Relive Rabada's historic 7-112 for SA

1. S Cook 23*, Amla 16* - dropped on 0
2. SA build on first-innings lead of 133
3. Rabada claims Test-best 7-112
4. Cook 76, Root 76, Moeen 61
5. England lead 2-0 in four-match series

And so it's time to say goodbye. Can England get out of this one? Join us tomorrow to find out.

Remember, it's 08:04. Obviously.

'Rabada's got a big future'

England's Moeen Ali on Kagiso Rabada, who took 7-112 for South Africa: "He's a very good bowler for a young guy. He's a very fit guy. He's got a big future.

"If we keep them down to 270-280, we've bowled extremely well - even 300. But it's going to be really tough.

"There's still pressure on their bowlers to bowl us out on the last day, just as we've got to bowl them out tomorrow. There's still a lot to play for in this game."

It's almost time for me to get out of here, but there's still time for me to point you in the direction of our match report. The thoughts of Jonathan Agnew will be online later too.

Player's view

England's Moeen Ali, who made 61 - his first fifty in 15 Test innings - on Sky Sports: "I've struggled a little bit with the bat lately so it was nice to contribute today. There was a time when I tried to play properly and I found that quite tough. Today I played a few shots - maybe on this wicket it's the right way to go.

"It's one of those wickets where you've got to ride your luck a little bit. The one that stays low are the hard ones."

Getty Images

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"I don't think England can win from here. They haven't got a cat in hell's chance. All they can do is try to save the game. Winning is what they have to try and do but I don't think they can bowl them out cheaply."

South Africa bowler Kasigo Rabada, who took 7-112, speaking to Sky Sports: "It felt very good. I tried to take it ball by ball and things happened for me today but I thought Kyle Abbott and Morne Morkel bowled really well to help me as well, controlling the run rate. 

"I wasn't expecting to get a seven-for. Whatever else comes comes!"

Misleading cricketing terms

Jay: All that has happened today is England have conceded a huge lead and #bbccricket has made it clear that the cricket needs its own dictionary

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"England didn't deserve any more than they got. Moeen Ali did them a favour - he played very well and only gave his wicket away because he was in with Jimmy Anderson."

Get Involved

Awfully good of bad light to come just in time for Arsenal vs Chelsea...

Matty Holland

You should do my links more often, Matty. I'll point you in the direction of the BBC Sport live text commentary here.

Reuters

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It was an appalling shot from Taylor. His whole innings was fraught, trying to score, trying to dominate. He didn't think his way through. He had to play a tennis-racquet shot and couldn't control it."

Get Involved

Paul Roberts: If Chris Woakes is Jimmy's long term replacement the boys from Oz will be rocking peacefully in their hammocks.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Kagiso Rabada bowled really well. This kid, at 20, has really got something, definitely. When you see a young player like that you can see it immediately. My only hope is that he doesn't get one of these stress fractures in the back that seems to affect so many young bowlers."

Get Involved

Earlier today it rained at the right time so we were updated about a thrilling finish to the Big Bash. Now off for bad light despite floodlights on. They can get 80 thousand spectators in for a bunfight in the middle of the night but Test cricket stops against pie throwers. Not difficult to work out which format is going to win.

Richard Ellis

Play to start at 08:04 GMT

I'm actually being told that play will begin at 08:04 tomorrow, which is 10:04 local time. Once again, cricket's silliness is baffling. Why not start on the hour and finish four minutes earlier?

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"I don't think South Africa can lose it now. They have had the best day of the whole summer against England. Everything was perfect. 

"Nothing was given to them, but they were patient and got their reward with their bowling."

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"The light has been bad since the early afternoon, and we've been able to play until nearly the end of the day. Considering the weather we have had that is not bad.

"South Africa are of course on top but they're not out of danger yet though. What if England come back tomorrow and bowl them out for 80? It's not impossible..."

Close-of-play scorecard

South Africa 42-1 (17 overs) - lead by 175

Batsmen: S Cook 23*, Amla 16*

Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Elgar 1)

Bowling figures: Anderson 5-1-14-1, Broad 4-1-8-0, Stokes 3-1-6-0, Woakes 2-0-7-0, Moeen 2-1-1-0, Root 1-0-4-0

SA first innings 475: De Kock 129*, S Cook 115, Amla 109; Stokes 4-86

England first innings 342: Cook 76, Root 76, Moeen 61; Rabada 7-112

Full scorecard

Close of play - SA 42-1

The inevitable is confirmed. That's it for the day. We'll begin again slightly earlier tomorrow, at 08:00. When we come back South Africa will effectively be 175-1.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"They're not going to get back out there now."

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"When the umpires start to see four or five shadows around the players' bodies they will start to think OK, this is now false light. 

"There's one thing enhancing the sunlight, but once it becomes totally reliant on the unnatural light, the umpires take you off."

I've heard a rumour that the close has been called. Not confirmed yet.

Bad light stops play

The umpires, three of them, are still out there. "There's no chance of playing again today. How long do you think we can string this out for. We get paid by the minute, don't we?"

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"For England to realistically have a chance of winning they will have to rock up tomorrow and have the sort of session they had at the Wanderers. 

"I don't see them chasing anything over 300. There is a little bit of hope for them, but it's a big ask. South Africa's players will be sleeping a lot better tonight."

Bad light stops play

We have to be back on 16:18 to get any more play today. Some of the groundstaff think we are done, because they begin to bring the various apparatus needed for the close-of-play interviews on to the field, only to be told to clear off. Still the umpires are out there.

Bad light stops play

We said the light was coming and now it has arrived. The umpires decide it is too dark, even for the slow bowlers. The players are taken off, probably for the last time today. It's not the official close, because the umpires are still in the middle.

Misleading cricketing terms

Anything with 'Duckworth' or 'Lewis' in it.

Mark Fairhead

SA 42-1

Still Moeen to Cook, with four catchers around the bat. It feels like the last knockings of the day, so England's thinking must be to nip a couple out as South Africa play for the close. Ooohhh, that's a bad leave. Big appeal... not out. They think about a review, but decide it's too high. A good call.   

Misleading cricketing terms

"Caught and bowled" implies being out twice simultaneously.

Sebastian Wallis in Yorkshire

SA 42-1 (lead by 175)

Interesting. It's spin from both ends, so England have been told that the light is poor, yet they have opted to stay out there, otherwise they have an easy way out. Good spirit. Joe Root on, firing a lot down the leg side to Hashim Amla. In fairness, as soon as Alastair Cook has had enough, he brings one of his quick men back and they are off right away.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"I'd be licking my lips at the prospect of facing Moeen Ali rather than somebody like Ben Stokes now. Stokes has been the one danger so far from South Africa's perspective.

"There's a realisation we're not going to be playing for much longer, so there is an aggressive field to try and put on as much pressure as possible. England have almost made a square around Stephen Cook." 

SA 36-1 (lead by 169)

Moeen Ali after drinks, bowling his off-breaks to fellow beard Amla. The lightmeter was out during drinks, so did Cook feel like he needed to bowl some slow stuff? It would be odd if that is the case, because you'd think England would actually want to get off and take some time out of this game. It could well be simply that Cook wasn't happy with Woakes. Moeen starts well, finding a hint of turn.

Get Involved

Bhavin Shah: I've just got one name for the @englandcricket selectors - Mark Footitt. Extra pace and bounce needed on this sort of wicket.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

AP

"The pitch is making for exciting Test cricket. We know that as the game gets on the pitch deteriorates - it tends to speed up towards the end of five days. I wouldn't like to be out there batting. It separates the men from the boys."

Drinks break

Ben Stokes is causing problems for Stephen Cook, who almost finds Nick Comtpon at point, then fences at one that flashes past the outside edge. In the sort of darkness that would usually requite a miner's lamp, we take drinks.

Misleading cricketing terms

A maiden over is not the first over a player bowls, neither is it necessarily delivered by a female player.

Michael Chipps

SA 35-1 (Cook 23, Amla 11)

Chris Woakes still isn't quite on the money. If not too wide, then too straight. In frustration, Alastair Cook literally bears his teeth, like a man displacing his dentures. Woakes is bowling at an OK pace - mid 80s - but there are not enough balls in the right area.

