FOURTH TEST, The Oval (day two, close):
South Africa 194 & 37-1 v England 316
Kevin Pietersen marked his first Test as captain with a century that helped England retain the upper hand after two days of the fourth Test at The Oval. Pietersen guided the hosts past South Africa's first-innings 192 but fell for 100 as Makhaya Ntini (5-94) and Jacques Kallis (3-51) prompted a collapse. England were dismissed for 316 with Steve Harmison finishing 49 not out. James Anderson removed Graeme Smith before the close, which the tourists reached on 37-1, a deficit of 85 runs. LATEST ACTION (all times BST)  | 606: DEBATE |
e-mail tms@bbc.co.uk (with 'For Mark Mitchener' in the subject), text 81111 (with "CRICKET" as the first word) or use 606. (Not all contributions can be used)1918: Right, the debate will continue on 606, but that's it from us for the day. If I can get my fleece back from the Brettmeister General [see 1713], I'll be back here tomorrow morning to bring you all the thrills and spills (Spills? England are fielding, after all) from day three. Enjoy your Friday night and see you on the morrow. "Decent fightback by the Saffers. Just one wicket down... and 85 runs in deficit; still not over by a long stretch"
SwamyCricketAnanda on 606
Join the debate on 606 "That should be a pair for Smith after Cook's terrible catching efforts of the first morning!"
Mike in the TMS inbox CLOSE OF PLAY (DAY TWO) - SOUTH AFRICA TRAIL BY 85 RUNS WITH NINE SECOND-INNINGS WICKETS REMAINING 1912 - SA 37-1 (9 overs)
But the light, surprisingly, has held, and Flintoff will take the last over. Amla sensibly gets off strike with a single off the first ball, McKenzie prods another to deep mid-wicket. Amla pushes the last ball of the day for a single through the covers, and the Proteas end the day 85 runs behind England - but with their skipper back in the hutch already. "Mitch, talking of the Primary Club please could you mention that tomorrow is the British Blind Sport Primary Club National blind cricket cup final between Warwickshire Bears and London Metro on the Nursery Ground at Lord's. The game starts at 1400 BST with free entry to the ground. An excellent day out for those who can't afford or couldn't get tickets for the Test match"
Dave Gavrilovic in the TMS inbox
INTERNET LINK: The Primary Club 1908 - SA 34-1 (8 overs)
With Cap'n KP possibly anticipating the light deteriorating in the final five minutes, the under-used Monty Panesar is thrown the ball for some left-arm spin, with four close catchers in attendance for McKenzie, who obdurately blocks out the over. Time for just one more. 1905 - SA 34-1 (7 overs)
But no, we're going to continue - with Flintoff having a go from the Vauxhall End. And Amla is batting beautifully with an on-drive back past the bowler for four, then another boundary through third man. "Re: Jon Worth at 1741, I think the Aussies will win quite enough gold medals at London 2012, not sure they need another. Especially on our home turf, they have had the World Cup and Ashes here, can we say no to Olympic gold at Lord's?"
Oliver in the TMS inbox 1901 - SA 26-1 (6 overs)
CMJ fears this could be the last over because of the light. Amla gloriously cover-drives a tiring Harmy for four, then steers a well-run three through mid-wicket. He has 16, the Proteas trail by 96. "Just wondering if there's anyone else 'listening' to the live update here in Ouagadougou (the wonderfully named capital city of Burkina Faso). Keep up the good work"
Phil Davison in the TMS inbox 1857 - SA 19-1 (5 overs)
In case you missed it when I mentioned it earlier, because of the time we lost to rain and bad light earlier, play can technically continue until 1910 (if the light lasts). McKenzie turns an outswinger off his legs for a single, then a fluent straight-drive from Amla goes for four. He dabs a single off the last ball. 1853 - SA 13-1 (4 overs)
Harmy steams in from the Pavilion End, while CMJ and Tuffers wonder whether the batsmen might start having words with the umpires about the light. Just a single from McKenzie from the over. "Hello again all! Update on my Swedish PA [see 1559 entry]. 'It's getting interesting,' I said. 'What is?' she replied... 'The bubbles dissipating on your beer?' - and in reply to Anon [1641], re: does my wife know etc... I'm divorced (wonder why) and after the cricket, a home-made curry and an episode of Midsomer Murders... sorry to ruin your illusions chaps"
Martin in the TMS inbox 1848- SA 12-1 (3 overs)
McKenzie nudges Anderson for a single, and the Lancastrian then hits Amla on the shoulder with a bouncer which nips back to strike the bearded South African. A flashing cut brings him four over backward point. 1845 - SA 7-1 (2 overs)
What can Harmy do now, having swung the bat with great gusto? Neil McKenzie is forward to his first ball, then gets a fortunate edge between third slip and gully (almost in a fifth slip position) and it shoots away for four. A single rotates the strike, then Ambrose fails to stop one which yields a couple of byes. 1839 - SA 0-1 (1 over)
New batsman Hashim Amla defends the last ball as Anderson completes a wicket maiden. 1837 - WICKET - Smith lbw b Anderson 0 - SA 0-1 (0.5 overs)
Jimmy takes the first over, gets a bit of swing and traps Smith plumb in front with a beauty from the fifth ball of the over! Huge wicket for England! 1832: England have a spring in their step as they walk out, while in vaguely sport-related news, former tennis legend Pam Shriver has filed for divorce from George Lazenby - the Darren Pattinson of the James Bond film series (a one-hit wonder Australian? Come on?)
BBC NEWS: Lazenby and Shriver to divorce "Mark - how can you say 'the BBC doesn't endorse gambling - whether at work or not' when in the very next breath you ask for odds on the fly that was in the bowler's eye being the same fly that was in the batsman's eye (1653 - sorry for the delayed response, have been doing a spot of work)? You should be fired"
Martin in the TMS inbox "This is a perfect little spell for England to have a blast at South Africa here - make them get a nightwatchman in!"
Phil Tufnell on TMS "That raises a question for the Primary Club - as Monty was run out without facing a ball, does that count as a primary?"
