Fourth Test: Preview

Your essential guide to the fourth Test between England and South Africa, which starts at Old Trafford on Friday.

Is it time to give Markram a go?

It will be harsh on Heino Kuhn, but the fourth Test at Old Trafford could be a great opportunity to hand Aiden Markram a Test debut at the top of the order.

England on the brink of victory

The Proteas are hanging on by a thread as they go into day five on 117-4, trailing England by 375 runs in the third Test at the Oval.

England set Proteas 492 for victory

England declared on 313-8, handing the Proteas four sessions to chase down a world-record 492 at The Oval.

Westley, Root get England lead to 331

Tom Westley and Joe Root built up a stand of 61 to guide England to 153-2 by lunch on day four at The Oval.

Rain not expected to save Proteas on day four

With little rain expected on day four, the Proteas are going to have to dig deep to stay in the third Test at The Oval.

Morkel has Cook’s number

Morne Morkel’s delivery to bowl Alastair Cook is our Play of the Day.

Rain keeps Proteas in the game

Persistent rain throughout the second half of the day at The Oval has left England on 74-1, leading the Proteas by 252 runs.

Morkel gets Cook but England build lead

Rain threatens to rule out the rest of day three at The Oval, with England on 74-1 and a lead of 252 runs.

Bavuma scores 52 before England build lead

Temba Bavuma ensured that the Proteas avoided the follow-on before England got to 20-0 by lunch, building up a lead of 198 runs.

Proteas avoid follow-on, bowled for 175

Temba Bavuma scored 52, as the Proteas were bowled out for 175 on day three, trailing England by 178 runs.

Philander likely to bat in rescue mission

Vernon Philander has been discharged from hospital and is expected to bat on day three, with the Proteas on 126-8.

Roland-Jones rolls through Proteas

Debutant Toby Roland-Jones took 4-39 to leave the Proteas struggling on 126-8 by stumps on day two at The Oval.

Proteas lose Elgar on stroke of tea

Dean Elgar departed for eight on the last over before tea, after Ben Stokes’ century got England to 353 on day two at The Oval.

England bowled for 353

Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel took three wickets apiece as England were bowled out for 353 in their first innings, while Vernon Philander has been sent to hospital for tests.