Good morning and welcome to Sports Mole's live text commentary of the second day of the first Test between England and South Africa at the Kia Oval.
England dominated the first day's play, mainly due to a big partnership between centurion Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott after captain Andrew Strauss was dismissed in the first over of the day.
The hosts will begin this morning on 267-3, with Cook resuming his innings on 114 and being joined by Ian Bell on 10.
Despite struggling with the ball for most of the day, South Africa showed signs of improvement in the final session yesterday and Graeme Smith will be determined to make early inroads this morning.
Play is due to start at 11am.
SA 86-1Join me tomorrow for day three of this first Test where South Africa will resume their innings 299 runs behind England.
SA 86-1Close Of Play What a day of cricket it's been, South Africa took control but England showed good fight to post a decent total. Smith will be delighted that he and Amla are unbeaten at the end of the day.
SA 86-1Swann begins the final over of the day but Amla looks pretty solid throughout and blocks out a maiden and that's the end of the day.
SA 86-1Bopara continues but there's not much luck for the part-timer, Amla takes a single from his first ball and it's the only run from the over.
SA 85-1It's a good battle between Smith and Swann here, the Proteas skipper is happy to block with the close of play fast approaching. Smith nearly gets a leading edge on Swann's final ball of the over, Swann's face says it all.
SA 85-1Ravi Bopara is going to get a bowl as we enter the final 15 minutes of play. He can bowl and maybe someone like him can break this partnership. Amla has a little swing at a ball that goes down leg side and that's dangerous from him. Chance Bopara nearly gets Amla as he finds some bounce and takes the edge but Strauss can;t take it with his left hand with the ball going for four. That's a big chance and it could be a big moment in the match.
SA 79-1Swann continues and it's a good start, Smith shows his confidence by leaving a ball that's close to the stumps. It's another maiden over for Swann.
SA 79-1Much better from Bresnan as he beats Smith's outside edge, very close there. Smith quickly restrains himself and proceeds to leave Bresnan's wider deliveries. Superb fielding in the deep prevents a four from Smith and those three runs are the only blemish to the over.
SA 76-1Swann does get to bowl immediately and England will be desperate for a second wicket before the close of play. Amla looks comfortable against the spin but doesn't score a run in the over and it's a maiden for Swann on his return to the attack.
SA 76-1Bresnan continues but he's not been too threatening so far, Smith rocks back to pull through mid wicket for four runs. Swann may return before the end of play.
SA 72-1Very good from Amla as he whips a shot to the mid wicket boundary for four runs and England have gone slightly flat since the break. Four runs from Anderson's over.
SA 68-1It's very consistent from Bresnan, he bowls very tightly to Smith who can't pick a gap in the field and it's a maiden.
SA 68-1Amla flirts with an Anderson delivery outside off stump and that kept very low. Anderson keeps a good line but Amla opens the face slightly to earn four runs to the third man boundary.
SA 64-1It's steady from England but they won't want to let these two build a big partnership because as we've seen before in this country, Smith will bat for a long time. Amla takes a single to square leg and Smith defends well to keep out Bresnan before running two to Trott at deep square leg.
SA 61-1The umpire signals a nob ball for Anderson's fourth delivery and he can't believe it. It's a back foot no ball, a rarity really. Smith not interested in Anderson's deliveries outside off stump.
SA 60-1Smith will be delighted if he and Amla can survive until the end of the day. It will mean they can accelerate tomorrow with wickets in hand.
SA 60-1Amla looks in good form today, he hits a beautiful shot past wide mid on for four runs and that's all that is scored from Bresnan's over.
SA 56-1James Anderson is back and Strauss needs him to break this partnership sooner rather than later. There's three runs scored in the over and these two are playing well during a tough period.
SA 53-1Bresnan is given his first bowl of the day by Strauss now and he's immediately whipped for three runs through mid wicket. There's a single available for Smith again at square leg and Amla takes another to fine leg.