Bill Frindall on TMSENGLAND FIRST INNINGS 1826 - WICKET - Panesar run out (Harris) 0 - Eng 316 all out (96 overs)
Harmison on strike against Nel. On 49 - last man Monty Panesar is non-striker. But going for his 50, he tries to tip-and-run a suicidal single, the dawdling Montster is run out at the striker's end and Harmy is left high and dry on 49! The lead is 122. 1823 - WICKET - Anderson lbw b Harris 13 - Eng 316-9 (95 overs)
Another glorious four off Harris takes Harmy to 49 (and completes the fifty partnership), he then prods a "single" to square leg... but spoilsport umpire Steve Davis taps his leg to signal a leg bye. The next ball, Jimmy tries a reverse sweep - but it is stopped by Kallis at slip. Another well-run two takes Jimmy to 13 - but then in a moment of madness, he incredibly pads up to a straight ball, and that's the easiest lbw decision Davis will ever have to give. 1818 - Eng 309-8 (94 overs)
Nel flings one down wide outside off stump, Harmy swats it for four to third man and that's his highest Test score. He then swings and misses with an old-fashioned tail-ender's slog, and gives Nel a cheeky grin. A pull to fine leg takes him to 45, then Anderson cover-drives, Amla gives chase and stops the boundary but they complete an all-run four! Nel misses the stumps as the ball's thrown in, he's livid! 1814 - Eng 300-8 (93 overs)
Harris is back on - are South Africa trying to buy a wicket here, with Harmy hitting out? He edges the first ball for four through third man - and while Aggers recalls playing under the captaincy of David Gower at Leicestershire with fondness, Boycs is dismissive of the formerly golden-haired left-hander's captaincy skills. Harris spears one down the leg side, which is a no-ball (and should have been a wide as well, if it were possible). Harmy then sweeps and they run a quick single to take the score to the heady heights of 300 - and his own total to 40 (his highest Test score is 42 against South Africa in Cape Town in 2005). 1810 - Eng 294-8 (92 overs)
...they can bring back the snarling Nel - but Anderson beautifully steers him through the off side for two! Nel moves around the wicket and nearly deceives Jimmy with a slower ball. Nel mutters under his breath as he beats the bat a couple of times, but can't make the breakthrough. "And so England's wicketkeeper/non-batsman woes continue. We could return to Prior and ship 20 runs in byes I suppose..."
Derek Grange, still at work in Northwich, in the TMS inbox 1806 - Eng 292-8 (91 overs)
Another easy single for Harmison, then Anderson nudges one to fine leg. What can SA do now? "Sorry Tiny Tim, you don't look a great gloveman and yer batting is rubbish. Time for a change methinks"
Burner from Banstead in the TMS inbox 1800 - Eng 290-8 (90 overs)
Harmy steers a two to mid-wicket, then pushes an easy single to long-on. The field comes in closer for Jimmy, and he sees off Ntini as the lead stretches to 96. "Harmy is doing well. Brought in to replace Vaughan and he's scoring more runs!"
Anonymous, via text on 811111755 - Eng 287-8 (89 overs)
Harmy takes on Morkel this time, and the crowd are loving it. The Durham paceman, playing in the style of an old-fashioned tail-ender, has another big swing towards long-on - and the ball disappears to third man for four! A nudged leg-bye rotates the strike, then Anderson steers a two which bounces out of the hands of Amla at short leg - a half-chance. Morkel generously advances the England score with his fourth no-ball of the innings. "I visited the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller, Alberta (Canada) last week, and it occurred to me that civilization as we know it is built on two pillars. One is great museums, the other is online cricket commentary for wayward souls who live in places where the sport is not well known. Bless you for your good work"
Leigh Harris, Canada, in the TMS inbox 1751 - Eng 279-8 (88 overs)
CMJ notices a "military-looking" plane overhead, and Bill Frindall comments "I hope it's one of ours". Harmy pulls Ntini well to long leg for two, then smears another big hit over the bowler's head and it lands between two fielders as they run a single. 1746 - DROPPED CATCH - Eng 276-8 (87 overs)
With Harmy enjoying himself against Ntini, poor old Jimmy has to cope with the pace and bounce of Morkel. He punches a single to mid-off as Graeme Smith pulls a face in the background. Morkel has been out of luck all day, and the trend continues as Harmy has a huge mow towards long-on, gets an edge and it bounces out of Boucher's gloves above his head - Harmy has another four! He pinches the strike with a single, he must want another dart at Ntini... "Can't you find a picture of a butter dish to illustrate a dropped catch? There have been so many lately it needs an icon of its own"
John Starbuck, Huddersfield, in the TMS inbox 1741 - Eng 270-8 (86 overs)
Harmy takes the attack to Ntini, hoisting him over the top but it falls safely and they run two. He then edges just short of Kallis at second slip. He then opens his shoulders with a hoist to cow corner which is a first-bounce four! Harmy's on 19 now. A shorter delivery is fended off but drops safely in front of gully. "Following on from the current discussion about cricket at the Olympic Games a petition has been launched about that today - Twenty20 for 2012"
Jon Worth in the TMS inbox
INTERNET LINK: Twenty20 for 20121737 - Eng 264-8 (85 overs)
Anderson has to fend off a couple of lifters from Morkel, but survives the over. Meanwhile, England's women have thrashed their South African counterparts at Lord's - bowling them out for 85 to win their ODI by an incredible 225 runs. Well done to Charlotte Edwards and her team.
