Good morning and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the first day of the first Test between England and South Africa at the Kia Oval.
This series has been eagerly anticipated throughout this most miserable of English summers, with both sides vying for the coveted number one Test team in the world status.
England will be hoping to prove their quality on home soil much like they did in 2011 against India but South Africa are one of the most improved teams in the world, with Dale Steyn's form being tipped as the key factor for this series.
Graeme Smith will lead a team full of class but will face a tough test in scoring big runs against James Anderson and company. One thing that is guaranteed is that we are in for a fascinating series between two superb teams.
Play is due to start at 11am.
ENG 267-3Join me again tomorrow for what will surely be a fascinating second day of this Test at the Oval. Goodnight everyone!
ENG 267-3Cook's hundred was very important and the fact that he is there with Bell at the close of play is a good sign for England. Bell will want to carry on his good form and Cook will be desperate for a double hundred. South Africa quite simply need wickets early tomorrow.
ENG 267-3Close of Play Despite South Africa coming back well in the last session, that has to be England's day mainly due to the big partnership between Trott and Cook.
ENG 267-3Bell gives the strike to Cook immediately and the left-hander gives it back two balls later with a nudge to fine leg. That's all for the day with two runs coming from the final over.
ENG 265-3Good from Steyn as he brings one back into Cook but the centurion is equal to it as he clips one away for a single. Bell's defence has looked solid so far and he takes a single from the final ball. One more over left in the day.
ENG 263-3Cook determined to not give his wicket away this evening, he's happy to deal in singles and takes one from Morkel's fifth ball. Only one run from the over.
ENG 262-3It's a good over from Steyn but he hasn't looked too threatening today. Cook takes a single and Steyn has Bell reaching at the final two balls, one run from the over.
ENG 261-3It's important England have these two at the crease at the end of today, then they can really think about posting a big total tomorrow.
ENG 261-3The day's play just appears to be winding down, more intensity is needed from South Africa. Cook finds a single from the third ball but Bell can't find the gaps in the field and it's just one from the over.
ENG 260-3Bell is off the mark with a wonderful cover drive through extra cover for four runs. Another boundary for Bell and he's showed his form with that pull shot, Steyn looking increasingly frustrated with himself.
ENG 252-3Kallis is now replaced by Morkel, this promises to be a testing final seven overs for the England duo. There's signs of an appeal for a catch down the leg side but they are quickly stifled, Cook's thigh pad was the noise. It's another maiden and South Africa are putting good pressure on England now.
ENG 252-3Steyn comes on to share the new ball with Kallis and he looks sharp with Bell catching the ball with his inside edge but it safely hits his pads. Better finish to the over from Steyn, he's got to make Bell play early in his innings.
ENG 252-3The new ball has been taken by South Africa and Kallis will continue his spell with the new Duke. It's a surprise but Kallis will be confident after that Pietersen dismissal. Cook is happy to leave the ball and these two will want to last until the end of the day.
ENG 252-3I'm surprised that Smith hasn't taken the new ball and allows Duminy to continue. It's a good over from the spinner though as he keeps Cook defensive and only allows a single from the final ball.
ENG 251-3Ian Bell is the new batsman and it's a difficult time to come in with the new ball around the corner. The final two balls are defended but what a breakthrough from Kallis.
ENG 251-3Wicket Oh just as it looked so easy for Pietersen, he's gone! He appears to edge a bouncer from Kallis and De Villiers takes an easy catch, big wicket for the tourists.
ENG 251-2Kallis begins the last over before the new ball is made available, South Africa will surely take it straight away. Both players easily pick gaps in the field and Pietersen is able to pull a couple to square leg.
ENG 248-2Pietersen looks eager to use his feet against Duminy and he finds a single to cover to move to 40. Poor fielding from Rudolph and Cook is gifted a single, two runs from the over.
ENG 246-2Cook is being distracted by movement in the stands as Kallis begins another over. Better pressure from South Africa and it's consecutive maidens.
