England v South Africa as it happened

FOURTH ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL England 137-3 (17.4 overs) beat South Africa 183-6 (32.1 overs) by seven wickets (Duckworth/Lewis method)

England made it four wins from four in the one-day series after a seven-wicket D/L win with 14 balls left at Lord's.

A 39-over match was further cut to 33 after more rain, but Herschelle Gibbs and Hashim Amla fired 66 from 55 balls.

Gibbs hit 74 from 75 balls and Andrew Flintoff took 3-21 but rain ended South Africa's innings on 183-6 after 32.1.

Chasing a revised 137 from 20 overs, Owais Shah made an assured 42 from 40 balls and Flintoff struck five fours and a six in a superb 31 from 12 balls.

LATEST ACTION (ALL TIMES BST)

By Pranav Soneji

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1900: So England travel to Cardiff on Wednesday on the brink of only their second ever one-day series whitewash. Pity we can't see KP's boys in action at the Champions Trophy. Alec Stewart reckon this is the best England one-day side since the World Cup finalists of 1992 - I wouldn't argue with that assessment right now. Ben Dirs will be your host on Wednesday, Godspeed my faithful friends.

1857: Quite brilliant from Flintoff, whose 31 runs came off just 12 balls, while Shah's 44 took a little longer to compile - 40 balls. England are heading to the number two spot in the world one-day international table.

ENGLAND BEAT SOUTH AFRICA BY SEVEN WICKETS

18.4 overs: England 137-3
It's dark, but Owais Shah and Andrew Flintoff really don't care right bow. The latter is sent on his backside by a short Andre Nel bouncer and the next delivery is also a dot ball too. That's it! England have won! Flintoff walks outside his off stump and smashes Nel to the deep square leg boundary for four - England win by seven wickets.

17 overs: England 132-3
A welcome dot ball from the returning Vernon Philander, whose next ball is driven for two by Shah through extra cover. Philander overcooks an attempted yorker and Flintoff rocks back and smashes the full toss through mid-wicket for four. Ditto for the next delivery, which is hit slightly straighter, but produces exactly the same result. The final ball of the over is farmed over extra cover for two as Philander goes for 13 very painful runs. England need six runs off 18 balls. Surely game over.

16 overs: England 119-3
Flintoff! Andrew Flintoff! The all-rounder takes two steps down the track and lofts Botha over deep mid-on for a huge six. Shah then sweeps the off-spinner for four to deep square leg as umpire Mark Benson takes evasive action. England need 18 off 24 balls.

15 overs: England 106-3
Lovely late cut from Flintoff off Morne Morkel earns the Lancastrian four clever runs as Andre Nel fails to cut off the boundary. Jacques Kallis earns the wrath of the crowd as he holds play up with a few field changes, the light is not too hot out there, so you can understand the crowd's anxiety. Flintoff brings up England's 100 from 88 balls with a well-placed drive wide of deep mid-on before shuffling down the crease and marmalising Morkel through extra cover for four runs all along the ground. A quite brilliant cricket shot. England need 31 runs from 30 balls.

14 OVERS: WICKET! ENGLAND 93-3 PIETERSEN C AMLA B BOTHA 40
KP goes down on one knee and slog sweeps off-spinner Botha over mid-wicket for six joyous runs. But Botha earns his revenge two balls later as KP attempts the same stroke, only this time finding the hands of Hashim Amla running in from the boundary. In comes Andrew Flintoff, who gets off the mark straight away. 94-3 - England need 43 from 36 balls.

13 overs: England 86-2
Dale Steyn returns - and his first delivery is promptly mowed between mid-wicket and mid-on for a boundary by Ace Shah. Steyn keeps a tighter grip over his next five deliveries. The run rate is now 7.29 - England need 51 from 35 balls. Oh dear. Dark cloud is hanging. Please don't ruin this. 12 overs: England 77-2
How do you follow an over like that? Johan Botha does a fine job, restricting Pietersen to four singles from his over. The final ball was a joy to watch - KP goes for a switch-hit, dummies and plays the ball in an orthodox fashion, which Botha does well to prevent going for a single. England need 60 from 48 balls.

11 overs: England 73-2
On comes burly Shark Kallis, who is promptly smashed for three successive fours - the first a thunderous pull shot through mid-wicket, the second a hammerblow of a cover drive and the third a similar stroke to the first. And Shark is given Kaypee the eyeballs. Work that one out. Wallop! Owais Shah has just pulled Kallis for a massive six into the Tavern Stand! That's 20 runs from that over. Don't think Shark will be featuring again. 10 overs: England 53-2
Pietersen absolutely nails a flat-bat straight drive off Philander into Owais Shah's legs, the Middlesex man purses his lips to show he ain't hurt, but he'll be wearing a Swiss ball-sized bruise tomorrow morning. However, he flogs the next ball through mid-wicket for a thumping boundary, bringing up the 50 in the process. Another tight single sees KP make his ground, but only thanks to a stray throw from Dale Steyn. England need 84 to win off 60 balls.