Full scorecard: England women v South Africa 1731 - Eng 264-8 (84 overs)
Simon Mann on TMS notes that all the wickets today have fallen to catches, while summariser Shaun Pollock has noticed that they've all come from the Vauxhall End (which, with true Tony Greig-style pronounciation, he calls the "Vorks-all End"). New batsman James Anderson is off the mark with a single. 1728 - WICKET - Broad c McKenzie b Ntini 1 - Eng 263-8 (83.2 overs)
Harmy is looking like his eye's in now, he bashes Ntini over mid-off for three but then the beaming Proteas seamer completes his "Michelle" (five-fer) by inducing Broad to edge to McKenzie at third slip. 1726 - Eng 260-7 (83 overs)
Harris's 13-over spell is ended and Morne Morkel returns to share the new ball. Simon Mann on TMS notes that while Harmy is batting at number nine for England, he sometimes bats 11 for Durham. Umpire Davis then ups the ante by warning Morkel for running on the pitch (he's bowling round the wicket to the left-handed Broad). Two more transgressions and he's off (you get a first warning, a final warning and then you can't bowl for the rest of the innings). A maiden. "Responding to Tim's question (1554) - the last English-born wicketkeeper to score a hundred for England in a Test was Alec Stewart at Old Trafford on 13th June 2002 where he scored 123 against Sri Lanka. Chris Read's top score for England is only 55 and as MM said, Tim Ambrose, Geraint Jones and Matt Prior were all born overseas"
Jon Bissell, Halesowen, in the TMS inbox 1721 - SECOND NEW BALL TAKEN - Eng 260-7 (82 overs)
Ntini returns, Harmy steps across his stumps and bludgeons him through extra cover for four! The second new ball is belatedly taken halfway through the over. "I know the feeling [re: the Swedish PA, 1559]. My wife is Swedish and I've given up trying to get her to understand cricket. I'm hoping she won't try to indoctrinate our 10-month-old son"
Andrew in the TMS inbox 1716 - Eng 256-7 (81 overs)
The second new ball is available, but it's still Harris with the old ball for the time being, as Broad nudges a leg-bye. Harmy prods forward, the Proteas yell "catch it", umpire Steve Davis ruled it came off his pad. Harmy sweeps a single to take the lead to 62. 1713 - Eng 254-7 (80 overs)
Harmy is off the mark with a single through mid-wicket, Broad rotates the strike and then Harmy jabs a four through the slips. My "gaffer" in the office today is Oliver Brett, but the "Brettmeister General" is feeling the cold so much he's even now wearing my fleece. The rest of us are fine, so he may have caught a chill or something. 1709 - Eng 248-7 (79 overs)
While Tuffers and Aggers on TMS compare their experiences as lower-order batsmen from their England days, Broad plays out a maiden from Harris. "Yet again another example of Pietersen at his best and worst. Wonderful century, laps up the applause and then throws his wicket away forgetting that cricket is a team game"
Piers Michell in the TMS inbox 1706 - Eng 248-7 (78 overs)
New batsman is Steve Harmison - but play is held up as Broad has disappeared! He shot off as soon as Colly was out, but eventually returns. Harmy has a bit of a tendency to give his wicket away rather rapidly by playing his shots early on - can he justify his status at number nine ahead of the improving Anderson? He looks to have turned over a new leaf, playing out the wicket maiden very responsibly. 1702 - WICKET - Collingwood c & b Kallis 61 - Eng 248-7 (77.2 overs)
Colly spoons one from Kallis up into the air off the shoulder of the bat, and the burly all-rounder scuttles through to take an unusual caught-and-bowled. 1700 - Eng 248-6 (77 overs)
England are not finding it easy against Harris's line of attack - just a single from Colly from the over. "We still have such a large proportion of batsmen out of touch coming to the crease, and selectors who refuse to look outside of the favoured and very limited circle, that we effectively need eight batsman in the team so Prior will get back in the team by default - not as a keeper but as a back-up batsman - he only scored runs against weak opposition last time out so are we any better off?"
Vinotackler on 606
Join the debate on 6061657 - Eng 247-6 (76 overs)
Bill Frindall on TMS reveals that play can continue until 1910 this evening (because of the time lost to rain and bad light earlier) - although we're unlikely to reach that time because of bad light in an hour or two. Colly steers Kallis for a single to the cover boundary, and we're a little becalmed here. "Geoffrey was obviously a great player and servant for his country, but next time he starts going on about how runs and wickets against Bangladesh and the like don't count, and how in his day all test teams were full of great players, would somebody please point out to him that until the late 70s fielders often didn't move and certainly didn't run. I'm guessing that the improved athleticism of modern day fielders makes scoring runs a tad trickier..."
Dan, Stamford, in the TMS inbox 1653 - Eng 246-6 (75 overs)
Atfer a single from Colly, Broad has to pull away as he has a fly (or other insect) in his eye. Incredibly, Harris pulls out of the next delivery as he has a similar insect in his eye - what odds the same one, working its way from batsman to bowler? Undaunted, he gets one to rip out of the rough and it strikes Broad (not playing a shot) on the pad - but umpire Steve Davis shakes his head benevolently. "Sorry chaps - KP's wicket was my bad: I wondered out loud to the office when he got his century 'right, how many balls til he's out? Two? Three?' If only we were allowed to put bets on at work�"
Jim in Leeds in the TMS inbox[BBC Sport does not endorse gambling, whether at work or not - MM] 1649 - Eng 245-6 (74 overs)
Broad, wearing an armguard seemingly attached to his arm by black masking tape, is being watched by his father Chris from the stands. Broad senior is wearing a very lurid orange shirt - presumably an experienced ICC match referee like him will know not to walk behind the bowler's arm while dressed like that, as he would undoubtedly halt play. The left-handed Broad junior plays out Kallis for a maiden over. 1645 - Eng 245-6 (73 overs)
Let's try to be positive - walking out for England is their top batsman (as far as the averages go, anyway) - the flaxen-haired Stuart Broad. He's the non-striker as Harris continues his negative leg-stump assault on Colly. The Durham man finally shows some aggression as he comes down the track to force-hit Harris over mid-on for four. "Simon [1248]. Spare a thought for a certain Mr A Flintoff who played only one Test for the ICC World XI and took seven wickets (including Ponting twice and Gilchrist). What more could he have done to get another game?"
Tom Buckland in the TMS inbox 1641 - WICKET - Ambrose c Smith b Kallis 4 - Eng 241-6 (72 overs)
Ambrose doubles his score again with a two, but he'll need to hit a boundary to keep up this sequence. But England give South Africa more slip-catching practice as Kallis entices a prod from Tiny Tim which goes straight to Smith at first slip. "Re: the Swedish PA, two questions, has he told his wife and what is he doing following the cricket?"
Anon, via text on 811111636 - Eng 239-5 (71 overs)
Harris continues his unusual line of attack against Ambrose, who drives into the covers for a single which doubles his score. The Olympic opening ceremony is still going on, they're on to the speeches now. I don't envy Caroline Cheese having to sit through all that, and keep the live text commentary going...
Live - Olympics opening ceremony "Re: Yorkshire's dismal batting display [1533] at least we have 'run machine' Vaughan to come back ... Errr"
Barnsley Tyke in the TMS inbox 1633 - Eng 238-5 (70 overs)
Ambrose is off the mark with his first ball as he turns Kallis to leg for a single, and a textbook cover drive brings Colly another four. "What an irresponsible shot from KP, drop him now..."
Richard Knight in the TMS inbox 1629 - Eng 233-5 (69 overs)
New batsman is Tim Ambrose, who's the non-striker as Harris resumes his Gilo-ball attack on Colly (bowling over the wicket into the footmarks). A fairly nondescript maiden ensues. 1626 - WICKET - Flintoff c Boucher b Kallis 9 - Eng 233-5 (68 overs)
Jacques Kallis to take up the attack after tea, and Colly steers a single to fine leg to bring up his half century. Then, Flintoff airily drives at the last ball of the over and gives a simple catch to Boucher the poucher behind the stumps! "Why bring up Swedish PAs [1559]? It's hard enough to concentrate on my work as it is and that's just due to the live text!"
