. 

Then trouble for Burns, as Rabada bangs one in short which ends up smashing his glove. He had absolutely no time to react but luckily for Burns, the ball drops safe.

And the England opener responds by flicking off his pads for two runs behind square leg.

20 overs: 68-0 (Burns 42*, Sibley 21)

Pretorius continues and it's one leg bye first up as his opening delivery flicks off the pads of Burns. 

And what a shot that is from Sibley, he drives through mid wicket for four - that is timed so sweetly. Pretorius bounces back with four dot balls but it's excellent batting from the England opener. He is gaining confidence all the time.

19 overs: England 63-0 (Burns 42*, Sibley 17)

Rabada comes back into the attack, replacing Nortje. He records a dot ball first up to Burns, before the opener jabs down for a quick single.

Sibley now faces the challenge of Rabada but solidly blocks off the back foot before flicking off the back foot for four. He is very strong off his pads - will feed off that line all day.

The South African paceman responds with two dot balls. England now 63 without loss.

18 overs: England 58-0 (Burns 41*, Sibley 13)

Sibley looks to punish Pretorius through mid wicket but finds the fielder closing in. He then pushed straight to mid off but still can't rotate the strike. 

After another dot ball, Sibley picks up two runs after flicking through mid wicket. And he comfortably leaves the final two deliveries of the over. 

Going to plan so far for England... but a long long long time go in Centurion!

17 overs: England 56-0 (Burns 41, Sibley 11*)

Nortje decides to pitch it short to Sibley after failing to trouble the batsman with his opening two deliveries. However, the England opener evades well and stays firm.

Nortje then goes for the yorker but Sibley pushes away through mid wicket for a single. 

Burns then tries to punch through cover but picks out the fielder. But this time he gets it away, he clips Nortje away through mid wicket for four. He has been very positive so far in the second innings.

16 overs: England 51-0 (Burns 37*, Sibley 10)

Pretorius continues and he goes relatively close to getting the wicket of Burns. The England opener gets suckered into playing the drive but the ball just misses the outside edge.

But Burns refocuses and comfortably sees off the rest of the over. It's another maiden for the hosts.

15 overs: England 51-0 (Burns 37*, Sibley 10)

South Africa, still in complete control, are looking for some inspiration right now as they search for their first breakthrough.

Burns fends off the first three deliveries before picking up a single as he clips off the pads through backward square leg.

Sibley then negotiates the last two balls of the 15th over.

14 overs: England 50-0 (Burns 36*, Sibley 10)

Pretorius comes into the attack for the first time this innings. He starts off with a dot ball before Burns pulls a single down to the square boundary. That's 50 up for England.

Pretorius responds with four more dots to Sibley.

England staying firm right now. How long will that last though?!

13 overs: England 49-0 (Burns 35*, Sibley 10)

Nortje continues to Burns, who hands the strike straight back to Sibley. The latter stays calm at the crease and then the South African seamer pitches one short, putting the England opener on the back foot.

From the next delivery, Sibley trickles one very fine and it goes for four. A much-needed boundary for him.

12 overs: England 44-0 (Burns 34*, Sibley 6)

Philander continues as South Africa go in search for the breakthrough. And he goes extremely close, narrowly missing Sibley's outside edge.

Sibley then picks up a positive single before Burns does exactly the same. The pair are rotating the strike very smartly at the moment. 

After a dot ball, Sibley seizes his opportunity by punching for a couple through cover. England 44-0 after 12 overs.

11 overs: England 40-0 (Burns 33, Sibley 3*)

After a dot ball to start off with, Burns picks off Nortje with ease - flicking off his pads through mid wicket for four. 

The England opener comfortably defends the next two deliveries before producing exactly the same shot as before to hit another boundary. Very positive stuff from Burns.

A dot ball to finish but it's an expensive over for Nortje.

10 overs: England 32-0 (Burns 25*, Sibley 3)

As soon as I say England's openers haven't looked too troubled, Burns should have been walking back to the pavilion!

Burns finds the thick outside edge off Philander's bowling. It sails straight to Van der Dussen in the slip cordon but he can't take the catch on the dive and it races away for four. Very very very lucky.

Burns then picks up a quick single before Sibley fends off the remainder of the over.

9 overs: England 27-0 (Burns 20*, Sibley 3)

It's a huge task ahead for England's openers but they aren't looking too troubled at the moment.

