England v South Africa: T20 World Cup – live | T20 World Cup 2024

Darryl Accone from South Africa (can you spot the political joke?) doesn’t rate Wood. Harsh or fair:

Hey Daniel!

Greetings from GNUland.

Surely the time has come to acknowledge that Mark Woods’s ability occasionally to bowl half a dozen overs in the high 80mph bracket is outweighed by his lack of fitness, proven tendency to break down, and being wildly over-rated as a strike weapon. He’s simply never out of the woods.

Ciao

17th over: 133-4 (Miller 24, Stubbs 7) Topley returns and picks up right where he left off. Apart from a wide, he’s on the money, conceding a miserly four singles. Banging the decks and mixing up his pace, that’s a lesson on how to cramp aggressive batters.

Beau Dure has been going through it.

They sent this before the flurry of wickets:

“Watching England’s bowlers this morning, I wonder if the USA’s batters are contemplating whether to go all-out for 75 in the power play when they face England or be more conservative and settle for the sure 60.”

And then this after the pendulum began to swing:

“Update: Watching England’s bowlers now, I think the USA will need to get every run they can in the power play and then hang on for dear life.”

16th over: South Africa 128-4 (Miller 22, Stubbs 5) Finally an over that goes South Africa’s way. 13 off that Wood set. Two fours for Miller, one clattered through midwicket and the other swivelled off a neat pull behind sqaure. Then Stubbs gets a boundary with a fine tickle off his hips.

Buttler has been magnificent. Inglis Michael wants to show some love:

Michael from NY – what amazing wicketkeeping from Butler! I had thought, after that penalty for time, that maybe he should ask Salt to keep, but that catch and runout was magnificent. Go England!

Can I also add that I’ve not had so many messages from people in America. I can’t say for sure if they themselves are American. Wherever they’re from originally, this is a wonderful turn.

15th over: South Africa 115-4 (Miller 13, Stubbs 1) Adil Rashid signs off with 1-20 from his four overs. Superb. It was his introduction that turned this game. A stiff reverse sweep from Miller finds a much-needed boundary but otherwise it’s all Rashid who bags a deserving wicket. After going at 10 an over in the powerplay, South Africa have gone at less than six.

Adam Roberts writes in:

Good Morning Daniel, Good Morning Everyone,

Sadly ‘watching’ from my desk again.

In response to 2 things:

1) the ‘music’ – I had to mute the tv last night when trying to watch Aus v Bangladesh

2) umpire’s review – Michael Gough had a decision overturned! Such a seismic shock should surely have caused headlines and been subject to more comment from Guardian writers?

WICKET! Markram b Rashid 1 (South Africa 113-4)

14th over: South Africa 107-3 (Miller 7, Markram 0) Another strong over from England. South Africa were on target for 200+. Now they’ll do well to get 160. Wood, fired up from his drop, is steaming in with intent. Two wides in that over but one ends in the run-out of Klaasen. He closes the set by finding the edge of Miller’s wafting bat but there’s enough pace on it to get to the boundary despite Topley’s firm hand, diving from short third.

WICKET! Klaase run-out Buttler 8 (South Africa 102-3)

Credit to England but South Africa have been pretty poor after a wonderful start.

13th over: South Africa 98-2 (Klaasen 8, Miller 1) Klaasen survives an over that he started with a smoked four down the ground. From there it was Curran in control who was an inch away from a wicket, only to have the umpire’s review deny him. Otherwise it was another tidy set from an Englishman, conceding two singles from the final five balls. South Africa are behind and needing a dramatic shift.

UMPIRE’S CALL! Klaasen survives on the line of impact. He’s a lucky boy. That was clattering the stumps but he moved across just enough. England are all over South Africa.

There’s a review for lbw. Klaasen shuffled across his stumps to try and flick Curran away to the leg side. I reckon this is out.

12th over: South Africa 92-2 (Klaasen 3, Miller 0) England have fought their way back and are now on top. That’s another inexpensive over – worth just three runs – and nabbed the big fish of de Kock. Pace off is the plan it seems as the only two fast balls were dug in short. The rest were slower balls and cutters. Miller is the new man. That’s an explosive partnership at the crease but they have to get a move on to reach a defendable target.

WICKET! De Kock c Buttler b Archer 65 (South Africa 92-2)

David Newbould is speaks for all of us:

Why do they insist on blasting out sh*** music continuously throughout the cricket?

I have no idea. But I wish they’d stop.

John Ryan is back:

Feels like that last 2-3 overs has ruined any hope of getting even close to 200; de Kock slowed down and Hendricks did naff all, all on Klaasen…

Have South Africa settled on 160? Where has the intent gone?

Credit to Rashid and Ali. They’ve bowled superbly and the South Africans have struggled against the slower ball. But plenty to go. 200 could still be the target.