Misleading cricketing terms

Why is third man third man?

Kevin, The Oval

SA 33-1 (lead by 166)

Getty Images

The light and weather continues to hold past what should have been the close of play, but the floodlights reflect off the shades that sit atop of Alastair Cook's cap. Stokes lets out an audible groan when a short ball is turned off the hip for four by Stephen Cook. In the crowd, the trumpeter is full of puff.  

Misleading cricketing terms

Jack Hettle: And how many legs of different sizes & shapes does a bowler have? Short, long, wide, fine?

Ollie Thorpe: What about the wrong 'un or the flipper... There seems to be nothing wrong with the wrong 'un in my opinion.

SA 28-1 (Cook 18, Amla 9)

Debate. Is a double change a little bit of captaincy by numbers? "My openers have bowled four each, time to bring on the others." That's what Alastair Cook does here, introducing Chris Woakes immediately after Ben Stokes. It's too wide from Woakes, who is punished with a back-foot drive by Cook.

Misleading cricketing terms

Jonathan, Manchester: Re John Swindon, my old maths master and cricket coach may end up turning in his grave if I get this wrong - for bowling stats cricket is scored in base six, but for everyday life we use base 10. It's just one of those things that make me love it.

SA 23-1 (lead by 156)

Amla has been patted on the back and told to get on with it. He's back facing up to Stokes, who charges towards a stand of blue seats that are less than half full. Good length from Stokes, with Amla plodding forward to push back a maiden. The trooper.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"That delivery flew up on him. Hashim Amla has got strapping round his right thumb - exactly where Stokes' delivery hits him. You can see there's a bruise come up straight away, and I think he's cut a nail. It looks like he's going to stay out there."

Neil Manthorp

BBC Test Match Special

"Hashim Amla is in a spot of bother here, he really is."

SA 22-1

Reuters

Ben Stokes is indeed into the attack, immediately causing Hashim Amla some extreme discomfort. Bounce, taken on the right thumb. The glove is off, the physio on. Slow-mo replays make it look extremely painful. Leather on hand, the thumb rattling around. It's jammed the nail and drawn some claret.

Get Involved

Mark: With the ball swinging, time for an early bowl for Stokes?

SA 22-1 (lead by 155)

AP

AB de Villiers waits in the changing room. Pads on, head on chin. Ben Stokes goes through some looseners as Anderson pumps in, swinging the ball this way and that. Cook, who has been nothing but impressive in this match, gets a couple through the off side thanks to a Compton misfield. 

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"England will be wishing they had bowled like this in the first two sessions. We'd have a totally different game."

SA 19-1 (lead by 152)

Broad angles in to Cook, who has no fewer than six close catchers for company. A short leg and leg gully suggesting that Broad may test the body of the debutant. Has the created some doubt? Cook doesn't look so certain coming forward. It's getting darker.

Misleading cricketing terms

SA 15-1 (Cook 8, Amla 6)

When I say it's gloomy, the floodlights are on. There are also a few drops of rain visible by the electric scoreboard. Three slips, a gully and a short leg for Anderson, who beats Amla with a hopping away-swinger. It's a time to bowl - South Africa would take some rain right now.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I don't think we'll get all the 23 overs scheduled for tonight, so England will run in really hard, chasing the game. They need three or four wickets tonight - if they can get them the game will really open up. But the chances have got to stick."

SA 13-1 (lead by 146)

After this set by Broad, there are still 23 overs left in the day. We could go on until almost 17:00, but I've seen some suggestions that the light won't even hold for the next hour. It is pretty gloomy and there's no chance England will get the slow men on to prolong their time out there.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Diving, one hand, that is very difficult. People will put that down as a chance for a catch - if it is a statistic, I can't disagree, but you have to qualify it. It didn't go to hand at all easy. Wonderful bowling from Anderson."

Amla dropped on 0

Dropped! It's a very tough chance to Alex Hales, but you've seen them taken. A thick edge by Hashim Amla off James Anderson, speeding towards third slip. Hales dives full-length to his right, just getting his fingertips on it. If he'd held it, it would have been similar to Ben Stokes at Trent Bridge. He didn't and Amla has a life.

Misleading cricketing terms

How about 'French Cut'? Never seen a Frenchman on a cricket field, let alone attempting a cut and inside-edging.

Private Ryan

SA 8-1

I'm hearing that Kyle Abbott has a tight hamstring and might not bowl again in the match. Is there any chance of these teams getting through a match without a fast bowler breaking down?

Get Involved

Mike Bell: Jimmy is running in with vim, vigour, vitality and velocity. V much better than in first innings.

SA 8-1

Before Anderson took that wicket, I was wondering if bowling in the third innings when the opposition have a huge lead is one of the most demoralising jobs in all sport. The questions still stands, but England will have been lifted. Still any more than 200 for South Africa in this dip and you feel they will be too far ahead. Cook nudges them nearer by easing Broad through mid-wicket for three.

Get Involved

Rachel T: Yes Jimmy!! We need his A game!

SA 5-1 (Anderson 2-0-4-1)

Geoffrey is right, James Anderson looks like a different beast to the first day. Looking again, Elgar could have left that on length, there was no way the ball was going anywhere the stumps. Hashim Amla is the new man, harried into defence by Anderson.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"He was squared up, Elgar. A piece of cake, Anderson turned him round, bowling round the wicket. 

"Anderson didn't run in like that on the first morning." 

WICKET

Getty Images

The breakthrough! James Anderson strikes for England, giving the tourists just what they need with the new ball. It's a wonderful delivery to Dean Elgar, angled in from round the wicket, bouncing and nipping away from back of a length. An edge, with Jonny Bairstow doing the rest.

SA 5-0 (lead by 138)

AP

Stuart Broad shares the new ball, with the Barmy Army breaking off from a chorus of Jerusalem (complete with actions) to sing his name. He's on the money, off stump and around, before the final ball flies over the head of Cook.

Misleading cricketing terms

At least the ball is a reasonable shape in cricket. Footballers have to contend with square, long, short, and diagonal balls to name just a few.

Martin Berzins, Kettering

SA 4-0

James Anderson got a talking to at the end of his first over - he's been perennially in trouble for running on the pitch in this series. Another observation - Jonny Bairstow's whites are very snug. The outlines of pecs and box are uncomfortably visible.

Get Involved

Mike Ball: Imagine the runs Moeen Ali could get if he was up the order and not always batting with the tail. His class is wasted at eight.

David Fletcher: Moen wasted at eight. Drop Hales, move Compton and Moen up the order.  

SA 4-0 (lead by 137)

It was a very dodgy second innings that cost South Africa in Johannesburg, but you get the feeling that Stephen Cook would rather be tortured than let that happen again. He's happy to leave an Anderson over which looks pretty, but doesn't threaten. When Anderson is too short, Cook punishes.

Misleading cricketing terms

Why do we bowl on a wicket and try to hit the wicket in order to take a wicket?

Freddy King

SA 0-0

The players are out there again. James Anderson the ball, Stephen Cook is on strike. Can England strike tonight? If they don't, the result will be put beyond doubt. 

Get Involved

Worth pointing out that the Moeen-Anderson stand was worth the same as the Cook-Hales partnership...

Oli in Bournemouth

Can England get back into this match? Yes. It's still a good time to bowl, but you'd think that they need to bundle South Africa out for under 200. The target England could chase in the fourth innings is nudged slightly higher if Kyle Abbott is injured.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa have had one of the best days of the entire series today. They bottled England up. 

"It's the first day that has cost England. There was no energy, no rattle. Apart from Stuart Broad it was tepid. They gifted South Africa 200 runs."

Misleading cricketing terms

John, Swindon: The use of point one, point two etc to describe partly completed overs. Surely 3 balls is 0.5 overs, 5 balls 0.83 overs etc.

England's 342 doesn't look great against South Africa's 475, but I have a theory that is actually about par.

Most of England's top order were got out - only Taylor threw his wicket away. When they fielded, England dropped too many catches, including each of South Africa's three centurions. Hold them, and they might have even had a lead.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"With Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander out of the picture Kagiso Rabada has really played his way into the team. It's fantastic to see, good for the future of South African cricket and good for the country as a whole."