After Burns saw off Philander's last over, Sibley does exactly the same to Nortje. Two maidens in a row now.

8 overs: England 27-0 (Burns 20, Sibley 3*)

Comfortable stuff from Burns as Philander continues in attack for the hosts in Centurion. He tries trickling one down fine leg from a wayward delivery but it drifts straight through to De Kock.

Philander's last ball is a peach, a great line and length beats Burns' outside edge. It's a maiden over.

7 overs: England 27-0 (Burns 20*, Sibley 3)

Nortje comes into the attack for South Africa. Burns punches his first ball away for a single as he continues to rotate the strike.

Then it's a beauty from Nortje as he beats Sibley all ends up, just evading the outside edge after landing it on the seam. The England opener responds with four very solid blocks. 

6 overs: England 26-0 (Burns 19*, Sibley 3)

And we're back underway in the evening session. Sibley picks up a quick single off the first ball. Burns then goes for the quick run after punching straight back up the ground through mid on. 

Three leaves follow for Sibley before Philander produces a great line off the last ball. It somehow squeezes in between bat and pad and whistles straight through to De Kock.

And that's TEA! England 24-0 (Burns 18*, Sibley 2)

Rabada takes the last over before tea. And Burns picks up another boundary after squeezing an outside edge past third man for four. 

Burns then defends the next ball before flicking square on his back leg for a single. 

Rabada follows up with a brilliant bouncer, which Burns successfully ducks under. And it's two dot balls to finish off with before tea.

4 overs: England 18-0 (Burns 12*, Sibley 2)

Five minutes to go now until tea as Philander continues to Sibley. The England opener fends first off before comfortably leaving the next three deliveries.

Then it's a beautifully-bowled ball from Philander, who manages to just beat Sibley's outside edge. Nothing the Englishman could do about that.

Sibley then pushes away to backward point - but it's a maiden over!

3 overs: England 18-0 (Burns 12*, Sibley 2)

That is an absolutely fine strike from Burns as he drives nicely through mid on for four off the first delivery of the third over. He then follows it up with a solid defence. 

The England opener then squeezes it down to fine leg for two runs before Rabada's next delivery races away for four byes after sailing over De Kock's head. 

Then it's nicely done by Burns as he comfortably negotiates the final two deliveries of the over.

18-0 off the first three overs.

2 overs: England 8-0 (Burns 6*, Sibley 2)

Philander, who was a real menace in the first innings, partners Rabada in the attack.

Sibley faces his first ball of the innings and pushes it into the offside before comfortably leaving the second and third deliveries.

Sibley then gets off the mark as he eases it away nicely off the hip on the onside before solidly defending. And he managed to see off the final ball after a thick outside edge races away to gully.

1 over: England 6-0 (Burns 6, Sibley 0*)

England need a very solid and long start from their opening batsmen, Burns and Sibley. However, this will be a very tall order considering the conditions and the pitch. 

With the first ball of the innings from Rabada, Burns gets a thick outside edge and it races away for a boundary. He then produces a nice push down the ground past mid off for two. 

Burns tries to flick one past short leg but can't squeeze his way past before being beaten by a short ball from Rabada.

And straight away, South Africa think they get the very early breakthrough. Burns is trapped lbw by Rabada. The England opener goes for the review and fortunately for him, it's a reprieve as replays show the ball was in fact missing off-stump.

Horror day for England so far...

PAUL NEWMAN IN CENTURION: What a totally miserable day this has been so far for England.

It leaves them with the highly improbable task of scoring 376 to win this first Test which would be a greater achievement even than what they did at Headingley last summer.

That was grim I'm afraid. The only consolation really is a five-for for Jofra Archer but it came at a cost. That was his most expensive analysis in Test cricket.

All England can realistically hope for is to go down fighting and their chances of doing that are reduced by illness to the latest bug victims in Joe Root and Jos Buttler. It's not looking good at all I'm afraid.


Curran continues as England look for the all-important final wicket. Philander edges one out behind gully for a single before Rabada hits a massive SIX. 

What a statement that is - Rabada produces the perfect strike over mid-wicket and it sails over the ropes. 

He then rotates the strike but with the next delivery, South Africa are all out. Curran pitches it short and Philander tries to flash it down to third man, but he instead trickles it to Bairstow - it is a terrific take from the England wicketkeeper.

South Africa are all out for 272 and lead by a massive 375 runs.