SA 48-1An Amla single brings Smith on strike and the Proteas skipper uses his feet but he can't find a run. A full toss from Swann gives Smith two runs and it's three from the over.
SA 45-1Great shot from Smith as he picks a gap in the leg side to pick up four runs. Smith is equal to broad's angle from around the wicket with two runs to square leg.
SA 39-1Smith takes a single to mid on at the start of Swann's over and Amla then takes two to deep square leg. It's more good running as Amla rushes a single after a push to Bresnan at mid off and there's another to end the over.
SA 34-1It's been very good from England since the break, Broad going full against Amla and it's a maiden over.
SA 34-1Swann strikes Smith on the pads at the start of the over but they decide not to review the not out decision. Smith's up against it with Swann loving a battle with a left-hander, maiden over.
SA 34-1It's a good over from Broad with a single for Amla the only run scored. England bowling well to Smith outside off stump, the skipper wants to manoeuvre the ball on the leg side.
SA 32-1Smith doesn't seem to move his feet too much when facing Swann but he's very careful against the flighted deliveries. It's a maiden over for Swann.
SA 32-1Broad continues his spell and it's a good start, Amla does well to sneak a single from a full delivery. Smith doesn't quite time a drive but he manages a single to mid off.
SA 30-1Good signs for Swann as he flights the ball nicely towards Amla, it's two runs for the batsman though. One more single for Amla and it's three from Swann's first over.
SA 27-1Smith and Amla are back out and Graeme Smith will bowl the first over after the delay. Will he take his trademark first wicket in the first over?
SA 27-1I'll be very surprised if 27 overs are bowled before 7:30pm.
SA 27-1The umpires confirm that 27 overs is the target for the amount bowled before the close of play this evening.
SA 27-1England look eager as Strauss leads his men out early or a warm up after that delay.
SA 27-1Summer wins, just about. More play on what has been a fantastic day of action, can Smith and Amla survive until 7:30?
SA 27-1The umpires confirm that play will resume at 5:55pm, so we will have nearly 90 minutes of play.
SA 27-1The umpires have made their way out to inspect the pitch and they're discussing prospects of play now. The covers are off and it's bright so there's a could chance the players will be back at about 6pm.
SA 27-1The longer this delay lasts, the harder session it will be for the batsmen. Amla and Smith will find it tough, especially if the ball continues to swing.
SA 27-1There are still 40 overs scheduled to be played today but there's no chance of that this evening.
SA 27-1We do have word from the umpires and they have announced a pitch inspection for 5:40pm with the hope of resuming play 20 minutes after that.
SA 27-1The sun is shining at the Oval now so we should be hearing some word from the umpires soon.
SA 27-1A correction to my earlier post, play can continue until 7:30pm tonight.
SA 27-1There is some good news, Shaun Pollock announced on Sky Sports today that Mark Boucher was starting to show signs of regaining his vision this morning after undergoing surgery yesterday.
SA 27-1It's a shame that the weather has caused such a delay, we could still be in for a good session once the outfield is dry.
SA 27-1Reports from the ground suggest that play could begin again at around 5:30pm.
SA 27-1It's still dark though so light could also be a problem for the umpires.
SA 27-1If we do resume play soon, it does mean that the players can stay out there until 6:30pm.
SA 27-1If we do resume play soon, it does mean that the players can stay out there until 6:30pm.
SA 27-1We've got news. (Notice how I didn't say good news) The rain has stopped at the Oval but there are puddles on the outfield and we could be made to wait for a bit longer as the ground staff wait for them to dry.
SA 27-1The rain is still heavy at the Oval, we could be in for a longer wait.
SA 27-1I'm sure Swann will get a bowl this evening if we can get more play. The sun on the weekend should help the pitch spin even more.
SA 27-1The good news is that the forecast suggests that the next three days will be bright and sunny. Now that would make a change if it was sunny in the summer!
