There were some standout moments during Zubayr Hamza’s 39, but England held the advantage after the first session of the Boxing Day Test with the Proteas on 79/3, writes Khalid Mohidin.
Faf du Plessis got the outcome that he wanted despite losing the toss. The Proteas would bat first.
“Day one, the wicket is a bit slow, day two it’s decent, then the cracks open up,” said Du Plessis after Joe Root’s decision to bowl first.
From England’s perspective, if you wanted to test South Africa at the start of this new regime, bowl against them. Their batting has been their weak point in recent times, so Jacques Kallis’ influence would be under the microscope instantly.
Root got the perfect start as captain. First ball of the innings, Dean Elgar, one of the Proteas’ last-standing experienced heads, tickled a ball going down leg to the keeper, and England struck early putting pressure on the Proteas’ youngsters instantly.
Aiden Markram folded on 20, chipping a Sam Curran delivery straight to midwicket – a soft dismissal for the youngster on his home ground.
There was talk about debutant Rassie van der Dussen coming in at No 4, but Du Plessis did his captain’s duty by coming out during his side’s time of need.
There was another youngster looking to cement his place in the Proteas side, and place his mark on international cricket – Zubayr Hamza.
The 24-year-old looked comfortable and assured at the crease – as a Test No 3 should – particularly taking the attack to Jofra Archer, a bowler he was excited and tentative about facing ahead of the series.
The start of the 17th over would have pumped confidence into his veins when he dispatched Archer with consecutive drives.
The first delivery from Archer was creamed through the covers for four, and he followed this with another beautiful stroke just past the bowler’s left.
Hamza was organised and balanced in his approach and brought the solidity that the Proteas needed after losing their openers with 32 runs on the board.
Hamza took himself to 39, holding his pose after a delicate cover drive against Stuart Broad. But unfortunately, another soft dismissal followed, as Hamza edged him the following delivery just 15 mins from lunch.
It will now be up to Van Der Dussen and Du Plessis to drag South Africa out of a shaky start.
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