61 overs: South Africa 264-9 (Philander 45*, Rabada 9)

South Africa are going for it now. Archer fires a wide down first delivery before Philander swings wildly into the air but fortunately for him, his thick top edge falls safe down at long leg.

Archer follows up with two dot balls to Rabada, before the tail-ender picks out the boundary after punching up and over through cover. England are looking tired and flat.

60 overs: South Africa 258-9 (Philander 44*, Rabada 5)

Rabada gets off the mark with a boundary with the third delivery of the over as he punches Curran sweetly through cover for four.

Rabada then steers down to third man for a single before Philander guides one out to deep point for a single.

59 overs: South Africa 251-9 (Philander 42*, Rabada 0)

Archer goes in search of the final wicket but Philander pulls him away for a single towards the deep boundary.

Rabada faces his first ball but comfortably blocks.

WICKET: Maharaj 11, c Curran b Archer (South Africa 250-9)

Archer continues but Philander picks up yet another quick single before Maharaj pulls a slightly wayward delivery down to fine leg for one.

Philander rotates the strike again, tickling one down past square leg. 

But then England get the breakthrough as Maharaj tries to pull Archer away for a six but he is caught on the boundary by Curran. It's a simple catch.

Only one more wicket needed for England but South Africa hold an intimidating lead of 353 runs.

58 overs: South Africa 247-8 (Philander 39*, Maharaj 10)

Curran continues and he is punished as Philander chips it straight over extra cover - it doesn't race away to the boundary but he picks up two. 

The England seamer responds with a dot ball but then Philander manages to find the gap through extra cover again. However, Broad is on hand to stop the boundary and it's another two runs. 

Curran then gets his own-back by pitching it short, which Philander does well to duck under. 

South Africa's lead goes to 350 as Philander then runs a single after punching through mid on. A dot ball to finish the over.

57 overs: South Africa 242-8 (Philander 34*, Maharaj 10)

England have no slip in place and Maharaj gets fortunate as he gets a thick inside edge, which races down to deep leg for a single.

Philander sees off the next ball before punching on the back foot for a single towards mid on. 

Archer then pitches it short and Maharaj sees his opportunity to pull at it but he can only claim a single. Philander makes sure he keeps the strike by squeezing out one through square leg.

56 overs: South Africa 238-8 (Philander 32, Maharaj 8*)

Curran, who started the bowling off for England today, comes back into England's attack. 

Maharaj absolutely punishes Curran as he punches up through extra cover for four. England are hurting here. It's a good comeback from Curran next as the South African has no answers.

Curran then finds Maharaj's outside edge for a dot before he pulls away nicely through square leg for a single.

Philander tasked with seeing off the final delivery and he manages that with ease. 

Another good over for South Africa that. They now lead by a huge 341 runs.

55 overs: South Africa 231-8 (Philander 30*, Maharaj 3)

Archer comes back into the attack as England desperately look for the final two wickets. Philander pushes forward and thick edges through the leg side for two before he goes for the big one. But the South African misses by a mile and Archer raises a wry smile. 

Philander then punches through mid wicket for another two before Archer is cautioned with a no-ball. 

Then Philander does well to keep the strike by pushing away off the back foot for a single off the final ball of the over.

54 overs: South Africa 226-8 (Philander 25*, Maharaj 3)

It's another single for Philander as he punches Stokes through point before Maharaj immediately rotates the strike after squeezing one straight down to fine leg.

Philander in a spot of trouble here as a thick inside edge smashes his nackers. That looks painful! He soon gets back up to his feet.

Then it's another fine delivery from Stokes as he smashes Philander's midriff. This is an uncomfortable moment for the South African but after another dot ball, he pushes away for a single. 

53 overs: South Africa 223-8 (Philander 24*, Maharaj 2)

Anderson finds Maharaj's outside edge not once but twice but there's no worries for the tail-ender and South Africa.

Maharaj then pulls straight to fine leg for a single and Philander gets the strike back. He finds the fielder on the next two occasions before picking up a quick single off the final ball. 

52 overs: South Africa 221-8 (Philander 23, Maharaj 1*)

Maharaj gets off the mark by squeezing it down to fine leg. Philander then successfully sees off the final delivery of the over.

That's a good over for England, who will be desperate to take the last two wickets quickly.

