How England took charge in Durban

1. Finn takes three wickets and Stokes one
2. Bairstow missed tough De Villiers stumping
3. South Africa need 416 to win
4. Bairstow 79 & Root 73 in England's 326

So, according to Geoffrey, England have it all but wrapped up.

Is he right? (Is he ever wrong?) Join us tomorrow to find out.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"There's a 1% chance of South Africa winning and 2% of saving it. I would be amazingly surprised if England don't win. Amla, the South Africa captain, is under immense pressure."

England fast bowler Steven Finn, speaking to Sky Sports: "We built pressure nicely after tea. We knew they were going to come out and go for it. They played really well and maybe we chased it slightly before tea.

"It's tricky to know when to attack and when not to attack and as a team we can go through the gears. Ideally, we would have seen the back of De Villiers, but we have created pressure there and he'll be a tough wicket for us tomorrow.

"When we went out there we had a target in mind of what we wanted to set and hopefully that will be vindicated tomorrow. We'll come back tomorrow and try and dry up those runs and hopefully that will bring us those wickets."

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

"De Villiers is a class apart, he just has so much time to play his shots, he looks comfortable. Lesser players play and miss an odd time, but he doesn't look in any trouble. He's the big fish they need to get tomorrow."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan: "We have to make Test cricket cheaper to watch and that is especially true in England where the prices can be outrageous.

"We almost have to look at Test cricket like the county championship. The one-dayers and Twenty20 can pay for Tests. If we have to give tickets away for Test matches then let’s do it. Seeing rows and rows of empty seats is a poor advert. The casual TV viewer will turn over thinking why should I bother?

"The product itself is not what it used to be. The standard of Test cricket has declined. There are three decent teams at the top. The rest are fairly average and in most cases declining further."

Meanwhile, there's some interesting stuff from Michael Vaughan in his column for the Telegraph...

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"The pitch is slower and lower and didn't do anything for the seamers. The openers got their heads down and looked comfortable but Finn and Moeen have the gift of getting wickets. He gets four wickets a Test match does Finn - that's huge. He'd play in my team every time."

England have won only one of their last 15 Test matches overseas. That run dates back to 2012. Even though they won the Ashes in the summer, they are still without a win in four matches. They are six good bits of cricket from halting that run.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"England had such a wonderful day. Root and the tail got us off nicely and then it was the Bairstow show. The timing of his shots were superb. He played the first and second innings perfectly and he was the only batsman that played with any fluency. It was a shame that he got out, but that is his nature."

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Rob Parrett: Fair play to Cook. That was a sharp catch - you don't often see slips take catches on the inside!

Jon Buckley: Thanks Mr Finn. Like England I was flagging at the end of a day in the office. Celebrations (other Xmas chocs available) all round.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"The stumping chance went quickly, you have to take them, but it was difficult, and it would have been a big wicket to get De Villiers. If you get him out I feel the others are nothing special. I joked to the South African commentators that we could have asked for the extra half an hour because of their tail being so weak."

Yep, when England needed something special, they got it from the extra pace of Steven Finn. The Middlesex man delivered three big wickets - Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis. Remember, Finn has the best strike-rate of any bowler to take more than 100 Test wickets for England since 1914. 

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It was a wonderful day's cricket especially for England who played almost perfectly except for the Bairstow missed stumping off the best player in the world, De Villiers."

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"It was a great last over by Steven Finn, a great pace, good areas and got the vital wicket. He looked really solid and England are receiving a great cheer from the fans as they walk off."

Close-of-play scorecard

South Africa second innings: 136-4 (47 overs)

Batsmen: De Villiers 37, Steyn 0

Fall of wickets: 53-1 (Van Zyl 33), 85-2 (Amla 12), 88-3 (Elgar 40), 136-4 (Du Plessis 9)

Bowling figures: Broad 11-4-25-0, Woakes 6-2-17-0, Finn 9-3-27-3, Stokes 7-1-26-1, Moeen 15-3-36-0

England second innings: 326 (Bairstow 79, Root 73, Piedt 5-159)

South Africa first innings: 214 (Elgar 118 not out, Broad 4-25, Moeen 4-69)

England first innings: 303 (Compton 85, Taylor 70, Steyn 4-70, Morkel 4-76)

Full scorecard

Close of play

Getty Images

Steven Finn fizzes one past the edge, but Dale Steyn gets through. England will sleep well after another very good day. They will return tomorrow hunting the six wickets that will put them 1-0 up in this series.

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JoElle: ‏BOOOOM!

Tattz:‏ A delivery for which the term 'rip-snorter' was invented. Great bowling from Finn! 

bROCKerz:‏ "Fiiiinn, Finn will tear you apart again!"

SA 136-4

Steyn will do all he can to ensure this is the last over of the day. A whole host of slips and a short leg. Steyn survives one ball. Finn is bowling gas.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"What a good ball, and a lovely catch by Cook. It's not De Villiers, it's Du Plessis, but it will do. That's a really good wicket to have, it's just given them a lift."

SA 136-4 (Finn 7.3-2-27-3)

Finn has been the man to make things happen for England today. He's got 3-27, this time using all of his 6ft 7in to find the bounce to remove Du Plessis. Dale Steyn, bad shoulder and all, has shuffled out as nightwatchman.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"Where did that come from? It really did bounce. And it went to Cook at a incredible pace. I think that would have got anybody out."

WICKET

AP

Huge moment! What a delivery from Steven Finn, who has done it again for England. It was always likely that something special would be needed to get rid of the limpet-like Faf du Plessis and Finn has got one to climb from just short of a length. Steepling bounce, shoulder of the bat, a very smart catch taken at slip by Alastair Cook. Big, big wicket late in the day for England.  

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

AP

"Three is a reasonable number of wickets, although if it included de Villiers England would be a lot happier going into tomorrow."

SA 136-3

Moeen switches ends to replace Broad. After four balls, Cook stops him and calls "Compo" to leg slip. Four men around the bat, but De Villiers still looking as comfortable as a man with his pipe and slippers. Maybe three overs left in the day.

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Shannon McKee: ‏If Anderson isn't fit for the 2nd Test, Mark Footitt should play. I like Woakes, but he hasn't done enough in this Test.

SA 136-3 (target 416)

Out of step with his blocking batting, Du Plessis drops one at his feet and calls De Villiers through for a short single. Odd, given the circumstances. As he has done all day, De Villiers appears to have oodles of time to play the ball. Take guard, watch bowler. See ball, decide which shot to play. Have cup of tea, read paper, pop to the shop, then play shot. 

SA 133-3

Moeen off, Steven Finn on. "You've not seen nothing like the mighty Finn," sing the Army.

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JoElle:‏ We've had more dramatic Tests in 2015, but this is the one I'm enjoying most.

SA 133-3 (target 416)

AP

The light looks set to hold, meaning we will have a full day's play. Du Plessis chews his gum - there's more life in his mouth than there is in his bat. James Taylor goes in at silly point, while bowler Stuart Broad tells another fielder to come "nice and tight". Broad even tries running in behind the umpire, appearing at the very last moment, in a bid to disrupt FDP. I doubt dynamite would shake Du Plessis.

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Greg: ‏People talk about problems with openers but England haven't had a good wicketkeeper for many years and it hurts them often.

Anand Dahihandekar: Bad miss Johnny. Will it cost the Test match?

Mike Ball: ‏England and SA showing in this match why you should pick specialist keepers. I know Bairstow keeps for Yorkshire, but he's not great.

SA 133-3

Moeen still round the wicket to De Villiers, who has two catchers on the leg side. One is Alastair Cook, who is frantically trying to get the attention of Alex Hales. "Halesy, Halesy!" he shouts. I can't see Hales, but can only assume that he must be day-dreaming. There are 20 minutes left in the day.

