England cricketer Ollie Pope scored a maiden Test hundred against South Africa in the 3rd Test. Spinner Dom Bess also starred with his maiden 5-wicket haul in Tests on Day 3.
England won the toss and opted to bat first. The visitors were able to set up a considerably huge total in the first innings owing to Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope’s performances. The pair took a stand of 203 runs together.
Ben Stokes crossed 4000 total runs mark with his 9th Test hundred. Stokes scored 120 runs from 214 balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes. Ollie Pope remained unbeaten after scoring 135 runs from 226 deliveries with 18 fours and a six as England declared their first innings on 499/9 towards the end of Day 2. England faced a total of 152 overs.
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South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj secured 5 wickets for 180 runs from his 58 overs. Kagiso Rabada also claimed 2 wickets for 97 runs, including Joe Root’s dismissal after which Rabada was suspended from the 4th Test of the tour due to inappropriate celebration. Debutant Dane Paterson and Anrich Nortje both took 1 wicket each.
South Africa’s opener Pieter Malan could only contribute 18 runs from 32 balls, while Dean Elgar faced 74 balls for 35 runs. Zubair Hamza, skipper Faf du Plessis, and Rassie van der Dussen were all also dismissed by Dom Bess. Rassie van der Dussen scored 24 runs from 41 balls.
Anrich Nortje remains unbeaten at 88-ball 14 runs, along with wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock. South Africa is currently at 113/5 in 43.2 overs as the match is delayed by rain.
England’s Dom Bess secured 5 wickets for 41 runs in his 18.2 overs as the visitors strengthen their position in the 3rd Test. The 4-match Test series is currently tied with each team winning 1 of the 2 Tests.
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