Rex Clementine at The Oval
London rain kept players indoors as the third Test between South Africa and England didn’t begin even after the lunch interval here at The Oval yesterday. A historic ground for a variety of reasons, The Oval was the venue for England’s first ever Test match at home in 1880. Sri Lankans also have special memories at The Oval as it was here, 24 years ago; they won their maiden Test match in England.
The toss was delayed by half an hour due to wet ground conditions and England opted to field first after Ben Stokes called it right. That was all the show a full house witnessed when this edition went to print and much play is not expected on day one.
South Africa did four changes to the side that lost the second Test in Manchester. Rassie van der Dussen and Lungi Ngidi were injured while Aiden Markram and Simon Harmer were dropped. Ryan Rickelton, Khaya Zondo and Wiaan Mulder were making their comebacks while Marco Jansen was recalled after being surprisingly overlooked for the last Test.
England were forced to make one change with Johnny Bairstow injured and fellow Yorkshireman Harry Brook made his Test debut.The series is leveled at 1-1 with the Proteas winning the first game at Lord’s and England squaring the series in Manchester.