Latest scorecard

South Africa second innings: 133-3 (42 overs)

Batsmen: De Villiers 35, Du Plessis 8

Fall of wickets: 53-1 (Van Zyl 33), 85-2 (Amla 12), 88-3 (Elgar 40)

Bowling figures: Broad 10-3-24-0, Woakes 6-2-17-0, Finn 6-2-24-2, Stokes 7-1-26-1, Moeen 13-1-36-0

England second innings: 326 (Bairstow 79, Root 73, Piedt 5-159)

South Africa first innings: 214 (Elgar 118 not out, Broad 4-25, Moeen 4-69)

England first innings: 303 (Compton 85, Taylor 70, Steyn 4-70, Morkel 4-76)

Full scorecard

How's that?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"It's 38 Tests since England last had a stumping. India's Pujara, in 2012 in the second Test in Mumbai, stumped by Matt Prior off Graeme Swann for 135."

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa have just had a huge let off there. Jonny Bairstow was blinded by the batsman and didn't see it until it was too late. But they can't cry over spilt milk, it's gone."

SA 133-3 (target 416)

I actually have a bit of sympathy for Jonny Bairstow here. It was tricky, but far from impossible, so a definite error. He knows it too, and you can tell how much it means to him by the disappointment in his reaction. De Villiers, after that reprieve, is back into the dead-bat groove.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"You should have seen the size of the smile on Graeme Smith's face when he left his seat. It's never easy when a batsman goes down the wicket and tries to cover the ball and the ball turns sharply."

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"That would have been a massive dismissal before the end of play."

Missed stumping

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Oh, Jonny. As long as these mistakes exist, questions over his place will remain. It's a difficult stumping chance in that he was unsighted, but AB de Villiers was miles down the track, not a chance of getting back. From round the wicket, Moeen gets between bat and pad, but Bairstow can't even get a glove on it. He beats the turf, Alastair Cook closes his eyes. England have given De Villiers a life.

Cricket Attendances

thesaladdodger: ‏It's a big issue. Where are the South Africans? Big tour, good game...but no interest?

Jo: That makes for really depressing reading.

Rob Meech: Can't compare a five-day Test with one BBL match. What's the entire attendance for the Tests?

SA 129-3 (Eng need 7 wickets)

"150 for five tonight, boys," screams Jonny Bairstow, urging England on. Certainly the tourists would be cockahoop with two more strikes this evening. There are 35 minutes of play left to go, less if the light intervenes. Broad shouts against FDP, gets turned down, then immediately turns to Alastair Cooks. That's leg-side, says the captain. He's right, too. 

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"It's so wonderful to watch the placement of AB de Villiers. He's so light on his feet."

SA 129-3 (target 416)

Moeen with some flight and guile in front of a pretty empty Kingsmead, which is only brought to life by some English singing. Oh, lovely from De Villiers, who skips down the track to play an all-along-the-carpet straight drive.He's so easy on the eye, De Villiers. He could probably have his own calendar. 

SA 124-3 (De Villiers 29, Du Plessis 7)

Anand, you get your wish, with Broad coming back into the attack, complete with Barmy Army serenade. It's a good line from Broad, watched carefully by ABDV, who then eases into a lovely straight drive for four. England's mojo has temporarily been misplaced.

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Why no Stuart Broad bowling at the moment? Has a successful record against A.B so it beats me from Cook as to why he's not bowling.

Anand Sangha

SA 120-3 (target 416)

Reuters

Moeen back into the attack, asking the question against FDP. Outside the line? Cook, whose shades reflect the floodlights, thinks so and opts against a review. 

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa have to fight and get something out of this Test match. I felt it was important for them to get off to a good start to get some self belief with the quick turnaround between matches. It's so important for South Africa to get some good vibes out of this. The next day and a bit is so crucial for them"

SA 119-3 (target 297)

Getty Images

The light continues to hold, but that cloud looms over the pavilion like the spaceship over the White House in Independence Day. I think they are making a sequel to Independence Day. And writing one to War of the Worlds. HG Wells, who wrote the War of the Worlds, was the son of a professional cricket. Tenuous literary links to cricket. Still Woakes, still the dead bat of Du Plessis. One of the more uninteresting overs you will see in Test cricket.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"You wouldn't like to be bowling with that ball. It looks scrubby."

SA 118-3 (35 overs)

Batting is starting to look easier again, even more so when the previously shotless Du Plessis pulls a Ben Stokes short ball for four. England need to steel themselves for another effort in this last hour, one more push for another breakthrough. 

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"Jonny Bairstow is hurting, you can tell by his body language. He's carrying his right hand very gingerly."

SA 114-3 (target 416)

Chris Woakes is bowling as straight as possible to De Villiers. Target the pads or the stumps. Bring as many methods of dismissal as possible into play. Still no real hint of movement, De Villiers giving a lesson into how play the backward defensive stroke. That might be all from Woakes - maybe get back to spin?

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Diccon Thornely: ‏Do the South African team have the most difficult surnames to make puns with in cricket?!

SA 114-3 (Du Plessis 3 from 30 balls)

Stokes, all flame hair and tattoos, is running towards the looming, grey building that is rather incongruously called the Friendship Pavilion. It looks more like a 1970s tower block. It seems that Faf du Plessis is going to have to be crow-barred into playing a stroke. There's more chance of getting a darts player out of the pub.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"AB de Villiers is the big wicket. He's the one they want."

SA 114-3 (target 416)

Getty Images

It feels like a time to be bowling. The sky is dark, the air heavy, the floodlights required. Is the ball shaping? Just a touch. Faf du Plessis looks to be dropping anchor in customary style - a strike-rate down below 10. Chris Jordan is on the field for England, I'm not sure who for.

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Irfan Atcha: Get Broad on to get rid of De Villiers and we are laughing.

Drinks break

The physio pays a quick visit to Stokes, who is fit enough to bowl a decent line to De Villiers. The batsman, towel in his trousers, plays with a bat that comes down iron straight, then cuts a wide one for four. Mentioning the towel, why is that there? A very small security blanket? I'll ponder that one during the drinks break.

Latest scorecard

South Africa second innings: 109-3 (30 overs)

Batsmen: De Villiers 20, Du Plessis 2

Fall of wickets: 53-1 (Van Zyl 33), 85-2 (Amla 12), 88-3 (Elgar 40)

Bowling figures: Broad 7-2-20-0, Woakes 3-0-16-0, Finn 6-2-24-2, Stokes 4-0-18-1, Moeen 10-1-29-0

England second innings: 326 (Bairstow 79, Root 73, Piedt 5-159)

South Africa first innings: 214 (Elgar 118 not out, Broad 4-25, Moeen 4-69)

England first innings: 303 (Compton 85, Taylor 70, Steyn 4-70, Morkel 4-76)

Full scorecard

SA 109-3 (target 416)

Moeen Ali is replaced by Chris Woakes, who has bowled with decent pace in this match. The slippery Warwickshire man is looking to shape the ball towards two slips and a gully, but meets the wide defensive stroke of Faf du Plessis. Woakes gives a stare, but not a word. He doesn't seem to be a sledger, Woakes.

SA 108-3 (Stokes 4-0-18-1)

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Steven Finn is off after that two-wicket burst, replaced by Ben Stokes. Stokes has been troubled by his right foot all day, he's either hopping to keep off it or stamping to get some feeling into it. When De Villiers jams at one, there's an appeal from behind the wicket, but Stokes shakes his head.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"112 overs to play sounds an awful lot, but England are in a cracking position. They've got rid of the two openers, we just need to see the back of De Villiers and Du Plessis and that's the backbone of the South African batsmen gone.'"

SA 105-3 (Eng need 7 wickets)

Moeen comes round to Du Plessis and packs the leg side field. Mid-on is up, challenging FDP to hit down the ground. He resists with a tickle for a single. De Villiers may seem in good order, but he also looks absolutely shattered, like a man who could sleep for a week.