Paul, via text on 811111620: Players are walking out - this may be a long session as we've another 40 overs to get in today according to Bill Frindall, if bad light doesn't curtail play. TEA INTERVAL "Re: Aggers [1248] & Neil Williams [1455]. Tough luck on Joey Benjamin (an honoured member of the Darren Pattinson Club), his only four Test wickets came in one innings at The Oval in 1994 - Messers Cronje, Wessels, Richardson & Matthews the victims. Not a bad return, although slightly overshadowed by some chap called Devon and his 9-fer in the second innings"
Jonnie, at work, in the TMS inbox
Feature: Malcolm's greatest spell (includes archive video) 1603 - Eng 232-4 (67 overs)
Harris to bowl the last over before tea. Will Flintoff settle down and play for the interval? Not on your (Andre) Nellie - he smashes Harris back over his head for a huge straight six! Crikey! Kallis, stood at slip, is wearing a sunhat and a cap (with the cap on top of the sunhat), but Freddie safely sees off the rest of the over. Time for tea. "Alan [1518], wheesht man, pay your money and stop adding to the impression that we Scots are as tight as spandex"
Euan in Edinburgh in the TMS inbox "The Grange is not a walled park! It is one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in Scotland of which there are many - correction in Britain. It has a listed pavilion and it will hold 6,000 on the day and I speak as a sassenach!"
Charles Mullins in the TMS inbox 1559 - Eng 226-4 (66 overs)
Colly off-drives Ntini for two, then nudges another single to take his score to 49. As the clock ticks towards tea, Freddie is off the mark as he edges a three down to third man. "I'm trying to get my Swedish personal assistant (I live in Sweden) to enthuse over the cricket. Her answer? 'I'd rather watch the potatoes boil.' (Philistine!)"
Martin in the TMS inbox 1554 - Eng 220-4 (65 overs)
Colly now has to shoulder the "senior partner" role, just as he did after Pietersen was out at Edgbaston. Just a single from Harris's over. "Your comment about Sarah Taylor (1431) made me wonder when was the last time a male English wicketkeeper scored a ton for England?"
Tim, counting down the hours till the end of work, Worcester, in the TMS inbox
[I presume you mean "English-born", as Ambrose, Prior and Geraint Jones were born overseas - so it might have been Alec Stewart? MM] 1551 - Eng 219-4 (64 overs)
New batsman is Andrew Flintoff, and you could politely say he's due some runs too. He plays and misses at Ntini's final ball. 1549 - WICKET - Pietersen c Kallis b Ntini 100 - Eng 219-4 (63.5 overs)
A streaky four through the now-vacant slip cordon by Colly brings up the century partnership, then he leans into an off-drive to bring KP back on strike, on 96. He finally brings up his 14th Test century by steering Ntini through mid-wicket, removes his helmet and salutes the crowd with both arms aloft. The camera predictably picks out his wife Jessica (wearing sunglasses and a grey hoodie), applauding with the rest of the crowd. But two balls later, he wafts at a wide one and is caught by Kallis at a wideish second slip! Incredible scenes! 1545 - Eng 210-3 (63 overs)
Harris is still bowling over the wicket to Colly, who shovels a single off his legs behind square. KP singles to leg to reach 96. Colly nudges one to square leg, then KP is beaten in the flight and misses his attempted flick through mid-wicket, but is saved when the ball hits his right thigh - and as it pitched outside leg, he can't be lbw. He's still on 96. 1541 - Eng 207-3 (62 overs)
Ntini replaces Nel - remember, he's taken all three wickets but shelled a couple in the field. He's going to go round the wicket to Cap'n KP, who nudges a single to reach 93, Colly pops a single off his legs. Some comedy fielding from Morkel, who fails twice to complete a clean pick-up, allows KP to run two - he now has 95. "According to the BBC News article 'The 08 Olympics... 1908, that is' one of Britain's many gold medals was won by Test cricketer Johnny Douglas in the middleweight boxing division. A split decision went his way when the fight referee (his own father) ruled in his favour!"
Bill, Cardiff, in the TMS inbox
The 08 Olympics... 1908, that is 1536 - Eng 203-3 (61 overs)
A rapid maiden from Harris to Colly - we've only had two singles in the last five overs. Maybe that drinks break has done for England? 1533 - Eng 203-3 (60 overs)
KP, on 92, faces Nel, but on three separate occasions he completely mistimes a drive and can't get it off the square. A maiden ensues. And Yorkshire have lost by 10 wickets at the Rose Bowl - Geoff Boycott is noticeable by his absence from the summariser's chair at the moment...
Latest county scores "In response to Simon [1248], Shakeel Ahmed of Pakistan played one Test in 1998 and dismissed both the Waugh twins"
Dan in Redbourn in the TMS inbox 1529 - Eng 203-3 (59 overs)
Tea's going to be held at 1600, Aggers announces (after the time we lost earlier). Pietersen milks Harris for a two and a single, then a helmet is summoned for wicketkeeper Boucher. But with Harris bowling over the wicket, Ashley Giles-style, to Colly, the Durham man is able to pad away anything that pitches outside leg stump without any fear of being out lbw. "The way Nel/Gunther always appears to be on the verge of blowing up and bursting into multi-coloured flames, perhaps he could be used as the closing ceremony at the Olympics instead of a fireworks display. Would certainly save a lot of money, whilst at the same time, quite possibly, making lots of people very happy"
Shafique Cockar, London, in the TMS inbox 1522 - Eng 200-3 (58 overs)
Pietersen nudges for a single to bring up England's 200, then Colly trudges out to do a bit of mid-pitch gardening. He sees off the rest of the over - and after a drinks break, we'll have Harris v Pietersen. 1518 - Eng 199-3 (57 overs)
A super prediction that last over, if I say so myself, as spinner Paul Harris marks out his run-up! They bring in the helmeted Hashim Amla at short leg, and he takes a painful blow on the shoulder when Colly whacks the ball at him from point-blank range, but it's a maiden. "�40 for England v SA at the Oval is CHEAP. The Scotland v England one-dayer at the Grange (a walled park) in Edinburgh on 18 Aug is�48 for adults, �26 for concessions, so that's �152 for me, my mum and dad and two kids under five - I don't think so. I'm considering throwing my scarf over the wall and climbing in as a sort of revenge for Wembley all those years ago! Will lash down most of the day anyway, the Scots will be hoping for a flukey victory on D/L rules"
Alan in the TMS inbox 1513 - Eng 199-3 (56 overs)
KP turns Nel for a single to leg - England trail by just two now. The highest score by an England player in their first match as captain was 128 against Pakistan at Lord's by someone called Andrew Strauss, whatever happened to him? After a single from Colly, another on-drive from KP brings four through mid-on, and his side are now ahead. South Africa are struggling for options now, when does Harris get a bowl? 1508 - Eng 191-3 (55 overs)
Cap'n KP pulls Morkel through mid-wicket for four, then a straight drive has nearly everyone in this office bellowing "Shot!" as he powerfully punches it past Nel for another boundary. Then he goes to 78 with a cracker of a square cut, which has Smith rubbing his head in frustration. He's denied four fours in the over when an on-drive is stopped by Harris just inside the ropes, but they run three which means he keeps the strike! 1503 - Eng 176-3 (54 overs)
Nel switches between bowling over and around the wicket to Colly, but can't find the edge and a maiden ensues. "Re: Kevin Ilott [1258] - The present SL bowling line up is the injury-hit one. Add Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando to that, and you've got the weirdest, unplayablest bowling attacks of all time... as the famed 'Fab Four' are finding out"
Alok, Bangalore, in the TMS inbox 1459 - Eng 176-3 (53 overs)
The luckless Morkel again has Colly playing and missing at some good deliveries. Colly steers him to the cover boundary where Ashwell Prince tries to make a sliding stop, but the third umpire rules his foot touched the rope as he made the stop. Another cover drive brings a single. "David Gower averages 20 with the ball and has a strike rate of one wicket every 36 balls, that one wicket being Kapil Dev!"