AP

Kagiso Rabada leads South Africa off the pitch after his figures of 7-112. They are the best figures against England since readmission.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"A lead of 133 is big on a wicket like this. Moeen Ali played really well to get England as close as they are. England will come out and try to turn it around with some early wickets.

"South Africa  will have to come out and face the music with the new ball."   

WICKET

Getty Images

Reuters

That's it, England are all out. Moeen Ali slices the returning Morne Morkel straight to Dane Piedt at deep cover. England are 133 behind. They are clear water behind the Proteas, but a very good bowling performance could yet give them a sniff.

Misleading cricketing terms...

Hannah Dixie: Surely all balls are "arm balls"??

Ben Prior: How did getting out for naught become duck / golden duck?

Eng 341-9 (trail by 134)

Have you watched that video of Geoffrey Boycott dancing below? What is that? And what is he dancing to? Is it Cheerleader by OMI? And what would the Boycott equivalent of that be? I think I've found myself a stick of rhubarb?

Bit of cat and mouse between Rabada and Moeen. When the field comes in at the end of the over, Moeen takes four over point.

Get Involved

Daniel Monks: Surely Moeen now deserves to be thought of as a genuine all rounder and cemented his place in the side?!

Eng 336-9 (trail by 139)

You sense that it's going to be entertaining for a little while. Moeen, with only Anderson for company, is swinging like a rusty gate at the returning off-spin of Dane Piedt. Not much bat on ball, but edges and a few byes. If Piedt's plan is to tempt Anderson with some flight, then Jimmy isn't taking the bait.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"Moeen Ali really struggled at the beginning but he came through that patch and is starting to dominate this attack. 

"It just shows what can happen if you can survive those periods when you could be out every ball. It's been a fantastic innings."

50 for Moeen Ali

Well batted, Moeen Ali. As England have fallen around him, the number eight has scored an important half-century that just about keeps them in the game. He goes there by biffing Rabada through mid-on for four. That's Moeen first Test fifty in 15 knocks.

Eng 326-9

Just looking at that South Africa lead. Already fewer than the runs England gave away with dropped catches. If you take your catches, you win matches. There really should be a saying about that. The drizzle seems to have relented.

Misleading cricketing terms

Jay: Guess I'm gonna have to be the one to ask the big one. What has cricket got to do with crickets?

Eng 326-9 (trail by 149)

Rabada, who is only 20 remember, has also posted the best figures for South Africa against England since readmission. What a future the young man has. Meanwhile, at the other end, Anderson is allowed to hammer Duminy through the covers for four. What was it about World XI at one end, Ilford Second XI at the other? If you play for Ilford, let me know if Duminy would get a bowl.

Misleading cricketing terms

Sam Jones: Don't get me started on cow corner...

Matt Lavender: As a batsman stands side on, shouldn't caught behind really mean caught at square leg, not by the wicket-keeper?

Fleming Jensen: I sort of get the reason for calling cow corner that, even if I've never seen any. However, chinaman makes absolutely NO sense.

Eng 321-9 (Rabada 27-6-102-7)

So seven (yes, seven) for Rabada, who has pretty much carried the pace attack single-handedly, especially since Kyle Abbott hobbled off. If he gets an eighth, it will be the eighth best figures of all-time by a South Africa bowler. James Anderson is out there at number 11 and it is trying to rain again. 

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa will be incredibly happy with that wicket - they know Stuart Broad can bat a bit and Moeen Ali hasn't looked in danger at all. 

"Fantastic bowling from the young Rabada. He has led this attack."

WICKET

Gone this time! It's not Moeen, but Stuart Broad who goes, giving Kagiso Rabada an amazing seventh wicket. Broad pulls, only gets a top edge, with a real skier held by Stephen Cook right on the square leg boundary. England on the brink. 

Misleading cricketing terms...

Pitchedoutsideleg: Agree with Graham re term 'all out'. If batting team are back in pavilion, surely 'all in' is fairer when one's carried his bat?

JoElle:  Misleading cricket terms - "A Draw": We were getting soundly beaten, but not quickly enough.  

Christian Reilly: The term "bouncer" is also misleading. Technically, unless a full toss is bowled, all deliveries bounce at least once.

Dropped catch

Down! First ball after the break, Moeen Ali drives a full toss straight to Hashim Amla at short cover, with the ball bursting through his fellow beard's hands and to the floor. Shin high, coming quite quickly, but should have been taken.

Get Involved

Ashley Paul: England really haven't batted that badly, save a few loose shots. South Africa have just bowled very well.

Eng 318-8

Getty Images

The players are back out for the evening. JP Duminy to Moeen Ali...

Misleading cricketing terms...

northlondoner: Silly mid-on is actually quite a sensible fielding position.

Elliott Hutchins: The term 'over'. It's six balls. What even does that mean?!

Matt Lavender: The term wicket-keeper is misleading. After all, he doesn't keep the wickets at any point, does he?

Just to clarify, that 16:17 is the scheduled close. We can actually add an extra half hour on to that if the 38 overs aren't bowled. If it gets that late, the players might as well sleep at the ground tonight.

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Graham, this is excellent chat. What other cricketing terms are misleading? The nightwatchman doesn't stay out there all night, does he?

Get Involved

The use of the term "all out" in cricket is an odd one isn't it when quite clearly they are not all out at all. If I was now sitting back in the pavilion having carried my bat I would seriously consider suing the cricket authorities for defamation of character.

Graham

Thanks, Justin. Yep, 38 overs in the rest of the day does seem like a lot. I rather fancy that the light will intervene before we complete them all.

Get Involved

JT: I'd take losing the last test and winning the series every time, better than the alternative.

I'm hearing that play can continue until 16:18 GMT today - there are 38 overs still to bowl in the evening session. Stephan Shemilt will talk you through them...

Get Involved

Paul Huxley: Re Ben Prior (98 overs) - 6th ranked England not as ruthless as all time greatest team? Really?

Tea scorecard

England 318-8 (98 overs) - trail by 157

Batsmen: Moeen 45* (78), Broad 4* (14)

Fall of wickets: 22-1 (Hales 15), 78-2 (Compton 19), 177-3 (Cook 76), 208-4 (Root 76), 211-5 (Taylor 14), 211-6 (Bairstow 0), 252-7 (Stokes 33), 295-8 (Woakes 26)

Bowling figures: Abbott 19-9-36-0, Rabada 26-6-101-6, Piedt 23-4-74-0, Morkel 23-4-72-1, Elgar 4-0-13-0, Duminy 3-0-14-1

South Africa 475: De Kock 129*, S Cook 115, Amla 109; Stokes 4-86

Full scorecard

Get Involved

Francis Edwards: Doesn't matter how deep you want to pack your batting, quality over quantity. Five players in this team have question marks.

Benjamin Fox: With this England team, it's got to be demoralising for the opposition with Moeen is at eight and a Test centurion in Broad at 10.

Tea - Eng 318-8

And that's your lot for the afternoon. Broad plays out a Piedt maiden, tucks his bat under his arm and marches off with Moeen, who is unbeaten on 45. Cup of tea, anyone?

Get Involved

Ben Prior: England just can't win the last game of a series. We are just not as ruthless as Australia were in their prime!

Mike Bell: Cheer up chums. Get to 350, whip 'em out for 160, win the match late on day five. Why the long faces?

Eng 318-8 (trail by 157)

Broad is doing a good job of getting off strike, collecting his fourth single to keep England moving along before Moeen tickles four fine. Although England have lost eight wickets, the run-rate is a healthy 3.27 in the innings. One more over before tea.

Eng 311-8 (Piedt 22-3-74-0)

I know Duminy got the wicket of Woakes, but I can't help thinking South Africa have released the pressure a little by employing two spinners here - especially against Broad and Moeen, both of whom have shown weaknesses against pace in the past. As I type, Broad bottom-edges a swipe at Piedt. Lucky to get away with that.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"That is a tremendous shot by Moeen Ali. It's not that bad a ball but he opens his blade and guides it into space with his wrist-work. He's playing really well."