9 overs: England 47-2
Kaypee bottom edges a cut short past one-and-a-half slip for a boundary, following that up with a mistimed pull shot for two off Morne Morkel. Call it inertia, but Kaypee is slowly (well, slow for Twenty20 stuff anyway) finding his groove. South Africa's cause is not helped by Morkel, who concedes two needless wides. Pietersen wears a Morkel short ball, which nips back down the hell and clatters him in the ribs. A grimace, but KP steals a single from the last delivery to move to 12, with Ace on 13.

8 overs: England 36-2
Ace takes one step to leg and flat-bats Vernon Philander straight back over his head for four. Boucher comes up to the stumps to force Shah back into his crease and consequently gifts a bye. Mind you, Philander's bowling at 82mph, so you can see why it's a tad difficult to gather. Lovely pick-up from Shah off his hip, guiding the final ball of the over past short fine leg for the second boundary of the over. Much-needed for England.

7 overs: England 25-2
KP takes a super tight single to mid-on off Morne Morkel, but the England captain looks about as fluent as an elephant riding a Grifter right now. Ace isn't exactly loving it out there right now either.

6 overs: England 21-2
Seamer Vernon Philander comes on and immediately has Pietersen in a spot of bother with a nice delivery which leaves him outside off stump. Kaypee attempts a big mooey the next ball and completely misses that. And lo and behold, the third ball wafts past the outside edge of his chunky blade. "If this was baseball he would be out," says Phil Tufnell on TMS. Kaypee gets off the mark from the last ball of the over, but only two runs came from that over and the rate exceeds the eight-an-over mark.

5 OVERS: WICKET! ENGLAND 19-2 BELL C BOUCHER B MORKEL 13
Owais Shah wears a Morne Morkel delivery on this thigh pad, but Ian Bell eases the pain the next delivery as he waltzes down the pitch and cracks the ball through his favourite third man area. But he falls the very next delivery attempting to do exactly the same, only this time getting a massive outside edge to Boucher for his second catch. Out comes KP, who cannot get off the mark. England need 7.87 runs to win.

"The topic on chocolate bars - reminded me of the old 'Why don't elephants like penguins? - cos they can't get the paper off' joke."
Brian F, Newmarket Canada where the sun is really shining, and will do for at least five-and-a-half more hours yet - perhaps you should play your one-dayers over here.

4 overs: England 14-1
Nel fires a leg-side wide, before Shah adds a single with a back-foot drive to cover. Bell collects a couple more down to third man. Looks like Gunter might make an appearance today as Nel pushes another delivery wide, this time outside off stump. But worryingly, England have not yet hit a boundary.

3.2 OVERS: WICKET! ENGLAND 7-1 PRIOR C BOUCHER B STEYN 0
Bell earns three runs with a well-timed cut to third man, but it's disaster the very next delivery as Matt Prior attempts to smash Steyn to Hades, only to nick an outside edge to the grateful Mark Boucher behind the stumps. Out comes Owais Shah, or Ace as he is known to his team-mates. Steyn bangs in a bouncer, which sails over Ace's head and umpire Benson signals a wide, much to the joy of the remaining fans at Lord's. Shah takes a tight single to Vernon Philander, who smashes the sticks with a direct hit, but Shah just about makes his ground when the bails are dislodged. Eng: 9-1

2 overs: England 4-0
Bell shuffles down the crease to Andre Nel and attempts to swipe him over mid-wicket, but forgets to make contact with the ball. Matt Prior eventually gets on strike and shoulders arms to a delivery outside off stump. Are you allowed to do that in Twenty20? A good bouncer from Nel follows a swaying Prior. Good start from the South Africans.

1 over: England 3-0
Bell gets the show on the road with two down to third man. Steyn immediately breaks the 90mph mark and his final ball is fashioned for single.

1735: Ian Bell is at the crease alongside Matt Prior, so there has been no fiddling of the batting order. Dale Steyn will open the bowling for South Africa. This could be very interesting, hold on to your hats folks.

"My favourite bit of live text, putting the very eloquent Dr Clare Ray discussing mental illness next to OSJ discussing the relative merits of using a Wagon Wheel to prop up a car, inspired."
Jim, bored in the library, London via TEXT 81111

1732: The bell has just rung! Play will be underway very shortly.

1724: OK, we have a 1738 restart time with a 20-over chase and the target will be 137 to win.

1720: Bit of news for you - England spinner Monty Panesar has signed a new two-year deal with Northants.

Panesar signs new Northants deal

Meanwhile Surrey are chasing controversial paceman Shoaib Akhtar as they look to avoid relegation from County Championship Division One:

Surrey plan shock move for Shoaib

"The same applies to Club biscuits (see 1709). 'If you like a lotta chocolate on your biscuits, join our club.' The 'chocolate' was actually chocolate-flavoured sugar coating. And don't get me started on the size of Penguins..."
Booknerd via the TMS inbox

I'm assuming you mean the chocolate-based lunchbox snack, rather than the little waddling flightless birds who live in Antartica.

1715: Umpires Simon Taufel and Mark Benson are out on the pitch, but the not-so-great news is the hovercover has been placed over the strip. The pair are in discussion with Lord's groundsman Mick Hunt about the best course of action. Umpire Taufel stamps his foot a couple of times and wanders off. No idea what that means. Revised cut-off time is now 1738, so if there is no action before then, the match will be abandoned.

