Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Fine shot from Carey, he’s playing a really important innings here.
Tough one! Starc edges behind and Kyle Verreynne dives to his left, gets one hand to it but can’t hang on.
Rabada looks to the sky in frustration, and his mood not helped by Alex Carey driving down the ground for four later in the over.
The lead creeps towards 200.
South Africa turn to Keshav Maharaj, who dismissed Alex Carey in the first innings. Just three singles ticked from it.
Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
They’ve kind of done it without playing any high risk shots, they’ve just picked up singles here there and everywhere.
Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc have completely taken the sting out of South Africa’s attack now.
Their partnership is worth 42 from 64 balls.
Obviously, Alex Carey swipes the next ball for four.
James in London – a declaration probably isn’t a bad shout. I can’t imagine South Africa would be too thrilled with facing a few overs of Starc and Hazlewood this evening.
Good job I covered myself there.
A thin edge saves Alex Carey.
Another lbw given, another review.
I think Alex Carey is struggling here but my record has been equally terrible during this Test. Let’s see.
Imagine if Australia declared…
James, London
Great shot.
A fraction short from Rabada and Alex Carey carves for four.
A frustrating partnership worth 25 as far as South Africa are concerned.
Reuters
Jim Maxwell
BBC Test Match Special commentator at Lord’s
It’s suggesting the bounce is a bit slower and lower as none of the catches have carried.
Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
When he puts his mind to it, Mitchell Starc is a very useful lower-order player.
On cue, Starc edges another one short of second slip.
It was very low to the ground and probably wouldn’t have made much of a difference if Markram had taken a few steps forward, but hey. Let’s not let the facts get in the way.
Is it too simplistic to suggest keeper and slips take a step forward?
Jo from Kingsclere
Kagiso Rabada does return, but drifts down the leg side and is whipped away for four by Alex Carey.
The lead creeps up to 164.
Good news for South Africa, as Marco Jansen is back and he starts with a maiden.
Time for a burst of Rabada again soon?
Reuters
The longer Australia bat here, the longer they deny their own bowlers the chance to be out there under these clouds. SA could be batting in placid, sunny conditions tomorrow.
Sean
A lot of debate/questions about the pitch for this game, but the bowling has been very, very good from both attacks.
The batting… less so.
Not now, Jason. Read the room… (as Mitchell Starc whips one away for three).
Even now you still wouldn’t put it past Australia to somehow scrape out a 250 lead.
Jason, Cambridge
