England fought back on the first day of the first Test against South Africa yesterday to reach 121-3 at tea after two early blows by Dale Steyn.
James Taylor and Nick Compton took England past 100 on a rain-affected day after the tourists were put into bat and had to battle through a troublesome opening salvo by Steyn.
South Africa’s spearhead removed Alastair Cook for a duck and debutant Alex Hales for 10, leaving England 12-2 under overcast skies in Durban.
Photo: Reuters
Joe Root was out LBW for 24 off spinner Dane Piedt’s first ball of the game to put England under more pressure.
Taylor and Compton, who was recalled for his first Test in more than two years, brightened England’s prospects with their unbeaten 72-run partnership.
The England captain fell to an edge to the slips off the fast bowler, with the overcast skies favoring the quick bowlers early in the series opener.
Overnight rain meant play was delayed at Kingsmead in Durban, and a heavy shower ended the first session after just half an hour of play.
Steyn still had time to strike an early blow and remove Cook, who never settled and sent a thick edge to Dean Elgar in the third over of the Test.
Compton survived an edge off Steyn that fell just short of the slips shortly afterward.
Steyn, back in the South African team after a spell out with injury, did not concede a run in his spell of 3.1 overs before the first rain delay as the South Africans sought to capitalize on the helpful conditions and take early charge of the contest.
While Steyn returned for South Africa, England were missing pace bowling spearhead James Anderson, their leading Test wicket taker, for the first of four Tests.
Chris Woakes replaced Anderson, who has a right-calf injury, in the tourists’ lineup.
At press time last night, England had moved on to 123-3, with Taylor on 42 and Compton on 41.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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