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11th over: South Africa 60-1 (van der Dussen 28, Hendricks 26) Atkinson reasserts some control – just one from the over, and that a single scampered on the overthrow, which is prevented from going for four by a good bit of relay fielding between Willey and Rashid (I think).
My old friend Tim de Lisle sends me a super stat: Before Topley’s injury 6.3 overs 20-1 at 3 an over; Since 3 overs 38-0 at 12 an over.
10th over: South Africa 59-1 (van der Dussen 28, Hendricks 25) David Willey looks hot and bothered, as Hendricks takes him for two successive fours, one a glance behind, the other a screaming high heels and dangly earrings drive through the covers.
9th over: South Africa 49-1 (van der Dussen 27, Hendricks 16) Atkinson is on, for his first World Cup game. Hendricks steps and drills him for four, past the giant Atkinson’s outstretched hand, over the deftly ducking umpire. And again, a funky pull him past midwicket. In the fourteen balls since Topley’s injury, there have been six fours.
“Is there any chance you could ask someone to ask someone to turn the ridiculous PA volume down a little please? I like your confidence in me David Newbould, but I can’t even get everyone to put their breakfast bowls in the dishwasher.
8th over: South Africa 39-1 (van der Dussen 27, Hendricks 6) We watch tv pictures as Topley gives the stairs a furious kick as he trudges up them back to the dressing room. He’s been so unlucky with injuries, poor chap. van der Dussen meanwhile, is just starting to open up, pulling Willey fine for four, then another short one pulled up, up and away.
”Greetings from the hotel falesia beach in Portugal.” Hello Ian Sargeant!
“Looking forward to a lazy morning by the pool keeping up with the cricket. It’s also my wife’s birthday (happy birthday Sarah) .
“Are there any links to the overseas TMS commentary which I can surreptitiously listen to whilst tending to her every wish?”
Can anyone help? And a very happy birthday to Sarah.
7th over: South Africa 29-1 (van der Dussen 17, Hendricks 6) Dawid Malan’s looping dive at cover prevents a four, next ball Topley topples over in his follow through, and hurts his left hand half-stopping a drive from van der Dussen. Van der Dussen pings the next for four through the covers– on comms, Steven Finn explains how sensation is so important in bowling. The physio comes out and does some uncomfortable looking squeezing. But the next ball goes for four too and Topley walks off the field. Root finishes the over. Trouble for England.
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”Just as de Kock nicked that one, a pigeon flew into the glass door leading to the garden,” writes Kim Thonger. “I’m sad to report it is no more, it has ceased to be, indeed it’s gone to meet its maker. But what does this portend? A South African capitulation? And does anyone in Rutland want a pigeon for a Sunday pie?”
6th over: South Africa 18-1 (van der Dussen 6, Hendricks 6) South Africa reined in both by Willey’s control and the early loss of de Kock. They are almost jittery, resorting to a quick and borderline dangerous single off the last ball.
5th over: South Africa 16-1 (van der Dussen 5, Hendricks 5) A nice slide and stop by Mark Wood prevents a boundary, Adil Rashid returns to the field after an “extended comfort break” . And many thanks to all those who have pointed out that the British national anthem is in fact God Save the King.
Wood fields stops a ball hitting the boundary. Photograph: Rafiq Maqbool/AP4th over: South Africa 12-1 (van der Dussen 2, Hendricks 4) Willey again, shirt characteristically untucked, heavy tred to the crease. South Africa’s rebuild a pedestrican effort – until Hendricks picks up a much-needed boundary, off the mark to his 14th ball with a square drive.
3rd over: South Africa 7-1 (van der Dussen 1, Hendricks 0) England applying the squeeze – just one from the giant Topley’s over.
“Morning,” writes Tom Vd Gucht.
“I’ve never been 100% convinced about Willey’s ability at the highest level. Yet, I love his scrappy determination and feel for him in the way he seems to always make room for players who seem to have more stardust about them at the last minute. In many ways, I’d love him to prove me wrong and grasp his chance on the biggest stage “
Me too. The guy must have always been the best at sport at every step of his life, yet once he pulls on England colours he suddenly finds himself dispensable.
2nd over: South Africa 5-1 (van der Dussen 0, Hendricks 0) England will be hoping that Willey and Topley can control the power play, in a way that Curran and Woakes haven’t quite been able too. And Willey does just that, with a wipe back of his action man blond hair, sends down a maiden.
1st over: South Africa 5-1 (van der Dussen 0, Hendricks 0) Great over by Topley, a wicket, some swing and keeping the ball pitched up after being driven for four first ball. Just what the Buttler ordered.
WICKET! de Kock c Buttler b Topley 4 (South Africa 4-1)de Kock goes second ball! He squeezed the first for four and went after the second in the same way, but a flashing drive gets only an edge. The umpire says not out, de Kock looks guilty, and England review immediately.
Topley reacts after his first drive at deKock. Photograph: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC/Getty ImagesTopley celebrates after taking the wicket of de Kock. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/ReutersWhile they faff about in the middle, a little plug for Burley in Wharfedale CC, where Harry Brook learnt his cricket, who are fundraising to build new nets and mend the roof.
The national anthems. A jaunty Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika sung by the South Africans, arms round each others shoulders. And a mercifully short and sweet God Save the King. Seems a bit cruel that Adil Rashid has to stand next to Reece Topley. Here we go!
It’s going to be difficult for the players today. It is very hot in Mumbai with the mercury hitting 35 degrees, and air pollution recorded as “very unhealthy” early this morning. The current air quality is 185 AQI
“Health effects will be immediately felt by sensitive groups and should avoid outdoor activity. Healthy individuals are likely to experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation; consider staying indoors and rescheduling outdoor activities.”
Three changes for England – Ian Ward ponders whether that it is sign of panic. I don’t think Jos Buttler does panic. David Willey at seven will set off alarms though if England lose early wickets.
South Africa XISouth Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Cetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
England XIEngland: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c, wk), David Willey, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Reece Topley.
Aiden Markram stands in as South Africa’s captain as Temba Bavuma is ill. Reeza Hendricks comes in at the top of the order and that is the only change.
England win the toss and will bowl!“This is generally a good ground for chasing,” says a smiling Jos Buttler in royal blue. “We’re very forward facing, trying to impose ourselves on this game.” Three changes – Stokes, Willey and Atkinson in for Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone.
Buttler tosses the coin as Markram watches. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/AFP/Getty ImagesIan Ward and Kate Cross are in the middle with the microphones, the sun is out, the bottom tiers of each stands look pretty full. We wait for the toss.
PreambleGood morning! The round robin stage of this tournament shuffles towards half way – this is the final fourth round match – with just another five rounds to go before the knock-out begins.
Today we’re in Mumbai, where England, buoyed by the return of Ben Stokes, take on South Africa in the big battle of the chasing pack. South Africa have two victories under their belt – thrashing Australia and Sri Lanka before slipping on the Netherlands banana skin, another win and they’d be clear of Pakistan and Australia in third. England, the holders, the mighty demigods, the big beasts, have only a victory against Bangladesh to show for their efforts, after coming a cropper to Afghanistan and New Zealand. With Australia thrashing Pakistan on Friday, they can’t afford to stall again.
Earlier this week, England white ball coach Matthew Mott said that getting off to a flyer “can be a bit of a curse,” but they need to beat South Africa unless they want to spend the next few weeks trudging hopelessly around India. He has promised only “minor tweaks” so expect Stokes to return for either Brook or Livingstone and Chris Woakes, who has looked out of sorts, to possibly return to the bench.
Play starts at 9.30 am, see you here for the toss.