Good morning and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the third day of the first Test between England and South Africa at The Oval.
Yesterday's action has left the match delicately poised after South Africa's bowlers fought back to dismiss England for 385 despite a well-made 60 by Matthew Prior.
England started their pursuit of South African wickets well, with James Anderson dismissing Alviro Petersen before the opener could trouble the scorers.
However, captain Graeme Smith made 37* before the close of play and was well supported by Hashim Amla (47*) to ensure that England have a tough challenge ahead of them today.
South Africa will resume on 86-1 with play scheduled to begin at 11am.
SA 403-2Join me tomorrow for the fourth day of this fascinating contest where South Africa will surely want to accelerate in their innings with a view to winning this Test. Thanks for joining me for today and have a good night.
SA 403-2Close Of Play Handshakes all round for Amla and it's been a superb display of batting with him walking off the ground with 183 runs to his name. Kallis has supplied brilliant support and will begin tomorrow on 82.
SA 403-2Broad starts the final over of the day and Kallis immediately gets off strike with a single to cover. The all-rounder has moved to 82. Amla looks as gritty as he has all day and his defence remains unpenetrated. That's it for the day and what a performance from the tourists.
SA 402-2Trott's second over begins with a single but the medium pacer is accurate with his bowling. Amla really doesn't want to be dismissed by Trott and he's content with defending the rest of the over. One more over to go in the day.
SA 400-2Broad is punished for bowling a half volley by Kallis, with a drive sailing to the boundary. The 400 is up for South Africa and it's been a batting display of the highest quality.
SA 396-2Jonathan Trott is given a chance to get a wicket by Strauss but this pair are having none of it. Kallis does collect a single but Amla is happy to defend the conclusion of the over.
SA 395-2Broad is back for a short burst before the close of play but he's met with a solid defence from Kallis. Just a single and England are close to a rest.
SA 394-2Seven overs left in the day and it's Pietersen to continue. These two just want to be there for tomorrow and then they can accelerate. Just the three overs from Pietersen's over, can he get a wicket late on like he did in the last Ashes series? (Michael Clarke was the batsman.)
SA 391-2We've been getting used to the sight of Amla punching through the covers for four runs today and he does it again as South Africa go ahead. Six runs come from Bresnan's over.
SA 385-2It's time for Pietersen to have another bowl and why not? England need a slice of luck from somewhere now. The problem with part-time bowlers is that they offer up boundary ball and Pietersen does just that to Kallis with the quickly heading to the rope. A single from Amla makes the scores level at the end of the over.
SA 379-2More Yorkshire graft from Bresnan but no reward for the big man. England have men out in the deep on the leg side but Kallis' pull shot drops short of all of them.
SA 378-2More runs for Kallis as he moves into the sixties with a guide to the third man boundary. The running has been good from the tourists today and they pick up another couple to third man. It's seven from Anderson's over.
SA 371-2Good pace from Bopara stops Kallis picking up another boundary at the start of the over. There's an lbw appeal later in the over that the umpire dismisses and Strauss is right to not review the decision. Five runs come in the over.
SA 366-2A bit of tiredness shows in the field as Bresnan makes a mistake at cover to gift a couple of runs to Amla. Anderson not happy with his fellow bowler. Amla has two more runs to his name with a whip off his hip. I've lost count of how many times I've seen that shot today. South Africa trail by 19.
SA 362-2The fans at the Oval have been very good today, still loud even during this flat session of play.
SA 362-2Bresnan starts a new spell to replace Swann but he still can't tempt Amla into a false shot outside off stump. Amla gives Kallis the strike for the final ball and he's happy to defend it. It's time for a drinks break.
SA 361-2A couple of singles start Anderson's over with Amla just managing to avoid a kamikaze pigeon at square leg. It's a better over from Anderson with the line being much straighter to Kallis.
SA 359-2A dive at cover can't prevent Amla getting off strike at the start of Swann's 42nd over. Finally a few laughs for the England side as Strauss' sunglasses fly off his head before being smashed by the captain's throw. Amazing, he couldn't do that if he tried it 100 times. Alastair Cook still laughing like a schoolboy. Four runs from the over as Strauss retreats to the dressing room slightly embarrassed.
SA 355-2Anderson is back for a new spell to replace Bopara. Can he produce some magic for Strauss? It's a tough ask with the pitch offering little for the fast bowlers. Kallis looks delighted with life as he defends the Anderson over and it's a maiden.
