First Test: England v South Africa, Lord's, July 6-10.

[Durhamfootman]

Cook and Jennings will be sick to miss out on a ton here.

jinxed

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cook and Jennings will be sick to miss out on a ton here.

jinxed

KJ fluffs.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cook and Jennings will be sick to miss out on a ton here.

jinxed

Got the wrong one ;)

[Arthur Crabtree]

Finished on time!

So, England declare at tea? Or 450 ahead, whichever's sooner.

[bigfluffylemon]

Finished on time!

So, England declare at tea? Or 450 ahead, whichever's sooner.

My thoughts AC. Reckon bat on in the morning normally (although quicker than today) to get the lead to 300-320, then give it some humpty in the afternoon (with Root, Stokes and Moeen available that should be more than possible) to get 450 and aim to declare half an hour before tea.

We know South Africa can be extremely stubborn for batting out draws, but apparently the pitch is wearing already (hence the slow and steady approach by the openers), so hopefully England will be able to find a way.

[rich1uk]

Bavuma gets his half century!

Don't tell rich.

not really sure i understand that post mike ?

[mikesiva]

Remember when you made this observations?

Elgar leads from the front with a half century.

well jinxed Mike

That said quite a few batsmen got out shortly after 50 in this match.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Big Vern is back with a ball in his hand.

[rich1uk]

Big Vern is back with a ball in his hand.

yeah they said it was just a bruise and nothing broken when it was checked out

[Arthur Crabtree]

Third innings batting can lack interest, even when attractive batters are operating.

[Dr Cricket]

not the most two attractive batsman in the world batting though suspect Cook and ballance would be in the bottom of the pile if people are picking batsman to watch.

[Dr Cricket]

is there a particular reason why no one in england ever wears an england shirt to the cricket.

[budgetmeansbudget]

The SA coach at the beginning of today's play suggested he'd like to keep these two at the crease as long as possible!!

[Dr Cricket]

The SA coach at the beginning of today's play suggested he'd like to keep these two at the crease as long as possible!!

that is pretty defensive thinking, wouldn't mind that considering I am planning to go tomorrow and see the cricket.
especially considering with the pitch now SA probably got a slim chance of getting england all out under 200 or around it if the attacking batsman play attacking shots.

[Arthur Crabtree]

18 runs off ten overs. England building a platform.