A reduced game, the series on the line, two fragile batting line-ups and a pair of excellent bowling attacks led to chaos at the Kia Oval
Kia Oval: South Africa 118, England 154-7 - England lead by 36 runs with three first-innings wickets remaining
England and South Africa shared 17 wickets on a relentless and emotive third day of the LV= Insurance Test series decider at the Kia Oval.
The day began with tributes to Queen Elizabeth II, following the passing of Britain's longest-reigning monarch on Thursday (September 8).
A minute's silence and a rendition of God Save the King, for the first time at a sporting event in 70 years, provided the backdrop to an eagerly-anticipated third Test of a compelling series.
Ollie Robinson gave England the upper hand (Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Results in the first and second Tests had been achieved inside three days so, weather permitting, there were few concerns it couldn't be done again.
Dean Elgar's side had turned down the offer to extend the game into Tuesday and that decision appeared to pay dividends when The Proteas were dismissed for 118 shortly after lunch.
Ollie Robinson claimed a third Test five-for - the highlight being when he sent Elgar's off-stump cartwheeling - and Stuart Broad took 4 for 41.
It could have been even worse for South Africa as Broad had Marco Jansen (30) not been dropped twice in the 29th over, with Ben Foakes and Ollie Pope the guilty men.
Marco Jansen stood tall during South Africa's counterattack with the ball (Ben Stansall/ AFP via Getty Images)
Though England were able to claim an overnight lead of 36 they loosened their grip on the contest with some wasteful batting, though consistent with their philosophy, that was reckless given the match situation.
They were 84 for 2 but lost Joe Root (23), Harry Brook (12), Ben Stokes (6) and Ollie Pope (67) for just 47. Upon passing South Africa they still had six wickets in hand but it was a position they quickly surrendered.
Kagiso Rabada went at more than a run-a-ball, delivering four no-balls, but Jansen - dropped at Old Trafford - finished the day with 4 for 34.
Rabada returned to dismiss Stuart Broad (6) in the final over of the evening, before umpires Nitin Menon and Richard Kettleborough perplexingly took the players off, with blue sky spread across south London, with 28 overs left unbowled.
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