SA 103-3 (target 416)

AB de Villiers is in good touch. If Rome falls around him, he looks set to remain. First a cut, then a drive for fours off Finn. Even when he's standing back, Jonny Bairstow can be heard on the stump mic. That lad has got some chirp. 

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

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"Steven Finn is on 106 wickets in 27 Test matches and just as South Africa were beginning to frustrate England he's crept in with two."

SA 95-3 (De Villiers 7, Du Plessis 1)

"Very good Moeen," says Jonny Bairstow as we hear Alastair Cook shuffle the field around. Faf du Plessis has as many as four catchers around the bat, defending his way to the end of the over. There are 24 overs left in the day, but surely the light/weather will intervene. 

SA 93-3 (target 416)

Finn in the gloom, just getting leggy to the red-faced De Villiers to be clipped for four. He's wearing one of those GPS trackers, Finn, the kind that really do look like a sports bra. Either that or a man who forgot to take the hanger out of his shirt. In this spell he's bowled 3-2-4-2.

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Harri Thomas: A snorter of a catch! 

FlashBanding ©: ‏GET IN... With Elgar gone the game is effectively over. Barring a rainy tomorrow.

Matthew Bennett: ‏Watford men having a great year on the sporting field!!! Yes Finny!!

SA 89-3 (Eng need 7 wickets)

South Africa are down to the out-of-form Du Plessis and Duminy, the inexperienced Bavuma and then the bowlers. Du Plessis is surrounded by three catchers as Moeen creeps in. Could England get a silly point in there too? "Lovely bowling," is the cry from behind the stumps.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"The lights are on, it's gloomy. It could well be raining a little bit further down the coast. I think it's just drifted on past us."

SA 88-3 (Finn 4-2-12-2)

Elgar hung around at first, perhaps trying to claim a bump ball. Either that, or he couldn't believe he'd followed such a wide ball. He simply guided a half-volley to second slip. Faf du Plessis the new man, walking out as the umpires have the lightmeters out. It may even be drizzling nearby.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

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"It's definitely out. He's stuck the bat out at a wide ball. They know that's out. Brilliant catch from Joe Root. Finn does have a knack of taking wickets off very average balls."

WICKET

Getty Images

Gone! The immovable, omnipresent Dean Elgar is out and Steven Finn has a second wicket in as many overs. It's very full, quite wide and Elgar jams an edge to second slip, where Joe Root takes a very sharp catch. England have opened the door and are steaming to victory now.

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Rt. Rev. Liam Reilly: ‏YES FINNBAR!

Phil Coulson: ‏The only SA danger men are Elgar, Amla & de Villiers. Once they are gone the rest will get rolled over cheaply.

SA 88-2 (target 416)

It's brightened slightly, but TV are showing pictures of the umpires with a lightmeter. I think that's from day one, highlighting the reading that was taken then. Interestingly enough, the lightmeter is branded 'Megatron'. Isn't that something to do with NFL? De Villiers gets away with a single off Moeen.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"It was a good catch from Jonny Bairstow. Those chances can fly. Finn has a knack of taking wickets. It wasn't a great ball but it wasn't a great shot either. The England fans are now buoyed in the stands."

SA 85-2 (Finn 3-0-12-1)

Looking again, that just moved off the seam. The original line was straight enough to draw Amla into the stroke, the movement took it wide enough for the edge. AB de Villiers is the new man, facing Finn in gathering gloom. He's beaten first up. England will feel they are one more wicket from a victory charge.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Wonderful. I will say it again. Moeen Ali and Steven Finn have a wonderful gift for getting wickets. It's a wonderful gift to have and you've got to give them credit for it."

WICKET

Getty Images

Gone! England's pressure tells and South Africa lose the key wicket of Hashim Amla. It's not a threatening delivery - short and wide outside off stump - but Amla's flat-footed flash only ends in a thick edge to the mitts of Jonny Bairstow. The South Africa rearguard waves goodbye to a yeoman.  

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Mickey Wallis: If we get 2 more scalps (inc De Villiers) before close, we win. If not, I am predicting a home win. Batting looking easier now.

SA 85-1

England have bowled two successive maidens. The old saying is that three brings a wicket. Steven Finn is on for Stuart Broad.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"He looks comfortable Elgar. It will help him playing on the same surface and getting runs, you get used to it."

SA 85-1 (target 416)

The TV cameras pick out an England fan, head back, snoozing. When he's given a nudge, he sees himself and salutes the crowd. What a showman. Only one slip for Moeen to Elgar now - England concerned? There's some clouds gathering behind Moeen, so the light could play its part later.

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Vince Kenny: It's true Daniel. His breakthrough Album was named after his view of artificial cricket strips when it's raining.

SA 85-1 (Elgar 38, Amla 12)

Getty Images

Hashim Amla is starting to find the meat of the bat, having Steven Finn scrambling around on his hands and knees at mid-off. Stuart Broad, perhaps in the last over of his spell, struggles to get the ball to misbehave. It could be hard yakka for England tonight and tomorrow. 

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Jim in Exeter: SA got to keep the faith this afternoon. But suspect their only chance of salvaging a draw is if the outfield gets slippery when wet.  

SA 85-1 (target 416)

Hashim Amla has a very precise method against off-spin. He takes guard right across his stumps and looks to work the ball with the turn on the leg side. It's a plan that got him 300 against England at The Oval three years ago. Moeen expensive so far, more than four an over. On a completely unrelated note, The Dambusters is on TV this afternoon. Classic Christmas telly.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"They're doing the right thing here South Africa and being a lot more selective. They're making it harder for England and it's what you've got to do here".

SA 82-1 (Eng need 9 wickets)

Only two slips and a gully for Broad to Elgar, with plenty of men in the covers. England won't have wanted to be in slight retreat at this stage. Dean Elgar, by the way, has managed to be on the field for every delivery of this Test match - right the way through all four innings so far. At the moment, the pacers aren't getting it to do much.

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AP

Daniel Conor: ‏That must be sarcastic talking about Bon Jovi's cricketing past? Would love to know the source of that.

SA 80-1 (target 416)

I'd love to have a go at being the DJ at an international cricket match. How do they pick their tunes? We've just had Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline. Clearly a classic. Diamond toyed with a tribute to West Indian batsman Chanderpaul, called Sweet Shivnarine, but thought better of it. The South African charge continues as Elgar sweeps Moeen for four. This aggression is clearly a plan to get England on the back foot.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"They've made a better fist of it South Africa. They're getting their noses over the ball and that's what any cricket lover would expect."

SA 75-1 (Elgar 30, Amla 10)

Stuart Broad after the break, the England pacer getting quite angry at a Nick Compton mis-field that gives Amla two. Broad stands mid-pitch, hands on hips like a man whose puppy has dirtied the lawn. When Broad drops short, Amla climbs into a pull for four. The runchase is on... 

Get involved

Re Bon Jovi (12.51), perhaps you were thinking of the cricketing version, "Livin' on a Pair", which Van Zyl would have been doing for much of this match.  Perhaps a song for the new cricketing Boyband ...

Richard Milne

SA 69-1 (target 416)

Elgar has a slip and a helmeted silly point for company. He's positive in defence, pushing and prodding. By keeping Amla from the business end, he deprives us of the a battle between the two best beards in the game. He ends the over with a handsome cover drive. The Daniel Craig of cricket strokes.

SA 65-1

So, England are nine good bits of cricket away from winning this first Test. They are back out at Kingsmead, where it's looking just a touch on the cloudy side. Moeen Ali has the ball. There are 37 overs left in the day.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"I had dinner with James Anderson last night. He said he hopes to be fit for the second Test, but he seemed a bit 50/50."

Interestingly enough, Jon Bon Jovi was a keen cricketer as a young lad. He was a whippy pace bowler who I'm told could generate some reverse swing. Then a knee injury ended his career, so he formed a band instead.

Thanks, James. For some reason, I've got Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer in my head. Maybe that's what South Africa will be doing for the rest of this match.

