ENG-W vs SA-W | England Women within grasp of victory; rain rescues South Africa on Day 3

For a second day running, England have stamped their authority in the one-off Test against South Africa. The hosts made full use of the situation they found themselves in at the end of Day 2, extending their first innings lead to 133 runs. Natalie Sciver was unbreachable out in the middle, as she registered an unbeaten 169 off 263 deliveries.

England declared for a score of 417 runs for the loss of eight wickets, batting for as many as 120 overs. Although Sophie Ecclestone chipped in with a few crucial runs, scoring 35 runs off 64 balls, Natalie Sciver picked up the tempo on Day 3; scoring runs at a quicker rate. 

South Africa came into bat in the second session, as the visitors had a huge mountain to climb to avoid a defeat in Taunton. It was not an ideal start for the Protea Women as they lost opener Andrie Steyn early in the fourth over. Rain played a spoilsport for most of the second and third session, depriving England of a shot at victory on the penultimate day.

South Africa ended the third day with a score of 55 runs for the loss of three wickets. Isabelle Wong made inroads into the opposition batting lineup before rain halted play. The debutant got the better of Lara Goodall and Laura Wolvaardt in two successive overs. Both batters were navigating through the new ball and could have gone on to score a big knock.

England will hope that the weather on Day 4 works out in their favour. If we do get a decent day's worth of play on the final day, England should back themselves to clinch a comfortable victory. With two new batters at the crease and expected overcast conditions in the first hour, English bowlers will look to claim a couple of early scalps.

South African skipper Sune Luus expressed optimism and believes that her side are well capable of avoiding defeat on the final day. South Africa still trail by 78 runs, so a victory for the visitors is clearly out of the picture. However, Marizanne Kapp, who struck a 150 in the first innings, will be the player to watch out for here. 

Night-watchman, Tumi Sekhukhune will walk out into the middle with skipper Sune Luus on Day 4. Experienced batter Lizelle Lee should be the next batter to take charge. The Protea batter was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and will have to use all her experience to help South Africa put on a fight.

As far as the English bowlers are concerned, Sophie Ecclestone could be the game-changer for the hosts. The pitch could offer more assistance to the spinners on the final day, as England will look to unleash their star spinner into action at the earliest.

Brief Scores at the End of Day 3:

First Innings

South Africa Women: 284/10, 91.4 overs                                             

Marizanne Kapp: 150 (213)

Kate Cross: 4/63, 17.4 overs

England Women: 417-8 dec, 120 overs

Natalie Sciver: 169* (263)

Anne Bosch: 3-77, 18 overs

Second Innings

South Africa Women: 55-3, 25 overs

Lara Goodall: 26 (53)

Isabelle Wong: 2-8, 6 overs