SA 27-1It's very dark and the rain is really coming down so the delay could last a while. Let's hope it's not too long because this really has been an excellent day of Test cricket. The contest between bat and ball seems very even with the outcome of this match in the balance.
SA 27-1The rain has started to fall heavily now and it's not looking good as the ground staff bring all of the covers on. It's very dark but it could be a passing shower.
SA 27-1The crowd are jeering as the ground staff drag the covers on and the umpires agree to take the players off the field. It's just started to rain and these showers were expected.
SA 27-1It's Broad to continue his spell and he's right back on the money causing Smith to be conservative outside off stump. The Proteas skipper takes two runs from the final ball of the over.
SA 25-1There's some very dark clouds behind the main stand so we need those clouds to vanish pretty quickly.
SA 25-1Smith slowly leads Amla out of the dressing room, the ball is still new so they're in for a testing period now.
SA 25-1The players are nearly ready to return for the evening session.
SA 25-1Strauss will want more of the same from his bowlers after the tea break. Anderson and Broad have started very well so Bresnan needs to offer good support. Smith will want a big partnership with Amla to provide a base for Kallis and De Villiers to work with.
SA 25-1Tea South Africa make it to tea with just one wicket being lost. Smith is unbeaten on 14 and Amla is there on 10. There are still 40 overs scheduled to be played today but it's doubtful that we'll get all of those in. It promises to be an intriguing final session of a brilliant day of Test cricket.
SA 25-1Smith finds a single with a flick off his hip to Trott at fine leg. Amla has his first boundary with a beautiful drive through extra cover and his next shot goes slightly wider to give him four more runs.
SA 16-1Broad really bowling well so far and Amla knows this, showing us his defensive ability throughout the over. No runs offered by Broad and it's a maiden over. Should just be one more over before tea.
SA 16-1Anderson continues his spell and Smith looks determined not to flirt with any balls outside off stump. He's forced to play at the final delivery though and Anderson gets it to leave the skipper, who looks perplexed at the bowler.
SA 16-1Broad turns to ask Asad Rauf for lbw against Amla but that's far too high. It's great bowling from Broad as he hits Amla in the same place, the length needs to be fuller. Anderson dives to his right to stop an Amla edge travelling to the boundary rope, brilliant fielding. Prior collects a leg side delivery that deflected off Amla's pad and broad ends the over with a wider ball.
SA 16-1There's some worrying signs at the Oval with even more dark clouds approaching. The expected showers could be on their way. There is sun around so we could still get lucky.
SA 16-1Amla takes a single from Anderson's first ball and the umpires have a quick chat about the clouds that have appeared. Play continues and Anderson produces a beauty that goes past Smith's edge. Smith has four runs with a nudge to the fine leg boundary, the South African skipper is very good on the leg side.
SA 11-1Smith earns four runs with a clip through mid wicket but Broad shouldn't be put off by that, Smith is an lbw candidate. The skipper adds a couple more to his name with a push through cover, six from the over.
SA 5-1Big shouts from Anderson and the slips for lbw against Smith but the umpire is definitely not interested in that hopeful appeal. More appeals as Smith gets off strike with a leg bye but no drama for Amla at the end of the over.
SA 4-1Broad has started with good rhythm and he's delighted Strauss again with a ball that bounces and leaves Smith. The skipper nudges one off his hip for a single to bring Amla on strike. Amla has his first run with a single to square leg and Smith then does the same.
SA 1-1Hashim Amla comes in to replace Petersen and he survives the final two balls of the over. It's a wicket maiden and Anderson does it again for England.
SA 1-1Wicket Petersen goes for a duck! It's a good start to the over from Anderson with a few deliveries swinging away. He brings the ball back into Petersen's pads and the umpire raises his finger to confirm the lbw decision that England wanted.