WICKET: De Kock 34, c Bairstow b Stokes (South Africa 220-8)

And just like that, De Kock is gone! Stokes produces a great line and length and finds the South African's edge, tickling it straight through to Bairstow.

There is not much in it at all but De Kock walks and England have just two more wickets to take.

South Africa now 220-8 and lead by 323 runs.

51 overs: South Africa 220-7 (De Kock 34*, Philander 23)

After starting off with two dot balls, Philander easily rotates the strike by pushing towards point for a single. 

De Kock, who has slowed down his run rate, comfortably blocks the next ball before trying to drive through mid off but picks out the fielder.

He then squeezes one down to the boundary for a single and keeps the strike. 

50 overs: South Africa 218-7 (De Kock 33, Philander 22)

Stokes continues to Philander and starts off with two dot balls. The batsman then tries to punch away past gully but finds the fielder.

After a no-ball from Stokes, Philander then finds the thick inside edge, squeezing it down to to square for a single before De Kock fends off the rest of the over.

England putting a bit of pressure on now. 50 overs up now and South Africa lead by 321 runs. 

49 overs: South Africa 216-7 (De Kock 33, Philander 21*)

England skipper Root comes back onto the field after becoming the latest member of the squad to be hit by the bug.

Anderson resumes and starts off with three dot balls in his 11th over. De Kock then tries to flick away for a single through square leg but England crowd him out and he keeps the strike.

Anderson then produces a good line and length, with De Kock punching it straight back up the ground to the England seamer. 

De Kock then receives a rap on the hand and he looks in trouble here. It's a maiden over for Anderson and England but there is worry for South Africa as their star man receives treatment.

48 overs: South Africa 216-7 (De Kock 33*, Philander 21)

De Kock solidly defends before swinging and missing at a wide Stokes delivery. He then punches away to deep square for a single.

Philander then receives a slight blow on the glove as he goes to defend against the England all-rounder. But he hits back as he produces a lovely drive for four off a slightly over-pitched delivery from Stokes.

Philander is looking comfortable at the crease and defends the last ball of the over. Five off it. South Africa lead by 319 runs.

47 overs: South Africa 210-7 (De Kock 32*, Philander 17)

Philander bursts one past Stokes in the slip cordon as he picks up a single off Anderson's first delivery of the over.

After a slight field change, De Kock punches up the ground for a single as it races towards Broad. Philander is back on strike and Anderson manages to beat his outside edge as he gets him onto the back foot.

A solid defence follows before he trickles one down to fine leg for a single. De Kock then picks up a single to retain strike.

46 overs: South Africa 207-7 (De Kock 30, Philander 15*)

Stokes continues after lunch for England, who have continued to be hit by the bug. 

Stokes pitches the first delivery short and Philander pulls away for a four - it has been a very positive start following the lunch break. He then produces two solid defences before ducking under the short ball. 

Philander then squeezes Stokes away for a single before De Kock comfortably leaves the final delivery of the 46th over.

45 overs: South Africa 202-7 (De Kock 30, Philander 9*)

Anderson takes the ball after lunch and he starts off with four dot balls, with Philander looking pretty comfortable at the crease.

And then the South African produces a delightful balanced cover drive, which races away to the boundary. As good as anything we have seen this morning.

He then punches through point for a single. Five off the over and Philander retains the strike.

And we're back underway!

It was an awful morning of bowling for England in Centurion. Can they get the final three wickets early on in the afternoon session?

South Africa dominance
AND THAT'S LUNCH! South Africa 197-7 (De Kock 30, Philander 5*)

Stokes, around the wicket, bowls down leg first delivery as he looks to take the pace off it. De Kock then picks up a single as he punches through point from a wide delivery.

Stokes manages to beat Philander's outside edge, and that's a very good line and length. The South African then comfortably leaves a wide ball. 

Applause then comes up as South Africa lead by 300 after Philander flicks through to square leg for a single. De Kock then leaves the final ball and that's lunch!

South Africa will resume after lunch on 197-7 and lead by an intimidating 300 runs. 

43 overs: South Africa 195-7 (De Kock 29*, Philander 4)

This is a fascinating battle between Archer and De Kock. The South African smashes the England seamer for 6 as he uses the pace of the ball to guide it down to the ropes.

And then it's another four for De Kock as he emphatically pulls a pitched up delivery through mid on.

There is a long chat now between Stokes and Archer as they look to limit the impact of De Kock. Archer then bowls very short and it's called a wide. 