Tea scorecard

South Africa second innings: 65-1 (13 overs)

Batsmen: Elgar 26, Amla 4

Fall of wickets: 53-1 (Van Zyl 33)

Bowling figures: Broad 4-1-12-0, Woakes 2-0-15-0, Finn 2-0-12-0, Stokes 3-0-15-1, Moeen 2-0-9-0

England second innings: 326 (Bairstow 79, Root 73, Piedt 5-159)

South Africa first innings: 214 (Elgar 118 not out, Broad 4-25, Moeen 4-69)

England first innings: 303 (Compton 85, Taylor 70, Steyn 4-70, Morkel 4-76)

Full scorecard

Get Involved

Sam Gascoyne: ‏Ben Stokes you beauty!

David McNaught: ‏Gate slightly ajar and Stokes steams through it!

Jay: Was wondering whether the wicket alert on bbc cricket live text had stopped working.

Time for me to leave you and hand back to Stephan Shemilt, who will be with you until the close.

Afternoon summary

So after England were finally bowled out for 326, with Jonny Bairstow falling on 79, South Africa set about the task of chasing 416 - or surviving 140 overs.

But they've begun like they're in no mood to hang on for a draw, adding 65 runs in 13 frenetic overs, with under-pressure opener Stiaan van Zyl turning the tables on England with some lusty blows.

However, he was dismissed shortly before the interval, Ben Stokes nipping one through the gate to allay England nerves.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"England are still firm favourites. I was very impressed by that delivery from Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali's short spell was very good. The batting of Elgar and Van Zyl was good too."

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa have punched back, but England only need nine good balls."

Tea interval

Nice from Amla, standing tall, flourishing square drive off Stokes to get off the mark with a four. And that's the interval.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"That flew past Ben Stokes. It's very hard when people are playing the square cut. It either goes straight into your hands or past your face."

SA 61-1 (Moeen 2-0-9-0)

AP

Streaky from Elgar, flashing hard at Moeen and edging the ball between the slips for four. It went very fast at about head height, the sort of chance where you're just grateful you don't have to book an appointment with the dentist. Elgar thwacks Moeen to the point boundary and South Africa's fast start shows no signs of slowing.

SA 53-1 (Elgar 18, Amla 0)

So, England put an end to a very promising partnership from South Africa and reverse the momentum that the home side were beginning to build up. Hashim Amla, on a run of low scores, is the new man.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Brilliant from Ben Stokes. It's a beauty of a ball, nipping back. They always say to hit the top of off stump - that was perfect. That will put the handbrake on South Africa and just what Alastair Cook wanted."

WICKET

Getty Images

Got him! The very satisfying 'plunk' of leather smashing ash as Ben Stokes gets one to seam back and rip through the defences of Stiaan van Zyl. Van Zyl had batted so promisingly but he just propped forward with a stiff front leg and left an inviting gap between bat and pad. Big breakthrough for England, and SVZ trudges off, not knowing whether he's done quite enough to preserve his Test future.

Tea scorecard

Full scorecard

How's Stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"This is South Africa's first 50 opening partnership in their past nine innings, averaging 11. Since the beginning of 2014, the average is 26. Only Zimbabwe's is worse."

SA 50-0 (target 416)

Rex Features

Ah, here he is. Moeen Ali into the attack, a little later than expected. These two batsmen toiled against the off spin of Ravichandran Ashwin in India and it will be a surprise if they can keep this free scoring up against Moeen. Elgar knocks a single to bring up the 50 partnership.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"I'm quite impressed by Van Zyl. He's not going to be timid. If it's there to hit, he will hit it. It won't be long before we see some off-spin."

SA 49-0 (run rate 5.44)

Well, Moeen might have seemed the obvious choice, but for now he's cooling his heels and Ben Stokes is going to bowl first change. The all-rounder has a hole cut in the big toe area of his trainer, and there's a pronounced limp and grimace as he follows through on his first delivery. "Ben Stokes is the sort of man who's always sore," says my colleague Stephan Shemilt. He'll be even sorer after this - Van Zyl, who is playing a blinder so far, hits him for two consecutive fours.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"You always want an early breakthrough when bowling, but this start will have taken the shine off the ball. I'd have Moeen Ali on now for a bit of spin. This should be his moment, his chance to win the match."

Get Involved

Rex Features

Kevin Ticehurst: ‏ Not sure why we are slating Woakes? I thought he bowled smartly in the first innings with no luck. Needs a wicket soon. 

Thommo: Woakes has talent. Improvement comes through exposure at test level. We need to nurture talent for our future squad.

Fenners: ‏Get Moeen on early!

SA 40-0 (Elgar 14, Van Zyl 25)

I wonder when Alastair Cook might think about introducing a bit of spin - with both these players having been thoroughly discombobulated by slow bowling during the India series. Van Zyl, probably playing for his Test future, whips Steven Finn through backward square-leg fence for his third boundary, then absolutely pastes him through midwicket for number four. South Africa on the charge!

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"During the second half of his century in the first innings and his innings so far today, Elgar has looked very composed. His head has been still, he's batting very calmly, and his timing has been superb."

SA 30-0 (target 416)

Rex Features

Elgar has the consummate timing of a man who always gets his poached eggs just right - he clips Stuart Broad off his legs and the ball races to the mid-wicket boundary. Good start this from South Africa.

Get Involved

VillanUK: Moving on from the negativity about Cook, Bairstow's innings was a xmas cracker, maybe match winning?

SA 26-0

With slim pickings for Chris Woakes so far, Steven Finn replaces him in the attack. Van Zyl is living dangerously - again he flicks aerially into the leg side and only just clears the flailing arm of James Taylor at short leg.

Get Involved

Beth: ‏Woakes is a good bowler. He showed that in the first innings. He just hasn't found the right lengths yet. 

Getty Images

SA 24-0 (Elgar 9, Van Zyl 14)

Stuart Broad hits Van Zyl on the pads and has a holler, but it's clearly sliding down leg. That's class from Dean Elgar, driving Broad down the ground for a four so straight he could have measured it with a spirit level.

Get Involved

Fenners: I hope that this Test shows how ineffective Woakes is and that he has no place at this level.

Mike Ball: ‏England should persist with Woakes. I think he has a lot of potential to be a classy all-rounder with a bit more work. 

Matt Smith: ‏Woakes just isn't good enough with the ball at Test level...wasting the new ball here.

SA 17-0 (target 416)

That's nice from SVZ, standing tall and punching Woakes handsomely off the back foot to the point boundary. He's clearly got a few decent shots in his locker, if he can just get past those early-innings jitters. Another good piece of timing earns him three for a punch down the ground.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"Taylor did pretty well to stay so low. It could have been one of those flukey dismissals that goes your way."

Dropped catch

Stiaan Van Zyl's Test career flashes before his eyes as he flicks Stuart Broad to leg and James Taylor, under the helmet at short leg, almost manages to reel it in via a fortuitous combination of leg and hand. Ben Stokes puts his hands to his increasingly pink face in frustration.

How's Stat?!

Teams have batted 140-plus overs in the fourth innings of Tests in South Africa on six occasions. The last instance was England's 141 overs in Cape Town, 2010-11.

SA 9-0 (Elgar 3, Van Zyl 6)

Getty Images

Ooh I say that's a good shot from Van Zyl, overpitched by Woakes and SVZ just leans into it but it's superbly timed and races away to the boundary. Greeted by a blast of 'Africa' by Toto over the tannoy. Classic. A nice push from Elgar earns him two.

Get involved

Duminy should have 'accidentally on purpose' dropped Bairstow. Cook had no intention of declaring and South Africa could have played for less time for England to bowl them out!

John Clifton

SA 2-0 (target 416)

Van Zyl, of course, left a straight one second ball in the first innings, and in fact, they've switched round - Elgar is going to take strike. He's off the mark with a steer through point, and Van Zyl avoids a pair with a push and run.

