Third Test: England v South Africa, The Oval, July 27-31

[Arthur Crabtree]

I did a worst twenty countdown last winter. But while I was doing it I realised I cold have made it 30 without losing quality. That SA game stays in my head more than most. Maybe because England had gone into the series number one (and with a lot of press hype). But were remorselessly ground down. I've never seen a less potent England attack.

[sussexpob]

Of course, the fallout made it even more depressing.

[sussexpob]

England will have a bat, even though Joe Root is saying the pitch looks green. Probably flatten to a pancake, which means losing wickets this morning may be a slow and painful death.

[backfootpunch]

Jennings doesn't give the impression he will last very long today

[backfootpunch]

England will have a bat, even though Joe Root is saying the pitch looks green. Probably flatten to a pancake, which means losing wickets this morning may be a slow and painful death.

Seems an odd decision especially given the fragile nature of our top order

[backfootpunch]

Jennings doesn't give the impression he will last very long today

Two balls later he nicks off

It was coming

[sussexpob]

Keaton not producing a convincing argument that he's test worthy. Going to be hard to give him time at this rate.

[mikesiva]

Jennings doesn't give the impression he will last very long today

Two balls later he nicks off

It was coming

Philander does it again!

Taking early wickets....

[sussexpob]

Ball doing some....have a feeling I'd have liked a bowl this morning

[backfootpunch]

Ball doing some....have a feeling I'd have liked a bowl this morning

I'd imagine Jimmy and broad agree

[sussexpob]

Morkel wasting the new ball bowling short, philander has it on a rope. Morkel just needs to put some pressure on and England would be in big trouble, but so far he's spraying it all over

[backfootpunch]

Time for rabada now surely

Morkel not at his best

[sussexpob]

Westley looks OK so far. Happy to let a lot go past, and when he commits to attack, he does so 100%. Yet a couple he's gone after weren't that bad balls.

[Dr Cricket]

Raining heavy at Barons courts near West Kensington.

[Arthur Crabtree]

No rain on the forecast today. Umpires must be hallucinating.