1709: If/When the players return, England will be batting as South Africa's innings has come to an end. Will write more about the revised target whenever I hear about it.

"I would just like to express my admiration for Marcus Trescothick. He spoke incredibly eloquently and with honesty about his problems with depression and anxiety. Mental illness is a disease, the impact of which is still not recognised by the majority. Marcus and TMS have done a huge service to those people who suffer from mental illnesses in bringing the issue into the public arena."
Dr Clare Ray via the TMS inbox

"Don't you mean Brandenburg Gate (see 1654)? How come Wagon Wheels are so small these days? They used to be big enough to prop up a car after you had nicked the wheels of it."
OSJ, Istanbul via the TMS inbox

OSJ, the Battenburg/Brandenburg thing was a little joke, which is never great when you actually have to explain it. Wagon wheels - if I remember rightly, the "chocolate" which coated the biscuit/marshmellow was in fact a chocolated-flavoured coating. Swindled.

1700: The light isn't great at Lord's but the covers are coming off. Promising...

1654: TMS is replaying the excellent interview with former England opener Marcus Trescothick from earlier this morning. If you missed it first time round, you can catch up with it on this website.

Trescothick's long-term illness

"Just catching up with the days play after watching the football in the pub. Surely the earlier references to a pink and yellow cake from Mr Kipling would be Battenburg Cake. You could use the picture to add a little colour to a very grey day."
Patrick Archibald via the TMS inbox

As a child, I never understood why anyone would want to name a cake after a famous gate in Germany.

1644: 1740 is the cut-off time, meaning if the players and umpires do not resume the match before then, then the game will be abandoned.

"The old, child's-fist-sized Monster Munch were impressively vast. But remember, the bigger the munch, the bigger the hole in the middle. Biggest snack pennies could buy? Biggest bag of air, more like. Now, the old Mars Bars, they were enormous. That's what you want. Not monster emptiness."
Rob Marriott via the TMS inbox

"Just been twiddling about on the Duckworth-Lewis website and provided England don't suffer yet more reductions, I think they will need 186 - but that's just my amateur guessings. in other news, my dad has just 'liberated' the tv remote from me and, banishing the cricket from the screen, has successfully inserted Last Choir Standing into power. Rubbish."
James Wade via the TMS inbox

"Again comes the rain.
It's really a pain,
When umpires have all their light meters on.
Coz we don't want technology,
Nor even apology,
Just fireworks from Captain Kev Pietersen!"
FleetJackHobbs on 606

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"Is it my stupidity/insanity or would it not have been far more sensible to bring them in before Stuart Broad bowled that final ball before the rain?"
Emma, currently sitting in the Mound Stand next to some very annoying and inappropriate kids via TEXT 81111

What's your definition of "inappropriate" Emma? Are they playing tinny dubstep very loudly from their mobile phones while everyone else tuts and looks to the skies mumbling "this country, tsk" under their breath?

"What I would give to have a packet of pickled onion monster munch before they went small - each monster crisp was at least twice the size - truly the biggest snack pennies could buy."
Johannes Roberts via the TMS inbox

Pickled onion every time over barbecued beef - surely the most overrated crisp flavour going? It is absolutely lashing it down in W12 right now - it's about as dark as an episode of Tales of the Unexpected.

32.1 overs: South Africa 183-6
NOOOO!!! With five balls to go, them stupid clouds decide now would be the best time to sprinkle NW8. The brollies are up, the covers are out and Space Raiders are still 20p a pack. Can life get any worse?

32 OVERS: WICKET! SOUTH AFRICA 179-6 - PHILANDER C ANDERSON B FLINTOFF 10
After smacking Freddie for through mid-wicket with a tasty pull shot, our Vernon then chips up a dolly for James Anderson at deep mid-off, who is never going to drop that. Yet another South African batsman headbutting the self-destruct button, mind you, it is the penultimate over... Johan Botha is the new man at the crease - and the off-spinner gets off the mark with a thumping cover drive all along the carpet for two. However, Botha is fortunate not to be back in the hutch when he shuffles outside off stump to a full Flintoff delivery. Replays show the point of contact was only just outside off stump. 183-6

31 overs: South Africa 175-5
Five good balls from from Stew Broad go for four singles before serving up a full toss outside off stump, which Boucher dispatches for a boundary through extra cover.

30 overs: South Africa 167-5
The clouds are gathering as Flintoff charges in for his sixth over, Phil Tufnell reckons we'll have rain "in 15 minutes, perhaps 16". Philander and Boucher fashion six runs as Flintoff searches for the yorkers - and nails one with the final ball of the over.