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa have to lay a platform in the top three. One of the first two wickets need a 100-run partnership. They don't want men around the bat when Moeen Ali comes on to bowl."

Elgar (fresh from a ton) and Van Zyl (fresh from Test-best bowling figures) are out in the middle. Stu-Bro has the nut. Let's go.

He might not have got a ton, but it's worth highlighting what a very good innings that was from Jonny Bairstow. In a game where scoring has generally been difficult and slow, 79 from 76 balls is a superb effort. He batted for the team, even eschewing personal glory at the end to unselfishly play risky shots.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"England have outplayed South Africa in every department. They are down, but not out. Two or three guys need to play well. They need to get through today and make England bowl them out."

End-of-innings scorecard

England second innings: 326 all out (102.1 overs)

Fall of wickets: 13-1 (Cook 7), 48-2 (Hales 26), 119-3 (Compton 49), 192-4 (Root 73), 197-5 (Stokes 5), 224-6 (Taylor 42), 272-7 (Moeen 16), 315-8 (Woakes 23), 315-9 (Broad 0), 326-10 (Bairstow 79)

Not out batsman: Finn 0  

Bowling figures: Steyn 3.5-0-10-0, Morkel 20.3-5-38-1, Abbott 21.4-3-62-1, Piedt 36-4-159-5, Elgar 9-0-32-0, Van Zyl 10.1-3-20-3, Duminy 1-0-5-0

South Africa first innings: 214 (Elgar 118 not out, Broad 4-25, Moeen 4-69)

England first innings: 303 (Compton 85, Taylor 70, Steyn 4-70, Morkel 4-76)

Full scorecard

Neil Manthorp

BBC Test Match Special

"There are 140 overs for South Africa to bat to force the draw. If they do bat that long, they might be in sniffing distance of winning."

Innings summary

Well, it might have been a bit stodgy towards the end, but that's still a job well done by England. The openers failed again, but Nick Compton and Joe Root set them up solidly, before a bit of biff from Bairstow saw them through a very satisfactory second-innings total. South Africa will have to score 416 to win - two runs shy of the world record fourth-innings chase. England in the box seat...

WICKET

Getty Images

Bairstow tries to hit Van Zyl down the ground but can't get the elevation to clear JP Duminy at long-off. Van Zyl ends up with an unlikely three-for. Jonny Bairstow is never going to get a Test hundred, is he?

Get Involved

Maddy Raman:‏ It's silly still batting when lead is 400 but plain stupid to send your strike bowler in when he could be taking wickets.

Laurence Bowyer: ‏What is to be gained from Finn batting?! Shocking non-declaration from Cook. 

Fenners:‏ Lay off bagging Cook. If he declared early & we end up losing he'd be pilloried for it. Need 400 lead at least. Good captaincy. 

Eng 326-9 (Bairstow 79, Woakes 0)

Getty Images

So now we're going to see South Africa's openers bowling in tandem before they go out to open the batting. Part-time left-armer Dean Elgar comes on to have a twirl. Bairstow marmalises him inside-out over the covers for four, then slogs him over the mid-wicket boundary for a maximum. I reckon Alastair Cook is going to give him the chance to get his maiden Test ton here...

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Alastair Cook has declared six times in the third innings of a match. The lowest target he has set is 390."

Eng 315-9

Finn blocks out the final two balls of the over. This is silly, isn't it?

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Get declared. 400 is a lot to get. I'm not sure England need any more. South Africa are only trying to save the game."

WICKET

Getty Images

This is all rather undignified from England. They're flailing their way towards the end of this innings rather than making a stately exit. Part-time dibbly-dobbler Stiaan van Zyl picks up his second wicket of the over, taking a tiny inside edge from Broad. ABDV does the rest. Aaannnnnddd...nope, Steven Finn is coming out. England are going to bat through.

Latest scorecard

England second innings: 315-8 (100.2 overs)

Not out batsmen: Bairstow 68, Broad 0

Fall of wickets: 13-1 (Cook 7), 48-2 (Hales 26), 119-3 (Compton 49), 192-4 (Root 73), 197-5 (Stokes 5), 224-6 (Taylor 42), 272-7 (Moeen 16), 315-8 (Woakes 23)

Bowling figures: Steyn 3.5-0-10-0, Morkel 20.3-5-38-1, Abbott 21.4-3-62-1, Piedt 36-4-159-5, Elgar 8-0-21-0, Van Zyl 9.2-2-20-1, Duminy 1-0-5-0

Full scorecard

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

"He was just trying to be positive. Woakes played very nicely and he should be pleased with that."

WICKET

Getty Images

Can't bat, can't bowl, but boy can JP Duminy catch. Chris Woakes struck it hard but Duminy dives and takes a brilliant grab at short cover.

Is that the cue for Cook to call his men in? Nope, Stuart Broad is coming out.

Eng 315-7 (Bairstow 68, Woakes 23)

Aha! I've spotted Cook. He's on the upper tier of the England balcony, sitting in front of a laptop. I hope he hasn't got series five of Game of Thrones on there - we could be here for hours if so. At least Jonny Bairstow is showing an inclination to get on with things - he's just absolutely pasted Piedt over the midwicket boundary for six. England's lead passes 400...

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

AP

"This is Bairstow's best innings since he got 95 and 54 against South Africa at Lord's. He's a better player when he's uninhibited."

Eng 304-7 (lead by 393)

Bairstow finally breaks the tedium by lofting Van Zyl over the top. Balcony Watch: Buttler snoozing, Ottis Gibson scratching his nose. Cook? Nowhere to be seen...

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Still no sign of a declaration. This is enough. If you were fielding and ahead of the rate, could you just refuse to bowl? If you're 10 minutes ahead, sit down for 10 minutes."

Eng 298-7 (Piedt 35-4-142-5)

How do you write a yawn in text? Any suggestions? I'm not sure but this is getting a bit snoozeworthy. Two singles from Piedt's latest.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

Rex Features

"It's that turgid period now. Runs are coming at one a ball. South Africa don't care. It's almost pointless cricket until Alastair Cook decides to have a bowl."

Eng 296-7 (Bairstow 54, Woakes 18)

Amla goes back to Stiaan van Zyl for some more military medium. About as much venom in his bowling as a grey squirrel. Still, Bairstow and Woakes show his trundlers probably more respect than they merit - just two singles from the over.

Get Involved

Mickey Wallis: I simply don't understand Cook's captaincy. You have to dangle a carrot Alastair. Otherwise we'll just get a boring draw..

Eng 294-7 (lead by 383)

Bairstow sweeps Piedt for a single. Still no sign of any movement on the England balcony - not even a crossword being filled in.

How's Stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"England have not had a king pair in a Test match since 1906. Ernie Hayes against South Africa in Cape Town."

Woakes made a golden duck in the first innings but avoided a king pair in the second innings.

Eng 293-7 (Abbott 22-3-62-1)

I think what I like most about the picture below is the way Stokes has retained his England cap. And Joe Root's filled out a bit, hasn't he?

I digress. Back to the cricket, and Abbott drifts one on to Woakes' pads and is punished with a crisp drive for four. Oh, and that's even better, full face of the bat and creamed back down the ground. Woakes holds the high elbow pose for the snappers. Loving his work.

Cricket Boy Bands

Eng 285-7 (Bairstow 52, Woakes 9)

Bairstow and Woakes keep the scoreboard ticking over with some scampered singles.

Meanwhile, an extraordinary photo has landed in our inbox...

Eng 281-7 (lead by 370)

Kyle Abbott gets us going at the other end. Nice shot from Chris Woakes, a late caress behind point that brings him four.

Get Involved

Vlad Родился царь: ‏4 and a half sessions are enough to get 400 runs...Broad and Ali's 1st innings luck is gone....Elgar + Amla centuries.

Peter Coles: ‏England shouldn't even think of declaring until their lead is at least 400.