SA 354-2Swann starts a new over and it's been a long while since we saw a smile on the spinner's face. Amla and Kallis look happy to take singles with two runs coming in the over.
SA 353-2Ian Bell still lively in the field as he dives to stop a Kallis cover drive. Bopara has done well in this spell and it's another maiden over for the Essex ace.
SA 353-2Fifty for Kallis The all-rounder is starting to improve his record in England as a single brings him a half century. Swann continues to work hard against Amla but with no joy as two attempted sweeps come to nothing.
SA 352-2More medium pace from Bopara now but these two are looking good as a partnership. Only one single from the over and England need another burst before the end of the day.
SA 351-2Swann continues the pursuit of his first wicket but he's furious with himself when he offers up a full toss to Amla and the South African doesn't miss out in finding the boundary at cover. It's a great reply from the spinner when he gets one to spin and bounce but the ball evades Amla's edge. So close for England.
SA 347-2Good shot from Kallis at the start of Bopara's over as he gets on top of the bounce to place the ball wide of point for a boundary. There's a slower ball from Bopara later in the over but it's not accurate enough to trouble Kallis and there's six runs scored in the over.
SA 341-2Big spin from Swann but the ball hits Kallis' thigh pad and not the edge of his bat. A single to mid on is the only blemish to Swann's over and South Africa only trail by 44 now.
SA 340-2Despite the best effort of Bresnan in the deep, Amla has four more runs with a superbly timed cover drive. Strauss attempts to encourage his team with a lap around the pitch and England appeal for a caught behind. Prior looked convinced but Bopara isn't so sure. The replay shows how close it was to Amla's but but there's no edge.
SA 336-2Swann continues and he's bowling a nice line to Kallis. It looks like England want a big shot from him with the way the field is spread. Kallis doesn't blink though and it's a maiden over.
SA 336-2Bopara's over begins with a nudge from Amla to deep square leg for a single. It's good running throughout the over between this pair and there's four scored on Bopara's return.
SA 332-2Anderson pleading with Asad Rauf to change the ball, the umpire is unmoved and brings a small laugh from Anderson. Bopara's turn with the ball.
SA 332-2Kallis takes a single immediately after the break and Amla does the same just a few balls later. Swann looking increasingly frustrated as he finishes his over.
SA 330-2South Africa will be thinking 500+ now. If they can put England under pressure when the pitch spins tomorrow and Monday then they can force a result. England need a big performance.
SA 330-2Bresnan not getting any help from this ball anymore with Amla easily able to pick a gap for a single. One more run follows and it's time for a drinks break.
SA 328-2Amla dealing in singles as he allows Swann another go at Kallis. Good drift from the spinner but Kallis controls it well to pick up a couple of runs to third man.
SA 326-2Bresnan starts a new over but there's no luck for the Yorkshire seamer. The Oval are treated to two brilliant shots from Kallis in the over. First the all-rounder powerfully pulls over mid wicket for four runs before producing a quality cover drive for another boundary.
SA 315-2150 for Amla Swann starts a new over but Amla rocks onto the back foot brilliantly to reach 150 with a cut shot. Some sharp spin at the end of the over should keep Swann interested.
SA 311-2Bresnan comes round the wicket to Amla but there's an easy single on offer on the leg side. Kallis does well to keep out a yorker with Amla adding another to make it three from the over. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Bopara have a bowl soon.
SA 308-2Swann returns to the attack quickly with a change of ends and England hope with a change of luck. Solid over with just two runs scored and Kallis is looking comfortable.
SA 306-2Bresnan is back for a new spell after removing Graeme Smith earlier this afternoon. The crowd are doing their best to entertain themselves as Amla rotates the strike. Plenty of fancy dress in the crowd and an England fightback could produce some real noise at the Oval. Kallis moves to 25 with a quick single from the final ball and it's two from the over.
SA 304-2Amla continues his battle with Broad after being given the strike by Kallis and he nearly edges to Prior when he hangs his bat outside off stump. England have gone flat again since the break.
SA 303-2Swann chooses to come round the wicket now and there's an lbw appeal behind the stumps but Swann isn't interested and rightly so with the ball pitching outside leg stump. Two singles from the over for South Africa.
SA 301-2Broad certainly not in the best of moods today and he shows his frustration by starting his over with a shake of the head that lasts for around half a minute. Not much pace for Broad as he attempts a couple of short balls, one single from the over.
SA 300-2Kallis does attempt the big shot at the start of Swann's over, picking the gap with a slog sweep for four runs. A single brings Amla on strike but there's no penetrating his defence. South Africa are 85 runs short of England's total.