"I have never been published but what better time than as a snack pedant? Martin Turner (26th Over) is surely confusing his 'Invaders' with 'Raiders' as they were actually called Space Raiders at 10p per pack."
Craig in Switzerland (where any decent snacks are hard to come by)

29 OVERS: WICKET! SOUTH AFRICA 158-5 - GIBBS BOWLED BROAD 74
Stuart Broad is back on again and his second delivery sees a bottom edge from Herschelle Gibbs cannon into his leg stump. The opener looks as if he's just seen the woman of his dreams marry Jeremy Clarkson, he was set for three figures. The wheels are close to coming off the South Africa innings. Vernon Philander, in for the injured Albie Morkel, is the new man at the crease. A collective groan goes up from the Lord's crowd as Matt Prior grasses a diving left-handed catch, but is reassured when umpire Benson indicates leg byes. A brilliant diving stop from James Anderson at mid-off stops a certain four, top over from Broad. England on top here. 161-5

28 OVERS: WICKET! SOUTH AFRICA 155-4 - DUMINY c BELL B FLINTOFF 20
Freddie comes over the wicket and bangs down a fast bouncer, which Jaypee attempts to smear to mid-wicket, but only succeeds in a big, thick outside edge, which lollops (is that word? It is now) into the hands of Ian Bell at short mid-wicket. Freddie is smiling again as he beats new man Mark Boucher with a belter of a leg cutter. Boucher's feet in concrete there, I've seen more movement from a sleeping sloth. Boucher gets off the mark with a quick single to mid-off. SA 157-4

27 overs: South Africa 154-3
Crash bang wallop! What a straight drive! Duminy dances down the wicket and crashes Samit Patel straight back over his head for six. Oh hello! Someone's been watching KP as Jaypee switch hits a four over point before sneaking two runs to short fine leg. Patel's figures have been ruined, doubt he'll be crying into his Fondant Fancies at tea though.

26 overs: South Africa 141-3
An impudent flick over his shoulder from Gibbs races away for a smart boundary, brave too considering the wicketkeeper is standing up to the stumps. Duminy's cross bat shot just falls short of Ian Bell at short mid-wicket, but the left-hander rocks back and pulls Colly to the deep square leg boundary, beating Flintoff's lumbering dive for four. Good over for South Africa, who take 11 from it.

"MediumWes on 606 - Transformer snacks have always been around 20p. Space Raiders were the childhood favourite that retailed for 10p a pack."
Martin Turner, Lancs via the TMS inbox

25 overs: South Africa 130-3
"They clearly can't get Patel away" says the man sitting opposite me. And he's right you know, these boys in green cannot seem to get the Notts twirler off the square - that is, until the fourth ball when Gibbs collects two with a paddle to fine leg to add to three singles.

24 overs: South Africa 125-3
"Enough of this nurdling," says Gibbs, who goes don on one knee and smotes Collingwood over short fine leg's head for four. His eyes reel like a cartoon character when he sees a short and wide long-hop from Colly, but somehow manages to hit the ball harmlessly into the ground for no runs.

23 overs: South Africa 118-3
Patel is absolutely racing through his overs at the moment, conceding another three runs from his fifth over.

22 overs: South Africa 115-3
Colly's nuggety medium pacers are doing their job, beating both batsmen outside off stump. Just two runs from that over. The word stymied springs to mind.

"Currently on my 4th packet of Pickled Onion Trans-Forma-Snacks, now 20p per pack. Talk about credit crunch, I remember when they were 10p."
MediumWes on 606

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21 OVERS: WICKET! SOUTH AFRICA 113-3 - AB DE VILLIERS c FLINTOFF B PATEL 14
Aybee perishes as he attempts to swipe Samit Patel to Camden Town, only to find the buckethands of Andrew Flintoff on the deep mid-wicket boundary. Another needless dismissal, especially as the pair were beginning to build some momentum. In comes JP Duminy, but he goes to the non-striker's end as the batsmen crossed before Flintoff's catch.114-3

20 overs: South Africa 113-2
Colly has a semi-useful leg before shout on Gibbs (rightly) turned down by umpire Simon Taufel, which yields two leg byes to the sundries tally. A bit of lazy fielding from Steve Harmison sees Gibbs double a simple single down to third man and the duo take six from that over.

19 overs: South Africa 107-2
Lovely use of AyBee's feet sees him go inside out to hit Patel to deep cover for two, before a single brings Gibbs on strike on 49. The opener dabs an easy single for his 35th one-day 50 from 46 balls, including seven fours.

18 overs: South Africa 103-2
Gibbs brings up the South Africa 100 by opening up the face of his bat and guiding Paul Collingwood down to third man. A couple of more singles off a pretty sedate over.

"Fondant Fancies and Arctic Roll (see 1408) are all very well, but for the full sugar/nasty E number rush, you can't beat Angel Delight. It had to be strawberries and cream or butterscotch flavour. They do a low-sugar version nowadays – ridiculous! What's the point of that?"
Carole in Maidenhead (currently bathed in misty sunshine) via the TMS inbox

17 overs: South Africa 99-2
Sam P bowls his second over - his bowling action isn't too dissimilar to former 80s Hampshire tweaker Rajesh Maru. The Notts left-armer concedes three singles in his over, changing his pace and flight with subtlety. He could well be spinning his way to a lucrative flight to Antigua come October.

16 overs: South Africa 96-2
Flintoff charges in for his fourth over of the day and his second delivery whacks De Villiers in front of middle stump, but the ball thuds into his thigh pad, which indicates the ball would have missed the stumps by a good foot. AyBee then flicks Freddie off his pads for three to the deep-mid-wicket boundary. But that's as much as Freddie will let him score as he concedes a solitary single off Gibbs.

