1450: Yup - it's all over. What a day. We'll go again at 0730 on the morrow - join me then?

1433: Darker outside, and if we get any more play today then my name's Pranav Soneji. Which, if you haven't manually refreshed in the last hour, you'll probably think I am anyway.

1425: You'd fear that might be it for the day - looking gloomy, but the forecast for Wednesday will please Strauss and his cavorting colleagues - dry, cloudy, a mere 20% chance of precipitation.

From Stephen Gould in New York, TMS inbox: "So Soneji departs, Fordyce returns and instantly England stop taking wickets and start shipping boundaries. Coincidence? I think not."

1422: SA 74-6
Swann, the twirling dervish - oh, was there an edge on that? Prior came up too early, there was a snickety sound - yup, spilled. Umpires confer, nod at the SA pair, and bad light has stopped play. Boo-hiss.

1419: SA 74-6
Glimpse of Graeme Smith on the SA balcony. If you're after an autograph, it might be worth waiting for another occasion. Anderson over-pitches - crashed through cover by a grim-faced Boucher the Poucher. Short this time - cut away with wristy relish for four more. Token torment.

1415: SA 66-6
Swanny, sweat plastering his hair to his forehead, twirls with an eyes-on-stalks enthusiasm. He'd be happy to bowl until Christmas next year the way this is going. Morkel takes leggy strides down the track to smother, but the flames are rising above this car-crash of a reply.

1410: SA 66-6
Anderson, wind at his back - my giddy aunts, a vicious reverse-swinger, and that nearly cleans up Boucher like that bossy Kim sort off the television. Still widespread shock around Kingsmead. Good day for Notts this, remarks a parochial colleague.

1406: SA 64-6
One of the great spells of all time from Soneji. Remorkable. You step outside for a breath of fresh air, grab a low-fat fruit-based yoghurt and come back to find England chewing the corpse of the South African innings. Morkel - ooaaah, lofting at Swann and just about clearing the leaping bowler for four to long-on.

1402: SA 60-6
Bell dons the helmet at silly point as Broad sets his sights on Morkel, but the gangly Suggs-a-like pushes a single into the covers, allowing his more experienced partner to see out the rest of the over. More hearts in mouths as Boucher attempts an airy drive outside off stump, but inside edges on to his boot to safety. Time for me to do one - blame Fordyce if it all goes wrong, my magic has been weaved.

1358: SA 58-6
Hear that? That's the sound of 5,000 South African throats gulping in unison. Make that 10,000 as Morkel wafts Graeme Swann outside off stump. "Braaaaaannnnndyyyy!!!!" Graeme Smith might potentially be shouting in the South African dressing room.

1355: SA 58-6
It maybe me and the match situation, but there's more than a passing resemblance to Glenn McGrath in Broad's strut right now, peppering Boucher with more deliveries rearing towards his waist off good lengths. Needless to say, Stewpot overpitches, allowing Boucher to punch an attractive drive through mid-off for four. Swann and Broad, England's Warne and McGrath? Compare and contrast.

From Justyn, TMS inbox: "An alligator has just crawled on to the riverbank here in Florida. The family are in a state of panic requesting I take some precautionary safety measures, however, nothing will remove me from this lap top at this time. Are England turning into the best Test side in the world? Opps sorry tempting fate again."

1351: SA 54-6
Boucher rocks back and cuts a rare stray Swann delivery through backward point for a couple before pushing a single to mid-on for a dicey quick single, but his cause is aided by the ball bounding off a footmark over Graham Onions' head.

From Stuart, Nottingham, TMS inbox: "If this keeps up you should forget about a Wiki entry and go for the dictionary... 'Pranaved' v. to collapse shambolically esp. in cricket as in 'the South Africans pranaved against the seam/spin combo of Broad and Swann'."

1348: SA 51-6
Pinching, do people still do that? Boucher steals a single, exposing Morkel to Broad's rapidly rising dander. The huge unit is struck flush on the helmet by a nasty short ball on middle stump, rattling off his headgear and into the grateful palms of Leon Trott at third slip. Trotty's off gallivanting, but when he sees umpire Saheba unmoved he suddenly stops dead in his tracks and wanders sheepishly back to his position. More tight lines from Broad but excellent judgement from Morkel, who lets a delivery outside off stump fizz into Matt Prior's gloves.