John, Manchester, in the TMS inbox
[But he's also the only England captain to be no-balled in a Test for deliberate throwing! MM] 1455 - Eng 171-3 (52 overs)
Pietersen taps Nel away for a single, and a powerful square cut from the gritty Collingwood brings him four and takes his score to 30. A single brings KP back on strike, Nel tries going round the wicket but can only slant in a wide one. England are just 23 behind now. "Re Aggers' Test wickets [1248], Neil Williams took two wickets in his one-game Test career - Sachin Tendulkar (11,857) and Mohammed Azharuddin (6,215) - not a bad pair to bag"
Chris Murphy in the TMS inbox "The ultimate shortlist must be that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Whilst he never appeared in a Test, he does have one first-class victim - none other than WG Grace"
Simon in Lincolnshire in the TMS inbox 1450 - Eng 165-3 (51 overs)
After the fortunate KP nudges a single, Morkel bowls an absolute jaffa which just evades Colly's nervous prod. 1447 - DROPPED CATCH - Eng 164-3 (50 overs)
More misery for Ntini in the field as KP top-edges Nel over mid-on. Ntini runs back, trying to take it over his shoulder, and it's a very difficult chance and he gets both hands to it - but drops it! Mr Nel takes this in with either calm reflectiveness or apoplectic fury - you guess which. It's in the air so long they run three. 1442 - Eng 161-3 (49 overs)
A single off Morkel takes Colly to 26, then KP dashes a well-run two to move to 60 before pinching the strike to resume his duel with Nel. Time for some more Olympic cricketers. "Shahid Afridi to compete in the ice dancing competition as he showed us he's quite nimble when he danced on the wicket in Faisalabad" (Mark, Hereford)
"For 2012, Stuart Broad's 6'6" would do well in B-Ball, and I don't mind him taking his shirt off afterwards. I hear it's all the rage in the US at the moment" (Katie, Oxford)
"Colly would be ideal for table tennis - lots of nurdles here and there with nice flicks of the wrist. By the sounds of the 'head first diving stop' (1231), Neil McKenzie could be a cert for the high board diving" (Steve in Leeds)1437 - Eng 157-3 (48 overs)
Time for another burst from the snarling Nel, and after a single apiece, Pietersen steers him through mid-wicket for four. Nel is chuntering away to himself (or possibly Gunther) as he stalks back to his mark. 1431: After that brief delay, the players are coming back out. And at Lord's, England's women have finished their 50 overs and scored a mammoth 310-3. Caroline Atkins scored 145 and Sarah Taylor 129, putting on 268 for the first wicket (the highest ever partnership for any wicket in women's ODIs). As Taylor also keeps wicket, she must be in contention for a call-up for the men's team with scores like that! One of the South African bowlers is called van der Westhuizen - sadly not swimsuit model Minki van der Westhuizen, who used to go out with Graeme Smith for a spell.
Live scorecard: England women v South Africa 1424: BAD LIGHT STOPPED PLAY
The umpires consult between overs, offer the light and England (slightly surprisingly in my view) accept the offer. And I get to use my "bad light" graphic again! 1423 - MISSED CATCH - Eng 151-3 (47 overs)
Simon Mann on TMS is concerned about the light - he thinks if it was 1830 in the evening and not 1420 in the afternoon, the umpires would have their light meters out. Cap'n KP steers Morkel to the square leg boundary for two, to bring up 150 for his side. Then, KP skies one high into the air to deep backward square leg, it's between Ntini at long leg and Harris running round from mid-wicket, Ntini calls for the catch (we think Harris was closer at the time Ntini called him off) and dives for it but fails to get either hand to it! A huge miss for the Proteas. 1419 - Eng 148-3 (46 overs)
What can Ntini do with the "new" (used) ball? Colly picks up the length immediately and smashes a four through mid-wicket. Maybe they'll change the ball again... "Re: Tom Kendall (1145): While it's true we are reigning Olympic cricket champions, the French side we defeated were made up of members of staff from the British Embassy in France so the victors were pretty much bound to be English... although knowing England we probably still had a top/middle order collapse on the way"
Andy S, supposedly working in Kent, in the TMS inbox 1414 - Eng 144-3 (45 overs)
Morkel replaces Kallis, but Colly clips him for a single to sub fielder Robin Peterson, who's having another run-out, on the mid-wicket boundary. South Africa have been taking Michael Vaughan lessons - complaining about the state of the ball (referred to by TMS commentator Henry Blofeld as "ballsmanship"). While umpire Dar takes one look at the ball and reaches for his radio, KP dashes off to the dressing-room - surely he couldn't have been caught short so soon after lunch? Fourth ump Richard Illingworth brings out the box of replacement balls, and KP's back on and is now wearing a jumper (one of those new-fangled ones). Finally the ball is changed, and KP gets a big inside edge which falls safely. "A batter short? No they're not. Broad's batting average over 9 Tests = 41.22. Vaughan's average over 82 Tests = 41.44"
Richard Stimson in the TMS inbox 1406 - Eng 143-3 (44 overs)
A contender for "shot of the day" as KP reaches his 12th Test 50 with a prodigiously-struck pull for four (with one leg off the ground in the manner of Gordon Greenidge). Meanwhile, England's women are bashing seven bells out of their South African counterparts at Lord's, they're 252-0 after 44 overs of today's ODI!