De Kock then runs two as he punches comfortably through point. This is an expensive over already.

The South African wicketkeeper then drags down leg side for a single before Archer follows up with two dot balls. Another entertaining over.

42 overs: South Africa 181-7 (De Dock 16*, Philander 4)

Stokes follows up with a dot ball before pitching it up, which Philander does very well to negotiate. Another dot ball follows. 

And then frustration for Stokes as Philander edges off the back foot past slip cordon for four.

WICKET: Pretorious 7, c Sibley b Stokes (South Africa 177-7)

This is a much better period for England. Pretorious is the next man to go as he edges it straight to Sibley off the bowling of Stokes.

Pretorious goes for 7 off just as many balls. South Africa now 177-7 and lead by 280.

41 overs: South Africa 177-6 (Pretorious 7*, De Kock 16)

Archer follows up with two dot balls but then Pretorious then gets off the mark with a boundary as he punches off the back foot for four through cover point.

Pretorious again punches it through cover for two before he whips for a single down long leg.

WICKET: Nortje 40, c Crawley b Archer (South Africa 170-6)

South Africa's nightwatchman falls short of his half-century as he goes for 40. It's Archer who gets him, he pitches it short before Nortje fends away off his pads.

But Crawley is on hand to take the simple catch. South Africa now 170-6 with a lead of 273 runs.

40 overs: South Africa 170-6 (Nortje 40*, De Kock 16)

Nortje quickly hands the strike over to De Kock by picking up a single. Broad then responds with four dot balls.

De Kock then produces a lovely drive straight through cover for four. What a punishing batsman he is. 

39 overs: South Africa 165-5 (Nortje 39*, De Kock 12)

De Kock faces his first delivery of the innings and he is beaten by Archer's pace. He then swings at the next ball but fails to make contact as it sails down fine leg. 

He then goes for it again and it's a SIX! What a shot that is - Archer runs in hard and De Kock uses the pace on the ball to send the ball flying over the ropes. 

De Kock goes again and it's exactly the same result. Six more runs to the clock. It's a top edge but it flies a long, long way because of the pace from Archer. 

The South African goes for it again but can't make contact. Very entertaining over that one.

WICKET: Van der Dussen 51, lbw Archer (South Africa 153-5)

Finally a breakthrough for England and it comes from Archer. Just moments after his half-century, Van der Dussen is trapped lbw. 

He goes straight up for the appeal but it's a misjudgment and off he walks. That's the end of a fine knock fro Van der Dussen.

He goes for 51 off 67 deliveries. South Africa now 153-5 but they have their dangerman, Quinton de Kock, coming in next.

38 overs: South Africa 153-4 (Nortje 39, Van der Dussen 51*)

Superb play by Nortje as he ruthlessly punches away for four behind gully after Broad pitches it wide. 

Broad then responds with a bouncer, which Nortje tries to duck under. He gets a glove onto it and it loops over slip for a single.

Van der Dussen then picks up a quick single before Nortje just about sees off the remainder of the over. 

50 up for Van der Dussen!

It's a maiden Test match 50 for Van der Dussen as he picks up a single off Broad. That's off just 65 balls, a brilliant innings so far from the South African.

37 overs: South Africa 145-4 (Nortje 34, Van der Dussen 49*)

Van der Dussen edging ever so closer to his half-century as he clips Archer away through the leg side for one.

Archer responds with two dots to Nortje before bowling a fierce bouncer, which the nightwatchman evasively ducks under. 

Nortje then punches away past gully for two runs as South Africa successfully negotiate another over. 

36 overs: South Africa 142-4 (Nortje 32, Van der Dussen 48*)

The rain continues to pour on England. Broad continues but his first delivery is well wayward and it sails away for four with Bairstow not being able to do anything about it. Five wides...

The England seamer responds with four dot balls, with the final ball hitting Nortje on the chest guard - which he receives treatment for.

It's two dot balls to finish. Broad pitches up the final delivery and hits Nortje on his glove. The ball lofts into the air but it evades everyone and the nightwatchman survives. 

More agony for England - South Africa now lead by 245 runs.


35 overs: South Africa 136-4 (Nortje 32, Van der Dussen 47*)

Archer continues for England. His first delivery is flicked away for a single by Van der Dussen, who is edging closer to his 50. 