15 overs: South Africa 92-2
Aha. 'Tis the hero of The Oval on parade, Samit Patel. He'll do well to pick up another five wickets today, mind. An infuriating outside edge from De Villiers trickles away for three runs, and Pietersen shakes his head wearily as he runs all the way from somewhere on the leg side to collect.

14 overs: South Africa 88-2
The sun has arrived with a vengeance in NW8, but it remains muggy. Flintoff has been quite easily the best bowler on show today and Gibbs and De Villiers are kept quiet here.

13 overs: South Africa 86-2
Gibbs is looking awfully good at the minute, Harmison less so. He climbs into a short one from the Durham speedster and clatters it high over midwicket for four. Gibbs also grabs a couple of twos and moves onto an ominous 42.

"Re:- Arctic Roll 14:08. Had a chocolate and vanilla one with my daughter whilst visiting her in Newton-le-Willows last week - it's her favourite. Don't know where she gets it from, altho' she goes to a superstore that begins with "T" a lot."
Graham in Barcelona, where it's starting to look like Lord's - very cloudy.

12 OVERS: WICKET! SOUTH AFRICA 75-2 - JACQUES KALLIS c PRIOR b FLINTOFF 1
Gibbs hits a leg-glance for one off Fred, before England appeal ferociously for an outside edge from Kallis into Prior's gloves. Third umpire has to give it out as it clearly carried, but Kallis is spitting with rage - he doesn't think he touched it in any event. The over finishes with the total 78-2. Game on.

11 overs: South Africa 73-1
Gibbs leans on a front-foot drive and "deliciously times" the ball through cover for four off Steve Harmison, according to the colourful Henry Blofeld. The Newcastle United fan leaks a couple of singles but manages to hit the 90mph mark too.

10 OVERS: WICKET! SOUTH AFRICA 66-1 - HASHIM AMLA RUN OUT 34
Andrew Flintoff is on for Stuart Broad and his first ball causes confusion between striker Gibbs, who races down the track for a quick single, and Amla, who is caught ball-watching as Owais Shah collects the ball just left of mid-on and his smart direct hit on the turn sees Amla caught out of his ground by four yards. Needless from South Africa, especially with Amla in better fiddle than the string section of the Moscow State Radio and TV Symphony Orchestra. Stand-in captain Jacques Kallis is the new man at the crease and the burly all-rounder is beaten all ends up by a beauty which leaves him off the pitch outside off stump.

9 overs: South Africa 66-0
Another spanking back-foot drive through the covers from Amla races for another boundary, you could hang that in an art gallery and rub your pretentious goatee appreciating its aesthetic beauty. He does the same to Steve Harmison two balls later, this time finding the deep cover point boundary. And if that wasn't enough, he plants his front foot down the crease and whacks the ball on the up through cover for another belting four, the 13th of the innings so far. Amla races to 34 in no time.

8 overs: South Africa 50-0
Umpire Simon Taufel signals a powerplay and Hashim Amla stands tall and guides Stuart Broad off the back foot through cover point for four. Another wristy flick races away to fine leg for another boundary and a quick single brings up South Africa's 50.

7 overs: South Africa 41-0
Steve Harmison replaces the profilgate James Anderson and the Durham paceman finds a good rhythm outside of off stump to Gibbs, but his last ball is lofted over Paul Collingwood's head at point for a safe boundary.

1428: The match has been reduced to 33 overs a side.

1425: A nice round of applause greets the England players as they trot out to the middle, swiftly followed by South African openers Herschelle Gibbs (23 not out) and Hashim Amla (9 not out).

"I am at the ground, this is deeply pathetic. And insulting given the amount tickets now cost. The groundstaff are just marking time. For whom is this ludicrous delay necessary?"
Charlie Talbot via the TMS inbox

"I have been desparately trying to get hold of an arctic roll (see 1408) for ages...anyone know where to buy them from?" Sam (London) via the TMS inbox

"Following text from hospital as wife just gone in to labour."
Andy via TEXT 81111

Good luck Andy - any ideas on a name yet? If he's a boy, Kevin. If she's a girl, Kevina? Whoops, turns out Andy's a Rangers fan and was actually following the Old Firm derby. Still, Kevin's a good, soild name.

1412: The covers are about to come out and according to Jonathan Agnew on TMS, the sun is doing its darndest to come out. Basically, the ground is ready for action - so why wait another 15 minutes?

1408: More positive news from Lord's - PLAY WILL START AT 1430. However, we could be into 33-overs-a-side territory with roughly 51 minutes lost to the drizzle.

"Can anyone tell me what happened to 'Gino Ginelli' ice cream (tutti frutti, such a cutie...)"
Johannes via the TMS inbox

Good, strong, hard-hitting journalism today people. If I remember rightly, Gino Oh Gino Ginelli got canned for some other non-descript tub-based ice cream. Anyone bought an Arctic Roll recently?

1352: No update on when play will resume - will do the honours as soon as I find out. Meanwhile, if you missed Marcus Trescothick's revealing interview with Jonathan Agnew earlier today, you can listen again on the website.

