Rain has not permitted any action whatsoever in the opening session of the third and final Test at the The Oval. The umpires have called for an early Lunch.
South Africa won by an innings in the first Test at Lord’s. England responded in emphatic fashion with an innings win in the second Test at Old Trafford. That sets up for an intriguing series-decider at the Oval.
Ben Stokes-led England suffered a blow before the final Test as the in-form batter Jonny Bairstow was ruled out with a freak injury sustained while playing golf. So the promising Harry Brook was keyed in to make his Test debut. South Africa are also rueing the services of Rassie van der Dussen, with the middle order batter sustaining a finger injury.
@guerillacricket
Somewhat depressing update.
There has been 3.5mm of rain, and it’s not clear yet. Lunch is to be taken at 12.30, so definitely no play before 1.10 pm at the earliest, & it seems likely to be some time past that before there is a real prospect of play.#ENGvSA— Guerilla Cricket #GCFromHome (@guerillacricket) September 8, 2022
England won the toss and put South Africa in to bat on a damp, overcast morning at The Oval in south London on Thursday but the third and deciding test, which had been due to get underway at 10.00GMT, looks set for a day of rain interruptions. https://t.co/pnQHNeNsIL
— Reuters Sports (@ReutersSports) September 8, 2022