Eng 308-8 (trail by 167)

Duminy errs in line ever so slightly and Moeen late cuts for four. Wonderful timing. Even better placement. Ten minutes until tea.

Get Involved

Max Mclean: Is Moeen the best number eight in Test cricket right now?

Eng 303-8 (Moeen 34, Broad 0)

Can Morkel polish off the tail? He'll have to get past Moeen first. The left-hander drives through mid-off's hands for four on the up, then rocks back to pull for another boundary.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"This has been a splendid performance by South Africa. They have got everything dead right here. Really, really good cricket. Apart from James Taylor's shot, this isn't necessarily bad from England."

Eng 295-8 (trail by 180)

Stuart Broad in at number 10. England on the brink of conceding a hefty first-innings advantage to South Africa.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

"Well that is unfortunate. It's a good angle by JP Duminy round the wicket. Chris Woakes played well considering he hadn't featured for three and a half weeks." 

WICKET

Getty Images

A masterstroke! You can't accuse South Africa captain AB de Villiers of not mixing it up this afternoon. Part-time off-spinner JP Duminy is the next to get a go - and he gets Woakes with only his fourth delivery. Round the wicket, drawing Woakes forward, a very thin edge. De Kock fluffs the chance but it pops up off his knee to Dean Elgar at slip.

Eng 293-7 (trail by 182)

A short leg comes in for Woakes. It's little Temba Bavuma under the lid. I suspect some short stuff is in the offing. Woakes up to the task.

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AP

Paul Roberts: Come on Woakes. You have the opportunity here to become our very own James Faulkner.

Rob: Ah, so Woakes was selected for his batting - to make up for the frail top order. It makes sense, even if it is totally wrong!

Eng 292-7

Mr Vaughan is spot on. Kyle Abbott left the field after his last over - I'm not entirely sure why - and Morne Morkel is in for another burst. Woakes underlines his batting prowess with two glorious strokes through cover, the first of them bringing him four.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Abbott looks like he's struggling, he's off the pitch and back in the dressing room. I'm not too sure what's wrong with him but it looks like Morne Morkel will replace him." 

Eng 286-7 (trail by 189)

Piedt into his 21st over. Round the wicket, nice and tidy. Moeen content to push forward, then a hint of extra bounce has him adjusting his hands.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"Rabada is a fantastic find for South Africa. He's a fantastic guy with a level head on him who understands what he has to do."

Eng 286-7 (stand worth 34)

Yep, Rabada's spell is over. A victory of sorts for England with the six-wicket man and Morkel now out of the attack. Woakes greets Kyle Abbott's return with a flowing square drive for four.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa haven't been in this position for a while in Test cricket. They have been on the receiving end of some chitter chatter in the field and Elgar seems keen to give some back to the English batsmen."

Eng 282-7 (trail by 193)

Another boundary for Moeen, this time muscling a drive through mid-on. He moves on to 25 off 51 balls.

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Can Andrew confirm that this is the first time two Birmingham born batsmen have been together at the crease for England?

Tim in Birmingham

England avoid follow-on

Piedt, the offie, gets another go as Morkel takes a blow. I'm sure Moeen and Woakes are devastated. Mooen advances and drives straight and flat for four. The follow-on is avoided. Move back off the edge of your seats, everyone.

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With the greatest of respect to South Africa - who have bowled and fielded very well to get England where they are - if England had taken their chances, this would be about a par game: England gifted South Africa 200 hundred runs (possibly more) through poor bowling and dropped catches.

Evan Byrne

Eng 274-7 (trail by 201)

AP

A word on the tea interval, which will be taken half an hour later than scheduled at 13:40 GMT. I'm hearing that play could continue well past 16:00 too, light permitting. Rabada continues, Moeen not entirely comfortable but he survives. Rabada breathing heavily. Is that his lot?

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"Woakes has really looked the part. You'd expect a number nine to play some shots but Woakes has looked like a genuine batsman and played some fantastic shots."

Eng 273-7 (follow-on target 276)

A mixed bag there. Woakes follows an awkward-looking one-handed drive at Morkel that earns him two down the ground with an imperious back-footed force through cover for four. Then he almost ducks into a bouncer. Millimetres away from taking one on the bonce.

View from the press box

Eng 267-7 (Rabada 25-6-100-6)

Streaky. Very streaky. Moeen chases one angled across him by Rabada and it only just evades backward point. It didn't quite carry but it's hardly authoritative from England's number eight. Five off the over.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"Morkel is tearing in as if his life depended on this. It's like he's on some sort of rocket fuel."

Eng 262-7 (trail by 213)

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Morkel is ticking here, targeting Moeen's noggin with some more short stuff. The effect is to have Moeen wafting outside off - neither forward or back, with minimal footwork. The left-hander, firmly back in his crease, manages to grab a couple down the ground to prevent a maiden.

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Jay: Being dropped by the keeper in this match is a sure sign that a batsman will score a century. Sit back and watch the Woakes show?

Eng 260-7 (Moeen 10, Woakes 7)

Is now a good time to remind you that the follow-on target is 276? It's no gimme for England with South African tails up like this. Woakes, first-class batting average 36, pushes a couple into the off side then pulls a Rabada bouncer to reduce the deficit by four.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Chris Woakes' footwork was not great. There's nothing wrong with having a go at it but you've get to get your feet across. Dance! "England are in a bit of trouble aren't they?"

Woakes dropped on 1

Morkel has Woakes sniffing some leather courtesy of a couple of bouncers, then finds a top edge as the new man cuts. A leaping Quinton de Kock can't cling on with his right hand behind the stumps. A rare black mark for the centurion.

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Andy Donley: This England team is incredibly exciting, but they lack any sense of game management. Attack or die.   

Close!

AP

Stokes let out a primeval roar as he headed back to the hutch. Not a happy bunny. He looked in fine touch this afternoon - a missed opportunity... Chris Woakes, the new man, playing and missing - then putting Moeen in a spot of bother with a scampered single to AB de Villiers. A direct hit would have done for him.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Beautifully bowled. This kid has got something. The new ball slips at you a bit quicker, it's got the raised seam and hurries on to you.   

"But Ben Stokes didn't get right out to it and is cross with himself. He could have got further forward and was late on to it."

WICKET

Getty Images

The new ball has been taken... and so has the catch. And it's that man Stokes who's gone. Kagiso Rabada back into the attack, drawing Stokes into a tentative push outside off stump, and the edge carries comfortably to Hashim Amla at first slip. Rabada has six wickets for the first time in his Test career. What a performance from the 20-year-old.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Ben Stokes was looking for that. He was onto it in a flash. I think AB de Villlers will like what he's seeing though - watching Stokes going after the off-spinner."

Eng 252-6

He's got the lot, this lad. That's a perfectly acceptable delivery from Piedt, but Stokes dances down the pitch and lifts him straight back over his head for a glorious six that leaves the cameraman on the banking swivelling to try and film the ball. This is brilliant stuff.

Eng 245-6

Reuters

The new ball is available and has been brought out to the umpires. But I don't think South Africa have taken it just yet. Piedt continues. With a long hop. Stokes continues. With a pull for four.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"If there's any doubt with the forecast you probably have to rake the risk of bowling again if there is a follow-on. In an ideal situation from this position you probably bat again, knowing the pitch is only going to get worse.

"There is one crack in particular that really is moving."

Eng 241-6

Remember Cape Town and that ferocious Stokes assault on Chris Morris? Everybody's favourite ginger is at it again, lashing Morkel through the covers for four. An inside-edged forcing shot on to his pads, then a leg glance for a single. It's a shot a ball at the moment from Stokes. He has 22 from 21 deliveries.

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Mark Savile: When was Moeen's last contribution with the bat? Time to step up! (No need to ask when Stokes' was!)

Eng 236-6

Piedt mixing up his pace from round the wicket. There's turn, but not enough to discomfort Moeen, who plays out a maiden. Back to you, Ben.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Nobody wants to stop Ben Stokes playing his game but he does have to be aware that he has to get in. There was nothing wrong with that four, it was a beautiful shot, but put those riskier shots on hold.

"He has to be counter-attacking, but only so long as he doesn't do silly things, because England are in trouble." 