ENG 246-2It's Duminy to continue and it's better from the spinner. Pietersen attempts a risky scoop shot and almost finds De Villiers, very lucky. Good from Duminy and it's a maiden over.
ENG 246-2Smith has had a word with his players during the drinks break and he knows he can't let England get away from them in this match.
ENG 246-2The run rate has increased considerably since Pietersen arrived at the crease and South Africa just seem to be waiting for the second new ball. That's four overs away and the players are having a drinks break now.
ENG 246-2Smith continues to rotate his bowlers as Kallis is brought back for a new spell. Beautiful from Pietersen but a slow jog only brings two runs for a push straight down the ground. That is four though as Pietersen places his in an identical position, he's looking good now. Pietersen finds another single and it's seven from the over.
ENG 239-2Duminy is back for his second spell of the day but Cook is relaxed against the part-timer and takes a single to cover. Pietersen may attack and decides to paddle sweep for a couple to fine leg. South Africa can't build any pressure at the moment and Pietersen senses this by taking an easy single to a man placed halfway back at mid off.
ENG 235-2Steyn has just arrived on the field after a short break in the dressing room having a rather animated conversation with the coaching staff. It's not been his day today.
ENG 235-2Philander continues but he's not been able to do what many expected him to do before the match. This partnership is worth 64 now as Pietersen runs an easy single and Cook adds another from the final ball.
ENG 233-2Tahir continues but he can't break Cook down and the centurion gives the strike to Pietersen. Awful from Tahir as he bowls a half tracker that Pietersen easily launches over deep mid wicket for four runs. Rudolph hits the stumps from mid off but Pietersen's too quick for that to trouble him. It looks as though Pietersen fancies attacking against Tahir, six runs from the over.
ENG 227-2Philander starts his over with a no ball and throws the ball to De Villiers in a frustrating manner, jeers from the crowd follow. Cook nearly offers a chance but the ball drops short of mid on. Easy runs on offer for England and Philander adds to the runs with another no ball, seven from the over.
ENG 220-2We're getting used to seeing that image of Cook raising his bat in celebration. He's matured into a fine player and that's a great century.
ENG 220-2Century for Cook Cook tries to cut past point but he picks out the fielder but he does find the gap just two balls later and makes sure he gets two runs. The single is there and Cook reaches his 20th Test match century. Superb knock! Five runs from the over.
ENG 215-2Steyn is given a break from Smith with Philander replacing him in the attack. Vintage Pietersen as he pushes one to mid on and hurries a single. Cook is on 96 now and he finds a single from the final ball to move within three of a century.
ENG 213-2Cook is one shot away from a century after hitting Tahir for a boundary through the vacant wide mid on. He then gives Pietersen the strike but Tahir improves his line to only allow one more single from the over.
ENG 207-2Steyn starts his new spell with a good short ball but there isn't a lot of bounce in this pitch. Pietersen starting to look more comfortable at the crease now and he proves it with a pull shot straight out of the middle of the bat past a fielder in the deep for a boundary, great shot.
ENG 203-2Big stride from Pietersen and he knocks Tahir's first ball down the ground for a single. Cook gives the strike back to Pietersen and a full toss from Tahir only brings a single.
ENG 200-2Steyn's not been at his best today but he continues to steam in and a hopeful appeal for lbw is met with a predictable shake of the head from the umpire. It's a leg bye and three balls later Cook takes advantage of a straight delivery to push one for four through wide mid on and move into the nineties. 200 up for England.
ENG 195-2Tahir is back into the attack but Cook doesn't find the spinner too troubling as he clips a single to mid wicket. Will Pietersen attack? Yes, he marches down the wicket but can only find a single on the leg side. Two runs from the over.
ENG 193-2Steyn will continue after the break and Pietersen goes after a wide ball, proceeding to slice it over the slips for four runs. Good leave from Pietersen as Steyn finds some swing into the right-hander. A dive from De Villiers can't prevent four leg byes from the final ball and it's nine from the over.
