Durban: England showed signs of a fightback on the first day of the first Test against South Africa on Saturday 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 when the tourists were put in to bat and had to battle through a troublesome opening salvo by fast bowler 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. 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. Taylor was 41 not out and Compton 40 not out, and England were likely to be further boosted with sunnier skies and friendlier batting conditions forecast to come at Kingsmead.
With Steyn fit again after a groin problem and restored to top-ranked South Africa’s lineup, captain Hashim Amla put England in to bat on the opening day of the series. Steyn immediately applied the pressure.
SCOREBOARD (at tea)
England (1st innings): A. Cook c Elgar b Steyn 0, A. Hales c De Villiers b Steyn 10, N. Compton (batting) 40, J. Root lbw b Piedt 24, J. Taylor (batting) 41. Extras (b-1, lb-2, nb-3) 6. Total (for three wickets in 40 overs) 121.
FoW: 1-3, 2-12, 3-49.
Bowling: Steyn 9-3-21-2, Abbott 11-1-33-0, Morkel 10-1-32-0, Piedt 8-1-30-1, Zyl 2-1-2-0.
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