Eng 236-6 (trail by 239)

Morkel resumes at the other end... and Ben Stokes, as if he's been batting for three hours, drives fluently on the up to cover, where the fielder makes a smart, scrambling stop. Good cricket all round. Morkel THEN strays on to Stokes' pads and is whipped over mid-wicket for four. Even the boundary rider can't stop that. "Don't bowl there to me." This promises to be very, very good viewing.

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Andrew: Re Gary, Wirall. Each to their own and all that, and there's no doubt cricket's moving towards being all about T20, but to me that game is akin to a pre-season friendly in football. Attractive for a while, but in the grand scheme of things, completely forgotten by next weekend and meaningless in the long term. 

Eng 232-6 (trail by 243)

The players are back out. Piedt finishes off his over with a dot to Moeen.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"England are in a mess. It's as simple as that. They have got some serious batting to do now to get through this Test match."

Play to restart at 12:15 GMT

We're five minutes away from some action...

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"That South Africa score in the first innings was probably about 180 too many - it was poor from England. Those dropped catches were critical. Had they been taken England wouldn't be batting with the pitch playing like it is now."

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Bertie: This is a situation where if Stokes plays as he normally does and gets out cheaply it won't look pretty.

Trailing by 243 or 43, I can't imagine Stokes or Moeen will curb their naturally aggressive game. On a pitch where batsmen might get the odd unplayable ball, it's probably a pretty sensible approach, but England can't afford to be reckless. They're not even halfway to South Africa's total yet.

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Michelle, Cheltenham: I was in Melbourne over Christmas. Went to the Boxing Day Test and Big Bash. T20 great for kids and families, but it's a forced atmosphere with the MCs pleading with the crowd to cheer for their team it was just annoying! The Test was much more enjoyable, in spite of the West Indies mediocre cricket. Big Bash is like a takeaway - great at the time but not as satisfying.

Play to restart at 12:15 GMT

Just to recap where we're at in this Test, England will resume at 12:15 GMT on 232-6, trailing South Africa by 243. Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali have added 21 in the 4.5 overs possible since lunch, but not without the occasional alarm.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Australia have got the Big Bash spot on - the marketing, the TV, the timings..."

I must admit, that was rather good timing for us to catch the end of the Big Bash final. And what a finish too. That's two last-over finals in a day after Sydney Thunder won the women's showpiece earlier. So Sydney do the double. Whatever your take on Twenty20 cricket, you can't argue with the fact that the competition has gone down a storm in Australia.

Play to restart at 12:15 GMT

Indeed we will have some play soon - at 12:15 GMT to be precise.

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Scotty Reynolds: The cricket gods in all their wisdom have put the SA/Eng Test match on hold so everyone on the planet can watch the BBL final.

Meanwhile, back in Centurion...

We have good news: the covers are coming off in Centurion. Could we have some play soon?

Sydney Thunder win Big Bash

The MCG is clouded in firework smoke and Mike Hussey, captain of Sydney Thunder, is grinning from ear to ear as he gets interviewed. "I can't believe it," he says. Astonishingly, that is only the Thunder's 11th win in five years of the Big Bash. They finished fourth in the eight-team league this year.

Sydney Thunder win Big Bash final

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Game. Over. Ben Rohrer launches Worrall over long-on for a six and Sydney Thunder have won the Big Bash. Three wickets in hand, three balls to spare. Breathtaking stuff.

Thunder 175-7 - need 2 off 4 balls

Dot. Drive to mid-off. No run. Throw misses. Almost a run-out.

Thunder 175-5 - need 2 off 5 balls

Two off the first ball. Two needed off tie. Surely the Thunder's game.

Thunder 173-7 - need 4 off 6 balls

Single for Ben Rohrer. Four needed off the last over - to be bowled by Daniel Worrall.

WICKET

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The Stars are back in it! Chris Green swipes, David Hussey takes a steepler. Five needed off seven balls. Don't miss this...

Thunder 170-6 (target 177)

Make that seven off 10. A wide, then a four and a couple from Chris Green leaves the Thunder as firm favourites. 170-6 chasing 177.

Big Bash final update

Meanwhile, in the Big Bash final., Sydney Thunder need 14 off 12 balls to beat Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright's Melbourne Stars at the MCG.

With no cricket in South Africa, let's switch our attention, shall we?

It's raining

I spoke too soon - it's getting heavier. There are more covers now, branching out into the outfield, and it doesn't look like we'll be back in business any time soon.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"England will have to play very well in the next two and half days to get anything out of this game."

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"England will be happy because they are in really precarious position, but there is still a long way to go. There are 43 runs for them to avoid the follow-on, with four wickets left. They could go quickly with the second new ball."

It's raining

Getty Images

I wouldn't say it's heavy heavy, but certainly heavy enough to persuade the groundstaff to drag on the tarpaulins that cover the square. Just to put it in perspective, I've spotted a couple of bare-chested chaps in the crowd.

Rain stops play

South Africa turn to off-spinner Dane Piedt. He starts with a full toss - Moeen says thank you by spanking him through cover for his first four. Piedt improves - but the weather has taken a turn for the worse. The spectators rush for cover or cagools as the players scurry off.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I think the time has come for Kagiso Rabada to take a bit of a breather before the second new ball. Morne Morkel should come in for him until then."

Eng 228-6 (trail by 247)

The South Africa bowling figures read like one of those junior scorecards where there's one guy in the team who's miles better than everyone else. Rabada has five wickets, the other four bowlers one between them. The youngster's figures are spoiled somewhat by a Moeen forcing shot for three, followed by a leg-glanced boundary from Stokes. Ten off the over. These two won't be cowed by the position or the pitch.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"If South Africa did have to make a decision about the follow-on I am pretty sure they would bat, unless they think the weather might intervene.

"It's certainly got a bit darker. But there is still plenty of time in this Test match."

Eng 218-6 (Stokes 6, Moeen 2)

The camera pans across the sky above SuperSport Park, which is looking decidedly grey and gloomy. More Chester-le-Street than Centurion. Could weather yet play a part in this match? Moeen, on the back foot, is beaten by one from Abbott that climbs and leaves him just a smidge.

Bairstow calls on Boucher for advice

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Former South Africa wicketkeeper turned TMS summariser Mark Boucher has revealed he is helping England's Jonny Bairstow with his game during this Test in Centurion. 

Boucher, who retired in 2012 following an eye injury, played 147 Tests and holds the world record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper with 555. 

Bairstow, 26, playing his 24th Test, approached Boucher, who said of him: "The signs are there, stick with him, a little bit of nurturing and he could be one of the greats." 

Close!

Oooh, that was almost wicket number seven. Moeen drives at Kagiso Rabada but miscues... and the ball lands just short of a diving AB de Villiers at mid-wicket. Nervy.

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Peter Coles: England have clearly decided that their best chance of winning this Test is to follow on & make South Africa bat last.

Eng 217-6 (trail by 258)

Moeen Ali, who didn't even have time to make his way out to the middle before lunch, gets off the mark in similar fashion before Stokes drills Abbott on the up between the bowler's legs for four - then uppercuts at thin air. Well, we didn't think he'd come out and block out, did we...?

Eng 212-6

Stokes, the not-out batsman at lunch, tucks one off his pads to a deep mid-wicket (yes, a deep mid-wicket at 211-6) to get England under way.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"England are in a pickle. 264 is the deficit, but the way Ben Stokes has been playing it's always possible to get a decent score.

"I thought James Taylor came out too aggressively. He was almost like a cat on a hot tin roof."

Thanks Stephan. More brunch than lunch, I'd say, but who's being picky...? South Africa won't have wanted a break at all given how they demolished England in the final 20 minutes before lunch. Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali are charged with repairing the damage.

Justin Goulding has lunched and slipped into the chair next to me. He'll talk you through the afternoon session.

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The Albion Roar: James Taylor - awful shot. You Haven't Got A Friend here.

Phil Tufnell

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"There were a lot of English people who'd travelled to watch the game and we thought, fair play, what a great gesture for South Africa to make a game of it. 

"We certainly didn't feel there was anything wrong at the time. But looking back you have to think: South Africa were quite a dour team, they didn't go around giving away Test matches."

