Boxing Day Test : South Africa v England at Durban

What an embarrassing batting performance by South Africa. Take away Elgar's 118 and de Villiers's 49 and there's not much left. The remaining 9 batsmen collectively scored 39 runs with 17 coming from Dale Steyn. The experienced trio of Amla, du Plessis and Duminy collectively were on able to contribute 11 runs.

Collapses like this were bad enough in India, but they certainly shouldn't be happening at home. The selectors need to make some changes FAST 

Amla's appointment turns out to have been a factor of and indicator of decline.

England 172/3 - a lead of 261 runs with 7 wickets in hand. South Africa's struggles haven't been helped by another injury to Dale Steyn and a few dropped catches.

The morning session has seen a lot of wickets fall every day. Will tomorrow be the same? If so then the chances of a draw seem slim, so I suppose I should be hoping that we don't bowl England out before lunch.

A very good day for England. I thought Moeen bowled very well, tying up an end and taking three important wickets. The delivery to Duminy was a pearler. Dean Elgar was excellent for South Africa. He anchored the innings together and looked to be one of the few that was in control and never troubled.

Compton, again, was brilliant for England, albeit aided by some sloppy fielding from South Africa. Root has now overtaken Cook into second place for most runs scored this year, trailing only Steve Smith.

Joe Root has 13 fifty-plus scores in Tests this year, equaling Sehwag's record for most such scores in a calendar year. This year has been an incredible display by Root, Williamson and Smith.

Good pressure by the lads sans Jimmey!


Bowlers did very well to secure lead and hopefully we can press on today!


Come on England!

South Africa have done a good job of chipping away this morning and also holding England in check (62 runs for the loss of 3 wickets from the 18 overs bowled this morning). Abbot and Morkel have got the ball reversing causing problems. The current lead is 323.

I must say, the commentators for this series have been superb. An eclectic mix featuring the likes of Michael Holding, Bumble, Athers, Beefy, Pollock, Wessels, Graeme Smith, Mike Haysman, HD Ackerman and Pommie Mbangwa.

England reach 275/7 at lunch, a lead of 364. Wickets fell at regular intervals but England added 103 more runs to their lead. Bairstow has looked the pick of England's batsman this morning. Hopefully they can come out after lunch for another 30 minutes and push the lead up over 400.

Dane Piedt takes the first 5-wicket haul of his career and in doing so becomes the first South African off-spinner to take a 5-for since Harry Bromfield in 1965.

watappen to Imran Tahir....Lorgat could nt save him ::confused:: ::confused::