11th over: South Africa 89-1 (De Kock 64, Rashid 2) That’s 26 runs from the last five overs. This one’s the best of the lot from Rashid who concedes just two singles. There’s a slip in place for the right-handed Klaasen who can’t quite read the variations from the back of the hand. Lovely top-spinner and wrong ‘un. A genius spinner at work.

10th over: South Africa 87-1 (De Kock 64, Klaasen 1) Ali bags the breakthrough and Hendricks is back in the shed. Both teams will be happy with that outcome. (BTW, I’m a fan of Hendricks, just that this was a tough watch). The new man is Klaasen, which is an interesting choice and one made to target the spinners. No one is better at whacking slower bowlers into orbit than the ginger Saffa. He’s off the mark with a single to the sweeper on the off-side. Will that prompt a bowling change and see Wood join the party?

WICKET! Hendricks c Brook b Ali 19 (South Africa 86-1)

9th over: South Africa 80-0 (Hendricks 18, De Kock 59) Despite the annoyance of having a wicket struck off his tally, that’s another brilliant over from Rashid. Hendricks can barely get it off the square and has now faced 23 balls. He has to get going.

Just for those who missed the Wood ‘drop’. De Kock spanked a sweep straight to him at fine leg, but the fast bowler didn’t get his fingers underneath the ball. So, on review, de Kock was called back.

Good thing they can bat.

NOT OUT! It was a straight forward catch. Wood was so casual and he had to reach for it in front of him. The ball clearly touched the ground despite Buttler’s protestations. Let off for de Kock.

Tell you what, I think Wood has grassed this…

De Kock has spanked a leg side ball to Wood down at fine leg. But has he held on cleanly? They’re reviewing…

8th over: South Africa 75-0 (Hendricks 14, De Kock 58) Ali back into the attack and it’s a good set. Six off the over. Spin leading the way for England. I complimented Hendricks earlier but he has to kick on. He’s faced 19 balls. He either has to get smacking [the ball] or get packing [his bags].

“With this start, and this pitch, and their potential… I reckon SA should be going for somewhere around 215-220, what do you think?”

I reckon that’ll be the aim, John Ryan. They’ll know that England have the firepower to reach any total. Hendricks perhaps has to get a move on to make sure the big hitters have enough time to get going.

7th over: South Africa 69-0 (Hendricks 13, De Kock 53) Time now for the best T20 bowler in the world. Adil Rashid is the man South Africans will fear the most and they show him respect by only taking six off the over. De Kock brings up the joint-fastest fifty of the tournament – off 22 deliveries – with a single down the ground. Hendricks playing a brilliant support role.

6th over: South Africa 63-0 (Hendricks 11, De Kock 49) De Kock is putting on a show. Curran, with a fresh MBE and a bustling run-up, is bowling back of the hand slower balls and off-cutters but one drag down is clobbered by the left hander into the stands. De Kock almost gets another four from a cut but Livingstone though he has to pirouette on the boundary to keep the ball in play and the runs down to three. 12 off the over and that’s South Africa’s best powerplay of the World Cup.

Bowling change. After coughing up 21 runs in his one over, Archer has been yanked out of the attack for Curran.

5th over: South Africa 51-0 (Hendricks 11, De Kock 39) Topley concedes his first boundary to another de Kock classic – a late cut that splits a gap with a lovely touch. Excluding a leg-side wide to Hendricks, Topley is tidy elsewhere, banging the deck and unfurling a cutter as well. The South Africans are happy to collect five singles around the ground.

4th over: South Africa 41-0 (Hendricks 9, de Kock 32) Facing Jofra Archer sounds like a nightmare but it’s a dream match-up for Quinton de Kock. After being beaten for face off a good length, he goes 6-6-4 with some delicious batting. His first maximum was a trademark – a swivel of the hips and a pick up over fine leg. Then he comes down the crease and pops another six over midwicket. Archer adjusts his length, digs it in and de Kock lifts a four over short third. After a single to a cutter, Hendricks gets in on the act and crunches a pull in front of square for four. 21 off that over. South Africa are on the rampage.

Time for Jof v de Kock. This should be good.

Thomas Walker has chipped in on our debate around too much cricket from the Big Apple:

Dan – writing in from my desk in midtown Manhattan, appreciate the OBO coverage! My two cents – I completely understand the debate around over-saturation of T20 cricket but I think this particular World Cup has been a real winner for the ICC. There’s been serious interest in New York around the tournament – sports bars are actually showing the games (never thought I’d see the day when I’d see cricket on telly in this city) and Americans seem to enjoy the big hitting and faster nature of the format. Compared to baseball (and it’s basically only baseball on right now), cricket is a fantastic contrast – batters actually hit the ball and the games are fast and furious.

We definitely don’t need a T20 World Cup every year but bringing the tournament to the US and Caribbean has been awesome. As an Aussie I’ve been thrilled to show the game to my local friends and attend some matches in Barbados (which is an incredible place to watch the sport – the passion is unbelievable). I understand the point of view of someone sitting in the UK or Australia that this is ‘meaningless’ and ‘too much cricket’, but for passionate fans like me and my mates it’s been an awesome experience to have the cup in this part of the world.