SA 1-0Stuart Broad gets the new ball from the other end as expected but he starts with a loose delivery that won't trouble Smith. Much better from Broad as he has Smith in a little bit of trouble with a delivery that comes back at the left-hander. Strauss applauds at first slip as Broad goes past Smiths outside edge before then hitting Smith high on the pads. Broad's first over is a maiden.
SA 1-0Anderson sends the first ball across Smith but the Proteas captain gets bat on ball and there is some movement. Smith's off the mark with a nudge through mid wicket to bring Petersen on strike. It's a good start for Anderson with one run coming from the over.
SA 0-0Anderson will bowl the first over for England.
SA 0-0Graeme Smith is heading out to the middle with Alviro Petersen to meet the England players. The pitch will deteriorate, especially if there is more sun and Strauss will want to give Swann the opportunity to put England in charge.
SA 0-0The England bowlers are warming up now and could the battle between Anderson and Smith be the key battle? England will want wickets early and you feel Swann is going to have a big part to play in this innings.
ENG 385England All Out For 385 Certainly not the total that England had in mind at the start of today's play but the credit must go to South Africa. Graeme Smith's bowlers have been a threat all day and they'll be delighted that England didn't reach 400. Strauss must quickly prepare his players now and England must be patient. We are seeing the first signs of spin but Anderson's early spell could be a key factor.
ENG 385Wicket Anderson is dismissed as Morkel delivers a short ball and the England number 11 gloves the ball to a waiting De Villiers. Four wickets for Morkel and that's the end of England's innings.
ENG 385-9Jimmy Anderson is the last batsman for England but he's off the mark from his third ball with a clip through mid wicket.
ENG 383-9Wicket Prior hangs his bat at Morkel's first delivery and De Villiers is able to take an easy catch. The England wicket keeper departs for an important 60.
ENG 383-8Imran Thair is back for a new spell and this could be a good tactic from Smith. Swann gets down on one knee to paddle the second ball for four to fine leg and Tahir looks disappointed with that. There's some good variations from the leg spinner but Swann is equal to Tahir's threat.
ENG 379-8Morkel is back and he's appealing all alone for a catch down leg side but he's met with a laugh from umpire Asad Rauf. Swann sneaks a quick single and the throw hits the stumps, the umpire asks for a replay but Prior's safe. Two runs from Prior complete the over.
ENG 376-8Swann has his first boundary when he rocks back to pull Steyn through mid wicket, good by any standards. Brilliant from Swann as he takes a big stride to drive brilliantly through extra cover for four runs. Swann calls for a quick single and Prior obliges before blocking the final ball.
ENG 366-8Philander's over is good, a single from Prior is the only blemish and Swann has had a couple of nibbles outside off stump.
ENG 365-8Prior is happy to give Swann the strike at the start of Steyn's over and what a welcome! Steyn produces a great bouncer that crashes into Swann's helmet but the ball quickly travels to the boundary rope. Swann is off the mark with a single on the leg side. Prior looking very relaxed as he takes another single and Steyn has a big appeal for lbw against Swann rejected. No more reviews available for South Africa.
ENG 358-8Graeme Swann is the new batsman but he only has to watch Philander's final ball of the over. Philander looked delighted with that wicket and he's deserved that for his performance today.
ENG 358-8Wicket Philander gets his first wicket as he bowls a really good delivery that comes back to through Broad's defence to clip the bails. Good time to get a wicket for the tourists.
ENG 358-7Fifty Prior reaches his half century with a beautiful drive straight down the ground. That's a good knock at an important time for England. Prior can't find the middle with a pull shot later in the over and it's just a single.
ENG 353-7Broad looks to have broken his bat when he can only hit the ball with his toe during an attempted drive off Steyn. A helper quickly brings out a replacement but Broad's not touching that ball as Steyn fires in a good short ball. Broad has to rush to make his ground for a quick single but an over throw brings two more runs for England. A single moves Prior to within one run of a half century and Broad then smashes a back foot drive through the vacant cover area for four runs, good shot.