1342: WICKET Smith lbw Swann 22 SA 50-6
Umpire Davis confirms the ball would have clipped leg stump and umpire Dar's finger points skywards - the direction of England's confidence right now. Pandemonium at Kingsmead right now - this game could be over this evening. In comes new man Morne Morkel, who wears the expression of a man who has just discovered a cow sleeping in his bed. He just about keeps out Swann, albeit unconvincingly. England lead by 182 runs. Pinch me.

1339: SA 50-5
Swann continues his around the wicket policy to Smith and the barrel-chested skipper in struck in front, sparking yet another enormous England appeal - and up goes Aleem Dar's finger! But Smith lingers, briefly consults Boucher and asks for a second look. Over to you Steve Davis...

1337: SA 50-5
Smith brings up the hosts' 50 with a neat clip through midwicket, but the South African duo will be silently praying for the threatening grey clouds hanging around like a distant relative who refuses to leave after Christmas to do their job. It's a long shot though, especially with the way England are bowling right now.

1333: SA 49-5
The excitement momentarily abates as Boucher puts everything he possesses behind all six of Swann's deliveries. Another maiden.

1329: SA 49-5
The madness continues as JP Duminy attempts to leave a delivery outside off stump from Broad, but manages to inadvertently chop the ball on to his stumps via the bottom edge of his pink-handled bat for an ugly golden duck. Broad goes absolutely ballistic - along with the bare-chested, beer-addled compatriots in the stands. In walks Mark Boucher and narrowly staves off becoming Broad's hat-trick victim with a quick single into the covers. Smith almost becomes the third victim in the over as he chases a wide delivery and tantalisingly sneaks a thick outside past gully for four. Stick these past few overs in me Wikipedia entry - Pranav Soneji, text commentator of South African post-tea collapses.

1325: Wicket De Villiers lbw Broad 2 SA 44-4
Dark clouds loom over Kingsmead - and we're not talking about the self-deflating South African innings. Replays confirm the ball would clip the top of off stump and third umpire Davis relays the information - and off trudges De Villiers.

1322: SA 44-3
More calamitous running from Graeme Smith, who pushes a dodgy single into the covers straight to Luke Wright, but the substitute fielder cannot hit the sticks at the non-striker's end - otherwise the South African captain would have been out by a good six inches. And De Villiers has shouldered arms to another Broad delivery which jags back off the pitch! Cue huge appeal and up goes Amiesh Saheba's finger. Unsurprisingly, De Villiers wants a second look.

1320: SA 43-3
England go up as if they've just snagged the Euro Millions jackpot as De Villiers gropes at a delivery outside off stump from Graeme Swann, but umpire Aleem Dar remains unmoved as England appeal for caught behind. Cue a brief conflab and the T-sign is unreeled, so we're back with third umpire Steve Davis. However, caught behinds are highly unlikely to get reversed - and so it goes as De Villiers survives because the replays cannot prove any discernable deviation as the ball goes past the outside edge. AyBee gets off the mark with a cute on-drive through midwicket for two.

1316: SA 41-3
Another probing over from Broad, setting Graeme Smith with dagger-like eyes as he pummels the off-stump line. Another maiden ensues. Whoops - I meant three wickets rather than two, I blame Tom's minuscule keyboard - it's the size of a matchbox.

From Nigel, TMS inbox: "I went to Wimbledon and was lucky to see the sweet blonde sweetheart [Sue Barker] play with Rosie Casals on court 2. At one point I thought she was transfixed by my handsome features (heart pounded, I know, I was there !!!) but when I turned around I realised she was watching the results board. Still beautiful today and so sweet."

1312: SA 41-3
More tweak for Swann, who flutters De Villiers' already rapidly beating heart with a delivery which spits viciously from the rough outside off stump attempting to pad the ball with his front foot. More "oooohs" from the England boys, smiles as wide as the Hook of Holland right now.

Andy in Ireland, TMS inbox: "Pranav - can't edit Wiki in your honour but would like to point out that an anagram of your name is "Japan Over Sin" - which would probably make for a good advertising slogan. Also probably a huge improvement on Comfy Doter."

1308: SA 40-3
Absolute shocker from Kallis! Broad bounds in and gets a ball pitching outside off stump to grip off the surface, cutting back sharply as Shark misjudges the line and shoulders arms to a delivery which knocks his off stump clean out of the ground. England are rampant - and minimal foot movement from new man AB de Villiers sees a strangled lbw appeal curtailed. Excellent over from Broad and the sizeable English contingent in the stands at Kingsmead know it too.