ENG 184-2Close to a chance for South Africa as Pietersen lobs one just over Morkel at mid on. Cook then plays a lovely looking shot straight past Philander for four runs. Eight runs come from the over and it's time for a drinks break.
ENG 177-2Dale Steyn is back on and Smith will want some more wickets before the second new ball in 19 overs. A conservative start for Pietersen and he's not interested in Steyn's wide line. The field suggests a bouncer could be coming but it's a bluff, maiden for Steyn.
ENG 177-2Philander is back to bowl for South Africa and Pietersen takes a single from the first ball. Good fielding from Amla stops a boundary from Cook, just the single from the over.
ENG 176-2Cook once again rotates the strike from the first ball of the over to move to 80. Morkel not getting it right against Pietersen and it's far too wide to trouble anyone apart from the slips as he gives away an extra. Morkel pulls out of a delivery not for the first time today and Pietersen is made to wait, bit of talk behind the stumps aimed at the England batsman. Pietersen does keep the strike with a single to wide mid on.
ENG 173-2Cook is happy to give Pietersen the strike against Kallis and there's a small appeal for lbw turned down. Good over from Kallis and he ends it with a sharp bounce followed up by a stare at Pietersen.
ENG 172-2Kevin Pietersen is at the crease and he'll surely be relishing this challenge. Morkel attempts a yorker but Pietersen is equal to it and is off the mark straight away. Cook is a picture of calm as he clips one to fine leg for a single. Two runs and a wicket from the over.
ENG 170-2Wicket South Africa finally get the breakthrough as Trott flashes at a wide delivery and De Villiers takes a simple catch. Trott goes for 71.
ENG 170-1Kallis delivers a rarity in Test cricket, with a wide ball being signaled by the umpire. It was a wide, no matter how long Kallis stares for. A single from Trott is followed by a beauty from Kallis as he gets one to leave Cook late but there's no edge.
ENG 168-1A single from Trott is followed by a powerful shot from Cook in front of square on the off side and it's four runs. Two more runs for Cook with a nudge to square leg and it's seven from the over.
ENG 161-1Kallis will continue his spell and he's too wide to Cook, who cuts to the sweeper on the boundary for a single. There are signs of swing for Kallis but Trott is comfortable enough to take an easy single from the final ball.
ENG 159-1It's not a bad start from Morkel but he needs to get Cook reaching from the ball. He's too straight on a couple of occasions in the over with De Villiers reacting well to collect the wayward deliveries. Cook runs a single to move to 70 and that's the only run scored in the over.
ENG 158-1The sun is shining at the Oval and Morkel will bowl the first over of the final session. A wicket could change everything for the tourists.
ENG 158-1The umpires are back and the players follow closely behind, Smith needs a big effort from his bowlers in this session.
ENG 158-1Tea One of the most comfortable sessions England will have for a while. The duo at the crease are manipulating the field well and South Africa desperately need a breakthrough. England won't want to lose a wicket this evening and if they can reach that target then they will surely set the tourists a big total. Join us in around 15 minutes for the last session of the day.
ENG 158-1Good start to the over from Kallis as Cook threatens to play at one wide of off stump. The left-hander quickly adjusts to pick up a single but it's good from Kallis with just a single from the over.
ENG 157-1Tahir is back on from a different end and he'll be hoping for a change of luck.It's certainly better from the leg spinner until he drops his length too short and Trott latches on to score four runs through mid wicket. Four runs from the over and tea is fast approaching.
ENG 153-1Jacques Kallis returns to bowl and he's accurate immediately. England's run rate has dropped in the past 30 minutes but Trott does his best to change that with a drive in front of point for four runs. A single to fine leg ends the over.
ENG 148-1South Africa's bowlers are starting to create foot holes on the pitch and that will delight Graeme Swann. This pitch will surely turn as the game progresses.
ENG 148-1De Villiers has to be alert to take two sharp deliveries down the leg side from Steyn. Cook and Trott trade singles in the middle of the over and they are the only two runs from the over.