50 for Jonny Bairstow

Getty Images

Well batted Jonny Bairstow. First ball after lunch, he eases Piedt into the leg-side and brings up a run-a-ball half-century. Just what the doctor ordered in these circumstances, rapid accumulation. JB, by the way, is now averaging 80 against South Africa, compared to his overall Test average of 28.

At the other end, Piedt is causing Woakes a few problems, and the number nine is very nearly snaffled at slip.

Reuters

Right then. Bairstow and Woakes ready and waiting. Dane Piedt with the ball, Let's play ball...

On the menu

I think I understand. But what if England want the tiramisu instead?

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"What Cook has got to think about is how long he needs to take 10 wickets. It looks like one of those surfaces where you could bat time a little bit. What if South Africa get a partnership going, get through the new ball and when Moeen comes on to bowl it's not three down and men around the bat?"

The waiting game

So when do England declare? We're just marking time now, waiting for Alastair Cook to call the batters and for the real game to begin in earnest. However, we know Cook is a naturally cautious skipper, so he'll probably want a lead in excess of 400. But how long is he prepared to wait, knowing that each over England use up is one fewer in which to bowl out South Africa?

For Piedt's sake

However, it's not all bad for South Africa. In fact, I owe Dane Piedt an apology. Yesterday, in listing South Africa's litany of problems, I may have erm, kind of said that they didn't have a spinner.

Well didn't Piedt shut me up? The young off has bowled excellently in this innings to claim 5-133.

In fact, in just three Tests, he's now taken four hauls of at least four wickets; which is more than Moeen Ali has managed in 21 Tests.

Neil Manthorp

BBC Test Match Special

"There are six areas of serious concern for South Africa: Amla's form, Du Plessis' form, Duminy's form, the need for an opener to partner Dean Elgar, the problem of De Villiers keeping wicket, and Steyn's injury."

Cricket Boy Bands

PA

AbyinWindum: Why boy bands on the day we lost Lemmy? Metal cricket: Norun Maiden, Whispering Death Metal, Runs 'n' Roses, Deep Square Purple.

Tom Steer: ‏The line up of the Donnington Monsters of (cricket) Rock festival: Iron Wicket Maiden, Legside Zeppelin, Deep Midwicket Purple.

Paul Nolan: Byean Maiden 

Thank you Stephan. England very much in the driving seat, elbow resting nonchalantly on the open car window, singing along merrily to the radio. South Africa? Trussed up in the boot, resigned to their fate.

Time for me to get out of here (and possibly have a little nap). Here's James Gheerbrant.

BBC Test Match Special

Rex Features

Just a reminder that during the interval Test Match Special will be speaking to author Dean Allen. Tune in and keep your cricket boy bands coming.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"England have played very sensible, sound cricket this morning. They've done everything they needed to do. Jonny Bairstow naturally scores quickly without even trying to, and he's had a good match."

Lunch scorecard

England second innings: 275-7 (91 overs)

Not out batsmen: Bairstow 49, Woakes 2

Fall of wickets: 13-1 (Cook 7), 48-2 (Hales 26), 119-3 (Compton 49), 192-4 (Root 73), 197-5 (Stokes 5), 224-6 (Taylor 42), 272-7 (Moeen 16)

Bowling figures: Steyn 3.5-0-10-0, Morkel 20.3-5-38-1, Abbott 19.4-3-50-1, Piedt 31-4-133-5, Elgar 8-0-21-0, Van Zyl 7-2-12-0, Duminy 1-0-5-0

South Africa first innings: 214 (Elgar 118 not out, Broad 4-25, Moeen 4-69)

England first innings: 303 (Compton 85, Taylor 70, Steyn 4-70, Morkel 4-76)

Full scorecard

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"The game has moved on, and England are in a position to come out and play a few shots in the afternoon. I don't think they'll declare at lunch."

Lunch

Getty Images

That's it for the morning session. In isolation, four wickets for South Africa is a pretty good effort, but it doesn't change the fact that England are right on top in this match. Will the lunchtime conversation in the South Africa dressing room involve the words "skipper, why didn't we take that new ball?"

Lunchtime on Test Match Special

Eng 272-7

We probably now only have one over left before lunch, to be bowled by Kyle Abbott. Chris Woakes is England new man - on a king pair.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"It wasn't one of those appeals where you thought, 'This looks close', but the bowler got it right."

Five-wicket haul

Reuters

Well bowled, Dane Piedt. He's had to do a lot of work in the absence of Dale Steyn and he has stepped up to the plate. That's also 18 wickets in three Test matches - a very decent start to his Test career.

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Dane Piedt is the first South African spinner to take a five-for on this ground since Hugh Tayfield in 1957."

WICKET

Rex Features

Gone! How often do you see those overturned? Moeen Ali was actually hit in line and the ball was going on to hit the top of middle stump. No great shakes in the context of the match, but Dane Piedt has his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It looked to me as if it hit him, playing a shot, outside off stump."

Umpire review

Getty Images

Hmmmm. This looks optimistic. Moeen Ali sweeping Dane Piedt. Given not out. South Africa will still look again...

Cricket Boy Bands

Henry Blackwell: What about the Arctic Moeenkeys?

Jonny Green: In honour of THAT morning at Trent Bridge, 'Stuart Broad and his Magical Slip Cordon'.

Eng 272-6

AP

Jonny Bairstow is having some fun here. One powerful sweep, one gloved over the keeper. Two boundaries. The Yorkshire keeper is closing in on a half-century. When he got dropped, Jos Buttler might have been thinking that his next chance wouldn't have been far away. Now he might not be so sure.

Get Involved

Charlotte May: Cricketers' graves - I have a picture of Glenn McGrath, that's sort of Athers' grave, right?

Eng 263-6 (lead by 352)

The new ball ship has sailed and now South Africa are waving a white flag. Morkel withdrawn, the slow left-armers of Dean Elgar introduced. England can effectively bat as they please until they feel the need to declare. Ten minutes or so until lunch, maybe 30 minutes or an hour afterwards. 400 or more, then set about taking 10 wickets. 

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

"He should have caught it. It was a very comfortable height, about kneecap high. Van Zyl is not having a good match."

Close!

Chance for South Africa, who have now missed so many that I've lost count. Piedt the bowler, Bairstow the batsman, tickling fine between the gloves of AB de Villiers and the slow-moving Stiaan van Zyl at leg slip. Van Zyl held Joe Root at slip earlier, but here he moved with all the mobility of a wardrobe and didn't even get a hand on it.  

Cricket Boy Bands

Dave Griffiths: No Direction- a duo consisting of Mitch Johnson and Steve Harmison. Resplendent in white suits, of course.

Stephen Wilkinson:‏ All English Rejects (All American Rejects) - Lyth, Robson, KP as lead singer, Carberry 

Richard Arundel: ‏Surely Buddy Holly & The Wickets  

BBC

Eng 253-6 (lead by 342)

Getty Images

Morne Morkel continues to toil away, now towering his giant frame towards Moeen Ali from round the wicket. Naturally no new ball for Morne. He must not deserve it. There are just under 20 minutes to go before lunch and England look set to be batting well into the afternoon.

Eng 249-6 (lead by 338)

An outstanding revelation from Geoffrey Boycott. As the TMS conversation turns to former England fast bowler George Lohmann, Geoffrey reveals "I've got a picture of his grave at home". How random. Do let me know if you have a picture of a cricketer's grave. England scoring freely now. If South Africa did create the slightest sniff, Bairstow and Moeen are England's air freshener. 

Get Involved

Bhavin Shah: South Africa need to take wickets to win the game. Not taking the new ball is a sign they're already defeated.

Eng 246-6 (Bairstow 31 from 34 balls)

Still we wait for the new ball like Adrian Mole wait, wait, waited for the giro. Perhaps it's not there at all. Maybe Amla asked for it and the umpires told them they'd forgotten to bring it. Morkel, sun reflecting off his big white back, gets too leggy to Bairstow and is clipped for four.