SA 295-2Amla looking as comfortable as he did when he first arrived at the crease yesterday evening. It really has been a superb innings from the number three.
SA 295-2Really good from this pair as they rush through two runs despite a good throw from Trott in the deep. broad attempts a couple of bouncers but the second is signaled as a wide much to the displeasure of the Twenty20 captain. three runs from the over.
SA 292-2Amla is off strike again and Kallis tries to play a big sweep but the ball keeps low with the result being a bye. Good over from Swann with Kallis looking like he's eager to play big shots.
SA 289-2Broad continues and there's a single on offer for Amla with a pull to square leg. Broad improves in the over but Kallis earns four with a ball that just evades Anderson at wide mid on. There's a stare aimed at Anderson by Broad but it was a fine attempt.
SA 284-2It's the first big shot from Kallis as he has a big heave at a Swann delivery but it's very ugly and he only gets two runs to deep mid wicket. Good return from Swann and the pitch is offering more spin as this innings progresses.
SA 282-2Plenty of discussions throughout the over and there's a genuine edge from Amla in the over but the ball sails past slip for four runs.
SA 277-2Back to the action and Stuart Broad is thrown the ball with 43 overs still to be bowled today.
SA 277-2Spare a thought for Sports Mole's Liam Apicella who is supporting England at the Oval today. I'm sure the bars have provided some relief after a day full of South African runs.
SA 277-2Welcome back, big session for England ahead. Strauss' team can't allow these two to build another big partnership and I think England probably need three or four wickets before the end of the day at least.
SA 277-2Join me in around 15 minutes to follow the final session of the day in this fascinating Test match.
SA 277-2Tea England will be delighted to have finally removed Smith and break his partnership with Amla but the tourists are still on top. South Africa will be on course to reach England's total if they continue at this rate but Andrew Strauss will be desperate for more wickets before the close of play. Plenty of batting still to come for the Proteas.
SA 277-2Bresnan strays onto Amla's pads and that's four runs to fine leg where the batsman has made a lot of runs today. It's time for the tea break.
SA 273-2The new ball is only 10 overs old but Swann is going to start a new spell. He'll enjoy using a harder ball at the new batsman. Kallis gets just outside the line of off stump to stifle England's appeal for lbw from the first ball and then takes a single to square leg from the next delivery. It's a very nice over from Swann but Amla is in no mood to give his wicket away.
SA 271-2There's no respite for England with Kallis having a Test average of over 56. Bresnan starts a new over but he can't get past Amla's impressive defence and it's a maiden.
SA 271-2Amla gives Kallis the strike immediately at the start of Anderson's over before his teammate returns the favour. Kallis is back on strike later in the over and he gets another boundary but with a stroke of luck as he edges the ball past second slip.
SA 264-2Well played to Graeme Smith. He's really put his side in charge at the Oval with a very determined innings.
SA 264-2Not a bad replacement for Smith as Kallis makes his way to the crease. It's a good start from Bresnan as he fires in a yorker at Kallis' toes. Kallis does get an easy chance to get off the mark when Bresnan strays to allow the all-rounder to flick the ball to the fine leg boundary.
SA 260-2Wicket Bresnan does make the breakthrough with a straight delivery that just catches Smith's inside edge before knocking over the bails. Big moment for England but what a superb innings from the Proteas skipper. Smith goes for 131.
SA 260-1Bresnan is back for England with Strauss talking to his bowler, desperately trying to make a plan to bring the hosts back into this.
SA 260-1More good running from the South African pairing as they take the singles on offer to make it four from the over. Good cricket from these two, they're not letting England build pressure.
SA 256-1No drama for South Africa in Broad's over with both players rotating the strike nicely to earn four runs.
SA 252-1Strauss is deep in conversation with Anderson at the start of the over. Plenty of concerned faces within the England camp. It's a better over and there's nearly a catch when Amla lobs a ball straight past Anderson's hand. He does get four runs for his trouble though. The crowd have come alive in an attempt to urge on England but Amla is equal to Anderson's threat.
SA 247-1The runs are flowing for the tourists now as Smith opens the face of his bat to run the ball to the third man boundary. It's the same result just a ball later as Smith finds the boundary rope again with a ball that bounced a bit more. Broad needs to improve because he then strays down leg to give Smith the opportunity to earn his third boundary in three balls. One more single follows and it's 13 from the over.