ENG 146-1Duminy continues and eight of his 11 Test wickets have come against England. Is that an omen? It doesn't look like it as Cook is happy to take just the one single from the over. Too easy for England.
ENG 145-1Steyn looking far better now as we finally witness a false shot from Cook outside off stump but there's no edge. No more drama from the over and it's just the one run from it.
ENG 144-1JP Duminy is going to be given a bowl now with Graeme Smith maybe feeling a part time bowler could break this partnership. It's solid enough from Duminy and he only allows two singles from the over.
ENG 142-1Away from the Oval, reports from South Africa have confirmed that Mark Boucher's surgery has been a success. I'm sure we'll all agree that is good news.
ENG 142-1Steyn continues and he's trying more short balls which could be a better tactic for the tourists. Trott treats us to a superb shot as he steps forward to drive beautifully through extra cover. Shot of the day and there's seven runs from the over.
ENG 135-1Mr Consistent does it again for England as Trott passes 50 again. He looks in the mood for a big score in this match and South Africa need a plan against him.
ENG 135-1Cook quickly gives Trott the strike and Tahir is looking better now. Fifty The field comes in but Trott picks the gap to find a single and reach his half century, trademark innings from the stubborn batsman.
ENG 133-1Steyn is back to replace Morkel and the Proteas need a big spell from their main man now. It's better from Steyn with more intensity at Trott on his return and he keeps the batsman from reaching his half century.
ENG 133-1Cook manipulating the field very well today as he takes another easy single to mid off. Tahir has settled now but Trott looks more than comfortable against the spin. Tahir gets one to spin considerably but the ball evades De Villiers behind the stumps for a couple of byes.
ENG 129-1Better from Morkel as he drops his length but he can't stop Trott from rotating the strike. A pull shot brings Cook a single and he's on 62 now. It's all gone a bit quiet at the Oval, with England in control now.
ENG 127-1Tahir's hand can't stop Trott running a single from the first ball of a new over but Cook can't do the same. Cook comfortable outside his off stump today and he's left the ball brilliantly.
ENG 125-1It's been very good from arguably England's two most dependable players. Picking the gaps well and putting the bad ball away.
ENG 125-1Morkel still probing Cook's off stump and he bowls a nice yorker but the umpire signals a no ball. South Africa do need to change their approach, we haven't seen many short balls today. Cook adds a single to the no ball and it's two from the over.
ENG 123-1Cook lunges forward to flick a single to mid on and it's better from Tahir as he gets one to spin away from Trott. Good from Trott to finish the over as he picks the googly to find a boundary through square leg. Five runs from the over.
ENG 118-1Morkel continues but there's still no threat for Cook, he takes a simple single to hand Trott the strike and he defends the rest of the over. It's time for a drinks break.
ENG 117-1Tahir hasn't been a threat to these two yet, he tries a googly but the umpire signals a no ball. A single from Cook is the only other run from the over.
ENG 115-1South Africa are in a bit of a lull at the moment and Graeme Smith needs something a bit more aggressive from his bowlers. The tourists are desperate for a wicket now.
ENG 115-1Morkel looks frustrated as Trott sneaks a single that shouldn't have been possible. Cook looks comfortable against Morkel as he takes a run to mid wicket, all too easy for England right now. Trott walks across his stumps to clip two runs to fine leg, good reply from Morkel and it's four from the over.
ENG 111-1Trott rotates the strike immediately at the start of Tahir's over and Cook does the same, plenty of singles on offer. Better line from Tahir in the over but one more single means it's three from it.
ENG 108-1Morne Morkel returns to replace Philander for his second spell today. It's the same story at Cook but it doesn't seem like South Africa are doing enough to take wickets here and that's what they need with this partnership with 108. No threat for Cook as he proceeds to leave the whole over and it's a maiden.
ENG 108-1Tahir to Cook again from over the wicket now. Cook not happy to leave the deliveries outside off stump and a maiden is ruined by a push to cover from the final ball.