Cricket Boy Bands

Adam Lee: ‏Something more contemporary? Florence and the Moeen. 

BBC

AP

Eng 242-6 (lead by 331)

Dane Piedt continues to skip in under the hot sun - these are probably the best conditions of the Test match. The sun is out, but the pesky wind has gone. On the subject of Jonny Bairstow nailing a place in this side, he's really looked the part with the bat this morning. An ease through the covers brings three.

Cricket Boy Bands

Geoff Archer: One Deflection?

Daniel Jackson: Their first Christmas single; "In the deep mid wicket"?

Eng 238-6

Maybe they reviewed it because AB de Villiers finally managed to cling on to one. Move on.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"Bairstow doesn't seem the least bit concerned."

Umpire review

It's hit the hip. This will be not out...

Umpire review

If this is out, then AB de Villiers has taken a blinder. Only problem is, I don't think Bairstow is anywhere near it.

Neil Manthorp

BBC Test Match Special

Rex Features

"Jonny Bairstow seems to hit the ball harder than anybody else."

Eng 238-6

Morne Morkel is still not afforded the new ball. Has a bowler ever just taken it from the umpire against the wishes of the captain? Jonny Bairstow, bat held about his head like a lumberjack with an axe, pounces on a short ball with a cut so powerful this old ball screams for mercy.

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Dane Piedt has now bowled in six innings in Test cricket, and he's taken four wickets in four of them."

Eng 234-6 (lead by 327)

England are definitely putting the foot down, perhaps with a hint of reckless abandon. Moeen Ali gets up and running with a sweep off Piedt so fine that Jackie Wilson could sing about it, then he plays an uppish drive that evades mid-off.

Cricket Boy Band

Jon Dunn: ‏Bands - AdeleBW and my wife has just come up with Backstop Boys.

Step Soundsytem: Root's Manouvre

Josh Withers: ‏I think the Duckworth Lewis Method got it pretty spot on. Especially with the song test match special.

Eng 228-6

Getty Images

Morne Morkel is back, but still with old leather in hand. Jonny Bairstow, a man seemingly always looking to prove he is worth a place in this side, drives beautifully through the covers for four. On that, what would Bairstow have to do to keep Jos Buttler at bay? Score loads of runs and hang on to everything behind the stumps?

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"If England somehow don't strike with the new ball they will need a little extra time to get the 10 wickets. I know I am clutching at straws with the way South Africa are batting but it's a slow pitch and if South Africa's top three somehow get a partnership and build a platform, England will want more runs. But at the same time they won't want to kill the game totally."

Eng 224-6 (Piedt 26-4-103-4)

AP

James Taylor blasted the air with his right boot as he walked off. He was eyeing another Test half-century. Dane Piedt has done a good job for South Africa - he's got a fourth four-fer in three Test matches. Moeen Ali is England's new man. New ball available, but not taken yet. 

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Taylor will be livid with himself. He was just trying to increase the scoring rate a little bit. The ball didn't seem to turn very much, but Taylor missed it on the outside edge."

WICKET

Getty Images

This game is bumping along now. James Taylor has used his feet so well this morning, but another skip at Dane Piedt sees him play for non-existent turn, run past the ball, with AB de Villiers doing the rest. England six down - surely South Africa will take the new ball now?  

Get Involved

Getty Images

John ashenden: ‏Time for Root to go now then ...far too many 70s and 80s!!!! Heard it all now.

Storey: I agree with Jay. If all of our batsmen averaged 62.77 this year we wouldn't be ranked 6 in the world. 

Dean Mitchell: I cannot believe that people have the temerity to criticise Joe Root. A genuinely world class player that we're lucky to have.

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I think Joe Root has had an outstanding year. Even watching him today, he looked so controlled at the crease. He has a lovely rhythm to his batting."

Cricket Boy Band

Linden Greensitt: ‏ Boycs Zone

Will Thornton: ‏D12th Man

Edward Dutton: Cricket boyband might be Bowledplay?

Latest scorecard

England second innings: 217-5 (79 overs)

Not out batsmen: Taylor 41, Bairstow 10

Fall of wickets: 13-1 (Cook 7), 48-2 (Hales 26), 119-3 (Compton 49), 192-4 (Root 73), 197-5 (Stokes 5)

Bowling figures: Steyn 3.5-0-10-0, Morkel 16.3-5-22-1, Abbott 18.4-3-47-1, Piedt 25-4-96-3, Elgar 7-0-19-0, Van Zyl 7-2-12-0, Duminy 1-0-5-0

South Africa first innings: 214 (Elgar 118 not out)

Bowling figures: Broad 15-6-25-4, Woakes 14-1-28-0, Moeen 25-3-69-4, Finn 15.4-1-49-2, Stokes 9-1-25-0, Root 3-1-11-0.

England first innings: 303 (Compton 85, Taylor 70, Steyn 4-70, Morkel 4-76)

Full scorecard

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Jonny Bairstow has come out and shown real intent, and hopefully England are going to through the gears. I'd like to see them declare and have a go at South Africa before lunch. But they won't do that."

Drinks break

Still Kyle Abbott, so perhaps South Africa aren't thinking about the new ball. At mid-wicket, Temba Bavuma fields and somehow manage to lose his shoe. I think that's the second time that's happened in this match. How is it possible to lose your shoe once, let alone twice? Can he not tie his laces? On the boundary, sub fielders ready themselves not only with drinks but a plate of fruit and a fistful of sweets. It is Christmas, after all.

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Thomas DJH Stirk: ‏Cricketing boyband: The Middle Order featuring Root, Stokes, Taylor and Bairstow.

Ian Bett: Boy band should be How'sThat? KP as Robbie Williams, Cookie as Howard, Root as Barlow, Taylor as Mark and Stokes the other one

Eng 215-5 (lead by 304)

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Wallop! Jonny Bairstow isn't here to mess about, planting a foot down the track and slog-sweeping Dane Piedt on to the grass bank at mid-wicket. The previous ball, he might just have had a little let-off. Down the leg side, he possibly got a tickle on to one that AB de Villiers tipped around the post. 

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Pushing Abbott for an extra over tells me that Hashim Amla isn't going to take the new ball right away - unless he gives it to Piedt, which might not be a bad option..."

Eng 206-5 (lead by 295)

It's still Kyle Abbott, steaming in even though the new ball looms. Perhaps South Africa won't take the new nut right away. Bark-haired, zinc-faced and breathing hard, Abbott strains for more of that reverse wobble, with just a Taylor single coming from the over.

Cricket Boy Band

The Bobcat Club: ‏Re cricketing boyband; surely "Owzat" would be the name?

Dennis Hussey: Um... New Kids At The Crease? 

Michael Keohane: Has to be Take Bat.

Eng 205-5 (Taylor 38, Bairstow 1)

In selfishly losing wickets, England distracted us from the chat about a cricketing boy band. Some of your tweets to come. Actually, Root and Stokes were two names mentioned - I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it. Jonny Bairstow is in at number seven for England, getting off the mark with a single from Piedt. 

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Jon Dunn: ‏Getting out playing the reverse sweep in a Test match doesn't half make you look daft.

Eng 202-5 (lead by 291)

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Stokes was angry with himself there, aiming a swipe at the stumps as he walked off. The nature of the rest of this England batting line-up suggests that the game will bump along from now on. Either quick runs, or quick wickets. James Taylor remains constant, though, clipping Kyle Abbott through square leg for four.

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"There is spin there but Stokes was trying to take the game forward."

WICKET

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Hmmmm. You can see that Ben Stokes was trying to push the scoring along, but it doesn't look great. After reverse-sweeping Dane Piedt for four, Stokes looks for a repeat and can only glove a looping catch to Dean Elgar at slip. Right idea, but not the best execution.  

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Colin Curryer: ‏Joe Root is developing a habit of getting out cheaply after resuming an innings

Jay: ‏Since when is too many 70s & 80s considered a problem for an English batsman?

