South Africa vs England

Ben Stokes leads England into final test against South Africa with three-match series level at 1-1.

It is quite dark out there and the covers are coming on in preparation of a downpour. [England](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/england-cricket) close out the summer at The Oval in the third and final test match against [South Africa](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/south-africa-cricket-team). He says that the surface looks good for batting but the first session may be tricky. We haven’t had a ball bowled yet and now the match faces an indeterminate delay. Under their leadership England have won five of their six test matches including a series win over World Test champions New Zealand and a series draw in the delayed fifth test match against India. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) Also happening this morning, James Anderson was presented a new test cap for reaching his 175th match. With the rain properly hammering down now, play doesn’t look like it will start for a while. What an achievement for England’s greatest ever bowler. [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. [injured Yorkshire teammate Jonny Bairstow ](/sport/cricket/jonny-bairstow-injury-world-cup-b2158529.html)in England’s only change from last time out. Left-arm quick Marco Jansen was controversially omitted in Manchester but he returned while all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was also included.

Over-by-over report: Join our writers for updates as the series-deciding Test gets under way at The Oval.

Yes, England are playing differently, but the real change – to me at least – is the players accepting responsibility, not “for winning cricket matches” but for sustaining this thing of ours forever and beyond. At Lord’s, he called correctly and made the correct call; at Old Trafford he called correctly and made the incorrect call. As such, we’ve had only half of the action for which we were hoping and are only getting three matches not four, so it feels like we’ve not really seen a series … “Come on Billy,” he says, “Just give me that roar of the crowd that I’m after.” And they’re there in the circle to see him presented with his cap by Joe Root – I’ve not the foggiest how they’re holding it down, because I’m feeling emotional myself. But now, I’m brining them and rotissrising them, then dipping them in the sauce, finishing them off on the grill, and tossing them in the sauce. [England put India in last summer](https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-england-2021-2022-1239527/england-vs-india-4th-test-1239546/full-scorecard). “I think it must be one of the top bat first venues?” “(Am I doing this right?).”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rr4tXN2eJM&ab_channel=OceanColourSceneVEVO)offers @Smylers2 of Only Connect fiendishness. We’ve missed a big shower but caught the edge of it, and it’s absolutely caning down. So, what’s the least happy – or most happy – you’ve ever been at the match, and why? I reckon that’s the most miserable I’ve ever been at the cricket – I was starting law school the following day and was in total disbelief at what I was doing to myself.