First Test. South Africa v England. Durban, 26-30 Dec.

[hopeforthebest]

Stokes really should learn to build an innings. A collapse is now even more possible.

[hopeforthebest]

Target of 400 looks a bit sick now.

[dan08]

I'd love to know why Stokes is guaranteed a place in the side. Stokes (and Bairstow) constantly disappoint yet I'm sure there won't be calls for them to be dropped.

[hopeforthebest]

Stokes has shown that he has a great technique available but he seems too often to refuse to use it. The coach really has to get in his ear and remind him of that.

[hopeforthebest]

Taylor goes stumped not great from him.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Good knock again, but failed to take charge of England's declaration batting. Even so, he and Root have taken the game England's way. Doesn't look all that easy to bat, slow though the pitch is.

Bairstow running down the middle of the pitch...

[dan08]

Should be able to get up to 400 now.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Declaration at lunch looks unlikely.

[dan08]

Probably bat for an extra 30 mins max after lunch.

[dan08]

Stephen Cook has another century. I reckon he'll be in for the next Test.

[hopeforthebest]

Not taking the new ball when Moeen arrived might prove to be a big mistake.

[Dr Cricket]

Stephen Cook has another century. I reckon he'll be in for the next Test.

might be hard to get him in.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Bairstow having some luck, but a punchy wk style intervention. Maybe he'll be happier in that role. If he starts keeping adequately.

Botham thinks Finn is faster than Woakes?

[dan08]

Stephen Cook has another century. I reckon he'll be in for the next Test.

might be hard to get him in.

Should come in for Van Zyl. Don't think there's any problem with that change.

[hopeforthebest]

Atherton really loves Stokes, I wonder if he has shares in him. England's most valuable player??