Good morning and welcome to Sports Mole's live text commentary of day four of the first Test between England and South Africa at the Kia Oval.
South Africa dominated day three's play and finished Saturday on 403-2, 18 runs ahead of England's first innings total.
Graeme Smith made 131 in his 100th Test match before being dismissed by Tim Bresnan but that was the only wicket to fall at the Oval with Hashim Amla unbeaten on 183 and Jacques Kallis still at the crease on 82.
England's hopes of winning the first Test seem to have disappeared but Andrew Strauss will be desperate for his bowlers to take early wickets and to restrict the scale of the tourists' lead.
Play is scheduled to starts at 11am.
ENG 102-4Despite England's struggles, the day belongs to Hashim Amla. The classy batsman produced one of the best batting displays you're likely to see in Test cricket and became the first South African to record a treble hundred on the international stage. Congratulations Hashim. Goodnight everyone.
ENG 102-4Close Of Play Bell (14*) and Bopara (15*) survive but their task is a big one for Monday. England are 150 runs behind South Africa heading into the final day and make sure to join us tomorrow for the conclusion of this fascinating contest.
ENG 102-4Morkel is back but this spell will probably only be one over with the close of play a couple of minutes away. De Villiers fumbles the ball to give away a bye after a Bopara single early in the over. There's more extras when the ball flicks Bell's pads before rolling to the fine leg boundary and the 100 is up for England.
ENG 96-4Tahir's leg spin looks very dangerous on this surface and he probably holds the key in this match. There's excitement when the ball drops safely near Amla at short leg but it didn't seem to hit the bat.
ENG 96-4New over from Philander and there is an absolute beauty during it. A delivery just outside off stump does enough to beat Bopara's edge and that was very close to the edge. Two runs scored in the over.
ENG 94-4Bopara produces a rarity- an England boundary. Tahir drops his length and Bopara takes advantage with a whip through mid wicket for four runs. There's another single later in the over and it's five runs from it.
ENG 89-4Philander seems to be improving the more this match continues. He did have a spell at Somerset and he does seem comfortable with English conditions. Bell, determined to not give his wicket away, has 14 runs from 63 balls.
ENG 88-4Tahir continues and he's up to his old tricks with a no ball at the start of the over. Bell survives another tricky test but he can't find any runs.
ENG 87-4There's some nice shape to Philander's deliveries and he's trying to bring the slips into play. Bopara resists any temptation to have a nibble outside off stump and it's a maiden over.
ENG 87-4Tahir comes round the wicket to Bell and the googly will be a dangerous delivery from this angle. Bell is eager to leave but he must be careful with the bounce Tahir is getting. Duminy produces some brilliant fielding to drag the ball to safety when Bell pushes straight down the ground.
ENG 82-4Philander is back for a new spell and it's more of the same from him. He's very accurate if not the quickest and it's three runs from the over.
ENG 79-4Tahir strays down leg for a couple of leg byes and there's another single on offer for Bell. Just over 30 minutes left for England to survive today.
ENG 79-4Tahir strays down leg for a couple of leg byes and there's another single on offer for Bell. Just over 30 minutes left for England to survive today.
ENG 76-4Steyn gets a go at Bopara after a single from Bell. It's a great delivery that swings in to the batsman but Bopara does well to keep it out. A pull to the square leg boundary ensure that Bopara won't be making a pair of ducks.
ENG 67-3Wicket I mentioned Strauss was looking uncomfortable and he'll be feeling a lot worse now. The England captain attempts a sweep shot but the extra bounce means he can only edge it to Philander on the leg side. Great over from Tahir! Bopara is the new batsman and he does well to survive.
ENG 67-3Hashim Amla is back fielding after taking a well earned break following his treble hundred. Two no balls in the over from Tahir and that's particularly disappointing for a spinner. Strauss is looking uncomfortable against Tahir and there is some unbelievable bounce that keeps De Villiers on his toes. Is the same pitch England bowled on?
ENG 65-3Strauss is more than happy to give Bell the strike at the beginning of a new Steyn over. You sense the England skipper will be key if the hosts are to hold out for a draw. Only a single from the over and it's time for another drinks break.
ENG 64-3Tahir continues and he's a big threat to these two. There's a little bit of bounce from the spinner and England can't seem to pick his variations.