3rd over: South Africa 19-0 (Hendricks 14, De Kock 6) Another good set from Topley who is proving difficult to get away. Neat fielding down on the deep third boundary prevents de Kock collecting a boundary. Otherwise tight lines restricted the Saffas to singles.

2nd over: South Africa: 14-0 (Hendricks 3, De Kock 11) It’s Ali to De Kock and this round goes to the South African. He ends the over with a mowed four past mid-on and then closes it out with a thumping six over long-off. Swift use of the feet on both occasions. A couple of singles means that over is worth 12. South Africa are up and running.

In case anyone was wondering why Archer didn’t start:

1st over: South Africa 2-0 (Hendricks 2, De Kock 0) Topley lands his first ball on a good length straight at the stumps and he holds that line. When there is width Hendricks’ wafty cover drive hits the fielder. He’s off the mark with a steer worth two that finds a gap past point. Good start from Topley.

The anthems are done. The Proteas openers are making their way to the middle. England’s players are zipping about after a team huddle. Who is going to get the new ball? Moeen Ali has a good record against Quinton de Kock.

Nope, it’s Reece Topley to Reeza Hendricks, who could do with a big score today.

“Just wanted to wish all in OBO Land a Happy Solstice. Let’s hope it’s favourable for England.”

Thats from John Starbuck.

Salutations to all those who observe.

I’m being firmly put in my place regarding my gripe about too much cricket. Which is great! It’d be a shame if the passion dimmed.

Here’s Brendan Large weighing in:

I would like to add my name to the list of people that were chuffed that you got that mail from Alistair Connor!

As a resident of Norway I am used to struggling to find ways to watch cricket live on TV, and I was completely unaware of the ICC having the games live online. This is fabulous news!

To your other point regarding ‘too much cricket’. I have been impressed by the competitive nature of the competition so far (less so in the super eights til now). There have been many matches that were a lot closer and more interesting than I would’ve expected. I think there is a lot to be said for those low scoring pitches.

Lads, you’re making me change my mind. Thanks for that!

Tristan Stubbs is chatting with Shaun Pollock and they’ve mentioned the stiff breeze.

That won’t be the first time I mention it. Hitting with the wind will aide sixes. Hitting into it will see the ball hold up and batters hole out.

Just another juicy variable that could turn the contest.

Genuinely chuffed to receive this mail from Alistair Connor.

He’s loving the glut of cricket. I hope there are more Alistairs out there:

Cricket overload ? No way.

I’ve watched more live cricket (on TV !) in the last couple of weeks than in the rest of my life, due to the fact that the ICC is putting it all live on the web. Never been able to face the cost AND technical difficulty of watching before (not living in a cricketing country)

Wife and I turned down an invitation to go to Trinidad to watch NZ/WI (with the friends with whom we watched the same match at Old Trafford in 2019) because in all conscience the air miles seemed rather excessive…

But even with my team eliminated (by Afghanistan ! No shame, but careless !) I’m still following keenly.

Cheers

So South Africa have jettisoned their attacking spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi, in favour of their accurate seamer Ottniel Baartman.

The Proteas went with two spinners against the USA – Keshav Maharaj retains his place – and though the left-arm wrist spinner Shamsi bagged wickets, he did get a clobbering.

It looks like a great deck. It’s a fresh pitch and Mike Atherton has just said that this ground yield a full run per over more than any other in the tournament.

Not sure what would be a par score. 200 feels like the target but maybe 180 would be enough.

Good toss to win. Chasing makes the most sense.

Jos wins the toss and bowls first

What Ramps said:

Is there such a thing as too much T20 cricket?

Yes. A thousand times yes. I know it. You know it. But for some reason, the people running the sport know it too.

To say all of that during a T20 WC match between two top sides might seem overly negative, but if they build a tournament and no one comes, then we need to ask difficult questions at difficult moments.

How are you feeling about this World Cup? Has it captured your imagination? Are you fizzing with T20 fever?

Ali Martin has highlighted two key players for England with against South Africa

One is Jofra Archer, who has not quite reached his apex just yet, but has looked devastating in spells.

The other is Phil Salt who is England’s top run scoerer after his unbeaten 87 against the West Indies underlined his potential.

Apart from their importance, Salt and Archer have something else in common. Want to know what it is? Get stuck into this:

Back to cricket matters, the other top dogs in the competition are looking pretty slick.

Australia hammered Bangladesh and India gave Afghanistan the business.

No question that England have to navigate the harder of the two Super 8 groups, but having walloped the Windies, a win here would all but put them into the last four.

Before we get into the frivolity, it’s important we highlight some awful news.

David Lawrence, the first British-born black player to feature for England, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Nothing else to say except it’s a horrible situation and everyone in the cricket world wishes David and his family strength and positivity through it all.

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Daniel Gallan