England rally after poor start against South Africa in Boxing Day Test

His warm-up gave away a little as he bowled from around the wicket, and he began from this angle to the left-hander Stiaan van Zyl, pushing his second delivery in, which the batsman, having watched the first shape away, chose to leave, the ball clipping the top of off stump.

A stunning spell of bowling from Morne Morkel helped bowl out England for 303 at lunch on day two of the first Test at Kingsmead, in Durban, on Sunday.

Notts Outlaws skipper James Taylor continued his quest to solidify his spot in the England set-up with another half century on the opening day of the Test series in South Africa.

De Villiers hit seven fours and a six and was driving South Africa’s recovery from 14-2 and Broad’s first two strikes. “He’s got that ability”.

Spinner Moeen Ali bowled Faf du Plessis for two, the batsman dancing down the track but missing the ball which clipped the top of the bails.

Broad finished the day with 3-16.

“I was actually having fun with batting with Nick”.

“We just concentrated on ourselves, the situation and enjoy each other’s company”.

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.

Rotating the strike well, Compton stayed steady and frustrated the South African bowlers, whilst Taylor nudged and nurdled the ball around to good effect, as the pair reached a 50 partnership, and then 100.

De Villiers, on 26no at the interval, may now hold the key to the match. Australian TV umpire Bruce Oxenford ruled the ball hadn’t carried. A visibly pumped up Steyn celebrated his early scalp of the England captain furiously, and was looking so risky that Alex Hales was probably relieved to be forced off due to rain soon after. Broad celebrated exuberantly as De Villiers trudged off.

The first day of play in the Test series between South Africa and England in Durban was much interrupted by rain, and was brought to an early end by poor light, with the visitors at 179/4.

Stokes went first, trying to pull to midwicket but skying the ball to JP Duminy at gully for 21 after coming out in positive fashion to counter the slow-scoring rate of Compton, who was 69 overnight.

The Proteas were met with some resistance in the form of a 36-run 10th wicket stand between Stuart Broad (32) and Steven Finn (12), but captain Hashim Amla would still have been happy with the performance of his bowlers. The first hour and a half tomorrow is going to be crucial. He did exactly what we needed him to do and, hopefully, he can kick on.