ENG 344-7Philander continues and he's the only front line bowler without a wicket so far. No chance of a wicket there as Prior cuts wide of gully for four runs and he's moved to 46 with that shot. A deep point allows a single before Broad flirts with a hook shot that he's nowhere near.
ENG 339-7It's Dale Steyn who comes back for a new spell and Smith will want more of the same from his key bowler. Broad gives the strike to Prior straight away as the dark clouds start to disappear but the forecast is not looking good. Prior finds two runs with a nudge to mid wicket and then picks the gap in front of square for a well placed four runs. A leg bye means Steyn gets his chance at Broad and it's a good short ball that the England ace just avoids.
ENG 331-7Philander starts well with the first run coming in the form of a leg bye from the fourth ball. It's getting very dark at the Oval. Good shot from Prior as he pushes the ball past mid off for four runs.
ENG 326-7Vernon Philander will bowl the first over of the afternoon session.
ENG 326-7Graeme Smith is starting to lead his team back out with Broad and Swann only a few seconds behind. This match is very evenly poised now.
ENG 326-7England's best tactic from here could be to counter attack. Prior, Broad and Swann will all want to play shots but Strauss will want to reach 400. Graeme Smith will feel his bowlers could take the final three wickets quickly.
ENG 326-7There's just a slight delay as the ground staff remove the covers from the square.
ENG 326-7The covers stayed on the pitch during the interval but we are set to start again in a couple of minutes.
ENG 326-7When play does resume, Prior will begin again on 32 and Broad will join him with eight runs to his name so far. The way this pairing play Steyn this afternoon could be key.
ENG 326-7Welcome back everyone, play is set to resume in a few moments. The lights are on at the Oval and the ground does look very gloomy at the moment. There is a serious threat of rain this afternoon.
ENG 326-7Lunch It's been a very good morning for South Africa and England will be happy just to have a break. Steyn started the morning in superb fashion and has been supported very well by Kallis. The afternoon session will be a big one in the context of this match. We'll take a quick break but join us in around 30 minutes when we will continue are coverage.
ENG 326-7Tahir begins what will be the last over before lunch with a short ball that Prior can only take a single from. It's a beauty from Tahir but Broad's pad was outside the line on impact so it's not lbw surely. Tahir does review the decision but hawkeye proves yours truly correct. That's a wasted review from South Africa. Broad has a stroke of luck with an inside edge that sails past Amla at short leg. England survive the final over and they go to lunch on 326-7.
ENG 324-7Broad has a shout for two runs rejected by Prior at the start of the over and England's Twenty20 captain has his first boundary two balls later with a powerful strike through cover for four. More runs for Broad as he earns two with a push straight down the ground and it's seven from the over.
ENG 317-7Prior is happy to give Broad the strike at the start of Tahir's new over and Broad returns the favour with a drive to deep cover. One more single from Prior completes the over as we approach the lunch interval.
ENG 314-7Philander is on for his second spell of the day and he continues his good start from earlier this morning with a swinging delivery that Prior can't play. Prior edges one short of the slips again but Smith stops the ball well to prevent a boundary. Big shout from Philander as he hits Broad on the pads but the umpire shakes his head and Smith reviews the decision. The ball was only clipping the stumps though and Broad survives, that's unlucky for South Africa. Good return from Philander with a single coming from the over.
ENG 313-7Tahir looks dangerous against Broad straight away and he doesn't pick the spinner's wrong-un. Good captaincy from Smith and it's a single from the over.
ENG 313-7Wicket Bresnan is dismissed with the first ball he faces against Tahir. A ball well wide of off stump is flashed at by Bresnan but he proceeds to drag the ball on to his stumps. Bresnan goes for eight and Stuart Broad is in next.
ENG 313-6Imran Tahir is going to get his first bowl today and Prior is off strike with a single to cover from the second ball.