ENG 64-3A wild swing from Bell has Steyn interested but the ball just beats the edge. There is a single from Bell at the end of the over and that's the only blemish.
ENG 63-3More good work from Tahir but Bell does manage to find a single. It's important England score runs to relieve pressure in this innings.
ENG 62-3Steyn is back for a new spell to replace Morkel and his line is very good to Strauss. There's no drama from the England skipper and it's a maiden over. Expect plenty more of those
ENG 62-3Bell does his best to toy with Tahir as he drives a ball that is in the air for a brief moment. The middle of bat gets a lot of use in the over with Bell's defensive tactics clear.
ENG 62-3South Africa's bowlers are looking very threatening compared to England's earlier in the day. It was difficult for Anderson and his fellow bowlers but the Proteas are a team on a mission. More good signs for Morkel when he finds Bell's edge but the ball falls short of the slips.
ENG 60-3There's a lot of excitement from Tahir in the over as he beats Strauss' bat twice in successive balls. A single relieves the pressure from the captain and Bell defends well.
ENG 59-3Bell arrives at the crease with England in desperate need of a hero. Pietersen seems to have missed a straight ball with his dismissal. Morkel won't mind and he's deserved that wicket. Bell does manage to move off zero with a couple to square leg from the final ball.
ENG 57-3Wicket This could be a big dismissal. Morkel continues his aggression against Pietersen but goes full and the ball crashes into the stumps. Brilliant from Morkel!
ENG 57-2Good work from Tahir. He finds a leading edge against Strauss but the ball is safe as the skipper earns a single through mid wicket.
ENG 55-2It's another pull for four from Pietersen as England pass 50 runs in the innings. Chance Pietersen gets a big edge on a good Morkel delivery but Kallis drops the catch at second slip despite doing so well to dive into a great position. It's a big let off for Pietersen. Six runs from the over.
ENG 49-2Imran Tahir is into the attack and this could be a testing period for England. Strauss starts well though with a push straight down the ground for a boundary.
ENG 45-2Pietersen continues to take on the short ball with a pull to square leg for four runs. It's another attacking shot from Pietersen but he gets lucky with a top edge over De Villiers for four more. Morkel shouldn't be put off by the counter attack.
ENG 37-2Smith has men out for Pietersen but it doesn't intimidate the entertainer as he attempts a pull shot but only earns a single. Not too sure why Steyn is worried by left handed players, he bowl a beautiful line to Strauss to finish the over.
ENG 36-2Morkel returns to the attack and this is smart from Smith, rotating the bowlers well to not allow England to settle. Strauss has a word with himself after flirting with the idea of playing at a ball outside off stump. It's time for a drinks break.
ENG 34-2Pietersen is off the mark with a whip to mid wicket for a single and the pressure is on Strauss' men now. England are in desperate need of a big partnership but South Africa can see victory in the distance. A single is the only blemish to the over.
ENG 32-2Wicket It's a big moment in the match as Trott departs. Steyn finds a good length and takes the outside edge with De Villiers claiming another catch. Trott out for 10 and Kevin Pietersen is next up.
ENG 32-1Philander is agonisingly close to Strauss' edge when the England skipper attempts a pull shot. Smith isn't interested in a review despite Philander's pleading stare. two runs from the over.
ENG 30-1Steyn is still steaming in but he's frustrated in the over when Trott powerfully cuts a wide delivery to the boundary for four runs.
ENG 23-1Philander completes his fourth over with the same accuracy as his previous seven. No false shots from the England duo though.
ENG 21-1Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter: "Side burns will be grown now.... Well done @bradwiggins. ..." The British cyclist has won the Tour de France today.
ENG 11-1Philander continues and there's more nervous moments for England. Strauss edges but the soft nature of his shot means the ball drops short of the slips. There is a boundary in the over when Strauss nicks the ball to the fine leg rope. Good start from South Africa.
ENG 5-1There's a very big lbw shout against Trott with the batsman nearly falling over. Smith decides not to review the not out decision and it's a good choice with hawkeye claiming the ball would have missed the stumps. Good signs for Morkel early on.
ENG 3-1Trott's the new batsman but it's not long until he's off the mark with a nudge to fine leg for a single. Good over from Philander and England trail by 249.
ENG 2-1Wicket Philander makes the early breakthrough with a beauty of a delivery the bounces and takes Cook's edge. De Villiers takes an easy catch and it's a great start to the innings for the Proteas.
