Henry Moeran
Test Match Special commentator

Heather Knight went hard at it and it was into the hands and out again.

Knight dropped on 67published at 53.1 overs

53.1 overs

Eng 179-4

A very tough chance but it will go down as a drop.

Heather Knight goes back to cut Nonkululeko Mlaba and the ball goes quickly, bouncing out of the the hands of the slip fielding diving to her right.

Those either stick or they don't. That one did not.

A polite reminder to include your name, and where you're from, on texts and WhatsApp messages.

With spin from both ends, South Africa are racing through their overs since lunch.

Sune Luus quickly completes the latest with England content to just tick over for now.

Good fielding by Anneke Bosch as she chases down Heather Knight's late cut and dives to flick the ball back just before it reaches the boundary cushion.

The boundaries are so short and the outfield quick enough that such instances have been very rare in this match. Just a run saved but Nonkululeko Mlaba will appreciate that.

Lydia Greenway
Former England batter on BBC Test Match Special

I think the chat at lunch for England would have been about giving themselves 20 minutes or so this afternoon and then looking at what target they want, then having a bowl at South Africa.

Sune Luus continues from the other end and Heather Knight moves across her stumps late in the over and paddles the ball down to fine leg for two.

A single from the last keeps the England skipper on strike.

Image source, Getty Images

It's Nonkululeko Mlaba to get things started for South Africa after lunch.

A tidy start from the left-arm spinner with Heather Knight take a few balls to get herself set again before pushing a single out to deep point.

Henry Moeran
Test Match Special commentator

England are on top, and in control, but the game is interestingly poised heading into the afternoon session.

Right then, the players are on their way back out and it is almost time for the start of the afternoon session.

Heather Knight and Amy Jones will be aiming to add to England's lead of 281 and, if things go well for the tourists, we could be looking at a declaration.

Would that come in this session? If not then surely not too long after tea given what the lead would likely be by that point.

Image source, Getty Images

Surrey's Jamie Overton has hit an unbeaten 45 off 35 balls to help Adelaide Strikers post 182-8 against Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

The all-rounder started slowly, only scoring eight from his first 15 balls, but went through the gears and hit four sixes at the backend of the innings.

He was supported by James Bazley, who smashed 31 off 12 balls, before he was bowled by Lockie Ferguson, who claimed 3-24.

Listen to radio commentary on Thunder's chase.

Kevin Howells
BBC Test Match Special commentator

I think this could've been trickier for England if Hlubi and Kapp were available.

Alex Hartley
Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

South Africa bowled really well. Sekhukhune was brilliant, getting the ball to swing in.

Anyway, in Bloemfontein, England have progressed from 31-1 at the start of play to 167-4 at lunch.

They lead by 281 and with five sessions left in the game - and the prospect of some rain on day four - it now seems to be a question of how long they want to bat for.

South Africa have bowled well and did a good job of restricting the runs for large spells in the morning session but it's still possible that how many they end up chasing will be decided by when England choose to declare.

Thanks, Tim. Not quite the public demand I'd hoped for but I'm back anyway.

England are in a good position then in their last match of the year.

We've been asking for your cricket highlights of 2024 - get in touch using #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply).

Mine? Well, I was fortunate enough to be at Lord's for Jimmy Anderson's farewell.

There was only an hour or so of play but getting to see the great man's final Test wicket and the ovation he got felt like a pretty special moment. So that is hard to beat.

After an horderves of Sam Drury you can now have him for your main course.

He'll take you through the lunch break and into the afternoon session.

Alex Hartley
Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

There is that fine line between wanting to give South Africa hope that they can still win the game. If you get a lead of 400, they'll just shut up shop and this is not an exactly easy pitch to take wickets on.

You want to give them an opportunity to try and chase. I think a lead of 350 would be more than enough. Why not 330 to make it exciting?

That's lunch.

England lead by 281 runs. How many do they need here?