Live scorecard: England women v South Africa1402 - Eng 139-3 (43 overs)
Colly rides his luck against Kallis, lofting a pull high into the air towards mid-wicket, but safely and they run two. A more controlled pull sails for four towards the Peter May Stand as Colly takes his bottom hand off the bat, and CMJ starts quoting the "quality of mercy" speech from "The Merchant of Venice", although he hopes there will be no more "gentle rain from heaven" today. 1358 - Eng 133-3 (42 overs)
Pietersen is watchful for the first five balls of Ntini's over, waiting for a loose delivery, and prods the last ball between slip and gully for four. 1353 - Eng 129-3 (41 overs)
While CMJ and Tuffers debate the respective merits of "100 hundreds" men Hick and Ramprakash, Kallis floats one in to Colly that's so far outside off stump that umpire Steve Davis signals a wide. Colly finally cuts loose with a powerful cover-driven four. And those Olympic suggestions are still pouring in! "Tiny Tim Ambrose could be compared to Eric the Eel at the Sydney Olympics: out of his depth and treading water. It would be great to see James Foster back in the England fold for the tour to India" (Matt in Cambridge)
"Ryan Sidebottom would get a gold in the curling" (Tom Driscoll)
"Jesse Ryder for the boxing, that man loves punching!" (William Bradley, Enniskillen)
"Would the whole England team be up for the equestrian three-day event team?" (Sam Jacobs)
"Surely KP could partake in the equestrian events as a show-pony" (Blake Osborne)
"Too bad they don't have the crazy anger Olympics where Andre Nel might just beat The Hulk to gold..." (Matt B)1349 - Eng 124-3 (40 overs)
KP is "resolutely straight" against Ntini, according to CMJ on TMS, and plays out a maiden. 1345 - Eng 124-3 (39 overs)
Jacques "Shark" Kallis resumes against Colly, who's off the mark as he tickles a loose delivery off his hip for four. An even better shot off his toes from the Durham man brings another boundary through mid-wicket. LUNCH INTERVAL 1339: With the players coming out, time for another handful of "cricketers as Olympic sportsmen"... "Guaranteed gold if we entered Freddie Flintoff into the inaugural summer biathlon, consisting of parallel bars and white water canoeing" (Tom, Nottingham)
"Ian Bell in 400m to run a fantastic 200m and be miles ahead, then pull up lame" (Jeremy Goodacre)
"James Anderson for either Tennis or Badminton... it's all in the swing" (Lee Bishop, Farnborough, Hants)
"Muttiah Muralitharan should do the shot putt. The way he can powerfully straighten that arm during delivery (allegedly) would make him a natural" (Adrian J Tranter)1332: For those of you who may be wondering where regular cricket text commentator Tom Fordyce has got to, he's one of our "crew" out in Beijing - and while the opening ceremony continues, Fordyce fans may wish to check out our Olympics blog to find out what he's been up to.
Olympics blog - the latest from Tom Fordyce "Chris Bradley [1104 entry] makes a very valid and important point about your initials. Were you to move on from your Masters degree, discover a wonder drug which kept you alive until the year 4,000, took French citzenship and ended up being buried in a French cemetery with a penchant for Latin numerals on headstones, you'd get M MM (MMM), M. MMMM. Even better if they made a television programme about your life exactly 1,000 years later"
Paul in Lancs in the TMS inbox
[Meanwhile, back in the real world... MM] 1304: While we take a break for a sandwich, with all this talk of Olympic cricketers, I can recommend you take a look at our live text commentary on the opening ceremony in Beijing, courtesy of Miss Caroline Cheese. There's auto-refresh and everything, so you can just sit back and watch...
Live - Olympics opening ceremony1302 - Eng 116-3 (38 overs)
This should be the last over before lunch, but there's still no sign of spin (if you can call Paul Harris a spinner, which Geoff Boycott doesn't) as Ntini (who has taken all three wickets) continues his quest for all 10. KP isn't having anything of it, plays out a maiden and then leaves his helmet and gloves out by the stumps to dry off during the interval - while emphasising his desire to occupy the crease. "I know it's no longer on the schedule, but back in the day Kallis would have made a great anchor in the tug of war" (Hadrian, London)
"I would consider Smith in Harmison's first over as an entrant for the Hop, Skip & Jump (following his triumph in the Marathon at Edgbaston) while Cook yesterday should have been for the High Jump" (Pete Blott)1258 - Eng 116-3 (37 overs)
Another KP single brings Colly swiftly on strike against Kallis. Colly is seemingly in KP mode (wanting to get off the mark as soon as possible) - he bunts a single to short mid-wicket, and would have been run out by a metre if McKenzie's throw had hit the stumps. Better running sees Pietersen guide Kallis away for a well-run three. "On the subject of the Sri Lanka v India Test match, does anybody else think Sri Lanka's bowling attack is starting to look terrifying?"
Kevin Ilott in the TMS inbox
Live scorecard: Sri Lanka v India 1253 - Eng 111-3 (36 overs)
New batsman Paul Collingwood, elevated to number five, defends his first ball. 1251 - WICKET - Cook c Boucher b Ntini 39 - Eng 111-3 (35.5 overs)
Ntini returns, and has a short mid-on who's so close to non-striker Cook that he could pick his pocket as he backs up, and a short mid-wicket. But KP steers him through gully for four. Then, the bowling change appears to have worked as Cook yet again fails to use his feet, hangs his bat out and gives keeper Boucher a straightforward catch. Nelson has struck! "Do you think Arjuna Ranatunga would be big enough to make a good mounting horse in the Olympic gymnastics?" (Anthony Steele)
"Dennis Lillee should be the Aussie javelin thrower following his effort with the metal bat" (Alex, via text on 81111)
1248 - Eng 106-2 (35 overs)
KP pushes Kallis for a quick single to the lumbering Morkel at mid-on. That burst of boundaries seems a long time ago now. "TMS's Jonathan Agnew has four Test wickets. They were: Aravinda De Silva (6361 Test runs), Arjuna Ranatunga (5105), Gordon Greenidge (7558), and Viv Richards (8540). Can anyone else come up with a more impressive shortlist of victims?"