ENG 1-0Smith chooses Philander to open the bowling instead of Dale Steyn again. It's a surprise but there is a feeling Steyn doesn't enjoy bowling to left-handers.
ENG 1-0Strauss moves off a pair with a push to cover from the first ball. There's an appeal against Cook but the lbw shout didn't having much going for it. Good over from Morkel with only a single in the over.
ENG 0-0Morne Morkel will bowl the first over, Cook and Strauss have a big test ahead of them.
ENG 0-0England are nearly ready to begin their second innings. Imran Tahir will have a big role to play in the next four sessions. Graeme Swann didn't have much joy but the South African spinner will be fresh and has runs to play with.
SA 637-2It's an attacking move from Graeme Smith as the umpires confirm that South Africa have declared. England have a big task on their hands.
SA 637-2Tea The England players trudge off after a standing ovation for the unbelievable Hashim Amla. A declaration is edging ever closer and the England batsmen could be in for another tough session this evening. Amla 311* Kallis 182*
SA 637-2The Proteas are cruising still and I fancy them to go into Twenty20 mode after the fast approaching tea break. Five more runs from Bopara's over.
SA 632-2Serious power from Kallis with a drive to cover but Anderson does superb to stop four runs and he's applauded by the Oval crowd. Six scored from Bopara's over.
SA 626-2Stifled appeal from Bopara at the start of a new over but he won't get Kallis lbw there. Amla is playing his shots now with two expansive swings, one connecting for a single and the other agonisingly close to the edge of his bat. A boundary at the end of the over mean it's seven runs scored.
SA 619-2It's Jonathan Trott's turn to have a bowl and it's medium pace from both ends now. He congratulates Amla before the over and there's seven runs scored with four byes coming from a wayward delivery.
SA 612-2Kallis punches the ball past mid on for another boundary before taking an easy single a couple of bulls later. This partnership has reached the 350 mark now. Bopara puts down a sharp drive from Amla but it's more a good piece of fielding than a missed opportunity.
SA 605-2Smith must be thinking about a declaration soon. It remains to be seen whether that decision will come at tea with 47 overs left to bowl today.
SA 605-2It's a single from Amla to bring up 600 runs for South Africa in this innings. Kallis gives the strike back to his partner and he's done it! Amla reaches his treble hundred with a drive through the air that nearly goes to the fielder. It doesn't matter how he did it, this has been superb from Amla. Concentration, defence, attack, technical perfection. Congratulations Hashim.
SA 599-2Bopara is back for a new spell and Amla is off strike immediately to move to 297. A man dressed as Spongebob Squarepants is escorted from the ground. That's fair, it's a terrible fancy dress costume. A rare false shot from as he edges to deep point for a single and it's three from the over.
596-2There's no movement at all for Bresnan as he starts a new over. The crowd cheer when Trott fields in the deep but it will be the South Africans cheering when Kallis leans back to score four runs to mid wicket.
SA 591-2First six of the innings as Kallis drops to one knee and slog sweeps Swann's delivery over mid wicket. The runs continue to flow in the over with nine being scored.
SA 582-2There's a big lbw appeal but it looks like Amla got outside the line of off stump. Bresnan stares at Strauss but he chooses not to review the decision and it's the right choice with the replay proving Amla was safe.
SA 579-2Kallis reaches 150 with a single through mid wicket and that's a quality innings from one of the best players in the modern game. Swann looking tired as he finishes his 51st over.
SA 574-2The England players share some orange slices and get ready to have another try at bowling. Amla 13 runs short of 300 now.
SA 574-2Amla easily negates Swann's minimal threat in the and he rotates the strike well with Kallis. Time for a drinks break.
SA 572-2Amla whips a shot to the mid wicket boundary to break the record for the highest Test score by a South African. You won't see many better knocks than this one. There's a rare mistake from Amla as he edges past Prior with no slips in place but even his bad shots are earning him four runs. 10 scored in Bresnan's over.
SA 562-2Swann starts a new spell but he's not been able to get as much spin as I had predicted. South Africa are ready to accelerate now with a sweep followed by a reverse shot from Kallis. Bresnan has a painful fall on the rope but he looks fine. Great effort from Kallis at the end of the over with a slog sweep that brings four and the partnership is worth 300.
SA 554-2It's two more runs for South Africa, very easy day for the tourists.