Nortje then tries to flick Archer away for single but remains on strike. And that's better from Archer, he pitches it up and gets the nightwatchman onto the back foot. 

The Nortje, on the back foot, flicks behind square on the onside for two more runs. 

Archer finishes off with a dot ball. The scoreboard continues to tick over for South Africa.

England having a nightmare out there...

PAUL NEWMAN: What a terrible first hour that is from England. They looked flat and clueless while two more senior members of the side have gone down with the lurgy.

I'm afraid the wheels are well and truly off here. England need some inspiration from somewhere and it just isn't coming at the moment. They can't even get the nightwatchman out!

34 overs: 133-4 (Nortje 30, Van der Dussen 46*)

Broad continues and it's two more boundaries in a row for South Africa. Van der Dussen gets a thick outside edge which sails past the slip cordon before he brilliantly punches through extra cover.

Following a dot delivery, Van der Dussen then produces another exquisite cover drive for four. South Africa are certainly cashing in now. 

Van der Dussen gets off strike as he picks up a single after flicking through the slips. Burns gets his hands on it to deny another boundary.

Nortje looks to see off the final ball of the over and he just about does. It's a peach of a delivery from Broad as he pitches it up... but the nightwatchman evades.

There is now a brief drinks break...

More illness woes for England...

PAUL NEWMAN: Now Joe Root and Jos Butter have gone down with sickness. This is getting ridiculous now. It has effected virtually every player in the squad. Root is off the field, Jonny Bairstow has had to keep wicket and the wheels are coming off the England bus.

33 overs: South Africa 120-4 (30, Van der Dussen 33*)

Van der Dussen picks up a single and with that, it's the 50-partnership between him and Nortje. It is brilliantly received by the home crowd at SuperSport Park.

Archer follows up with a dot before four leg byes go against his name. He pitches it up and it sails well over Bairstow's head. It's then followed by another boundary as Nortje punches straight up the ground for four.

Archer responds by pitching it wide - it's a costly over from the England seamer/

Archer goes for the appeal!

Archer continues and goes up for the appeal with his first delivery of the over. He thinks he gets Van der Dussen lbw, with the South African going a long way across his stumps. The umpire doesn't budge and he goes for the review.

Replays show it's hitting but it's umpires call! More frustration for England.

32 overs: South Africa 109-4 (Nortje 26*, Van der Dussen 32)

Broad comes into the attack for Anderson.

Van der Dussen and South Africa again steal another single and it looks like England's best chance of a breakthrough at this moment in time. 

Broad then follows up with four dots before Nortje picks up two after flicking off his pads through mid wicket.

Three off Broad's first over of the day.

Paul Newman in Centurion...

This has been a very disappointing start to this third day by England. If they had any chance of getting back into this then they had to get early wickets today.

At last Jofra Archer is into the attack. Why on earth didn't he start off today? I'm afraid this first Test is going horribly wrong for England. And their captain is producing some baffling field and bowling changes.

31 overs: South Africa 106-4 (Nortje 24, Van der Dussen 31*)

Archer comes into the attack, replacing Curran. He finds Nortje's outside edge from his first delivery as it sails through to the slip cordon. The nightwatchman then tries to drive but it's another dot ball.

The next delivery hurries through from Archer and it's a swing and a miss from Nortje. The England World Cup hero then gets the batsman on his back foot for a dot.

Nortje then flicks away for a single to gully before Van der Dussen does exactly the same. Two runs off Archer's first over of the day.

30 overs: South Africa 104-4 (Nortje 23, Van der Dussen 30*)

England have half a chance there for the breakthrough. Van der Dussen tries to grab the strike but realises his mistake before desperately hurrying back to the crease. A direct hit gets him but Crawley can't quite hit.

Another dot ball follows before Archer produces a good effort by diving to his weaker left side to stop the boundary through mid off - South Africa grab a single.

Van der Dussen then produces three solid defences to see over the remainder of the over.

29 overs: South Africa 103-4 (Nortje 22*, Van der Dussen 30)

Curran, now into his ninth over, starts off with a dot ball before Van der Dussen picks up a quick single to mid on. 

The Surrey paceman then responds with two dots but Nortje then produces a well-timed drive straight through mid-wicket for the boundary.

And it's a single to finish for Nortje. The nightwatchman is playing some brilliant cricket here - really frustrating England.