1302: SA 40-2
Out come the England boys with a spring in their steps not seen since the heyday of Inspector Gadget. Swann to continue and Kallis nurdles a double and a single to expose left-hander Graeme Smith to a couple of deliveries around the wicket. The Proteas skipper does not like the numbers around his bat and attempts a mooey/sweep, but completely misses the ball as a collection of "oooohs" ring around the infield.

1258:
Tom's just nipped out of the office with a tennis racquet under his arm, dunno what that's all about. "Braaaaaaandyyyyyy!" he screams as he saunters down the corridor. Right, in the mean time, it is I, Pranav of Sonejishire to guide you through this thoroughly intriguing stage of this absorbing Test match. Am I on Wikipedia? Can someone make some stuff up about me? Refresh your browser and voila, I shall appear before your very eyes...

1241: SA 37-2
Super ball, and England are cock-a-hoop - Swann has sprinted off towards Cape Town, pursued by a howling Prior and Cook, and that is a hammer blow for South Africa. Tea, should anyone care - Amla is trudging off, beaten by the flight and foxed by the turn, and Smith slouches off after him. The hosts still 195 runs behind, just eight wickets in hand and four sessions to go...

1240: Amla b Swann 6, SA 37-2
Come on Swanny - what have you got left in the... BOWLED HIM!

1238: SA 37-1
Broad again, turning to charge in to Smith before the batsman looks up. Cheeky slash rude. Two here for Smith, jabbing off the hip through square leg. One more from Swanny?

From Andrew Holgate, TMS inbox: "Your Wiki entry is one of the most fluid I have seen. Sue Barker, prawns, running naked through the BBC and a curious incident with a dead dog in the night time. You are a man with many depths, and shallows."

1234: SA 35-1
Swanny skips in - dead-bat determination from Amla. Couple of singles from sweeps, and Matt Prior chirps like a smooth-scalped sparrow.

1229: SA 31-1
Time for one before tea, and Stuart Broad will take it - aggressive field. Amla jabs down on a rapid one. The bearded batsman wants a single here to get off strike, and his skipper calls him through for one. I've got my clocks wrong - there's time for at least three more...

From Rupert Stone, TMS inbox: "You and Sue Barker - you sly dog you! She single handedly makes Question Of Sport worth watching. God bless Wikipedia."

1224: SA 31-1
Swanny and his first over - remarkable. Wonderful reflex catch from bat-and-pad, and that's Swanny's 50th Test wicket of the year - the first English spinner in history to do so. Ooof - risky sweep off middle from new-man Amla, four down to long leg but they'll settle for that. Game on...

1222: WICKET Prince c Bell b Swann 16, SA 27-1
I think we'll have some Swanny here. Apparently that Vaughany link below wasn't working - try refreshing, and see how you get on. Strauss in at slip in the absence of Colly's finger, Cook at forward short leg, Bell in at silly po - BELL!

From Jerry in Barnsley, TMS inbox: "The Caroline of Brunswick ref gave it away for me..."

1215: SA 24-0
15 minutes before tea, and Smith is starting to settle - cracking drive, crashed down the ground for a meaty four. Hold on - is that Matthew Hoggard standing with the Barmy Army? It is - he's been handed a BA cap, and he's joining in with a chorus of Jerusalem. You didn't get that from Bob Willis.

From Elis in north London, TMS inbox: "I just strayed to your Wikipedia entry, Tom. Do you really have a tattoo of a crying mime artist on your left buttock?"

Of course not, Elis. You should know Wikipedia can't be trusted. It's on my right buttock.

1210: SA 15-0
Prince really getting targeted with leg-side lifters - off the glove, just shy of Trott at backward square leg. That's a better shot, standing up on tippy-toes to drive for two through cover, with a scampered single to follow.

1200: Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who is working for Test Match Special during this series, is bracing himself to take on more of your questions for his second Q&A for this website. So if you've got anything you want to ask him, drop him a line now.
Ask Michael Vaughan

1205: SA 12-0
BAARGHH.... aaaggh! Absolute pearler from Onions, jagging it back between Smith's bat and pad and howling in disbelieving anguish as the ball somehow skates past the timbers. Could not have been closer. Good threat from the England pair, and the pressure sits heavy on Saffa shoulders.

From Rob Harrison, TMS inbox: "It was Wellington who said "just because one is born in a stable, it does not necessarily mean one is a horse..". Might be a bit of a stink if Trotty mentioned that in an interview, eh? Wellington was born in Dublin, by the way."

