Compton and Taylor steady the ship

“Obviously, Stuart [Broad] steps up again to be that leader of the attack, which I think he thrives on – he did against Australia [when Anderson was sidelined for part of the 2015 Ashes]”.

England could not have asked for a better start when Van Zyl, back in the side, shouldered arms to a straight ball from Broad and was bowled while Amla was squared up by Broad and caught behind by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. Amla also played down England’s form in their warm-up matches ahead of the four-test series, saying he was not reading anything into the tourists’ positive performances.

“He [Hales] is under just as much pressure as myself, or the next 11 guys, because that’s what happens when you play Test cricket, you’re under pressure”. I was frustrated with myself getting out a couple of overs from the end but these things happen.

Chris Woakes comes in for injured seamer James Anderson, while tall fast bowler Steven Finn earns his place after missing the test series defeat to Pakistan in October with a foot injury.

Having experienced soreness in his calf since the start of the tour, his only spell of bowling came in a 13-a-side match against a South Africa Invitational XI last week.

“Our being at home for the remainder of the summer is a huge advantage for us”, he said at Kingsmead on Thursday”.

Taylor said: “Taking everything into account – losing the toss and the conditions that could not have been more ideal for the South African bowling unit – I thought overall it was solid day”.

Even without Jimmy Anderson in England’s attack, I suspect they will know exactly what length to bowl to cause maximum problems for the South African batsmen.

Steyn suggested Compton and Taylor’s recovery may have been helped by South Africa’s struggles to manage the ball on a wet day as England ground their way to 179-4 at stumps. “Woakes has been a constant performer within the United Arab Emirates one-dayers (towards Pakistan) and has continued that rhythm right here”, added Broad.

While Cook’s side have triumphed only once in their last 15 overseas tests, South Africa need to win the series to retain their top ranking in the Test standings.

Scans on Anderson’s proper calf on Tuesday confirmed he will miss the collection opener however he’s hoping to be match for the second check in Cape Town on Jan 2.

However, Cook conceded the loss of Anderson was a sizeable blow, with England unwilling to take any chances with their record wicket-taker.