England dominate day 4 of the 3rd Test between them and South Africa. Some brilliant bowling and big-time batting has put the home side in the driving seat heading into the 5th Day.
England headed into the 4th on 72-1 with Westley on 28 and Jennings on 33. Jennings made 48 before he was bounced out by Rabada, not being able to keep the ball down he hit it straight to Morris. This brought in the captain, Root and Westley put on 78 together as they both passed 50. Although after passing 50 they were both soon dismissed by Maharaj. Westley was stumped de Kock, bowled Maharaj for 59 and Root was caught Morkel for 50. This brought in the explosive spell of batting, with Stokes and Bairstow going into “t20” mode after Malan was dismissed. Stokes made 31 and hit a 6 then was bowled by Morris. Bairstow made 63 hitting 6 4’s and a 6, Roland-Jones came in and hit 2 6’s on his way to a 23 not out. This explosive spell brought the score to 313-8 declared. South Africa needed 492 to win and it would have to be a world record effort to win it from here.
The Proteas’ innings got off to the worst start possible when Elgar was dropped by Jennings, which seems like it will be costly as Elgar finished the day 72 not out. Although this missed opportunity Khun was later dismissed Bowled Broad for 11. Then Amla did not last long when Root took a low catch at second with bowling off Roland-Jones for 5. Stokes then took centre stage “yorking” de Kock and dismissing Du Plessis first ball. That was the second time in the game Du Plessis had got out leaving the ball. Things went smoothly from there. At the end of the day Elgar was 72 and Bavuma had 16. We will see if the Proteas can break a record tomorrow resuming on 117-4.
Jamie's Sports Blog 