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Gary, Wirral: You've got two big games going on right now, one in Centurion and the other at the MCG. I didnt think I would ever say this, but I'm watching the Big Bash and occasionally following the Test match reading Stephan's updates. I'm not saying test cricket is dead but the future is T20 cricket, and this is the painful bit, the Aussies have nailed it with the Big Bash.

Big Bash Final

AFP

While his former teammates are on top in Centurion, legendary South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis is playing for Sydney Thunder against Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Kallis and Australian left-hander Usman Khawaja shared an opening stand of 86 in nine overs but he has just gone for 28 off 27 balls, Khawaja still there on 52 with the Thunder on 91-1 after 10 overs in search of 177.

Kevin Pietersen hit five sixes in 74 from 39 balls for the Stars, with Sussex captain Luke Wright adding two fours and a six in his 23.  

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"From a guy who has been through it all, looking at how players are being allowed back into the sport now after being caught match-fixing, I wonder how serious are our warnings about getting involved? You can be caught, spend five years out, and then you are back in again."  

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John Webster: Kagiso Rabada. A cricketing world star is born.

Robert Jones: 1. Rabada is a quality bowler and a Steynless future doesn't look too bad. 2. Woakes now has a big chance to justify himself.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"It was a shock to us all. it was a really bad situation for young cricketers to be in.

"When you spend so much time with your team-mates they become like brothers. Yes Hansie Cronje disappointed us, he did apologise to us and we forgave him."

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Jon Dunn: Ah, the good old fashioned England batting collapse.

Adam: It's all very well looking busy and being attacking, but Taylor needs to start backing up his talent with something more substantial that 20s and 30s and the odd 60. 

T C: Taylor and Hales out brainlessly on a spicy pitch. Well played to SA for really prising out Cook, Root, Compton and Bairstow.  

'The leather jacket Test'

BBC Test Match Special

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Remember, TMS is reflecting on the infamous 'leather jacket Test' of 2000, when South Africa captain Hansie Cronje ensured the final match against England did not end in a draw.

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Daniel Fellows: That should be James Taylor's last shot in Test cricket. Even Geoffrey's mum wouldn't have attempted that. England slipping...

Finn Illsley-Kemp: I backed Taylor, but that shot suggests he hasn't got the bottle for this.

Lunch scorecard

England 211-6 (72 overs) - trail by 264

Batsman: Stokes 1* (3)

Fall of wickets: 22-1 (Hales 15), 78-2 (Compton 19), 177-3 (Cook 76), 208-4 (Root 76), 211-5 (Taylor 14), 211-6 (Bairstow 0)

Bowling figures: Abbott 16-8-26-0, Rabada 20-6-75-6, Piedt 16-1-48-0, Morkel 16-3-40-1, Elgar 4-0-3-0

South Africa 475: De Kock 129*, S Cook 115, Amla 109; Stokes 4-86

Full scorecard

England have lost 4-34 in the second hour of the morning. Before then, it was going well, but with the nagging doubt that the pitch and the South Africa attack could bear their teeth at any point. In the hunt, Cook, Root and Bairstow were simply outrun. Taylor just meekly surrendered.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"There were three guys out there who got out from good balls but what James Taylor did was as pathetic and poor as Alex Hales' shot last night.

"Somebody has to sit him down and tell him, 'This is not the way if you are going to progress in Test match cricket.' Five minutes before lunch, you're hooking above your head. Even if you hit it they've got two men out.

"England have let South Africa in. The gates are open now."

Lunch - Eng 211-6

Getty Images

The Bairstow wicket makes Taylor's shot all the more horrific. Bairstow got a good ball early in his innings, which can happen to anyone. If Taylor hasn't played that horrid hook, Bairstow wouldn't have been in before lunch. The little man of the England batting line-up might well be eating lunch alone in the corner of the dressing room.

Five-wicket haul - Rabada 20-6-76-5

Well bowled, Kagiso Rabada. Consistently he has probed the channel outside off stump, praying on the uncertainty of the batsmen, nipping the ball around and taking advantage of an uneven bounce. He's taken five of the six to fall and currently has career-best figures.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"That got really big on him - I don't think Jonny Bairstow left his bat out, it was just very well bowled by Kagiso Rabada again. They have done everything dead right this morning, South Africa. And Rabada is getting a proper applause. He's been excellent."

WICKET

AP

Third ball! Jonny Bairstow goes for a duck and Kagiso Rabada has a five-wicket haul. It's another beauty from Rabada, who rolls his fingers over the ball to get it to nip away, with Bairstow unable to get the bat out of the way in time. An edge held behind. It signals lunch, with England drowning in the soup.

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Bill Ainsworth: Utterly stupid shot from James Taylor.

Eng 211-5

England have lost 3-34. Whereas Cook and Root had to be got out by good balls, Taylor tossed his wicket away. The tourists are right up against it now, miles behind with only five wickets in hand. What made Taylor's dismissal even worse was that the plan was obvious. There were two men on the hook and a short leg. Rabada could have told Taylor he was going to bowl short. Jonny Bairstow the new man...

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Shocking shot. He tried that against Morne Morkel and I was thinking to myself: Hang on you've just lost your captain. And now he goes and does it again. That sort of thinking is not good enough for Test cricket." 

WICKET

Getty Images

James Taylor, what are you thinking? Five minutes before lunch, a wicket just gone down, England 200+ behind on a spicy pitch and you're caught behind having a hook. Taylor hasn't looked sure against the short ball all morning and Kagiso Rabada does him with another bouncer. Taylor can barely drag himself off, probably worried what will happen when he gets back to the dressing room. He should probably just head straight to the hotel. 

Eng 211-4 (trail by 264)

I've just heard that Joe Root has been caught behind in 43% of his Test innings, when caught behind usually only accounts for 16% of dismissals. They do say that only good players edge to the keeper. Dane Piedt back on, Taylor and Stokes taking a single apiece.

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Peter Eastwood: Joe Root, sensational as he is, seems to have a worrying tendency of looking excellent without kicking on to make big hundreds.

Eng 209-4 (Rabada 19-4-76-3)

Geoffrey is right about the quality of the delivery. Nice line, moving away. In fact, looking again, it really did nip after being angled in. Both Root and Cook have been got out today, rather than giving their wickets away. Ben Stokes is the new man. England still have a lot of work to do.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

"It was a really good ball. If you want to be picky - and I'm not trying to be - I'd say Joe Root didn't get right forward. His left leg is bent fractionally. He wasn't bent right into his shot, but that's not being critical. 

"Kagiso Rabada has got a knack of getting wickets, hasn't he?"

WICKET

Getty Images

Gone! Big wicket for South Africa as Kagiso Rabada does for Joe Root. Rabada finds that spot, not full or short, just outside off stump. Root, perhaps with uneven bounce in the back of his mind, doesn't have certain footwork. There's no misbehaviour from the ball, but it does move away slightly. Little edge, taken behind.

Eng 208-3

The odd delivery misbehaving gives the impression that 'one ball will have your name on it'. Reminds me of Blackadder, when Baldrick carves his name into a bullet. More from Dean Elgar, but it's much less threatening than anything we've seen today. If I was Root or Taylor, I'd be looking to spend more time facing Elgar and less in front of Rabada. 

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Every shot he plays. James Taylor looks like he wants to score. He's not been comfortable. Just settle down and play an innings.

"South Africa have been having a good spell - they've not been giving you many balls to hit."

Eng 205-3 (trail by 270)

Getty Images

The atmosphere is still heavy in Centurion, grey. The clouds aren't threatening. mind. At fine leg, Morne Morkel has a ton of bats thrust in his direction, all owned by kids (and big kids) looking for an autograph. In the middle, Rabada gets one to scoot at Root, with the batsman fortunate the ball is wide of the stumps.

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Rob Meech: I really like James Taylor. But his eagerness at the crease can sometimes turn into skittishness. Needs to calm down a fraction.

Eng 204-3 (Root 73, Taylor 12)

Like politicians mulling policy, South Africa change the spin. Dane Piedt off, left-armers of Dean Elgar on. It's pretty average from Elgar, but Taylor can't take advantage, even missing out on an end-of-over full toss.