ENG 107-1Philander to continue and he's let down by Hashim Amla at mid off as Trott sneaks through for a single. Cook looking relaxed as he picks up a run on the off side, it's a very good partnership between these two. Two runs from the over.
ENG 105-1Tahir is going to get another bowl now and I expect he'll have a big role to play in this innings. It's a short ball to start but Cook can't pick the gap to punish a poor delivery. Fifty Cook does punish Tahir next delivery as he hits a short no ball high over mid on for four runs to reach his half century, well played Cook. Two more runs for Cook come from the over, not a good return for Tahir.
ENG 98-1Philander is finding his length now, making Trott drive at a ball that he gets nowhere near before repeating the trick just a ball later. Trott composes himself to defend the rest of the over, better from Philander.
ENG 98-1Vintage Cook as he plays a cut on the back foot past point for a boundary against Steyn, excellent shot and it's consecutive boundaries when Cook pushes one straight past Steyn with the ball racing to the rope for four more. It's been good from England since the lunch break and a good reply from Steyn ensures it's just the eight runs from the over. Cook on 46 now with Trott on 36.
ENG 90-1Philander continues and his pace is below the 80mph mark, trying his best to swing the ball today. Big mistake from him as he drops it too short and Trott can easily pull in front of mid wicket for four runs. Philander isn't quick enough to bowl that length to anyone. More runs for Trott as a no ball is followed by a push past wide mid on for three more. One more single means it's nine runs from the over.
ENG 81-1Steyn chooses to bowl over the wicket to Cook now and that looks like a better decision. Good running again as these two sneak a couple on the leg side. Steyn replies well with a better line at Cook but he can't tempt him into a loose drive.
ENG 79-1Trott looks like he's settling down for a long stay. Philander still finding some movement away from the right-hander but he refuses to offer any chances. Good accuracy from Philander and it's a maiden over.
ENG 79-1Dale Steyn is thrown the ball to continue after lunch and it's a great delivery first ball as he brings one back into Cook but it didn't look out and the umpire agrees. Good running from England as they turn a simple single into two leg byes. Steyn looking frustrated by Cook's stubbornness and he goes too full to the left-hander resulting in a four through the covers.
ENG 73-1It's a solid start from Philander but he oversteps his mark for his second no ball of the day. Trott picks up two runs through mid wicket where there are big gaps in the field.
ENG 70-1It will be Vernon Philander who bowls the first over after lunch.
ENG 70-1The umpires have appeared and that mean we're only a few minutes from resuming play. It's far brighter now at the Oval which is a good sign for the rest of today's play.
ENG 70-1I haven't mentioned it yet but it's worth noting that this is Graeme Smith's 100th Test match and most of those have come as captain of South Africa. Superb achievement.
ENG 70-1The afternoon session is not far away now, South Africa will want to expose England's middle order early on.
ENG 70-1Lunch A very interesting start to this first test, South Africa will be delighted with removing Strauss so early but Cook and Trott have recovered brilliantly. It's a very even first session. We'll take a quick break during lunch and be back at around 13:40.
ENG 70-1Only a couple overs left in the session and Imran Tahir will get a bowl before lunch so it will probably be just the one over of spin before lunch. Trott is off strike immediately through the covers and that's the only run from the over. Good start for Tahir and that's lunch.
ENG 69-1It's another good over from Kallis and he's starting to find his line to Trott. England look determined to take this partnership to lunch, just a single from the over.
ENG 68-1Hopeful appeal from Steyn for lbw from the second ball, poor from De Villiers as he adds to a single with a wayward throw that travels to the boundary. An angry response with Steyn with a short ball but a fantastic shot from Cook as he launches one over fine leg for six runs, looks like it hit the edge but Cook won't mind. Good from Steyn as he brings one back into Trott but the umpire shakes his head, it looked close. A single finishes the over, 13 runs from it.
