In a year full of special moments for england cricketers, could they squeeze in one more high before the end of 2019 . 376 runs would be englands highest ever successful run chase, and joe denly set about putting a dent in it. But the man that south africa really wanted, rory burns, they were not farfrom getting him. His innings yesterday had given england a chance but with a swipe and a grab he was out. No century, but still a valuable 8a. Like a lot of his team, joe root has been struggling with illness, but he looked on the road to recovery. He was about to lose his fellowjoe, joe denly, trapped lbw by dwaine pretorius. That meant the arrival of ben stokes, but what was left in the tank . It turns out just fumes. From the reaction of the south africans, and stokes himself, it shows how crucial this was. Jonny bairstow following, it was starting to feel like south africas day. Joe roots dismissal only made that feeling stronger. With the captain gone, england put up little resistance
Bongs can ring in the new decade. Now on bbc news its time for sportsday. Hello. Welcome to sportsday live at the bbc sport centre with me ben croucher. Our headlines this sunday liverpool win again. Arsenal dont. Var . Plenty of that too. Just another day in the premier league in scotland rangers win the Old Firm Derby. It made their manager rather happy. And feeling a bit sick. England succumb to south africa in the first test in centurion. Welcome to the programme. Liverpool have ended 2019 as they started it. Top of the premier league table. Theyll take some catching from here now after restoring their 13 points advantage with a 1 nil win over wolves. Not for the first time this season the video assistant referee had a big influence. Nick parrott has the details. With the festive fixtures coming thick and fast it is hard for teams to stay on form. Both liverpool and wolves are thrilled in their last games but with such a short turn around anfield was unlikely to see a classic. Wear