ENG 312-6Good from Prior as he opens the face to earn four runs to the third man boundary but it's a great reply from Morkel as he gets one to leave Prior. A wide is signaled by the umpire and Prior tried to get bat on that, Morkel can be wayward at times. Prior is gifted a boundary next ball when Morkel delivers another wide delivery and the England wicket keeper hits four runs well in front of square.
ENG 302-6England finally score some runs against Kallis as Bresnan stretches to drive well through extra cover for a boundary that brings up the 300 for the hosts. Good reply from Kallis as he beats Bresnan's bat outside off stump and it's four runs from the over.
ENG 298-6Far better from Morkel but he could still be bowling a slightly fuller length. Bresnan's quick single on the leg side is followed by a chance for a catch at gully. Prior's thick edge travels quickly to Rudolph but he can't react quick enough to take a hard chance.
ENG 297-6It's another very good over from Kallis and he's in a good rhythm, completing his fourth maiden of this morning.
ENG 297-6Morkel's new over starts with a fierce short ball but Bresnan survives and takes a single from it to get off strike. Big shot from Prior as he rocks back to pull another short ball from Morkel over mid wicket for four runs. The short ball needs to be used as a surprise by Morkel, especially with the slips in place and Prior ends the over with a single.
ENG 291-6Kallis starts a new over and he causes some very hopeful shouts from the slips by hitting Bresnan on the pads but the England duo take the leg bye. It's a big hour for England and they can't afford to lose any more wickets. Another excellent over from Kallis with only a single run being scored.
ENG 290-6Morkel continues after the break and he has Prior fishing at a wide one but then follows it up with a no ball. A nudge to fine leg brings Prior a run and Morkel delivers yet another no ball. The last ball brings a very quick single and it's not Morkel's greatest over.
ENG 286-6England are in desperate need of a big stand between these two but South Africa will fancy their chances of wrapping this innings up quickly.
ENG 286-6It's time for the players to have a drink but what a great hour for South Africa, they've reacted brilliantly to yesterday's disappointment.
ENG 286-6Bresnan has a test now against Kallis and he leaves the third ball but that was almost the same result as bell's dismissal. Beauty from Kallis as he swings one a long way back at Bresnan but a wild drive doesn't bring an edge. It's a good take from De Villiers who's having a good game behind the stumps.
ENG 286-6Smith decides it is time for Morkel and Prior is off strike with a powerful single to mid off from the second ball. Morkel is definitely getting some more bounce due to his height but Bresnan is away when he clips a full delivery for a single to fine leg. It's an aggressive end to the over as Morkel delivers a bouncer that Prior gloves into the air but no fielders are close enough to take a catch. a very good over from Morkel.
ENG 284-6Tim Bresnan is the new batsman for England and South Africa have the wind in their sails now. Bresnan survives by leaving two wide deliveries, wicket maiden.
ENG 284-6Wicket Great stuff from Kallis as he follows two outswingers with one that comes back at Bell and the batsman leaves a ball that just clips the bails. Poor judgement from Bell and England are in real trouble.
ENG 284-5Kallis is called upon to replace Steyn and he was one of South Africa's better performers yesterday.
ENG 284-5Philander continues and Prior edges one outside off but the ball sails through a gap in the slips for four runs. Another no ball from Philander follows and Prior survives another over, it could be time for Morkel soon.
ENG 279-3Bell is happy to get off strike at the start of Steyn's over. It's a rare loose ball from Steyn this morning and Prior takes advantage by cutting the ball behind point for four runs. Big chance for a run out! Complete lack of communication between Prior and Bell but Peterson misses the stumps with Bell nowhere near making his ground. What a slice of luck for England! It's six from the over and England survive a tense moment.
ENG 273-5It's a beauty to begin the over from Philander as he gets one to leave Prior and the seamer repeats the trick a ball later. It's very good from Philander now as he hits Prior's edge but the ball drops short of the slips and this is the fuller length that suits these South African bowlers. Prior survives a quite brilliant maiden over from Philander and the Proteas are definitely on top here.