Eng 193-4

The Joe Root wicket didn't give me the chance to reflect on that hideous image of Marge Simpson batting on a beach. Even typing those words feels quite surreal. And what is the annual Gentleman's Test? I'm not sure I want a part of it if it involves getting dressed in that get-up.

How's Stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Joe Root finishes the year with 1,385 runs in 14 Tests, scoring three hundreds and 10 half centuries at an average of 62.77

"His is the second highest aggregate for England ever behind Michael Vaughan's 1,481 in 2002 and the second highest this year behind Australia's Steve Smith, who finished with 1,474."

Eng 193-4 (lead by 282)

Even when runs have been accumulated with relative ease, these conditions are still tricky for a new batsman. Not only does Stokes have to deliver with reverse swing, but also the sharp turn being found by Dave Piedt - harder for the left-hander, because the ball is turning away from him. Twice in the over, he almost comes a cropper.

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Joel Fentem: I love Joe Root but he has to improve his 50 to 100 conversion rate, too many 70s and 80s

Ashley Paul: Sorry, that was me. First check of the live text this morning and a wicket falls.

Eng 193-4 (Abbott 15-2-40-1)

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Looking again, I might not have given Kyle Abbott enough credit there. He too is getting the old ball to move and that delivery shaped away from Root, in contrast to the earlier deliveries in the over, which came in. Root was drawn into the struck, following the ball as it moved from him. Ben Stokes is the new man, away with a single.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"The bowler got it in the right area and brought the batsmen into play, so credit to Abbott."

WICKET

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Gone! From looking so comfortable, Joe Root has contrived to give first slip some catching practice. Kyle Abbott into the attack, a ball wide of the off stump, Root playing an odd, flat-footed cut that ends with a think edge to Stiaan van Zyl. Amazingly, given the state of South African slip catching, van Zyl clung on. 

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Eng 190-3 (lead by 279)

Rex Features

It's all quite sedate in Durban today - the crowd the smallest it has been in the match so far. Piedt comes round the wicket in an attempt to build some dots, but is greeted by the deftest of sweeps by Joe Root, who will be thinking of yet another Test hundred. Now, stand by for one of the oddest tweets we've ever received. 

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Dale Cooper: ‏What I'd like is England to blast 100 or so this morning for a ~350 lead, declare half hour before lunch and go at SA.

Eng 183-3

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This really is good stuff from Morkel - a man often in the shadow of Dale Steyn. He's getting this old ball to reverse swing both ways, giving James Taylor a real examination. There's two slips and a man catching on the leg side. Could South Africa get another catcher from somewhere? Taylor, shuffling, jumping and thrusting, manages to take a couple through the leg side.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"You have to attack the batsman a bit first thing in the morning, don't you?"

Eng 181-3 (Root 65, Taylor 28)

Raffael, I've always thought that Joe Root would be in-line to be a member of a cricketing boy band. He'd obviously be the innocent one. Ben Stokes could probably be the edgy one. After that I'm struggling. This band needs a name too. Dane Piedt is unable to keep this pair tied down - the dance of the milked single continues.

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Raffael Hirt: My girlfriend just said that Joe Root looks like someone from One Direction. Whatever that is.

Eng 177-3 (lead by 266)

Morkel, the giraffe, steams in to Taylor like an older brother looking to pin his younger sibling in a game of yard cricket. Taylor, helmet so big that it's borrowed from his dad, shuffles about the crease to deal with some back-of-a-length stuff. More reverse from Morkel - this way and that. Lovely stuff, threatening. 

Australia beat West Indies by 177 runs

Australia's bowlers completed an emphatic 177-run victory on day four of the second Test against West Indies at the MCG, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Denesh Ramdin and captain Jason Holder built a 100-run stand after tea but all-rounder Mitchell Marsh broke the partnership and took 4-61 to complete the triumph.

Australia bowled the Windies out for 282, having declared before the start of play to set the tourists an imposing 460-run target for victory.

Spinner Nathan Lyon was named man-of-the-match after taking seven wickets, including 3-85 in the second innings.

AFP

Eng 177-3 (Root 63, Taylor 26)

Spin at the other end - the fingers of Dane Piedt could be tired by the end of the day. He's getting big revs, with both of this England pair looking to use their feet. Singles the order of the day - untroubled progress probably a sign of things to come. 

Eng 173-3 (lead by 262)

If we're honest, it might not be much of a contest in the first session and a bit today. Even a clatter of wickets wouldn't hurt England too much. A silly collapse would still leave them 300 in front - probably enough. More likely is that they will have some reasonably untroubled progress to a lead of 450 and then declare. After that, the real game begins. Morkel is getting a hint of reverse, causing Root some discomfort. Just a single from the first over. 

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Lord: Looking forward to a morning of Root & Taylor.

Rachel T: England are in a great position - without yet firing on all cylinders! Dreamland. 

Eng 172-3

Morkel has the warpaint smeared across his face and only two slips in place. The Barmy Army are singing Jerusalem, as they do at this time of day in an overseas Test.

Despite the sunshine, Joe Root is sporting a sleeveless sweater. He'll be on strike unbeaten on 60. James Taylor is at the other end on 24. Morne Morkel has the ball.

Applause in Durban, which means the players have appeared on to the Kingsmead turf. It's clear-sky sunshine once more, no sign of the rain that hit us on day one.

Start-of-play scorecard

England second innings: 172-3 (64 overs)

Not out batsmen: Root 60, Taylor 24

Fall of wickets: 13-1 (Cook 7), 48-2 (Hales 26), 119-3 (Compton 49)

Bowling figures: Steyn 3.5-0-10-0, Morkel 13.3-4-19-1, Abbott 13.4-2-36-0, Piedt 18-3-65-2, Elgar 7-0-19-0, Van Zyl 7-2-12-0, Duminy 1-0-5-0

South Africa first innings: 214 (Elgar 118 not out)

Bowling figures: Broad 15-6-25-4, Woakes 14-1-28-0, Moeen 25-3-69-4, Finn 15.4-1-49-2, Stokes 9-1-25-0, Root 3-1-11-0.

England first innings: 303 (Compton 85, Taylor 70, Steyn 4-70, Morkel 4-76)

Full scorecard

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"England are sitting so pretty there's no chance that South Africa will get any target England set and there's only a slim chance of South Africa saving the Test. 

"England can be sensible this morning and by lunchtime without doing anything silly they should be able to get to a 350-lead and then that should enable them to have a dart after lunch and decide when to declare."

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So, what to make of all that? Are England on top in this match because of their superiority, or are they being aided by South African disarray? A bit of both?

And are you back to work today? How will you be remaining in the cricketing Christmas spirit?

Text 81111, tweet using the hashtag #bbccricket or email [e-mail].

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South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosaji: "Steyn has developed a stiffness in his shoulder, partly because he has just come back from a groin injury. The scans have all come back as inconclusive.

"He's still in pain. It's unlikely that he will bowl today and we will monitor him to assess to see if he can play in Cape Town.

"If he wakes up tomorrow and the pain subsides, then he will be considered, but at the moment it's too early to tell."

Wilting not only in this match, but creaking in the bones as well.

South Africa pacer Dale Steyn left the pitch not once, but twice yesterday with a shoulder problem.

We were told last night that his would be assessed before play today.

Well...

Oh ye of little faith. Allow us to extend the festive cheer and ease you back to reality with a cracking Test match - one that England are well placed to win.

The tourists resume on 172-3, a huge lead of 261 over South Africa - the world number ones, no less.

Alastair Cook's men have two further days to pick the petals off the wilting Proteas. 

Although we're very much still in the spirit of Christmas, it's undeniable that the season is passing us by.

Drinks on Christmas Eve. Presents on Christmas Day. Leftover turkey every day since.

Now, the alarm clock and the rush to get back to work (complete with turkey sandwich in your bag).

How depressing.

Urgh. Back to work.