Simon, East Sussex, in the TMS inbox1243 - Eng 105-2 (34 overs)
Nel sends his square leg back to the boundary, but Cook steers a single to fine leg. KP pinches the strike with a single, and it looks a little cold out there as Smith is blowing on his hands. "Confession time - Back in 1993 I lost in the final of the National Inter School Kwik-Cricket tournament, I got a golden duck and then missed the easiest catch near the end of the game, we got thrashed and it all got a bit too much for me as an 11-year-old and I ended up crying. Devon Malcolm who was handing out the awards put his arm round me and said 'things will get better, keep pushing and one day you may make it'� It got better for him and I work in Admin"
Daz at work, Derby, in the TMS inbox[Admin? Did Big Dev inspire you to say 'you paper-clips are history' or similar? MM] 1239 - Eng 103-2 (33 overs)
KP brings a low roar of approval from around our office as a straight-driven four brings up the England hundred as well as the fifty partnership. And thanks for all the e-mails pointing out that the Olympics is starting today (08/08/08) as eight is a lucky number in China. By my estimation we've received 8,888,888 e-mails pointing that out... no more please! "The BBC website carried a nice picture of KP and Graeme Smith prior to the toss yesterday morning. There was speculation in the pub yesterday about what might be written on the paper in KP's hand. 'Tails' was the favourite"
Timmy P in Beverley, in the TMS inbox 1235 - Eng 99-2 (32 overs)
South Africa have sub fielder Robin Peterson on for McKenzie. KP pushes Nel for a quick single as the sky darkens a little, then Cook cover-drives, Peterson flings himself down to get one hand to it and take the pace off it, then Ntini chases it all the way but can't prevent the four. 1231 - Eng 94-2 (31 overs)
Kallis bowls from wide of the crease, KP cover-drives and only a superb head-first diving stop from Neil McKenzie turns four into three (as it were). Here's some more Olympic suggestions. "Andrew Flintoff would be an obvious choice for the rowing events; maybe the 2012 would introduce the Pedalo as a demonstration event?" (Stephen Bracegirdle)
"I would put KP in for tennis - he's shown he has a cracking double-handed forehand and 'switched' backhand..." (JR, London)
"Freddie and Kallis for Greco-Roman wrestling - although they may have problems squeezing into the lycra outfits" (Jason, London)1227 - Eng 91-2 (30 overs)
CMJ on TMS thinks roast lamb is on the menu for lunch, judging by the smell wafting up from the pavilion. But Cook will want to be there at lunch, he leaves anything wideish from Nel well alone and we have another maiden over. "Just wondering if it in fact Justin Lee Collins is filling in for Mark Mitchener this morning, reference 'Bad Times' (see 10.53 notes), does this mean we will get Mark Mitchener on the Sunday Night Project this week! Surely not!"
Dave Williams in the TMS inbox
[I apologise for nicking JLC's catchphrase - MM] 1223 - Eng 91-2 (29 overs)
After Morkel was all over the place in that last over, South Africa turn to the medium-pace swing of burly all-rounder Jacques Kallis. But when he drifts onto leg stump, Pietersen flicks another four through mid-wicket. TMS scorer Bill Frindall reveals that only one of KP's 23 runs has been scored on the off-side - although Smith is still persisting with a 6-3 off-side field... "[Re: 1106 weather forecast] Guess I'm looking at a mermaid outfit for my trip to The Oval tomorrow then. Rats! (drowned ones, evidently)"
Sarah, Canterbury, in the TMS inbox 1219 - Eng 87-2 (28 overs)
Nel howls as Cook helps himself to a two through mid-wicket, then guides a half-tracker past Prince at square leg for four. The Proteas are seriously leaking runs at the moment. North of the river, England's women have won the toss and are batting first in their second ODI against South Africa at Lord's - and Sarah Taylor and Caroline Atkins are off to a flier.
Live scorecard: England women v South Africa 1215 - Eng 81-2 (27 overs)
Cook steers Morkel for a single to fine leg, and KP nudges another to rotate the strike. After another Cook single, Morkel drops it far too short and Pietersen dismissively hooks him for four to take his score to 15. Morkel "has lost the plot", says Aggers, as an even worse long-hop is despatched through square leg for four. "They've clearly brought Nel on to try and wind Pietersen up, but it might be counter-productive"
Ex-Middlesex and England seamer Mike Selvey on TMS "Had a really good day at the Oval yesterday, but having paid over �40 for my ticket was frustrated we didn't get to see all 90 overs even though the light was fine at the close of play. You've probably heard the complaint a million times before and the umpires will say ICC rules mean they can't do anything, but it seems to me the paying punter (and boy do we have to pay sometimes at grounds like Lord's) isn't really considered"
A in the TMS inbox 1210 - Eng 70-2 (26 overs)
Nel gets a bit of bounce against Cap'n KP, and Boucher has to take a lifter high above his head. Then, Nel reverts to his usual "pantomime villain" persona. KP plays forward, but steps back into his ground and Nel/Gunther absurdly hurls the ball at the stumps with a glower. Aggers is upset the ball didn't ricochet for four overthrows, which might have taught Nel a lesson. KP isn't taking the bait at this stage - that's another maiden. 1206 - Eng 70-2 (25 overs)
Cook isn't timing it too well today, so Amla is summoned to field at short leg under a helmet. A maiden over, and the Olympic suggestions are still flooding in... "Mike Gatting would be a useful candidate for the British Bobsleigh team, for gravitational reasons" (Chris F)
"Freddie wouldn't be too bad in wrestling" (Phil)
"Strauss would be a fencer, Collingwood a rifleman, KP would throw a discus, Jimmy would throw a Javelin, but best of all: Cook as a synchronised swimmer..." (Alexander Taylor)
"Monty - showjumping - that celebration could make a final round clearance in any equestrian event" (Scott, Surbiton)
1202 - Eng 70-2 (24 overs)
While R4 LW listeners prepare to be thrown overboard for the Shipping Forecast, Nel moves to bowl around the wicket to the left-handed Cook. Non-striker KP isn't happy with Nel's follow-through, and does some gardening with his bat. Cook pinches the strike with a single off the last ball, he now has 26. "On the subject of 'Synchronized Catch-Dropping', I believe the Gold would be ours, all we have to do is select the Warwickshire fielders from Wednesday night. I seem to remember five catches going down in the last three overs alone... even the fielders found it funny!Although the bowler was a little peeved, until he went to catch one off his own bowling, and yes, you have guessed it, dropped it... Comedy cricket at its best"
Toby, London, in the TMS inbox 1157 - Eng 69-2 (23 overs)
The Proteas appeal for a legside catch as Morkel flicks Cook's pad on the way through to Boucher, but umpire Steve Davis shakes his head. Another no-ball from the lanky right-arm seamer is pulled for a single down to fine leg. "In response to Chris Smith [1053] - a series average of 38.20 would hardly indicate James Anderson has matured into a Test class bowler, neither would his poor career average of just under 35. He has been the best of a very bad bunch this series, nothing more"
Sam, Littlehampton, in the TMS inbox 1153 - Eng 67-2 (22 overs)
An interesting bowling change as Ntini, who's taken the only wicket today, is replaced by Andre Nel. KP is immediately more watchful against the chuntering Nel. Sorry if you've read it before, but if you haven't, I heartily recommend Tom Fordyce's recent interview with Nel, in which he talks about his alter ego "Gunther" !!