ENG 55-1Kallis does a good job as the fourth seamer for South Africa. It's pretty simple for Cook though, he's left the ball alone well all morning. Cook finally hits the ball but it's stopped well at gully, maiden over.
ENG 55-1Good running from England as Cook sneaks a single from Steyn's second ball. Not much drama from these two for England, another good over from Steyn with just a single from it. Spin before lunch?
ENG 54-1Beautiful line from Kallis in the early part of this over, some good shape on the ball. Trott looks equal to the movement as he takes advantage of a straighter delivery from Kallis by playing his favourite shot through mid wicket for four runs. This partnership is past the half century mark now.
ENG 50-1Steyn is very wide of the crease to Cook and the England batsman has his angles spot on. It's a very good over from Steyn though and he looks to have found his rhythm now, maiden over.
ENG 50-1Kallis still has the ball, often underestimated in the all-rounder category but over 270 wickets at Test level is a record that speaks for itself. Good start to the over with signs of movement from Kallis but Trott pounces on a wide one to smash the ball to the point boundary, good shot.
ENG 46-1There does seem to be some rain in the air but it's not heavy and it looks as though it's passing pretty quickly.
ENG 46-1Steyn continues but he hasn't really threatened just yet. Trott is off strike with a very easy single on the leg side but Cook simply refuses to be tempted into a false shot despite some sharp movement from Steyn. It's just a single from the over.
ENG 45-1Kallis is given his first over of the match by Smith. Cook punishes a loose second delivery from the all-rounder to pick up a boundary through the off side. It's a good reply from Kallis, finding his line close to off stump and it's just the boundary from the over.
ENG 41-1Cook looking on top of his game as he moves into the twenties with a nudge to mid wicket off Steyn's third ball. Another easy run for Cook and Trott blocks the final delivery, three from the over.
ENG 38-1Philander continues his simple approach, he's a real wicket to wicket bowler. There is some movement for him still but the England duo negate the swing well. Only two runs from a very good over that ends with a beauty to Trott.
ENG 36-1England have recovered well since Strauss' early dismissal. Trott and Cook look good so far but they'll want to build a big partnership.
ENG 36-1It's a solid start from the world's number one ranked bowler. Cook is equal to Steyn though as he shows the quality of his defensive game. Steyn isn't in fifth gear but this pitch doesn't usually hit it's top pace until day two. Good finish to the over for Cook as he plays a late cut past point for a boundary and it's a drinks break for the players.
ENG 32-1Philander continues to probe Cook's off stump but there's runs for the vice-captain from the fourth ball as he drives straight down the ground for three. Good reply from Philander as he keeps Trott honest outside off stump and it's time for Steyn.
ENG 29-1It's Morkel who still has the ball though, easy three runs for Cook across the massive square of wickets at the Oval. Another big lbw appeal from Morkel, it looks like it was going down leg side and Smith decides against reviewing the decision this time. The ball would have clipped the stumps but the decision would have stayed with the umpire. Three runs from the over.
ENG 26-1Steyn is warming up so expect him to be thrown the ball soon. England will have to play him well in his early overs.
ENG 26-1Philander has Cook in his sights now and he still has the ball moving but Cook looks well organised. Not much threat during the over, a leg bye and a no ball are the only runs from it.
ENG 24-1Morkel continues and he's happy to bowl a wide line to Cook but the England man is very patient as we know. Cook does find a single from the fourth ball and Trott then collects two to deep square leg. Three runs from the over.
ENG 21-1Big appeal from Philander but that didn't seem to have much going for it and the umpire agrees that the ball was too high. Trademark Trott as he clips one off his hip for two runs to fine leg. Philander finding some movement here, swing is definitely his weapon.
ENG 19-1Good from Cook as he finds a gap in the field past point for his first boundary of the morning from Morkel's second ball. Cook happy to leave the rest of the over and the lights are on at the Oval, it's pretty gloomy
ENG 15-1It's a very nice action that Philander has, Trott is determined to get forward to meet the ball. Good fielding at gully stops a cut shot from Trott and a superb delivery follows with the England batsman missing a beauty from Philander. Soft hands from Trott and it's a boundary through a gap in the slips to finish the over.