SA 234-1Not too much happening for Anderson as Smith takes a single to bring Amla on strike. Some of these Duke balls will take seven or eight overs to swing so England need to be patient. Amla picks the gap superbly to earn four runs through cover.
SA 229-1Michael Vaughan on Twitter: " Swing the ball back into Smith Pleeeeeeaaaassssssseeeeee......" Anderson hasn't done this too much to Smith, will he now?
SA 229-1It's Broad who will share the new ball with Anderson and he starts with a ball that's far too wide. Broad does improve in the over but he strays down leg side and Amla easily flicks the ball to the fine leg boundary. Great reply from Broad as he swings one past Amla's edge and that has the crowd slightly more interested. Four from the over.
SA 225-1Smith deals with the first ball nicely and takes a single to mid wicket. Anderson is a bit too short so Amla can cut but he only gets one for that. Two runs come from the first over with the new ball.
SA 223-1England do take the new ball straight away and Anderson predictably will bowl the first over with it.
SA 223-1Smith not interested in playing at Bresnan's over early on but he does take a single from the final ball. It's time for a drinks break and the new ball is available.
SA 222-1Kevin Pietersen is going to get a bowl to fill some time, he'd love to dismiss Graeme Smith. Amla takes a single to bring his skipper on strike. The duo rotate the strike well though, not allowing Pietersen to settle. Four runs from the over.
SA 218-1More good bowling from Bresnan but it's not threatening the centurions. Amla's single is the only blemish and it's two more overs until England can take the new ball.
SA 217-1It's a decent over from Swann and he has an appeal for lbw dismissed. Smith got outside the line and with Strauss off the field, they decided to not review the decision. It's a wise choice.
SA 217-1Bresnan just trying to keep things tight until the arrival of the new ball. A single from Amla is followed by a leg bye and it's just the two from the over.
SA 215-1Amla looking very composed at the crease as he sweeps for a single. Smith's is solid against Swann to block the over and he's definitely won that battle so far.
SA 214-1Tim Bresnan is back into the attack and could he be the man to break this partnership before the new ball? The tactics have been pretty negative so far with Strauss waiting for the second new duke. It's a much better over from Bresnan and he has an appeal for lbw against Smith dismissed, it looks close and Strauss decides to use a review. The replay shows a very small touch on the ball and the delivery pitched outside leg stump so Smith survives.
SA 213-1Amla is happy to deal in singles against Swann and Smith is even happier to leave the spinner. South Africa in complete control at the moment.
SA 212-1Century Amla moves to 99 with an edge past the two slips that travels to the third man boundary. Bopara prevents the single but Amla has his century just a ball later with a guide to third man. Superb innings from one of the top players in international cricket. Four runs for Smith to fine leg mean it's nine from the over.
SA 203-1Good running from Amla as he finds a single to Pietersen at mid on. Smith's back on strike and he is keen to leave Swann, he's done that well today.
SA 202-1A single from Smith moves this partnership to the 200 mark. It's a quite superb effort from these two. England look to be waiting for the new ball now which is 10 overs away. Two runs from Anderson's over.
SA 200-1Beautiful from Amla as he uses his wrists to flick the ball through mid wicket for four runs at the start of Swann's over. More runs for Amla as he easily sweeps to fine leg for another boundary to enter the nineties. Swann recovers well and he gets some quick spin at the end of the over.
SA 192-1Amla gives the strike to Smith immediately at the start of the over to give Anderson a chance at the Proteas skipper. Smith is very relaxed though and there's no threat in the over.
SA 191-1Swann starts a new over and he is excited when he hears a noise and Anderson takes a catch at slip. It's just big spin though and the noise was Smith's bat hitting the ground. Promising signs for Swann though in the over.
SA 191-1Smith unhappy throughout that over with Anderson's follow through after bowling but the England seamer is unmoved by the complaints.
SA 191-1It looks like the same tactics for England as Anderson proceeds to bowl very wide of off stump. When Anderson does stray on to Amla's pads it's easy for him to flick the ball to the square leg boundary for four runs.
SA 187-1The second new ball will be available to England in 15 overs.
SA 187-1Anderson will begin proceedings in this session, Strauss needs his strike bowler to deliver now.
SA 187-1The players are back out, this is a big session for both sides. South Africa could take the match away from England today.
SA 187-1Welcome back everyone, good lunch? Well I'm sure Andrew Strauss had to lot to think about over his sandwiches. England need to break this current partnership soon but South Africa will be hoping to only bat once in this match.