Cricket's craziest man - Andre Nel talks to Tom Fordyce 1149 - Eng 67-2 (21 overs)
Morkel sends down a couple of lifters to Cook, who's concentrating on staying in, seeing as his captain's off to a flier. Morkel oversteps hugely, so England benefit from the second no-ball of the day. And your Olympic suggestions are flooding the TMS inbox:
"I could imagine Kallis in his present shape doing the shot put or hammer. Monty is a natural for the triple jump, of course. And if you include the Winter Olympics, where Hayden and Symonds would carry off the gold in the sledging" (Nick Way)
"Harmison should take up Clay Pigeon Shooting, as he CAN hit the target" (Dave, Lancaster)
"The Monty Jump? Points for style, height and number of high fives you can get in" (Andrew, London)
"Tim Ambrose - 110m Hurdles (he could run under them)" (Nick Ellis)
1145 - Eng 66-2 (20 overs)
Simon Mann takes the mike on TMS after walking into a door earlier today, and KP immaculately clips Ntini through mid-wicket for four... from outside off stump. How do you set a field to that? Another thumping on-drive beats the diving Andre Nel at mid-on, and that's another four. "Olympic Cricketers [see earlier]? Strauss - Javelin (using a stump) - as he likes to throw his wicket away"
Andrew Carter in the TMS inbox "GB are reigning Olympic cricket champions! In the 1900 Olympics, France and GB competed for the title, with GB winning by 159 runs. I don't think it has been an Olympic sport before or since"
Tom Kendle in the TMS inbox 1140 - Eng 58-2 (19 overs)
Morne Morkel takes the second over of the day, running in from the Pavilion End and sending down a no-ball to KP. A single brings Alastair Cook on strike for the first time today, and he steers an attractive four off his legs while the pitch inspectors will be in full session at the Riverside as Durham have beaten Kent in a little over two days.
Latest county scores 1135 - Eng 52-2 (18 overs)
A huge round of applause for England captain Kevin Pietersen, who's off the mark with a single to leg. 1132 - WICKET - Bell c Smith b Ntini 24 - Eng 51-2 (17.4 overs)
Makhaya Ntini to open up from the Vauxhall End to Ian Bell, who jumps up and down a few times before the first ball is delivered. He gets England past the 50 mark with a two through the covers - but then tentatively plays forward at one he didn't have to play, and gives Smith a diving catch at first slip. Time for KP! 1127: The light's still a bit dim, but the players are coming out - South Africa captain Graeme Smith is wearing a pair of those orangey-beige "light-enhancing" sunglasses. "We don't deserve to win this Test - a 2-1 series defeat to the second-best side in the world would mask a shocking series for England... bizarre selection policy, total inability to bowl out the South Africans twice, over-reliance on one or two key players, our top order's inability to leave the ball properly outside off stump, our top order's failure to convert starts to big scores when it counts - the list goes on"
DJKendrick on 606
Join the debate on 606 "I never got the 'yips' but the start of one season, after playing for 17 years, I forgot how many paces there were in my run-up - were there 10 or 11?"
Ex-Middlesex and England left-arm spinner Phil Tufnell on TMS1118: Elsewhere in the world of cricket, India have won the toss and elected to bat against Sri Lanka in the final Test in Colombo. After debutant Dammika Prasad took three wickets with the new ball, exciting new spinner Ajantha Mendis has already bagged four, and India are 204-9.
Live scorecard: Sri Lanka v India "Re: impressive numbers [1053 entry], has anyone else noticed the date today? 08-08-08"
Billy Bones, Co. Durham, in the TMS inbox "I always 'walked' when I played. As soon as the umpire's finger went up, off I went"
Ex-Yorkshire and England opener Geoff Boycott on TMS1110: We're going to start at 1130. "I've always wondered if I'm the only one watching the match on TV and still following this commentary. It's not crazy when you try it"
Aaro Kinnunen, Helsinki, Finland, in the TMS inbox 1106: The "outer" covers are being brought off the edge of the square. Aggers advises anyone coming to The Oval tomorrow (Saturday) to bring a brolly as the forecast is very wet. "Olympic Cricketers [see 1036] - what about AB de Villiers and basketball - you bounce the ball from one hand to the other via the ground!"
Nigel Prideaux in the TMS inbox "Monty would make a great rhythmic gymnast with his leap and twirls"
Kevin having a coffee at work, Northampton, via text on 811111104: Umpires Steve Davis and Aleem Dar (both carrying rolled red umbrellas) are going out to inspect. They're both bare-headed, if that's a good sign. "Can everyone stop saying that this game isn't worth much or that the South Africans aren't bothered as they have won the series. There is no way that they want to lose to England in the first place and also they definitely don't want to lose when it KP's first Test as captain. Imagine the embarrassment back home in SA!"
Jaspreet Kandola in the TMS inbox "This is light drizzle, but we can see some lighter skies coming from beyond the pavilion"
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew on TMS "Mornin' Mark. Just wondering what you'd think of adopting the French salutation Monsieur, and doing a Masters course in MultiMedia and Marketing (for example). You'd then be able to go around as M. MM, MMM..."
Chris Bradley in the TMS inbox[I had a headmaster at school with the initials MMM. An enormously tall bloke - MM] 1053: Uh-oh. Covers being brought on. Bad times. Meanwhile, if you weren't around yesterday, to save the TMS inbox from yet more inquiries, I'm afraid the live video scorecard isn't available for this Test because the Olympics coverage has nabbed all the interactive streams. The whole square is being covered now. "A strange palindrome - Saffers' 1st innings total and England's overnight score... 194 and 49-1. Let's hope for some more impressive numbers later"
Higgo in the TMS inbox "All the talk yesterday was about the returning Steve Harmison but James Anderson claimed more wickets, had the best figures, bowled very well I'm told and claimed his 100th Test wicket. Poor Jimmy must wonder what he has to do to get some attention because it doesn't appear to be enough that he has matured into one of our most effective international bowlers"
Chris Smith, London (in the office preparing to head to the Oval for the second day's play), in the TMS inbox 1036: We had an e-mail last night in from Cricket Ireland, with Irish captain William Porterfield backing Adam Gilchrist's recent call for cricket to become an Olympic sport. Sounds fair to me - but which cricketers do you think would do well in a current Olympic sport? Or could England's fielders start a new one like "synchonised catch-dropping"? 1030: Morning, everyone. It's eyes down for day two at The Oval after what most people thought was a pretty good day for England yesterday (well, as "pretty good" as a dead rubber can get). Having bowled South Africa out for 194, they're 49-1 in reply. If you haven't seen it yet, our man Jonathan Stevenson (who was at The Oval yesterday) has delivered his verdict on KP's first day of captaincy - while Jonathan Agnew's summary of day one is on the TMS Blog.
FEATURE: Bright beginning for captain KP, by Jonathan StevensonTMS BLOG: Jonathan Agnew on day one
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