ZAK MISSES THE RABADA EXPRESS

ZAK CRAWLEY has admitted he was surprised South Africa did not open with their fastest bowler Kagiso Rabada at the start of play in Port Elizabeth. Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes put on an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 76 to rescue the tourists from a potential crisis at 148 for four after Joe Root had won the toss on a slow St George’s Park pitch. But England’s task was made easier by South Africa’s decision to hand the new ball to Vernon Philander, on a pitch that suited neither him nor 30-year-old debutant Dane Paterson. Rabada dismissed Crawley in the second innings of the second Test in Cape Town before trying to intimidate him by celebrating close to his face. But the inexperienced opening pair of Crawley and Dom Sibley were able to ease themselves in here before Faf du Plessis turned to his spearhead. ‘I thought Rabada would take the first over, let alone the new ball,’ said Crawley, who fell within six runs of his first Test half-century. ‘I wouldn’t say it was a relief as anyone can get you out. I understand them wanting to get Paterson into the game quickly.’ Crawley explained he had to bat out of character in making 44 off 137 balls before being caught by Rassie van der Dussen, as England took their new policy of trying to ‘bat time’ to extremes. ‘If I had the choice I’d be a free scorer but if you’re playing for England you have to play the situation,’ said the Kent opener. ‘I was more than happy to block a few out there.’ Crawley feels England are well placed after Root won his fifth toss in five Tests this winter. ‘It was a very good day in the end,’ the 21-year-old added. ‘If we can get to the late 300s, I think that’s a very good score on this pitch.’