England put in to bat in 1st test in South Africa

The game went into a holding pattern ahead of the new ball with England careful not to lose another wicket and South Africa keen to keep the run-rate under control ahead of the next burst from the quicks.

But now back on the green, green grass of home, Steyn took out his frustrations on England’s shell-shocked top order.

Amla’s curiously streaky innings followed and despite his obvious discomfort, England will have been haunted by his triple century at the Oval three years ago – during which he had been dropped early.

With warm, sunny days forecast for the remainder of the Test, South Africa needed to take advantage of what is likely to be the best bowling day of the match.

The tourists had been 12 for two and 49 for three after being asked to bat on a rain-affected morning at Kingsmead, Dale Steyn dismissing both openers and Dane Piedt pinning Joe Root lbw with his first delivery.

Despite being the senior man at the crease overnight, with 63 runs to Stokes’ five, Nick Compton was happy to take a back seat early on.

Morkel, who went wicketless on day one, produced serious pace and bounce from a relatively flat track with the new ball to return figures of 4/76.

He said: “It’s never ideal getting out, but so late in the day and with it getting dark, it was frustrating to say the least”.

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. I have been training hard with the trainer, lost a couple of kilos, so it was nice to get back on to the field today.

Cook was caught at second slip by Dean Elgar to wide ball that he had no need to play at, while Hales was sent packing after attempting a big drive but only managed to edge to wicketkeeper AB de Villiers.

Rain and then bad light meant only 65.1 overs were possible, meaning play will start half an hour earlier than scheduled at 07:30 GMT on Sunday. Great to get the first wicket, especially the English captain.

On that India tour, Steyn says the entire South African dressing-room now have a point to prove after the humiliation suffered on the sub-continent. “The boys hurt quite a lot after that”.

“It’s important for the team’s own self-esteem as well that they don’t feel they’re relying on two guys. We have got plenty of batting to come so hopefully it’s a good day for England tomorrow”.

“I think somebody must be having a word before and making sure I get the tallest one”, he said with a grin.

England have been warned.