ENG 273-5A very dark cloud has just appeared over the Oval, showers are expected this afternoon.
ENG 273-5Steyn continues and is looking for his third wicket, he thinks he has it with an lbw shout against Prior but that's going down leg side. Prior coping well with some nice shape from Steyn, who's still complaining about the lbw appeal. Prior is off the mark with a single to square leg. It's another very good over from Steyn with just the one single coming from it.
ENG 272-5Philander is finding movement now and Bell nearly has a nibble at one just outside off stump. This is very good from the Proteas and it's another maiden over. Very exciting morning of Test cricket.
ENG 272-5England have only scored five runs this morning and have lost two wickets. A big partnership is needed for the hosts.
ENG 272-5Steyn is really pumped up now but Prior survives the end of the over. It looks a different match this morning and Steyn is looking on top form. It's a poor shot from Bopara.
ENG 272-5Wicket Bopara is out now! Steyn fires in a short ball and Bopara plays a halfhearted hook/pull shot and can only edge it to De Villiers. The Essex batsman goes for a duck on his return to Test cricket.
ENG 272-4Steyn has a big shout for lbw against Bopara turned down but they decide against reviewing the not out decision. The replay shows that the ball would have clipped the stumps so Bopara would have been given not out.
ENG 272-4On reflection, it is a loose shot by Cook but Graeme Smith won't mind. Bopara is under some pressure but he's been in good form this summer. South Africa need to keep up this early morning intensity.
ENG 272-4Philander continues but Bell shows his technique with a couple of nice defensive shots. The umpire signals a no ball and Philander had a few problems with that yesterday. He recovers well and the extra is the only blemish in the over.
ENG 271-4Bopara survives his first two deliveries but it's a great over from Steyn. England need to stay strong now.
ENG 271-4The tourists need that and Steyn looked really fired up after that wicket, Bopara in next.
ENG 271-4Wicket It's a big breakthrough for South Africa, Steyn shapes one back into Cook and the centurion has a drive but can only drag the ball on to his stumps. Cook goes for a brilliant 115.
ENG 271-3Steyn finds Cook's outside edge but it drops well short of Smith at first slip and that proves how slow this pitch is.
ENG 271-3Philander is thrown the ball to bowl from the other end and Bell is off strike immediately with a single on the leg side. Big appeal from Philander as he hits Cook on the pads, it looks pretty straight but too high and the umpire shakes his head. Philander then strays and Cook flicks the ball away for a single and it's two from the over.
ENG 269-3The first extra of the day from the second ball as Steyn strays on to Cook's pads and the England duo sneak a single. Bell has his first run of the day as he nudges one to mid wicket, decent start from Steyn and it's two from the over.
ENG 267-3It will be Dale Steyn to bowl the first over of this second day.
11:00The umpires have emerged and the players follow closely behind. Cook and Bell share a fist pump and we're about to start.
10:55England will be wary of the tourists' bowlers though, I'm sure they'll have a better day today.
10:53If England can survive the first hour or even until lunch, they'll have thoughts of only batting once in this match. The pitch will begin to turn this weekend and it'll be difficult to bat last on.
10:51We're fast approaching the start of play now, the Proteas will probably need to take two wickets at least this morning to ensure that England don't get away from them.
10:44On that subject, let's talk about that Cook innings yesterday. He quite simply didn't look like getting out and it was no surprise to see him score his 20th Test century. Cook won't be done though, he's a very mature player now and will be desperate for a double hundred.
10:39So, how do South Africa approach today? The tourists need wickets early this morning and they need Dale Steyn to be on a lot better form than he was yesterday. Removing Cook will be their big target as the England batsman has the capability to make big runs.
10:38There was some rain around at the Oval this morning but it cleared up pretty quickly. It has been reported that there could be showers later on but any delays are expected to be brief.
10:32Good morning everyone, we'll start as we have done for most of the summer and give you a brief weather update.
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