1201: SA 12-0
Anderson fancies a pop at Prince here. He had him twice at Centurion, and that cunning combo of the late in-dipper onto the pads and the slider across the bows has the stumpy leftie jumping and prodding with nerves a'jangling. Short leg and leg slip in for the inside edge.

1157: SA 10-0
Onions really fancies this - he's only bagged five wickets in the series so far, but he's deserved better - been England's best non-Swann. Smith is setting himself for an epic rearguard, a look of fierce determination etched into his chin-heavy features.

From Steven Lowther, TMS inbox: "Just checked out your book online. Are you the one that looks like a plump Eminem? Or are you the chunky Nasser Hussein doppelganger?"

Plump, Steven? (pushes away lunch of mince pie, tips mid-morning latte into the sink). Dirsy more of a Billy Beaumont, I'd say, or disgruntled A. Sugar.

1152: SA 8-0
Jimmy again, and there was a little swing there into the leftie - thunking into the thigh guard, flomping into the front pad. Maiden of menace, but England need a wicket in the first 20 overs before the cherry turns tarnished.

From Rob Marriot, TMS inbox: "Is Paul in Manchester (1126) getting a smidgen too carried away here? I've trawled through Dogger's earlier note, and found nothing to suggest that the friendless, bitter-drinking 'Teeth' is actually a lady."

1148: SA 8-0
It'll be Onions at the other end, tearing in with real vim - rock-solid defence from Smith, before a too-short lifter sails over his helmet. 50 minutes before tea, the light possibly an issue after that, and England would love to see a couple back in the hutch before the sangers.

1143: SA 7-0
Here we go - Prince is taking guard, James Anderson buffing the cherry, three slips, gully, point, boozy songs in the air... fizzing past off, left alone. Next up - waaah - uppish drive, outside edge, just over third slip. Tapped off the hip by Prince for a single, same from Smith, same again from Prince. No swing or dart - yet...

1126: DECLARATION Eng 575-9
Look, Bell didn't make 1141. I hit a key too many. Manually refresh now, or simply stay put to enjoy a Belly fantasy. Here's Onions - boucner from Ntini, pinging off the lid, four byes. Much amusement in the England ranks. And that's our lot - Strauss strides onto the balcony and beckons them in. Lead of 232, and this should be fun - Onions and Jimmy charging in to Skipper Smith and the unfresh Prince...

From Paul, Manchester, TMS inbox: "To Dogger: I'd like to take you up on that offer, with a name like 'Teeth' AND a Bitter drinker she sounds like my kind of girl."

1118: WICKET Bell c Boucher b Steyn 141, Eng 569-9
Belly has a tired mow at a wide one - fat edge, barely celebrated by the battered South Africans. Super knock, and surely it's time for the dec?

From Paul Steptoe, Oxford, TMS inbox: "Clearly Wellington would have been an early Beatles man, never one to surround himself with luxuries. He would've liked Rubber Soul or perhaps Let It Be Naked, the over-production of Wings and later Beatles efforts would not have been his thing at all. If you can't play it live - don't bother boys could've been a fine saying of his."

1115: Eng 567-8
Off just 14 balls, that SwannSlog. Useful. Ntini to Bell, tries to lash the cover off it and it goes nowhere. The lead is 224.

From Jim in Leeds, TMS inbox: "I hope Dogger and chums continue these updates during the service as well. If it goes well, maybe the BBC could offer text commentaries on future weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs."

1110: WICKET Swann c Prince b Steyn 22, Eng 565-8
New ball for South Africa, and that's filth from Steyn - wide, ploppy, mashed away through cover by Swann for four past the heavily-sweating Harris. That's a lovely shot, stepping across his stumps to clip down to deep fine leg for one - but he's gone next ball, chipping lamely to the on-rushing Prince at mid-on. Smashing catch.

From Jez in Kennington, TMS inbox: "Morning Tom. Far less merriment on the 0841 from Milton Keynes to Euston today. The highlight was being one of a bunch of police officers in mufti on the way in to work rounding up a group of teenage fare dodgers and delivering them to the London Midland staff. Certainly beat doing the Times Su Doku."

1104: Eng 558-7
Burst of the Dambusters theme from Billy the Trumpet - oh, you'd like this... Bell dabs the ball away for a single to backward point, is sent back by Swann, and then watches with joy as the throw fizzes all the way out to Harris on the midwicket boundary - who mis-fields the ball over the ropes. Swanny now - smash! Six over midwicket. Swanny again - four more, clipped with elegance and timing past a toiling mid-on. This is more like it...

