'England aren't going to win if they only rely on Cook and Root...'
Sunday 27 December 2015 11:19, UK
Nick Compton's 125-run stand with James Taylor on day one of the first Test with South Africa will boost England's confidence for the series to come, says Mike Atherton.
The pair rescued the tourists from the perilous position of 49-3 after Dale Steyn (3-29) claimed two early wickets and Joe Root (24) fell lbw to Dane Piedt's first ball.
By stumps Compton (63no) and Taylor (70) had helped England to a respectable 179-4 in the 65.1 overs possible on a rain-restricted day. Read our report here.
"It was a good day for England, given where they were at 49-3," former England captain Atherton told Sky Sports. "It was a shame about James Taylor's dismissal at the end given how well he'd played.
"He was very assertive and hit the ball powerfully. He'll be desperately disappointed to get out having done all the hard work.
"But well done to him and to Compton too, who has got tremendous confidence in his defensive technique; he sees that as the bedrock of his game and that's what is going to carry him through.
"England aren't going to win if they only rely on Cook and Root; they are world-class players, obviously, and they get a lot of runs for England but they're not going to get them all the time.
"It's important for the team's own self-esteem as well that they don't feel they're relying on two guys.
"So it was a terrifically important partnership between Compton and Taylor in that respect. There may be more of an advantage tomorrow too - it might be a better day with brighter conditions and England bat deep."
South Africa landed the first blow by winning the toss and choosing to bowl first on a pitch that looked as though it would offer assistance to the hosts' powerful attack.
But Atherton feels that England, having battled back from those early setbacks, have every chance of powering on to a sizeable total on day two.
"The ball didn't do perhaps as much as I felt it would but it was still a good toss to win," he added.
"South Africa have got a potent attack - Steyn, Morkel and Abbott as well as the spinner Piedt, whose inclusion proved a good decision as there is a bit of spin there.
"But I think that from 49-3 the captain Hashim Amla will just be a bit disappointed that he didn't get a bit more from Morkel and Abbott after Steyn opened the door.
"That was partly because England played so well, of course. But I think it will give England confidence to see two inexperienced players, in Test terms, playing so well against South Africa's attack in these conditions.
"England bat deep - they have a long, strong batting line-up - so hopefully England can get the dividend from the hard work they put in today."
Watch highlights of day one at 6pm on Sky Sports 3, then join Charles Colvile for the Verdict at 7pm on the same channel. Then join us for live coverage of day two at the earlier time of 7.15am on Sunday on Sky Sports 2.