Trescothick's long-term illness

And there's plenty of live sport going on right now - take your pick of Celtic v Rangers, the Premier League and the San Marino MotoGP:

Live - Celtic v Rangers

Live - Premier League

Live - MotoGP

"Don't need to find the refresh button, just have to keep kicking the kids off of the Power Rangers site...that's going down well!"
Gordsmate on 606

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"I was pleasantly surprised, on a recent trip to Scotland, to find a stall at St Mirren FC selling freshly cooked pakora. I commented to the guy next to me in the queue that I had never encountered Asian food at a football ground before (unless you count those disgusting Balti pies) to which he replied that, since pakora is a dish dipped in spicy batter and deep-fried, it qualifies as traditional Scots cuisine!"
Barry Anderson via the TMS inbox

"We had this amazing fruit delivered to the boss at work this week. Well worth a look."
Khurram, North London via TEXT 81111

Fruit? Is it bright pink? Can you deep fry it? Then don't wanna know.

1341: NOOOO!!! It has started to rain again. The umpires pull out the stumps and the hovercover is cranked up as it's pulled out to the middle.

6 overs: South Africa 37-0
While Gibbs looks like a man who is seeing the white ball like a big Zorby thing, Amla is somewhat struggling. He plays and misses with an airy upper cut as Stuart Broad concedes just one run off the over.

"I just had to get out my instruction manual and find out where the refresh button was on my laptop. What happened to you all singing all dancing self refreshing thingy?"
Stuart in Dubai

Sorry Stu, the refreshing thingy is a tad fidgety for cricket, so our techie bods are coming up with refreshing thingy 2.0 so we can use it for cricket. Work in progress.

5 overs: South Africa 36-0
Another box office straight drive from Gibbs finds the Pavilion End boundary and the next delivery is hit "like a kicking horse" for four through cover point, according to TMS commentator Henry Blofeld. Not content with two fours in one over, Gibbs plays a cracking back-foot drive, again through the point area for four before flicking a ball through mid-wicket for three runs, with Samit Patel giving chase. Anderson's radar needs a little realignment with 15 runs leaked from his third over.

4 overs: South Africa 21-0
Stew strays on Amla's pads and with a casual flick of the wrists, the opener sends the ball down to the square leg boundary for four. The very next ball sees also goes for a boundary as Broad's attempted inswinger misses everything - including a diving Matt Prior behind the stumps. And to make matters slightly more painful for Broad, umpire Simon Taufel indicates a wide.

"What Marie Antoinette (see 1245) is actually reported to have advised in respect of peasant dietary intake is "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche", brioche being a sweet bread thing. Strangely, I saw it in Aldi the other day at a knock down price, and it was selling like hot cakes, as it were. So on the basis that Aldi users like me are the post-industrial peasantry, her advice has now been taken up, which is one in the eye for those historians wh've been mocking her for 150 years."Paul, Lancs via the TMS inbox

3 overs: South Africa 12-0
Wallop! Gibbs rocks on to his back foot and spanks a pull shot through mid-wicket for four. Couple of nice-looking defensive strokes from Gibbs, but nothing to startle senor Pietersen.

2 overs: South Africa 8-0
Amla swings wildly to a wide Stuart Broad delivery, nicking a big old outside edge past Andrew Flintoff at second slip for four. Nothing of real note from the rest of the over and it's a rather sedate start, although it's not looking particularly tropical out there right now.

1 over: South Africa 4-0
Lots of nice leaving from Gibbs as Anderson hits a wide off-stump line before Jimmy turns him inside out with a brute of an outswinger. The England players are appealing for a caught behind, but watching a replay of that, you could drive a Smart car through the gap between bat and ball. Gibbs plays a punchy straight drive for three as Hashim Amla turns a ball off his hip to get off the mark.

1316: Herschelle Gibbs and Hashim Amla are the South African openers at the crease. James Anderson will bowl the first over.

1314: Wahey!!! The the covers are coming off! The England players are out! The credit crunch is over!

1310: NOOOO!!! It has started to rain at Lord's and the covers are coming on. Heads are going to roll for this.

"Bit frustrating to be sitting here in Spain, bare-chested, in brilliant sunshine, waiting for sun in London. - Bit like waiting for Godot."
FleetJackHobbs on 606

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"I would be surprised if we don't get another rain interruption today. It's dank, humid, this will favour England's bowlers."
Vick Marks on TMS

"We have a few young players who have not played too much one-day cricket. Hopefully we can move forward for the start of something exciting."
Stand-in South Africa captain Jacques Kallis speaking to Jonathan Agnew

1300: So to the cricket, the wet conditions is likely to favour the bowlers - and with the way the South Africans are batting, you might as well give them a stick of celery to use as a bat - they've been bloomin' useless. I actually want to see a decent, balanced, exciting game of cricket. Is that TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR????

"Weird coincidence, I've had fondant fancies this week! for the first time in about 10 years or more, so, yes they are still around. The pack I had were all pink and they actually tasted of strawberries... don't think they used to. There used to be chocolate ones as well as the pink and yellow ones by the way. I bet sales will be booming this week as a result of this publicity!"
Richard van der Watt via the TMS inbox

In keeping with the BBC's strict non-commerical stance, other illuminous cake-bsaed products are available.

