Ollie Pope’s unbeaten half-century was the one bright spot on another poor day day for England, who finished on 262 for nine after winning a good toss 4.05pm GMT
That was South Africa’s day, no doubt. They bowled really well, with Anrich Nortje outstanding, though they were helped by England’s batsmen getting themselves out when well set. Ben Stokes was the most extreme example; he made a majestic 47 before losing concentration for the first and last time.
Ollie Pope played stylishly to reach 56 not out, and his unbroken last-wicket partnership of 28 with Jimmy Anderson meant that
England ended the day on a slightly less dispiriting note. If they bowl well tomorrow, they have a chance of winning the match. If not, they will be 2-0 down early next week. 4.01pm GMT
89th over: England 262-9 (Pope 56, Anderson 3) Nortje ends the over with a maiden to Pope. We’re one short despite the extra half hour. If only it was 98 overs a day.
“Keep seeing comments about how Pope will have to slog and sacrifice his average because of the collapse,” says Dominic O’Reilly. “As an example, when Thorpe shielded Hoggard against Sri Lanka and they put on 91 he didn’t slog. Second, no one should blame the youngster when the old guard have failed. Or is the 1990s all over again?”