England vs South Africa, 3rd Men’s Test, Day 3 highlights: Toby Roland-Jones stamps authority, persistent rains and other moments

England lead South Africa by 252 runs at stumps on Day Three of the penultimate Test.

England bossed South Africa on Day Three of the third Test at The Oval. South Africa managed to avoid the follow-on but handed a massive lead to the hosts. On the back of a splendid debut by Toby Roland-Jones, England are on top of South Africa with the overall lead stretching to 252 runs at stumps on Saturday. Rain spoiled the fun for the hosts as they will know look to score quick runs on Day Four, but are still sitting pretty to take an unassailable lead in the four-match series. Let us walk through the top moments from Day Three; which lasted for more than a session:

Temba Bavuma’s gritty knock forces England to bat again:

South Africa had an uphill task to avoid the follow-on after reeling at 61 for 6. Nonetheless, they managed to end Day Two at 126 for 8 courtesy Temba Bavuma‘s grit and Kagiso Rabada’s 30. With only two wickets remaining, they were trailing by 28 runs to make England bat again. Bavuma carried on with his gritty knock; defending well on the back-foot and steering the gaps on the front. He stuck at the crease, stitched two handy stands (the other with Morne Morkel) as South Africa managed to surpass 154; thereby enabling England to bat again.

It was Bavuma’s 8th fifty in 23 matches. Quite an impressive bloke.

Toby Roland-Jones joins elite club:

Day Two was all about Ben Stokes and debutant Toby Roland-Jones 4-for. The pacer’s inswingers and tight line and lengths triggered South Africa’s collapse. He again came to the fore when England needed one wicket to wrap up visitors’ innings. He pounced on the opportunity of getting a five-for in his debut innings; becoming the sixth Englishman to attain this feat.

FIVE! @tobyrj21’s wraps up the South Africa innings to complete his five-for on debut!

SA 175 all out #ENGvSAhttps://t.co/a0qhO1p3jy pic.twitter.com/6lMwBOsYyO

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2017

In this way, Roland-Jones joined an elite club comprising of bowlers like Richard Johnson, Graham Onion and teammate James Anderson to take five wickets or more in their debut innings.

Morkel’s jaffa to dismiss Cook:

England came out to bat amidst cloudy weather and a astounding lead of 178 runs. With Vernon Philander recovering from viral infection, the onus rested on Morkel to provide his side with early breakthroughs. He maintained tight lines outside off and managed to deviate the ball after hitting the deck. It kept Alastair Cook on his toes as he played and missed on a few occasions. Nonetheless, he was set by brilliantly and Morkel was finally rewarded for his accuracy and seam bowling.

WICKET Cook bowled by a beauty from Morkel

30/1 #ENGvSA

Match centre: https://t.co/a0qhO1p3jy pic.twitter.com/ovzIQTPFNq

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2017

Cook also fell one run short of becoming the third English player to amass 1,000 runs at The Oval.

Post Cook’s departure, Keaton Jennings and Tom Westley were involved in a promising stand with the former riding on his luck. However, with more than a session wasted, England would be eager to pile on quick runs on the penultimate day.

Needless to say, England are still bossing the game with the lead standing at 252 runs. On the other hand, South Africa, will be looking to run through the opposition’s deep batting line-up and delay the declaration on Sunday.