From Dogger, TMS inbox: "Clearly Paul Lunt has no idea of the North Wales Coast Trainline or indeed the Geography of Wales. Flint is a good 40mins before the Isle of Anglesey. If he does want to come to Dai Pugh's wedding though, Teeth has a spare +1. We're now on the Allbright Bitter - Pride of Wales."

1100: Eng 543-7
Here's Swanny - ole! Switch-sweep, only for one, but it's the intent, non? Single dabbed by Belly, two pulled away - oh, another switcher, completely missed. Five men on the ropes for England's number nine - might want to print that clause out and stick it on your bedroom wall. Lead of 199.

From Phil, Lichfield, TMS inbox: "I wonder if Wellington would have been more a Wings than a Beatles man. Perhaps a bit of Band on the Run would have soothed the savage breast after a bit of Bony-bashing. By the way, Holyhead is the home of the spiny anteater so watch out for the quills."

1054: WICKET Broad c Kallis b Duminy 20, Eng 536-7
Turn, edge, bagged at clip. Oh well. Swanny - your time is now.

1051: Eng 536-6
Now it's Bell's turn - stepping away to drive off the back foot for two, stepping away again to crash a shorter one from Duminy back down the ground for four more. Why couldn't this have happened in the Hour Of Great Tedium before lunch?

From Rick, Dubai, TMS inbox: "Nice try Leigh in Cardiff, but the real reason the Indian gents would giggle at Jez in Doha when he mentions KP is the fact that he has abbreviated the name. Saying "Kaypee" sounds very much like a rude name in Gujarati. It literally translates as "Big Headed one".

1051: Eng 529-6
Here we go! Broad, down on one knee - mowed over midwicket for a mighty six. A chap in the crowd sprints down the grassy bank in a desperate attempt to take the catch, slips on the slope and wears it on his forehead. Judging by the expression on his mates' faces, that could be the greatest moment of their lives. Broad again - same shot - four more! We're off and running...

1047: Eng 515-6
No two ways about it - tidal wave of emails in the TMS inbox urging England to get a rumble on. Simple maths - England need maximum time to bag 10 South African wickets. Two singles. Sigh.

From Steve Phillips, TMS inbox: "I think I understand the slow pace of this game. Leadership in the Wellington rather than Nelson style- always short of resources and generally outnumbered he made sure first that he did not lose a battle. So in twenty years time we will be the best team in the world."

From Leigh in very chilly Cardiff Bay, TMS inbox: "In India, they believe that KP bears a striking resemblance to Saurav Beni Hillpuru who used to be an Indian comedian in the late 70s. Hillpuru would run through the streets of Callcutta, chased by a throng of giggling Indian girls in mini-saris. Hillpuru's popularity waned when he was accused of cheating in the final of "Celebrity Kabadi 2002."

1008: If you want something to keep you going through the lunch break then Test Match Special will be reflecting on the highs and lows of the cricketing year.

From Jeremy, Doha, TMS inbox: "Morning Tom. Just chatting with some Indian contractors here in the Gulf, whose English is a bit limited. However, they know all the scores in both Tests and generally say nice things like "Cook - good stay in" or "Trotty - long time take". Except when I say KP, and they all look nervous and giggle. What's that all about? I thought he had a good rep in India. Any ideas?"

1001: Eng 513-6
One more before lunch? Yawns in exaggerated fashion, checks watch, puffs out cheeks and exhales heavily. Single at last, followed by another. No rush, lads. That's it for the session - a lead of 170. Bell will break on 119, Broad on 10.

From Chris in Westwood, TMS inbox: "Looks like Dogger is trying to prove that they're not Welsh at all with his talk of Blinis and champagne. Anyway, yeah bring on the slap before luncheon. PS. Received yours and Dirs book for Christmas, very amusing."

0957: Eng 510-6
Which side is trying to bat all day to save the Test here? Broad and Bell continue to drop anchor, and I'll be honest: I'm not liking this.

From Paul Lunt, TMS inbox: "Clearly Dogger has never been to Holyhead before. The celebrations will soon stop when he gets there."

0954: Eng 509-6
Breaking news about Paul Collingwood's finger: it isn't. Splendid. 16 dot balls in a row, and that's hard to understand. It's hardly the Curtly and Courtney Show out there.

From Robert, TMS inbox: "Can I go to Dai Pugh's wedding too, please? My parents live down Flint way, see. So it'd be a fine excuse for getting off work for the rest of the week.."

