Cricket News: England vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 1 - The first day owned by the host
England creates a good hold on the match as they are trailing by just 40 runs with seven wickets in hand at the end of day one
England dominated South Africa at Old Trafford on Day 1After a good bowling performance by the host, which ended Proteas' first inning on 151, Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow stabilized England's first inning.
England was in a difficult spot when Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi attacked and reduced them to 43/3. Zak Crawley, however, stood very strong, anchoring the innings. He was well accompanied by Jonny Bairstow, who accelerated the runs a little.
Earlier in the game, South Africa had a poor start to their innings despite opting to bat first. The top order fell victim to the expertise of Stuart Broad and James Anderson, who returned with three wickets each, whereas Ben Stokes took the power hitter Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen in the middle.
Some handy runs came in from Kagiso Rabada down the order, which fetched 36 off 72 to take the total of the first inning to 151.
As James Anderson played his 100th test match in one particular country, Stuart Broad breached the 800-wicket mark in international games. He is only the eighth bowler to reach the milestone.
After losing three wickets early, it will be interesting to see whether England continues to play aggressive cricket to get the lead, or there might be a change in approach on Day 2.
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