SA 552-2I had expected these two to put their foot down, they need to have a long bowl at England this evening to force a result. Both players continue cruising though as Bresnan starts a new spell. It's three runs from the over and Amla is closing in on the highest score by a South African in Test cricket.
SA 549-2England have gone very flat again now and Amla's brilliance continues with a cut backward of point to the boundary rope. How many times has that happened?
SA 545-2Poor from Swann as his slow approach to the ball at third man means Amla has four more runs with a thick edge. Kallis attempts two shots in the over but can't get enough contact on the ball to bring a boundary.
SA 539-2Anderson continues to toil away at the two South Africans but with little effect. Two singles from the over.
SA 537-2There's a good effort in the field by Bresnan to restrict Amla to two runs and his skipper appreciates that. Broad's pace is down but it's understandable due to the amount of overs the attack have bowled.
SA 532-2Ripples of applause at the Oval when Anderson beats the bat of Amla. That's the most they've had to cheer since Smith's dismissal yesterday afternoon. A single is the only blemish to the over.
SA 531-2More graft from Broad and he's managed to lose the half volley deliveries from the previous over. Still no threat of a wicket though but it's a maiden.
SA 531-2The sun is shining at the Oval and the South African side are loving life. Amla is still focused and he shows his quality with a punch over mid wicket for four runs. That shot means this is Amla's highest Test innings.
SA 527-2Broad starts his first spell after lunch and there's some obvious swing but Kallis shows his class with a drive past two fielders for four runs. It's even better from Kallis as he earns four more through extra cover and Broad is furious with himself. It's a superb over for the tourists and Kallis delivers another cover drive to make it three boundaries in the over.
SA 515-2Strauss finally takes the new ball and there's some movement for Anderson with some uneven bounce for good measure. Kallis is solid though and takes a single from the over.
SA 514-2Anderson is set to bowl the first over after lunch.
SA 514-2Strauss leads his players out for the afternoon session with Kallis and the superb Amla closely following.
SA 514-2Strauss may consider including Finn for the second Test just to give these South Africans a different obstacle.
SA 514-2there's a lot of talk regarding England's bowling attack during this Test. Steven Finn could have played to add extra depth but on a flat pitch like this it's hard to imagine many bowlers having too much luck.
SA 514-2Lunch A declaration is a possibility at tea. Kallis has reached his century this morning with Amla moving past the 250 mark. England look a beaten team and join us in around 30 minutes to see if the situation can change.
SA 514-2It seems strange that Strauss has still not taken the new ball with England seeming to have run out of ideas a long time ago. Bopara continues but South Africa are comfortable with Amla closing in on his highest Test score. It's time for the lunch break.
SA 511-2England look completely flat this morning with Kallis earning more runs to third man with a thick edge past Anderson at slip. Very little consistency from Swann in the over and Amla dispatches a full toss to the rope to move to 250. It's been incredible from the number three.
SA 501-2Strauss hasn't decided to take the third new ball that is available now. The pace bowlers continue to be rested but Bopara can't force a breakthrough in his over. Kallis moves to 123 with a drive to extra cover from the final ball.
SA 494-2Swann starts his 47th over but there's still no luck for England's spinner. Both players trade singles and it's two more from the over.
SA 492-2A thick edge from Kallis gives him four runs just wide of slip and South Africa's lead is over 100 now. Bopara keeps his line well wide of off stump and Amla has a flirt with the ball. There's no edge and seven runs are scored in the over.
SA 485-2More good work from Swann but he's not getting as much spin from this pitch as first expected. South Africa cruising again.
SA 482-2Bopara continues and he very nearly finds Amla's edge. The Essex all-rounder is an underrated bowler and South Africa just earn two runs.
SA 480-2South Africa look very eager to put their foot down in this innings now but Swan doesn't allow a flurry of runs. It's a decent over with three runs being scored.
SA 477-2Bopara is on to bowl his medium pace and he finds Kallis' inside edge but the ball hits the pads afterwards to land safely. There are runs in the over though with Amla's cut past point to the boundary the highlight.
SA 471-2Swann continues his task to try and break this partnership that is now worth 200. Amla could be read to accelerate now Kallis has reached his century and he proves his intent with a big shot over mid wicket that drops short of the boundary but it does travel for four.
