England to bat in third South African Test

Morkel, inured to a career in which his deliveries have flown over the top of the stumps, did not appeal all that enthusiastically, but Cook was well back in his crease.

The seamer found regular movement off the pitch to beat Root before Philander removed the skipper – back in the attack after a stomach upset – produced a superb delivery that nipped away off the pitch to take the edge.

Former captain Cook, already England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, moved past Australia great Allan Border into ninth place in the overall list during this near five-hour innings.

“The guys do really care – they are desperate to win and perform well in an England shirt”, he said.

England’s twin spin strategy came in for heavy criticism at Trent Bridge and Dawson is likely to be the fall guy at the Oval and Old Trafford for the final two Tests of a topsy-turvy series.

In reality, the men most likely to show how it is supposed to be done were Cook and Joe Root, with Cook the one rising to the challenge of a magnificent South Africa attack in tricky conditions.

The spots at two, three and five look no nearer to being settled – you have seen how the step up from county cricket has been tough for Keaton Jennings, as well as the likes of Gary Ballance, James Vince, Alex Hales et al.

Alastair Cook has his sights trained on what would be a 31st Test hundred after the opener delivered a message of authority to his fellow England batsmen about the virtues of restraint on a tight and rain-affected opening day against South Africa here on Thursday.

Dawid Malan, the second of England’s three debutants here, had to be patient for his first run at this level – against the country in which he grew up – finally scampering a single from the 15th ball he faced, off Kagiso Rabada. It was hardly the start he was looking for.

England gave caps to seam bowler Toby Roland-Jones, and batsmen Westley and Malan, and selected seven batsmen to reinforce the upper order on a green Oval wicket. The value of his selection – and the likelihood of him making the Ashes tour – will become clear in the coming days.

Roland-Jones made a run-a-ball 25 that included a hooked six off the expensive Chris Morris (one for 91 in 17 overs) before he was lbw to Maharaj.

While questions continue to be asked about England’s batting technique, Cook’s old school approach is a delight to the eye for the cricket purists among the nation.

South Africa will want to put pressure on England by bowling first tomorrow and trying to make breakthroughs early.

“I thought we bowled well today”.

“Of course it helped when you have Alastair Cook playing the attritional way. He’s a strong character who is desperate to play for England”. “The way England applied themselves has given them half a chance of posting a decent score”. “He’s got a brilliant 80 and we hope he can push on”.