28 overs: South Africa 97-4 (Nortje 17, Van der Dussen 29*)

Anderson continues to Van der Dussen, who flicks off his pads for a single. The England seamer then pitches the next two deliveries wide, which Nortje comfortably leaves.

Then Nortje gets a thick outside edge past slip to pick up two quickfire boundaries, much to the annoyance of Anderson and England. The seamer then responds with two dots.

The ball is getting older all the time, which South Africa will be very happy about...

South Africa now lead by 200!

27 overs: England 92-4 (Nortje 13, Van der Dussen 28*)

Curran finds Nortje's outside edge but it drops just short of slip and the South African survives the first ball. The nightwatchman then gets trapped in his crease but gets an inside edge.

He follows up with a very solid defence before Curran opts for the bouncer, which is evaded well. 

Curran and England then go up for the lbw appeal but the umpire doesn't budge. Was pitching off stump and hits Nortje on the back leg. 

Nortje then goes for the big booming drive and it goes for four after finding his outside edge. First boundary of the day. 

26 overs: South Africa 88-4 (Nortje 9*, Van der Dussen 28)

Anderson starts off with a dot before Van der Dussen gets comfortably back for three after punching through mid off towards the boundary.

The England seamer then responds with a bouncer which Nortje negotiates well. The next two deliveries comfortably beat the South African's outside edge.

And the final delivery sees the nightwatchman flick behind square leg for a single. Four off that over.

25 overs: South Africa 84-4 (Nortje 8, Van der Dussen 25*)

Curran continues as England go in search for that early breakthrough on day three. Van der Dussen flicks through to third man for a single before Van der Dussen punches away for one.

Curran follows up with a dot ball - a better line there from the England seamer. Van der Dussen then gets off strike again for a single before Curran thinks he gets his man!

Nortje flicks through to Bairstow but he goes straight up for the review. Replays show it in fact hits his shoulder, not bat...

Agony for England!

24 overs: South Africa 81-4 (Nortje 7, Van der Dussen 23*)

Close call for South Africa there as Van der Dussen goes for a single. Sibley picks the ball up and tries to throw at the stumps but misses. He would easily have been gone there...

Nortje then calls for a single, much better judged there. Anderson responds with a dot.

Then Van der Dussen flicks through point for a single before a dot finishes the over. 

23 overs: South Africa 78-4 (Nortje 6, Van der Dussen 21*)

Van der Dussen picks up a very quick single after a dot ball to start Curran's second over of the day. 

Nortje then flicks through point for two runs before Curran responds with three dot balls. 

22 overs: South Africa 75-4 (Nortje 4, Van der Dussen 20*)

The first runs of the day from Van der Dussen, as he flicks Anderson off his pads past square leg for a couple.

Anderson responds with a dot before going up for a half-hearted appeal as he nips the next delivery back in, hitting high on Van der Dussen's pads outside off stump.

The South African batsman responds with a solid defence before flicking past square for a single. Then it's a dot to finish - three off the over.

21 overs: South Africa 72-4 (Nortje 4, Van der Dussen 17*)

Curran starts off with two dot balls before Nortje solidly defends the next two deliveries. 

Then that's a peach of a delivery from the England seamer, he pitches it up but Nortje successfully negotiates. And it's a dot to finish.

Maiden to start off with. 

And we're underway on day 3!

Sam Curran begins day three for England. They need a few early breakthroughs as South Africa threaten to run away with proceedings...

More problems for England...
NASSER HUSSAIN: The second day was groundhog day for England

If anyone wants to know why England have an awful record away from home they only have to look at what happened when they batted here on Friday. It keeps on happening. The second day of the first Test was groundhog day.

When the Kookaburra ball doesn't do anything on flat pitches England's attack are toothless and they cannot get 20 wickets. And when the ball is doing something, like it has done here at Centurion, their batsmen keep on making the same mistakes.

Time after time England are 20 for two with the openers nicking off. Time after time Joe Root is out fiddling outside off-stump as if he were playing in a one-day match and time after time Jonny Bairstow is getting bowled.


Good morning and welcome!

Hello everyone and welcome to Sportsmail's live coverage of day three of the first Test.

England have it all to do once again after yet another batting collapse as South Africa skittled them out for just 181 on day two.

The hosts lost four early wickets at the end of the second day and will resume on 72 for 4, with a lead of 175 runs.


South Africa vs England LIVE: Joe Root's side look to recover from predictable collapse

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