Summary

  • Close: SA 55-3, trailing by 78 runs

  • Wong has Goodall caught behind before Wolvaardt slashes to gully after long rain delay

  • England declare on 417-8, leading by 133, after Sciver's 169*

  • One-off Test, day three, Taunton

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  • Highlights on Red Button & iPlayer from 22:00 BST

  1. Highest scores for England in Test cricketpublished at 12:11 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Nat Sciver could write herself in the history books over the next hour or so...

    Here are the highest individual scores for England in Test cricket:

    • 189 - Betty Snowball
    • 179 - Rachael Heyhoe-Flint
    • 177 - Sarah Taylor
    • 168* - Heather Knight
    • 167 - Jan Brittin
    • 160 - Barbara Daniels
    • 159* - Nat Sciver
  2. Postpublished at 12:11 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    There's a fine line here for Ecclestone of trying to hit the ball hard and trying to hit the ball TOO hard. She has to hold her shape and not just start swinging like that.

  3. Eng 396-6published at 117 overs

    Sophie Ecclestone is going to enjoy herself here.

    She clears the front leg and takes a wild swipe at Kapp's first ball after drinks and completely misses, the ball just evading the outside edge.

  4. Postpublished at 12:06 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    This has been a brilliant first hour from England. They've really started to accelerate. Soph has been a bit frustrated not being able to get it away like she might want to, but she's playing the perfect supporting role for Nat here and she's finding her rhythm

    You want to have a decent lead and declare but you look at South Africa and you can see they are really tired so just keep them out there as long as you can. Think about Kapp who they really rely on and if she's tired and has to keep bowling she's going to be really tired. England could bowl them out in 80 or 90 overs.

  5. drinks break

    Eng 393-6published at 116 overs

    I don't think I've scored 300 runs in my life. Can Nat Sciver share some of her talent? It's unfair.

    Time for a drink and that concludes a very dominant first hour for England, and a rather difficult one for South Africa.

  6. Postpublished at 12:00 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Phil Long
    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    Nat Sciver has scored 300 runs since she was last dismissed in international cricket!

  7. Postpublished at 12:00 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    Katherine Brunt was always brilliant to watch when batting. She was always very vocal. Sophie Ecclestone seems to be doing the same shouting when she doesn't get it away and being noisy and making her intent known.

  8. Eng 385-6published at 115 overs

    Ecclestone takes an audacious step down the pitch at the seamer Bosch and boshes it (I'm sorry) for a straight four.

    England are on the charge.

  9. Postpublished at 11:56 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    This has been a special, special innings from Nat Sciver. Now you feel she really could kick on.

  10. Eng 380-6published at 114 overs

    Nat Sciver takes a single to long-on to bring up 150. What a knock.

    Ecclestone gives her a huge hug and Sciver raises her bat to Taunton. She's not done yet, mind.

  11. Eng 375-6published at 113 overs

    Nat Sciver adds insult to injury by smashing the next two balls for four, the first a classic pull shot and the second an almighty T20-style heave over mid-wicket.

    Here we go.

  12. Postpublished at 11:52 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Stephan Shemilt
    BBC Sport chief cricket writer at Taunton

    It was powerfully struck by Ecclestone back towards Bosch. All caught and bowled chances are tough but that is as catchable as they come.

  13. dropped catch

    Ecclestone dropped on 18published at 112.4 overs

    Big chance.

    Ecclestone drives the ball firmly back at the bowler Anneke Bosch - in fact she absolutely nails it - but it just bursts through the bowler's hands. One of those that either sticks or it doesn't.

  14. Postpublished at 11:49 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Anya Shrubsole
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    Sciver is a fantastic player of spin, hitting down the ground, and it wouldn't surprise me if we enter a new stage of play with England moving up to third or fourth gear.

  15. Eng 365-6published at 112 overs

    Spin for the first time from Nonkululeko Mlaba. England take four easy singles from the over and batting looks very comfortable.

    South Africa, meanwhile, look weary.

  16. Postpublished at 11:45 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Stephan Shemilt
    BBC Sport chief cricket writer at Taunton

    England could be looking at a situation where they only want to bat once. Get 200 ahead and bowl South Africa out.

  17. Eng 361-6published at 111 overs

    Anneke Bosch comes into the attack for the first time today. She has 3-60 and has been excellent.

    She starts well again, squaring Ecclestone up and taking a leading edge but the ball lands safely.

    But England are taking some quick singles now, looking like they plan on making South Africa as tired as they possibly can be.

  18. Postpublished at 11:41 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Melissa Story
    BBC Test Match Special

    Local legend says we must look to the hills to determine the weather here in Taunton.

  19. Postpublished at 11:40 British Summer Time 29 June 2022

    Anya Shrubsole
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    If England have still got wickets in hand after the first hour I imagine we will see some fireworks. It would be great to see a six in this innings.

  20. Eng 358-6published at 110 overs

    Runs are flowing.

    Sciver runs three out to cover after Anneke Bosch pulls out a brilliant diving stop on the boundary, but Ecclestone goes one better and slashes a boundary two balls later.

    No need to run for that one.