0951: Eng 509-6
Hello - Makhaya Ntini will return, thus ending one of the more tedious interludes of don't-bother spin. Same result - six dotters, and Belly has retreated into a post-lunch shell.

From Rich, balmy Bournemouth, TMS inbox: "Tom & David from Scarborough, please can you repay me the ten seconds of my life it just took me to read that McCartney fact. I've got more important things to be getting on with, ie building model men out of chocolate coin wrappers."

0947: Eng 509-6
Harris, hair tip-bleached like a transvestite attempting the Meg Ryan circa 1993 look, toils away into the rough. Amla in at short midwicket, cap folded and jammed in the trouser waist-band - simply a single. Lead to 166.

Michael Vaughan on TMS: "Great innings from Bell. He'll be delighted. He's had a lot of criticism but the only person he had to prove anything to was himself. He's such a good player, all the shots and talent, great to see him get a hundred and hopefully he's gone a long way to helping England win the match."

0944: Eng 508-6
Kallis stands impassive at slip, arms folded, face hidden behind Arnie-in-T2 shades. Singles steered away off Duminy. Is it greedy to wish for an acceleration?

From Dogger, Cardiff, TMS inbox: "Never has the 7:20 from Cardiff to Holyhead train had celebrations like this before. En-route to Dai Pugh's wedding in Flint, Pain au chocolats and Smoked Salmon Blinis got the first cheer. Champagne to toast Medz and Kate's Boxing Day Romance got a bigger one, but Belly's ton has beaten them both."

0940: Eng 505-6
Let's have a look at Harris's figures - ouch, 1-122. Third new ball due in seven overs, which is as depressing as it is uplifting for Graeme Smith. Over the wicket again to Broad, and South Africa are waiting for something mysterious and marvellous to somehow happen for them. Lead to 162.

From Jim, Leeds, TMS inbox: "Morning Tom, a quick question - is Dan Caunt's missive the most Welsh email you've ever received?"

0936: Eng 504-6
A blast from Billy the Trumpet as Duminy flicks the ball from finger to finger and trots in - easy singles, and Broad is playing a very disciplined role here. Anyone fancy some slap before luncheon?

0932: Eng 502-6
Looks like Umpire Dar might have a word with Harris about his negative bowling here. All very Ashley Giles. Wide of leg stump, missed by both Bell and Boucher, and that'll dribble away for three byes. Tickle to leg from Broad to bring up England's 500, and if tempt could be fated - beg your pardon fate could be tempted - you'd say that England can't lose this match fro... will I never learn?

From Johnny Mac, of Glasgow in Voss, Norway, TMS inbox: "Reading live text from minus 12C and tons of snow in Norway. Any more bikini reports? Go Belly, stamp on those miserable critics."

0929: Eng 494-6
Two dun-coloured Army helicopters sweep low over the ground, the clatter exciting Swann on the England balcony. Bell drives a fullish one from Duminy for two to deep extra cover; a pair of singles follow.

From Dan Caunt, TMS inbox: "On the train to Dai Pugh's wedding with Dogger, Pies, Rhys Wills, Meds plus WAGS. Big shout out to Meds who got engaged on Boxing Day to Kate."

0923: Eng 490-6
All smiles on the England balcony, Andrew Strauss sharing a gag with Luke Wright and the be-padded Graeme Swann. South Africa have almost sacked this one off - don't even appear to be trying to take a wicket, and with 35 minutes to go until lunch, the game is in danger of drifting away from them. Singles dabbed and swept; the lead to 147. 104 runs stuck on so far in this session.

0918: Eng 485-6
Harris to Bell - down the track - lofted - four! Ton-up for Belly, his ninth in Tests, and the crowd rise - splendid innings under pressure, and Bell goes for the double combo of kissing badge on helmet and three lions of shirt-front. Think he enjoyed that.

From David, Scarborough, TMS inbox: "Re Wings video for Pipes of Peace, the body double for Paul McCartney was the manager or assistant manager from the Leeds Permanent Building Society in Cheapside, London, I recall. My wife at the time worked there. Not a lot of people know that."

0915: Eng 479-6
Duminy again, and - oof - Broad nearly prods one down into the hands of Amla at silly mid-on. Lead to 136.

0912: Eng 478-6
So then. Stuart Broad to the fore, with Bell just four runs short of his ton. Not bagged a century for 19 innings, and Harris will aim into the rough again to frustrate and tempt. Shorter one, tickled towards square leg for a single. Wonder how Broad and Swann will play it here - 50 minutes before lunch. Watchful, is the answer so far.

