• SA v Eng: Talking points (day 1)

    Kobus Pretorius reflects on the players and moments that shaped day one of the third Test at the Wanderers.

    BATSMAN OF THE DAY
    Difficult to pick as a few made starts but didn’t kick on. Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada’s cameo towards the end probably shares the spoils. They will hope to stick around for a while on day two.

    BOWLER OF THE DAY
    Steven Finn (2-50). He is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series which is remarkable considering he was a major doubt to play in the Tests. He troubled the South Africa throughout the day and bowled a ripper to get rid of Hashim Amla, who was on 40 and looking dangerous.

    SHOT OF THE DAY
    There were a few, but Kagiso Rabada’s off-drive for four off James Anderson was glorious and as a good a shot as you’ll see from a tail-ender.

    DELIVERY OF THE DAY
    Steven Finn’s delivery to get Amla. It was full, straight and angled in, nipped away and flicked the edge behind to Jonny Bairstow. Almost unplayable.

    CATCH OF THE DAY
    There was nothing outstanding, but Moeen Ali’s effort at deep backward square to get rid of Dane Vilas well judged and taken.

    NO NEED FOR THAT
    Temba Bavuma’s run-out was poor as the batsman was caught ball-watching instead of setting off the call from Vilas, who was running to the danger end.

    RUSH HOUR
    Dane Vilas had a crazy day. He woke up to a call from the selectors telling him to catch a plane to Johannesburg because Quinton de Kock had sprained his knee the previous night and had to withdraw. Vilas got a 08:40 flight, arrive at the Wanderers around 11:30 and went out to bat five hours later.