Dale Steyn struck an early blow for South Africa when he dismissed England captain Alastair Cook for a duck on a rain-shortened first morning of the first Test at Kingsmead on Saturday.
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Broad suggested Anderson “could have played” if necessary, but with just five overs under his belt on tour and no bowling at all for the three days prior to being ruled out that seems an optimistic interpretation.
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James Taylor led England’s fightback on the first day of the first test against South Africa as his half-century took the tourists out of trouble and to 179-4 at stumps.
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“He’s got a Twenty20 global hundred and a one-day hundred so he can certainly play and I hope he’s looking forward to the challenge and showing people what he can do”. “Always at the top of the order against the new ball and world-class attacks, you’re going to have low scores, so it’s about how you handle that and, when you’re in, make sure you cash-in and go big to compensate”.
“There is a lot at stake for South Africa in the test series against England”, he said.
He has a proud record in Boxing Day Tests, taking 42 wicket in his previous eight appearances, and wasted little time adding Alastair Cook to his tally.
Dale Steyn was charged up as he got rid of the English skipper in the second over of his first spell.
Steyn celebrated theatrically, roaring himself into a frenzy as Cook traipsed from the field.
Apart from the elements, Dale Steyn (3/29) and Nick Compton, who will resume batting on Day 2 unbeaten on 63, were the most influential players on the day.
The 32-year-old, who was born in Durban, also survived a near run out after dashing a single to get off the mark. A couple of overs later, Steyn proved the world that why he’s the best in the world after he got debutant Alex Hales caught behind.
Vice-captain Joe Root was absent from training with an upset stomach, but is not thought to be a doubt for the Test.
Root looked busy at the crease and made 24 off 37 balls, including a pulled six off Abbott.
He and Compton briefly steadied the ship and quelled the rampant Steyn, adding 37 for the third wicket, before the Yorkshireman was trapped lbw from the first ball of off-spinner Dane Piedt.
DRS failed to save the Yorkshireman and England were up against it.
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Another rain delay allowed Compton and Taylor to take stock and when they re-emerged the pair started to drag their side back into the game. Stiaan van Zyl was brought on for a trundle as early as the 33rd over, Taylor showed off his skill against spin with a strike rate of more than 70 against Piedt, and Steyn spent a short period before tea back in the changing room.
