Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

"Root had a bit of a nightmare in that over. Dropped once, playing and missing."

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"He should have taken that."

Root dropped on 19published at 08:06

08:06

Eng 58-3

That's why Dane Piedt is bowling! Joe Root is dropped from his first ball of the day. Prod forward for turn that isn't there, an edge to keeper Quinton de Kock, who has cymbals for hands. The ball crashes to the ground and Root has a let-off.

Theo Bowyer: Work in progress.

Gavin Irvine: Pietersen still required.

I'd have given you long odds on South Africa's bowlers this morning being Abbott and Dane Piedt. Off-spin from the other end. No Morne Morkel, no Kagiso Rabada. I think England might be quite pleased...

Elgan Evan Alderman: Not a time for overreaction. Even the all-conquering Aussies lost the final dead rubber sometimes.

The Barmies go through their morning Jerusalem, possibly for the last time this winter. I'm intrigued by the actions they perform. Do they rehearse? Immediately Abbott gets one to keep low, but it's wide of Taylor's off stump. When Abbott gets too straight, Taylor whips through the leg side for four. Nice shot. 

Rich Adams: All England need to do is block. Nothing flashy and we have a draw. Anything else and it's all over for England before tea.

Kyle Abbott must have had some serious treatment overnight. He might have even been massaged in his sleep.The man who had no hamstring 48 hours ago is taking the first over. James Taylor will be on strike.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

"Here's a message from the South Africans - they're down the steps already as if to show they mean business."

South Africa are down the steps very early, waiting on the boundary edge, pawing at the ground. England are just finishing their prayer to the god of rain. 

Rob: Is it raining yet?

So what do you think? A time for heroes, or England to go quietly in to the night? And if they do get out of this one, who will be the man to hold back the South African tide.

And, as it's the end of the Test winter, feel free to send me your England report card. In three words, please.

Text 81111, tweet using the hashtag #bbccricket, external or email tms@bbc.co.uk. 

Mark Boucher
Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"The way South Africa came out and bowled last night - they looked like a side that wanted to win. They look like the side that has taken full control of this Test. Where's this intensity been for the rest of the series?"

England 52-3 (21 overs) - chasing 382 to win

Batsmen: Root 19*, Taylor 19*

Fall of wickets: 2-1 (Hales 1), 8-2 (Cook 5), 18-3 (Compton 6)

Bowling figures: Morkel 6-4-12-1, Rabda 6-2-15-2, Abbott 1-0-6-0, Piedt 5-2-7-0, Elgar 2-1-8-0, Duminy 1-0-2-0

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

SA second innings 248-5 dec: Amla 96, Bavuma 78*

Full scorecard

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

"There are some big cracks there for the bowlers."

Mark Boucher
Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"There's more than enough for the South Africa bowlers if they land it in the right areas. AB de Villiers will have to look after the way he uses Rabada and Morkel. But there is turn there for Dane Piedt. I do see them winning this."

BBC Test Match Special

I would love to know what Geoffrey Boycott is doing in the picture below. Anyway, as the tweet tells you, TMS is up and running. Hit the live coverage tab at the top of this page if you want to listen.