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Eng 204-3 (trail by 271)

Morne Morkel's dangerous spell is over, with the slippery Kagiso Rabada into the attack. Morkel bangs the ball in, so was more likely to get steepling bounce. Rabada might get it to keep low. A new problem. Rabada, who was very good earlier on, is back on the money to Taylor, who defends in his idiosyncratic, limby style.

Kevin goes large

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Kevin Pietersen smashed 74 off 39 balls as Melbourne Stars posted 176-9 in the Big Bash final against Sydney Thunder at the MCG.

The former England batsman hit four fours and five sixes, while compatriot Luke Wright was the second highest scorer with 23 in an innings that ended with three wickets off the last three balls.

Earlier, Sydney Thunder beat Sydney Sixers by three wickets with three balls to spare to win the Women's Big Bash.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

AP

"It's a very high energy game that Joe Root plays, you need a lot of fitness to bat the way he does. He's always dancing around and looking to sweep. He really has played beautifully."

Eng 195-3

Joe Root is reprieved. We eventually got a replay that showed the noise came when the ball was well past the bat. I think the toe of the bat might have even hit De Kock's gloves. When the decision came, Piedt and De Kock shared a "that wasn't me, it was you" glance. No anger from South Africa, they don't think they've been wronged.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I reckon it has come off the top of the sticker on the bat. It is whether there is enough information to overturn the decision, because he was given out." 

England review

The problem for Root is that it will be difficult to find the evidence to overturn. Remember, he's been given out on the pitch. De Kock is blocking most of the replays. No sounds picked up...

England review

Big, big shout! And given! Joe Root sweeping Dane Piedt, taken behind by Quinton de Kock. Up goes the finger, but Root reviews immediately. He's convinced he's not out...

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Tim Miller: Lying on a sofa in a hotel in Tignes, France, waiting for a flight, explaining to the French how a match lasts five days.

Eng 193-3

Chris, where are you? And what is that? Is it the amount of dust produced from a raging turner in Mumbai?

Taylor isn't sure what to do with these Morkel climbers. There;s a couple of men out on the leg side, with Taylor getting nowhere near an attempted hook shot. Morkel, gallops in, pace and bounce, into the guts of Taylor. Tough, tough Test cricket.

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Eng 192-3 (trail by 283)

There's a good battle going on between Dane Piedt and the England batsmen. Root looks restless, while Taylor likes to get on with it against the slow men. Taylor has a dance to loft over mid-on for four, causing the man to be pushed back. There are still plenty of catchers on the leg side, though, all in the game as the ball turns more and more.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"That Morne Morkel delivery is the kind of ball Curtly Ambrose used to bowl in the Caribbean, with Michael Atherton ducking for cover. 

"James Taylor looks ready and he looks right, but he needs get a few more runs behind his name. He's playing with a lot of punch today."

Eng 187-3 (Root 63, Taylor 5)

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Ooofff, that's nearly taken James Taylor's head off. In fact, if Taylor wasn't a little vertically challenged, he'd have been in trouble. From just back of a length, Morkel has got one to climb, flying over Taylor, who has to jump and duck at the same time. I'll hammer home the point - batting is difficult and will become even more so.

Also, back to Jim Carrey. I forgot to mention Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Liar Liar. They were good too.

'Root twice as good as me'

Eng 187-3 (trail by 288)

Looking again at the Cook wicket, the skipper was turned around by the angle of the delivery. Speared in from round the wicket, he had to play, but the nip away was what took the edge. At the other end, Root goes temporarily insane with a slog sweep at Piedt that is almost caught at mid-wicket. Root just looking a little tetchy, but calmed by another sweep for four.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"The third-wicket partnership was worth 99. Alastair Cook and Joe Root have now batted together 25 times in Tests, scoring 1,064 runs at an average of 42.20, with three century stands."

Eng 181-3 (trail by 294)

The players took drinks after the wicket, meaning Taylor had an extended wait. Not that it mattered, he opened his account first ball with a drive down the ground for four. You feel he could do with a score here, Taylor. There's no chat about his place yet, but his numbers aren't stellar. 

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Morne Morkel bowled an absolute peach to get rid of the England captain and it was a very sharp catch by Quinton de Kock. 

"It's not going to be easy for somebody starting on this wicket..."

Eng 177-3 (Morkel 13.2-2-35-1)

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That's a really big moment not only because Cook is out but because this track will be very difficult for new batsmen arriving. When the pitch misbehaves, wickets can fall in clusters. James Taylor is the man looking to prevent that from happening.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"That bowling reminds me of Freddie Flintoff back in the day, angled in, Morne Morkel squares Alastair Cook up nicely and it's a great catch by Quinton de Kock.

"Cook out, just before the new ball coming in, South Africa will be very happy with that. Cook had played a good captain's knock."  

WICKET

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What a brilliant delivery from Morne Morkel. We've been talking about how much the ball has been doing this morning and now, when Morkel gets one in the right area, there's not a great deal Alastair Cook can do. Angle in, nip away, bounce. A snorter. Cook edges through to Quinton de Kock, who is almost knocked over as he clings on. 

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa's seamers haven't really come to the party yet. They are releasing the pressure on these England batsmen, who have gone about their business very nicely. If England can carry on like this beyond the new ball they will be in the game."

Eng 176-2 (Cook 76, Root 58)

I seem to be getting some stick for bad mouthing The Cable Guy. Some are even saying it's Jim Carrey's best. Behave yourself. Ace Ventura (both of them), the Mask, Dumb and Dumber and Bruce Almighty are all miles better. And that's not even mentioning the The Truman Show, which is an all-time classic.

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Eng 174-2 (trail by 301)

Morne Morkel, the giraffe, is causing trouble. Joe Root gets a couple of inside edges, then Cook is hit on the pad, again via an edge. It's doing enough to keep the bowlers interested, off the pitch rather than in the air. Could South Africa attack a little more? There are not many catchers.

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Eng 173-2 (partnership 95)

Spin for the first time today, Dane Piedt on to bowl his offies. "Temb-ba" is the cry when Root turns out past short leg Temba Bavuma, but Bavuma would need to be one of the X Men to catch that. Then some bounce that does for Cook. Make no mistake, it's doing plenty out there, even if England are making decent progress.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"Maybe it was just the bat brushing the pad on the way through? Looking on the cameras there is nothing at all."

Eng 166-2

My word, that's a bad review. I haven't seen a review as bad as that since the critics panned The Cable Guy. That was a bad Jim Carrey film. Cook is nowhere near it. Not even close. Clear daylight between bat and ball.

South Africa review

This is interesting and a little familiar. Morne Morkel, the new bowler, thinks Alastair Cook has been caught down the leg side. Only Morkel appealed, but has somehow persuaded AB de Villiers to have another look.

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Rob, Cambridge: I'm presently hiding under the duvet, although I've been let down by my boys who didn't bring me my usual Sunday morning cuppa, so I've had to make it myself. If there's any justice in the world Cook will get the records and my children will read this and bring me another tea please. 

Eng 166-2 (Cook 70, Root 55)

I mentioned before that the pitch is two-paced. If you're wondering what nonsense I'm talking, it means that some deliveries behave exactly as you would expect, while others hold in the surface and slow up. Also, some of the cracks are starting to resemble the mid-Atlantic ridge. When the ball hits those, it can go up, down, or side to side. For that reason, England's increasing fluency is all the more impressive.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

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"England have got off to a great start here - they are playing very positively. But there is plenty in the wicket if South Africa can hit the right areas more often to dry up the runs and create pressure. 

"South Africa are getting about three balls out of six into the right area but are relieving the pressure with the other three."

50 for Joe Root

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Joe Root goes to a half-century after having his own spot of fortune. He slashes Abbott past gully for four, then races to 50 with some sweet back-foot crunches through the off side. It's a 19th Test fifty for Root who, despite that loose shot, is starting to look the part this morning.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Alastair Cook was trying to work something off his hip that wasn't quite there to to be played. It's pressure, because he's not scoring. That's why this is a good field."

Close!