0907: Prior b Duminy 60, Eng 477-6
Ach, he's gone now, cutting late at another wide one from JP and bottom-edging into his castle. Decent knock - just 80 balls - and it's done a job, England leading by 134.

From Giles, TMS inbox: "Tom, if the chap to your right says anything along the lines of "I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual," pick up our laptop and start running."

0904: Eng 474-5
Harris down leg again - swept aggressively by Prior for four more. Fifty for the shiny-pated stumper, and he's looking to ramp up the rate here.

0900: Eng 467-5
The Wings fan is now watching the Pipes of Peace video on YouTube. Other video-sharing websites are available. And other middle-of-the-road number ones from the 1980s. Although not many other videos featuring Paul McCartney as both English and German WW1 soldiers. Smash - Prior goes on the attack, carting Duminy just over the fielder on the deep midwicket fence for the first six of the day.

From James Marston, TMS inbox: "I have to agree with tempting fate, I am listening to the cricket after me and a friend enjoyed a bottle of white rum, the tempting fate part regards whether i clean up before my girlfriend arrives. I a) leave the associated mess hoping on here arrival she states ''aren't u silly boys i will clean it up'' or b) I cannot believe you left this mess, do you not respect me?.....the subsquent argument ensues."

0856: Eng 453-5
Umpires chatting about something, hopefully not the light, and in any case England wouldn't take it, surely. Geoffrey Boycott notes that this leg-side line from Harris is a real inconvenience for Bell, who is now in the 90s, but he gets away from the strike with an easy single. Prior sweeps a single to reach 41.

0853: Eng 451-5
Duminy bowls the first over after drinks and a well-run three through the covers by Prior keeps that all-important run-rate jogging along. Prior now sizes up a possible six over long-on but Duminy sends one down a bit wider and the Sussex man has to console himself with a dash for a single. Good over for England and the lead stretches to 108.

From David Blackbourn, TMS inbox: "I tried the Calvinist position yesterday, will be consulting my physiotherapist today. Beware."

0847: Eng 445-5
Harris again, six balls into the rough outside leg, six balls ignored by Bell. Absolutely nothing of interest in that over.

From Mark Tate, TMS inbox: "Re Wings. In the words of Alan Partridge, 'Only the band The Beatles could have been'."

0843: Eng 445-5
Duminy gets the nod from Smith - actually bowled better than Harris yesterday, the part-timer. There's a man back at deep mid-on, and there's a single there every time. Strange tactics. That's the 100 lead, and Smith strokes his chin in meditative fashion at mid-off.

0839: Eng 441-5
Harris, aiming into the leg-side rough with South Africa now on the complete defensive. Maiden.

From Woz in Cairo, TMS inbox: "Tom, I have to agree with yourself and Jim (on the train) regarding tempting fate. I am travelling back home to the UK tomorrow and am therefore hoping me not being able to listen to or watch any of tomorrows action will result in a fine outcome on Englands behalf (carefully chosen words)."

0834: Eng 440-5
A man to my right has just claimed that Wings' album Band On The Run "doesn't have a bad track on it". Bold. Tight from Morkel, clearly tired after the unstinting, erm, stints of the past two days. Bell pulls with short-armed jab to move to 86.

From Paul in Lancs, TMS inbox: "Joseph makes a good point, but only, ironically enough if we accept that there is a direct link between what we call fate and the will of God i.e. that all is pre-ordained and that man has no free will. It's good to start the day with a reflection on the essential counter-intuitition in the Calvinist position."

0829: Eng 439-5
Glimpse there of Jonathan Trott in the England dressing-room, squinting at a spot on his shoulder and giving it a vice-like squeeze. Time for some Harris tweak - nothing there at all, and the England pair are starting to enjoy this.

From Adam Gilchrist, TMS inbox: "Dear Rory Simpson (08:14). I few years ago I did a naked divebomb off Putney Bridge with my friend Luke. It's not funny - the tide was out and it was rather shallow. I couldn't sit down comfortably for a week. Not recommended kids..."

0825: Eng 435-5
Shot, Ian Bell - a casual run-away off the face past gully for four - controlled all the way. And another! Clipped off the pads for a three to deep midwicket that would have been a four on any other outfield.

From Jim on the train, TMS inbox: "Joseph, a propos tempting fate. I have listened to TMS twice for long periods over Christmas, once when Amla was building his innings in the first test, and then when Smith and Kallis were piling on the runs in the second. I am refusing to listen to that particular radio, or wear the same clothes I had on, until the end of the series."