ENG 11-1Morkel is struggling with his approach here, two no balls in the early part of the over. Everything is wide of off stump with Cook not interested in playing a shot, just the two extras from the over.
ENG 9-1Interesting decision from Smith to give Philander the new ball, it does seem that Cook and Trott would be more uncomfortable against the 90mph pace of Steyn early in their innings.
ENG 9-1Philander certainly doesn't have the pace of Steyn and Cook has enough time to find three runs to deep mid wicket from the fourth ball of the over. Smith is really unhappy with the amount of time Trott is taking between deliveries, maybe a bit of unsettling tactics there. It's a good start from Philander, with three runs coming from his first over.
ENG 6-1Dale Steyn won't bowl and the man with the incredible figures, Vernon Philander, will bowl the next over.
ENG 6-1Trott keeps Morkel waiting, much to the displeasure of Smith at slip. He'll be even more unhappy now as Morkel pushes one wide of mid on for four runs. It's a mistake in the field and Trott has two more runs. Great start for South Africa.
ENG 0-1What a start for the tourists, it looked a good shout despite the original not out decision. Smith and his men look delighted and rightly so, Jonathan Trott is the new batsman.
ENG 0-1Decision Review Morkel starts pretty well and hits Strauss on the pads with his fourth ball. Plenty of discussion and Smith decides to review the not out decision. Wicket It's out, Strauss is gone for a duck!
ENG 0-0Morne Morkel will bowl the first over of the match.
11:13Graeme Smith is leading his team out, only a few moments away from play now. Big morning for both teams. Who will take control?
11:07So many superb players on top of their game at the Oval in this match. Tell us who you're most looking forward to seeing on Twitter- @sports_mole
11:04Just over 10 minutes until the start of play now, what a contest we're in for in this series.
11:01England's strength in depth within the bowling department is frightening. No place for Steven Finn again today but it would be harsh to drop Tim Bresnan. It's a nice headache too have.
11:00Remember, AB De Villiers will keep wicket for the Proteas in this Test due to the eye injury suffered by Mark Boucher just over a week ago.
10:59Graeme Smith admits that he would have batted too, the pitch is a dry one. The tourists will want early wickets and will aim to expose Bopara as early as possible.
10:57South Africa team: Smith, Petersen, Amla, Kallis, De Villiers, Rudolph, Duminy, Steyn, Morkel, Tahir, Philander.
10:57England team: Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Bopara, Prior, Bresnan, Broad, Swann, Anderson.
10:56Both captains have made their way out to the middle. Andrew Strauss wins the toss and predictably chooses to bat first.
10:52Play is due to start at 11:15am.
10:51The covers are gradually coming off but there are still a few dark clouds around the ground.
10:49You would expect the toss to be important today, there will surely be something on offer in the morning for the bowlers but the Oval is usually a good pitch to bat on.
10:45Good news! The covers are starting to be removed at the Oval so hopefully we won't have too much of a delay this morning.
10:43Ravi Bopara is expected to replace Jonny Bairstow today and this series could be a defining moment in the Essex batsman's career. A good performance against a top side like South Africa will surely give him the best chance of cementing a place in the England team.
10:40All of those look like they will be great battles but surely the standout clash will be between Dale Steyn vs. James Anderson. Both players could surely claim to be the best bowler in the world and if conditions suit those two, then we will be treated to some world class fast bowling.
10:38Andrew Strauss vs. Graeme Smith, Kevin Pietersen vs. Jacques Kallis, Graeme Swann vs. Imran Tahir.
10:35Let's hope this rain won't cause to much of a delay, this series certainly does look like it will be a fantastic contest with so many tight battles between the two sides.
10:33Good morning, we're starting off with slightly bad news today. The toss has been delayed due to some light rain that has appeared at the Oval but it doesn't look to bad thankfully and we could still begin today at 11am.
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