SA 187-1Have a quick cup of tea and a sandwich but join us again in around 30 minutes for coverage of the afternoon session.
SA 187-1Lunch Break It's another good morning for South Africa at the Oval. England have been desperate for wickets but Amla and Smith have been superb to reach lunch unbeaten. Smith will want to bat for a long time and the tourists have got quality still to come in the batting lineup.
SA 187-1Century for Smith Amla gets off strike on the third ball to give his skipper three more balls to reach a century. He's nearly there when he opens the face to run the ball to third man for four runs. Smith one short of three figures now and he's there! The Proteas skipper cuts the ball through the gap for another boundary and that's a century in his 100th Test match. Brilliant knock from Smith.
SA 178-1Smith moves to within six of a century with a trademark whip through mid wicket for four runs. Two more singles from Swann's over. Can Smith get to 100 before the lunch break?
SA 172-1Bresnan continues but you can't bowl wide to Amla because he'll cut all day to the boundary rope as he does there. An attempted yorker at the end of the over doesn't work for Bresnan and there's six runs from the over.
SA 166-1Smith is leaving the ball well but when he does have a flirt with the ball, Swann beats the outside edge. Two runs from the final ball of the over move Smith to 89.
SA 166-1It's Tim Bresnan's turn to try his luck with the ball and Strauss will be hoping he can find some reverse swing. Amla has a stroke of luck when his inside edge goes just past the stumps. It's a good start from the Yorkshire seamer with just two runs scored in the over. Smith is leaving the ball well but when he does have a flirt with the ball, Swann beats the outside edge. Two runs from the final ball of the over move Smith to 89.
SA 164-1It's Tim Bresnan's turn to try his luck with the ball and Strauss will be hoping he can find some reverse swing. Amla has a stroke of luck when his inside edge goes just past the stumps. It's a good start from the Yorkshire seamer with just two runs scored in the over.
SA 162-1Swann is given the ball to begin a new spell before lunch. It's a new end for the spinner but he needs a change of luck. The sweep doesn't work for Amla but the ball hits the pads well outside the line of off stump. A better sweep brings Amla a single and it's two from the over.
SA 160-1Bopara continues but this pairing are playing the part-timer well. A single for each batsman means it's two from the over.
SA 158-1Anderson is complaining about the ball but Asad Rauf politely dismisses his claims and Broad starts a new over. Broad tries a short ball and I think that's the first bouncer of the day, no problems for Amla though. Three runs from the over.
SA 155-1Strauss trying some different now as he throws Bopara the ball. No Bresnan as yet for England this morning. Amla takes this partnership past 150 with a single to fine leg. Not a great shot from Smith but he finds the gap wide of gully with a loose drive to pick up four more runs.
SA 150-1Amla leaves Broad frustrated with a single to mid wicket but England need better deliveries than that to take a wicket. Smith's in full flow as he flicks a shot to the mid wicket boundary for four runs, the runs are coming easily for the tourists now. It looks like a chance as Smith pushes a shot in the air past a diving Pietersen at mid wicket but there's no chance of a catch there and it's four runs.
SA 141-1It's been a good contest between Smith and Swann so far. Smith shows his class as he dance down the wicket to guide the ball past mid on for another boundary. Good fielding in the deep from Ian Bell restricts Smith to two runs later but a tickle to fine leg gives the captain his second boundary of the over. It's a good over for South Africa, with 10 runs coming from it.
SA 131-1The first ball after the break travels to the extra cover boundary rope as Smith takes a big step forward to meet Broad's delivery. There's just one more single from the over and South Africa are looking pretty comfortable now.
SA 126-1Strauss is in deep conversation with his players during the break, they desperately need a breakthrough soon.
SA 126-1Fifty Smith moves his feet well to earn three runs deep on the leg side and that's the captain's half century. It's been an important knock by the tourists' skipper. A single from Amla brings Smith back on strike and a sweep shot follows but the left-hander connects with the ball this time and has four more runs. These duo are playing Swann much better in this over and it's time for a drinks break.
SA 115-1A great cover drive is met by an equally superb piece of fielding from Bresnan at extra cover to keep Amla on strike. No such luck for England two balls later as Amla picks the gap at extra cover with another drive to get four runs. The boundary is the only blemish to the over and Broad has started well.
SA 111-1Swann continues and you'd expect him to be the main man today. The Smith/Swann battle resumes and it's a beauty from the spinner as he beats the outside edge but the Proteas skipper breathes a sigh of relief. Smith's wrestled with the idea of playing a sweep and when he does, he misses the ball completely but it's safe.
