‘Titch’ towering England force
JAMES Taylor led England’s fightback on the first day of the first Test against South Africa yesterday as his half-century took the tourists out of trouble and to 179-4 at stumps.
The 1.7-metre Taylor – affectionately nicknamed “Titch” – stood tall for England to make 70 after Dale Steyn’s fiery early burst had the tourists struggling at 12-2 in overcast, fast-bowler friendly conditions in Durban.
Steyn struck the first blows with the dismissals of England captain Alastair Cook for a duck and Test debutant Alex Hales for 10. Joe Root’s aggressive innings of 24 ended swiftly, leaving Taylor and Nick Compton to steady the innings.
Compton was 63 not out and helped Taylor rescue England with a 125-run partnership on the opening day of the and once you did get in making sure you don’t give them a sniff,” he said.
The Windies eighth.
The daring strokeplayer Kim Hughes scoring 100 not out in a first-innings total of 198 against Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Joel Garner and Colin Croft on a difficult pitch in 1981? That’s a Boxing Day memory.
Voges and Steve Smith (134 not out) scoring centuries alongside Joe Burns (128) and Usman Khawaja (144) in a total of 3-551? That’s not quite the same “I was there” moment, even though it’s only the third time Australia has had four century-makers in an innings.
Voges says at 36 he realises his spot is never safe in the team.
“I’m just going to enjoy it while I can,” he said. “Have I made it? I don’t know.’’
are ranked four-Test series against top-ranked Proteas.
Steyn ended their resistance when he tempted Taylor to hang his bat out and feather an edge to wicketkeeper AB de Villiers right at the end of the day. Steyn took 3-29 to underline his status as South Africa’s most valuable bowler.
Cook, who was never comfortable, edged Steyn to Dean Elgar at second slip in the third over of the Test.
Hales fell to a catch behind by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers as Steyn capitalised on the conditions.
Hales’ wicket led to a running, fist-pumping celebration by the fast bowler.
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