"Eating baked beans with your hands? When I was a student and resident in halls, we used to place an (opened) tin of beans directly on to the gas ring and hold it in place with a set of tongs 'liberated' from the science lab. Saved a fortune in washing up liquid."
Mark Newbury via the TMS inbox

I know people who "liberated" pint glasses for home use because all their mugs were broken, hence whenever you paid a visit round their house, a pint of tea wrapped in a manky discloth often found a way into my hands.

"My girlfriend works at Cadburys in answer 'what's in a cream egg', she tells me that it's pure sugar, plus they move approx 175,000 eggs a day. I refuse to eat them as I'm sure they must be ill-treated battery hens that lay that many in a day."
Mike in bed in Solihull via the TMS inbox

Plus they're not free range.

1245: ENGLAND HAVE WON THE TOSS AND WILL BOWL FIRST
England have named an unchanged side, with Andrew Flintoff passing a late fitness test on a slight back problem, with South Africa dropping Makhaya Ntini and Albie Morkel for Andre Nel and Vernon Philander.

1241: Controversially, my editor has stuck the boot in by saying the illuminous bright yellow/pink-coloured delights were/are known as Fondant Fancies. They're French - Marie Antoinette said they could eat 'em.

1233: Talking about food (with the vague premise of cricket) has brought back memories of cricket teas of yesteryear. Having not indulged with the illuminous bright yellow/pink colours for a while, are Mr Kipling's French Fancies still doing the rounds? I used to love the grounds that offered Trios, 54321s (chew, chew, chew a caramel topping) and mint Viscounts on a doily.

"I often eat baked beans with my hands and then drink the juice after. Why waste time washing up a spoon?"
Matt Farrell, Bexleyheath, Kent via TEXT 81111

1224: Just what would the Master Chef duo make of some of you lot and your foodie peccadillos - Satch says "Bacon and marmalade sandwiches RULE", Salvatore in Sharjah writes: "raw egg yolk with six teaspoons of sugar in a cup, beat it until it was almost white and then eat it." Meanwhile, Graham in Barcelona writes: "Squidgy banana and Red Leicester cheese, sprinkled with brown sugar, on brown bread done under the grill. A mate of mine in South Africa introduced me to it. Outta yer 'ed stuff. Mind you, I didn't follow him down the 'sugar on your lettuce' road." Anyone ever worked out what the filling is in a Cadbury's cream egg? I shudder to think...

1217: If you missed former England opener Marcus Trescothick's excellent interview with Jonathan Agnew on TMS earlier, you can listen again on the website (sorry mobile users).

1212: News just in from umpire Mark Benson - THE MATCH WILL START AT 1315. The former England opener that 11 overs will be lost because of the rain interruption, so it's 39 overs a side.

"To back up your statement about Marcus Trescothick, I bumped into him coming from the nets whilst watching a Test match at Edgbaston a few years back, a very polite and obviously shy man. A great loss to the English game, long now have we searched for an opening batsman who can dominate the opening over's of an ODI as he did. A consistent century maker by all accounts."
Martin Turner, Lancs via the TMS inbox

He hit the most sensational six I have ever seen against Middlesex in a Pro40 match this season. It was a genuine defensive push, the bat just about went beyond his hip during his follow through as the ball sailed over the Nursery End boundary. I swear he was wielding an oak tree in his hand.

"I bring good news. After chucking it down for hours, down here in SW London its almost clear skies, sun starting to shine, and that's heading to Lord's. And you've not lived until you've had marmite and strawberry jam on toast. Don't laugh, try it..."
Stig, London via the TMS inbox

You utter freak Stig. Good work.

1204: Umpires Simon Taufel and Mark Benson will be back out on the hallowed Lord's turf (albeit partially covered up by various bits of high-tech plasticky things) in about five minutes for an "informal" inspection.

1201: RichCroker on 606 wants to know how the world rankings would be effected if today is a washout but England win on Wednesday. This requires one of my army of minions to investigate as the ICC ranking points system is as complex as open heart surgery - and probably more painful too.

"I once had deep fried pizza whilst I was staying in Glasgow. Blooming lovely it was, if rather heart-attack-inducing!"
Chizzleface on 606

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"I'm sat in the ground watching the groundstaff fiddling with the boundary rope and sweeping the water off the covers. Is this a sign of play getting nearer?"
Tom via TEXT 81111

Hello Tom, still waiting here too. Will give you an update as soon as we hear.

1150: Umpires Simon Taufel and Mark Benson are out on the pitch, although neither looks particularly enthused to be out there. Still waiting for updates on play.

1147: For all of you listening to TMS, we currently have axe-wielder extraordinaire Eric Clapton talking about his love of leather on willow. He reveals he dedicated an old Hoagy Carmichael song called "Old Rocking Chair" to good pal Sir Ian Botham at a gig recently. Anyone know if it's a decent tune with a nice widdly axe solo in the middle?

1144: Steve Pritchard in Chester says he has never eaten a deep-fried peanut butter sandwich (see 1129), but has "had a strawberry jam, chocolate spread and peanut butter toastie dunked in a mug of hot chocolate at an Everton goalkeeper's house." I'm guessing Neville Southall. The most revolting thing I've ever eaten was a pot noodle (chicken and mushroom) for breakfast.