Ooohhh, a little slice of luck for the skipper, and further evidence that this pitch is two-paced. Cook looks to turn one on the leg side, but the ball holds up and, by the time it gets to him, he is offering a leading edge. A loopy chance teases bowler Kyle Abbott, but just falls short. A reminder that batting is very, very tricky.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"I think South Africa are bowling the right way. They've got two slips and a gully, and are just trying to control the game. If you try like hell to get wickets and the ball starts whistling round it's a long old day trying to stop it. 90 overs.

"And you have to remember that this is their second-string attack. No offence to these lads, but they are not Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander."

Eng 149-2

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Really, Andrew? What sort of church service? I often wonder if there are any priests or vicars who keep their phone on the lectern on a Sunday morning to keep an eye on the cricket score. Kagiso Rabada, whose name scans perfectly into the rhythm of the White Stripes' Seven Nation Army, is bustling in with some good pace. He's conceded only three runs from his three overs today.

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Andrew Menniss: Sadly I can't stay in bed and listen to TMS. Got to get up to take a church service. Will be praying for the lads.  

Eng 148-2 (Cook 68, Root 40)

There are a lot of bowls of chips around that table, aren't there? The Australia dietician isn't exactly doing his job, is he? Oh, lovely from Root, easing an Abbott half-volley through the covers. We might not see a better shot all day. Then another loose one, this time short, that Root takes up and over the slips. England up and running.

Time for the Big Bash final

Play is under way in the Big Bash final, with Melbourne Stars facing Sydney Thunder at the MCG.

Englishman Luke Wright and Kevin Pietersen are at the crease for the Stars, who are 43-1 after six overs, having lost the toss. Pietersen has 16 off eight balls.

The Australia team are enjoying it too...

Eng 140-2

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The game has stopped. South Africa have asked the umpires to look at the ball, claiming it's out of shape. There's an inspection. I don't know for certain if it's been changed, but the fourth umpire came out and the Proteas are now shining furiously. I think it probably has been changed. There's drinks and some attention to Joe Root's bat.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"I often talk about keeping control of the game - in situations like these the bowling side have to attack but you don't want the ball to be whistling around - that way you lose all pressure on the batsmen.

"For the batting side, you need to get those feet dancing. Even if you've scored a hundred the day before, it's easier, but you need to get moving again."

Eng 140-2 (trail by 335)

Michael, does that mean you're in the US? Is there any snow? Send us a picture. England finally take their first run of the morning, almost 15 minutes into the day, when Cook works Rabada on to the leg side and takes a single. Cook, by the way, would only be the second opener to reach 10,000 runs after India's Sunil Gavaskar. Not all of his runs have come as an opener, though. He began his England career batting at number three.

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Michael Blighe: I've stayed up idiotically late (currently 1:42am) to see Cook break the 10,000 run mark. Saved a beer for the occasion!

Eng 138-2

Really good from the Proteas so far, really keeping this English pair honest. No opportunities to score, uncertainty over whether to play or leave alone. Lots of time in the corridor of uncertainty. Three maidens in a row. The old adage is that three maidens brings a wicket...

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Pete Bancroft: Big concern for England today is that they take a while to get going. This usually means wickets lost in morning sessions. 

Dave, Preston: Chilling in bed this morning while my two-year-old makes me a cup of tea. Sadly for me it's made of play dough!

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

Eng 138-2 (Cook 67, Root 31)

Alastair Cook begins the day on 9,950 Test runs, 50 short of becoming the first England batsman to scale 10,000. He faces up to Kagiso Rabada, who is running towards the city and a busy road buzzing with cars. Rabada follows up Abbott's good work by being on the money himself. Quiet start, matched by a muted atmosphere inside the ground. 

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"He was teasing us with the first ball, Joe Root. He played at it but it didn't do a thing - he was just getting back into being at the crease.

"He does have a tendency to want to stay back though, and on the fifth ball he should have been looking to get forward to that in-between length."

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No one seems to have noticed that the overnight score is exactly half what we need to avoid the follow-on.

Ruth, Azerbaijan

Eng 138-2 (trail by 337)

People are filing in to the ground, carrying enough equipment for a family of four to camp there for a week. Coolboxes, folding chairs, tent, mattress. As Abbott just gets into his delivery stride, Root pulls away, citing some movement behind the arm. That won't please the bowler. It's a good start from Abbott, though, on and around off stump.

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"I don't expect too much to happen early on - when South Africa take the new ball will be key. With the pitch deteriorating, they could make headway into the middle order.

"The wicket is still good to bat on now, but it won't get any better as the game goes on."

Eng 138-2 (trail by 337)

Kyle Abbott has the ball, Joe Root is scratching his guard at the striker's end. Two slips and a gully. Play.

The England team will wear black armbands today in memory of former Warwickshire seamer and BBC commentator Jack Bannister, who died yesterday at the age of 85.

All of the players are now out in the middle in a Centurion Park that is overcast. It might be a bowling morning.

'Hales looks the part'

England batting coach Mark Ramprakash, on the form of Alex Hales, on Sky Sports: "I think he has looked the part. Although he hasn't scored a volume of runs, he's looked comfortable at the crease, and is still learning Test cricket. 

"He's into his fourth game now. He's come here and been around the environment, where you have a lot of time to think between innings. 

"He has got great shots in his locker, we know that, and on yesterday's dismissal you could ask the question: If you thought it was there to hit, then great. It's not that the shot was wrong, but rather the execution."

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This could be a big match for Cook: he has already equaled Gavaskar's record for matches played as an opener. He needs 19 more runs to have 1,000 against seven different nations (joint record with Tendulkar and Dravid). 50 more runs for 10,000 career test runs and 79 more runs to overtake Atherton as most runs by an England captain.

Joe in Brixton

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England batting coach Mark Ramprakash on Sky Sports: "We've got two very good players at the crease. History shows the new ball is difficult to deal with here but if you get past that then batsmen can enjoy themselves. We will work hard and hopefully bear fruit after that.

"We could do with this cloud rolling through and the sun coming out, although if damp gets into the ball it can go soft."

Mark Boucher

Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"The history of this wicket is that it is a bit up and down. The warning signs are there that is going to misbehave, but the ball isn't doing too much at the moment.

"There are still a lot of runs out there. If England can put a bit of pressure on South Africa, they can get close."

BBC Test Match Special

And, if you're snuggling under the duvet, chances are you won't need to go anywhere to listen to TMS.

If you've got your phone, hit the live coverage tab at the top of the page. If you can reach a radio, tune it to 5 live sports extra or Radio 4 LW.

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So that's where we begin, with the England captain and vice the first line of defence against a much-improved South Africa team looking for a consolation win.

Will England have the mettle to guts this one out, or will the Proteas prevail? And what are you up to on this Sunday morning. Tell me. The lazier the better. I might even come up with a prize (imaginary) for the laziest.

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

Start-of-play scorecard

England 138-2 (46 overs) - trail by 337

Cook 67* (142), Root 31* (68)

Fall of wickets: 22-1 (Hales 15), 78-2 (Compton 19)

Bowling figures: Abbott 11-5-17-0, Rabada 12-2-55-2, Piedt 10-1-23-0, Morkel 11-2-29-0, Elgar 2-0-9-0

South Africa 475: De Kock 129*, S Cook 115, Amla 109; Stokes 4-86

Full scorecard

That's because Alastair Cook, Joe Root and co have to fend off a refreshed South Africa pace attack that is beginning to look as temperamental as Kim Kardashian.

Uneven bounce, with a particular tendency to keep low. 337 runs behind. Need to bat all day to avoid strife.

That is unless you're an England batsman. (Granted, you're probably not an England batsman, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. If you are, morning Alex. What was that shot?)

If you're an England batsman on this particular Sunday, expect it to be anything other than relaxing.

Maybe, just maybe, you'll find the energy to get up. Maybe.

A long breakfast, read the paper. Perhaps later a stroll in the park, try to avoid that trip to the garden centre or a visit to the in-laws.

Yep, Sunday really is the day of rest.

I can tell you that there's no reason to get up. It's grey outside, a bit mizzly. Nothing to see here.

Roll over. Wrap yourself under the duvet. Doze.

Sunday morning. Lionel Richie told us it's easy.

A time to relax.

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