0819: Eng 424-5
Strain over-steyning here - I'm sorry, Steyn over-straining - and Bell will drive off the open face for three past the sprinting Duminy at backward point. Partnership into the 60s, lead into the 80s.

From Rory Simpson, TMS inbox: "The prospect of losing Paul Collingwood through injury will make me that unhappy I will actually do a naked dive bomb off Putney Bridge."

0814: Eng 420-5
Joseph - see below - I applaud your logic. Stern rationality. Whooah - what the hell have you done? Prior has a one-day waft at Ntini's angler, edged - spilled by Prince at gully. Tough chance, but I think he went the wrong way initially. Easy to do at gully. Ntini throws himself to the ground and beats the turf in a histrionic hissy-fit.

From Joseph Hempstead, TMS inbox: "It's funny how otherwise completely rational people still don't like 'tempting fate'. Think what that implies, that there is definitely a God and if there's one thing he hates it's people getting smug. I can't see how England can possibly throw it away now."

0810: Eng 415-5
Better from Ntini, just outside off, just shy of a length. Bell stays watchful before Prior has a wild waft at Steyn's temper - howls from the prowlers in the in-field. That's more like it - decent stride forward, head over the ball, check-driving for two past the puffing Smith at mid-off. Steyn drops short, seeking spit and menace, and Prior pulls clunkily with his top hand coming off the handle for two more to deep midwicket. Lead to 72.

From Ben in the Vendee, TMS inbox: "Morning Tom. Well i awoke early and am stood here in the Vendee region of France stirring porridge with fingers, toes and eyes crossed, for Mr Bell to condemn myself and other critics. Ooh - porridge is ready - honey or golden syrup?"

Honey every time, Benjamin. Possibly with a dusting of cinnamon. And some overweight sultanas.

0800: Eng 409-5
Steyn scampers in - wide, full, edgy drive from Prior that flies past the sprawling JP-D at gully for four to third man. A brace of singles exchanged, and then Bell inside-edges away for another. Lead to 66. Costs £2.50 to get into Kingsmead for this Test. Just imagine.

0756: Eng 403-5
Early joust for Makhaya Ntini, who looked a busted flush in the first two days of England's innings. Steady enough, angling them in - over-angled, and Bell can work that away into the leg-side for two as the stiff-legged Morkel gives chase.

From David in Northern Ireland, TMS inbox: "Checking in for another day of watching and waiting eagarly updates, whilst pretending to do work. I'd say something humourous or intelligent now, but I'm much too tired and cold."

0751: Eng 401-5
Raucous early-morning applause from the Army of Barmy as rapid singles take England past the 400 mark. Still no sign of nonsense from this four-day-old track, and if it wasn't tempting fate - which clearly it is - I'd say that England should.... no. This is a time for old-fashioned discipline. I'm saying no more.

0747: Eng 399-5
Positive start from Bell, dabbing Morkel away with the pace for two to fine leg and then stealing singles with bright-eyed elan. Decent support in from the England fans; plenty of space around the green stands for home supporters.

0744: Eng 395-5
Steyn looks to be in a bit of a strop here. No harm in that - the more spice the merrier in a Test match. Breaking news from the England dressing-room, almost literally - Paul Collingwood has been taken to hospital with a suspected dislocated finger. Shipped it during the warm-up this morning. England would miss his slip skills if that's confirmed - I'll keep you posted.

0739: Eng 393-5
Morne Morkel, a vest under his short-sleeved shirt, strides in. Pick of the bowlers again yesterday, but that's too full - driven with classical high elbow by Prior back down the ground for three. Paul Harris chasing that one, his clipped 'tache in danger of looking a little Fuhrer. Anyone seen that episode of Pulling when the Bic flies down the toilet?

0734: Eng 390-5
Cloudy and overcast at Kingsmead, with the wind coming from the south-west - and in these parts, they call that a bowler's wind. Interesting. Dale Steyn, full of sneering snout, canters in to Ian Bell - loose down leg, flicked fine for the first four of the day. England lead by 47.

0725: If England can stick on a rapid 100 in this elongated morning session, take a lead of 150/200 into the afternoon session, get Swanny full of tweak - exactly. On the other hand we might just meander to a tedious flat-track draw. Hmm.

0720: And so we come to the Day Of Reckoning. A day for heroes. A day for deeds of derring-do, and possibly some derring-don'ts.