1139: It's still raining at Lord's and the covers are still on - and still no word of an unpire's inspection. Also, there is no reserve day tomorrow, so if this is a washout, then no play on Monday.

1129: Eirebilly on 606 has asked what time play is going to start. Simple answer is we don't know yet. Sorry I can't give you anything more precise than that.

"Listen here, Pranav, my good man. I do not pay my huge licence fee just to read some highly relevant and clearly well-informed judgments about who should or not should not be in the England team, what it's like to play high pressure cricket, and what the cricket conditions are like. Would you please do us all a favour and get back to the traditional mix of puerile and pointless innuendo, stories about odd foodstuffs and too much booze in appropriate locations, dogs that look like old ladies wearing hats on the pitch, or something. If you're not up to it, that Dirs fellow will have to be called in, whatever state he's in after last night."
Paul in Lancs via the TMS inbox

Apologies Paul, anyone ever eaten a deep-fried peanut butter sandwich before?

1121: Jonathan Agnew has just asked Trescothick whether he misses playing international cricket. The opener said not when it's on the telly, but walking into Lord's has suddenly made him realise how much he actually does miss it. It's utterly refreshing listening to a sportsman talking so openly and honestly about something that is considered a taboo subject. Aggers has just mentioned the mints subject, which has riled the Australians.

Trescothick makes ball revelation

"We went for lunch in the middle of Sydney (during the 2006/7 Ashes tour to Australia) and got followed by a photographer. He was there everywhere we went and the little things like that freaked me out. I'm under pressure and suddenly my privacy was put into jeopardy."
Marcus Trescothick talking to Jonathan Agnew about his pyschological problems on TMS.

1113: Former England opener Marcus Trescothick is talking on TMS and it is one of the most revealing and frank interviews you will ever hear with Jonathan Agnew. Definitely worth tuning in if you can.

Listen to TMS

"In the Upper Edrich stand with my australian fiancee (England supporter) hoping to show her a match at the home of cricket. Not going to plan!"
Ted via TEXT 81111

"Any chance we can discuss something other than wicketkeepers and Ian Bell? Its all we ever talk about on here. How about 'Kevin Pietersen is the best England captain ever - discuss'?"
Ste Pritchard, Chester via the TMS inbox

Nice, like it - nothing like a bit of excited hyberbole to get the debate chuntering like an MCC member moaning about the cost of the Sunday Telegraph these days.

"Following on from Alec Stewart's comments (see 1041) about Ian Bell's bowling, which other current England player can boast an average of 14.66 from 6 innings bowled in. Also he's an excellent batsman and people don't give him enough credit. Maybe if he was shown some more love he might play better in pressure situations because he would not be worrying about all those who are constantly slagging him off."
Tom, Surrey via the TMS inbox

1100: Rain eh? I'm currently replaying the highlights of England v India from 1990 in my head, I loved that series. Oh look - Kiran More's just dropped Graham Gooch on 36 off Sanjeev Sharma. Anyone mentally replaying past series to pass over the time? Just me then.

"How come there's no mention of Steve Davies? He's young (22), therefore potential long term solution, he can bat (have a look at his pro40 record for this season) and he can keep (he's a keeper-batsmen rather than a batsman who needed another string to his bow to make the team)."
Tom, Worcestershire via the TMS inbox

"Be honest with me Pranav, what are the odds of play this morning? I am banking on the cricket to get me through a boring morning in work and even though I have spent 10 minutes reminiscing about John Major and peas, I am going to need more entertainment than that."
Ian, Cardiff via the TMS inbox

I ain't gonna mince my words, it's not looking too great. However, on the plus side - the drainage system, it's brilliant. However, it has started raining again in NW8, the brollies are up.

1041: Former England captain Alec Stewart is extolling the bowling virtues of Ian Bell, who is not a shabby seamer when tossed the ball. "If he was bowling more for Warwickshire, he would be the sixth bowler."

1038: No talk as yet of umpire inspections. Weather - if this weekend was a new batsman at your local club, it would have played a textbook century on Saturday, full of high elbows and rolling wrists getting everyone excited about Sunday's match against local rivals Dunny-on-the-Wold, only to be dismissed first ball playing a reverse hook to a well pitched up delivery on middle stump. Madness.

BBC Weather: London

1033: They're talking about wicketkeepers on TMS right now, with Phil Tufnell championing Essex gloveman James Foster's corner for the India tour. I would second that nomination, especially as he has experience of keeping on the subcontinent. Anyone else got any thoughts on this?

1028: Thanks to Jerry Stockbridge for pointing out "la clase" should be "la classe". Merci buckets.

1026: What is it with this weekend? Glorious sunshine beats down upon the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, but fast forward 12 hours and move about six miles south and it's like walking into Mordor. The groundstaff are mopping up an early-morning downpour and the covers are on. For those optimists out there (morning Ted), Lord's does have the best drainage system about.

1016: Bonjour la classe, anyone else see what I see when I look out of the window? It's greyer than John Major's Spitting Image puppet (ask yer dad kids) out there. Grrrr, so I wouldn't bank on a 1045 start. Sorry.