SA 464-2Bresnan tries his best to get some bounce from the pitch but Kallis is not troubled and he reaches his century. A guide to the third man boundary means Kallis has his 43rd test hundred and he points to his eye in celebration with what looks like a dedication to the injured Mark Boucher. Kallis is certainly one of the greats of the modern game.
SA 457-2It's time for Swann as he's thrown the ball for his first bowl of the day. It's a familiar story as Amla lunges forward to drive through cover for four runs. Both players rotate the strike with Kallis moving to 99 and there's eight runs scored in the over.
SA 449-2Gorgeous shot from Amla as he opens the face of his bat to earn four runs at the third man boundary. The umpire decides to check with the third umpire when Ian Bell hits the stumps to threaten Kallis but the all-rounder is safe. More runs for Kallis when he tickles a four to third man and he's two runs from a century now.
SA 440-2Broad continues and Kallis drops his bat to put the bowler off during his approach to the crease. Laughs all round but certainly not as much as Strauss' throw at his glasses late yesterday evening. One single from the over.
SA 439-2There is a boundary for Kallis when he takes advantage of a full delivery to drive through extra cover. One more single from the over and Kallis is one shot away from a century.
SA 434-2Kallis' defence is still looking supreme at the crease even if the rate of his scoring has slowed down. Broad looks particularly frustrated with the lack of help he receives from the ball.
SA 434-2It's Anderson still bowling and it's a solid over. Kallis moves 10 short of a 43rd Test century at the end of the over with a single.
SA 432-2Broad continues but Amla already looks as good as he did all of yesterday. A sweeper on the boundary prevents four runs but there's three runs in the over. I'd expect Swann to bowl soon.
SA 429-2Anderson starts another over and his figures now read 1-102. Not good for the swing bowler with the pitch offering him little encouragement. A single from Amla is the only blemish to the over.
SA 428-2Double Century For Amla Stuart Broad is on for his first bowl of the day to replace Tim Bresnan. Amla reaches the 200 mark with three runs to cover in the over. What an innings from him. He's been completely focused throughout his and his timing has been a lesson to all cricketers.
SA 424-2Anderson has started well today with some nice shape coming into Kallis. There's no troubling Amla though as he easily collects two runs before doing the same at the end of the over.
SA 419-2Bresnan continues and it's an accurate over, an lbw appeal is dismissed by the umpire and England aren't interested in a review. South Africa will be eager to pile on the runs today and have a bowl at England this evening.
SA 418-2Only two runs from Anderson's over with Amla adding to his score. Strauss is off the field and he needs some plans for his bowlers.
SA 418-2Only two runs from Anderson's over with Amla adding to his score. Strauss is off the field and he needs some plans for his bowlers.
SA 416-2Kallis decides to take a quick single to Bopara at point and the Essex ace can't collect the ball cleanly. England are frustrated when Amla nearly drags onto his stumps before taking a single from the final ball.
SA 414-2It looks another good batting day at the Oval with Kallis and Amla more than happy to deal in singles in the over.
SA 411-2Amla takes two runs against Amla and then moves to 191 with a tickle to the fine leg boundary rope. It's been batting of the highest quality from Amla and the England players haven't been a match for his class.
SA 405-2It's good bowling from Anderson but this pairing aren't trouble due to the lack of movement. England need early wickets.
SA 404-2Bresnan is thrown the ball by Strauss and the first run of the day goes to Amla with a single on the leg side. There's some uneven bounce in the over with Kallis surprised by the height of a delivery that he leaves.
SA 403-2Anderson starts the day well with a maiden over but Kallis' defence looks solid throughout.
SA 403-2Strauss leads his men out and is closely followed by Kallis and Amla. Anderson will bowl the first over of the day.
10:50It's not long until the start of play now, the England attack will be worried by the fact that South Africa still have AB de Villiers to bat.
10:50Strauss' concern will be that Swann was not at his best yesterday. The ball did spin at times but Amla was on top form to nullify the threat.
10:42England need a new plan and a breakthrough early today. They can't allow Kallis and Amla to get in again this morning because they will punish them. Smith certainly has eyes on a total of 550+ and Strauss needs something spectacular from his bowlers this morning.
10:37Amla begins today unbeaten on 183 and the tourists will probably accelerate today to extend their lead and put themselves fully in charge of this match.
10:35Good morning all, what next for England today? South Africa have been superb in the last two days and even with a flat pitch, we were treated to a terrific batting display from Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