SA 110-1Stuart Broad replaces Anderson at the Pavillion End and Smith happily gives the strike to Amla. A single to Amla brings the skipper back to the crease but he blocks well.
SA 107-1Swann is finding some nice drift against Smith. High fives all round as some good fielding by Trott prevents a single. The over ends with a hopeful lbw appeal that looked awfully high, it's a maiden for Swann.
SA 107-1It's more good work from Anderson and he finds a nice length against Amla throughout the over to make it a maiden. England need a wicket soon.
SA 107-1Amla attempts the sweep again and gets a single to deep square leg to rotate the strike. There's a big shout for lbw against Smith but there's a shake of the head from the umpire and hawkeye says the ball would have just clipped the stumps. Good over from Swann with just the single coming from it.
SA 106-1Anderson persists with a wide line and it's a better plan for Smith as the skipper takes advantage of a straight ball to get two runs on the leg side.
SA 104-1Anderson takes a great catch at slip but that's hit Amla's pad, big cheers from the crowd though. Amla attempts the sweep again but it's his pad that brings South Africa two leg byes. There are signs of uneven bounce at the Oval.
SA 102-1Smith finally plays at a delivery wide of off stump but he finds the third man boundary to bring up the century partnership between these two. Anderson shouldn't be worried with Smith playing loose shots though and it's just the four runs from the over.
SA 98-1Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter: "Swann.... Swann will tear you apart again...."
SA 98-1Smith can't pick the gap with a flick on the leg side but he repeats the shot next ball and earns four runs. Better from Swann as he gets a leading edge but Smith is safe. Good fielding from Broad at backward point restricts Smith to a single next ball and it's five runs from the over.
SA 93-1Amla is on top form in this match and he proves it with a back foot drive through extra cover for the first boundary of the morning. It's a superb shot and he looks brilliant on the back foot. It's a good reply from Anderson as he bowls a much better length for the rest of the over and Amla is happy to defend.
SA 89-1Fifty Swann's started very well this morning and is finding some good areas. Amla has his half century with a push to mid on, Kevin Pietersen shouldn't have allowed a single there but it's a good knock from Amla. Smith keeps Swann interested with a thick edge that evades Cook at short leg, another good over from the England spinner.
SA 88-1England fancy their chances of removing both of these players lbw but Amla is good on the leg side and finds a single to deep square leg. Anderson has started well against Smith and gets one to bounce and leave the skipper, very good delivery.
SA 87-1This move has been spoken about this morning, Graeme Swann will bowl from the other end. It's good captaincy from Strauss and the ball is turning, not easy to start the day against spin. Amla hit on the pads as he leaves but the ball isn't turning that much yet. A single to deep point brings Amla his first run of the day but Smith is equal to the final ball.
SA 86-1Smith has his first flirt with a ball outside off stump from the third delivery, Anderson starting with a wide line to the Proteas skipper. The line doesn't change in the over and it's a maiden to begin day three.
SA 86-198 overs are scheduled to be bowled today.
SA 86-1Jimmy Anderson will bowl the first over on day three, with Graeme Smith on strike.
10:58The Oval is starting to fill up and the players have made their way out of the dressing rooms, we're just a few moments away.
10:56If Amla and Smith remain at the crease until lunch, then they will expect to make a big score. The South African batting lineup has so much quality, with Jacques Kallis and AB De Villiers the next two players in.
10:51It will surely be a batting day because of the sun at the Oval but Swann did get some spin yesterday and so did Imran Tahir earlier in the day. Spin could be the key factor in this match.
10:49Stuart Broad on Twitter: "Matty Ps little lad just asked me to "bowl carefully Broady" so his Daddys hands don't get hurt. I'm afraid its a #gohardorgohome day J!"
10:45A reminder of the match situation at the start of day three, South Africa trail England by 299 runs with Smith on 37* and Amla on 41*.
10:36Sir Ian Botham agrees that today is very important, the England legend said on Twitter: "A great days play today...! Tomorrow the 1st 2 hrs play crucial ...old cliche I know....but day 3 is the day that can decide the outcome !!!"
10:34The weather is perfect at the Oval, with the sun shining it definitely looks like a day for batting. Graeme Swann will have a big role today and expect him to bowl a lot of overs.
10:33Good morning everyone, this could be a very important day in the context of this match and possibly the series. South Africa will be desperate to make a big total to put their opponents under severe pressure and Andrew Strauss will need his bowlers to take early wickets.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
