First Test. South Africa v England. Durban, 26-30 Dec.

[meninblue]

100 runs partnership. Well played. Don't think they have given any chances so far in the innings. They have bought England back in the match.

[Alviro Patterson]

Compton looking very comfortable at the crease

With England's dynamic batting from 4 to 8, Compton's strike rate becomes less of an issue than it was two years ago. If anything it takes pressure off Taylor, Stokes and Bairstow and allows them to play their natural game.

[Aidan11]

Two men often overlooked by the selectors are making a good go of this.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Well done Steyn! Nothing happening, but he gets a wicket.

[Making_Splinters]

Excellent innings from Taylor, came in with England in real trouble and South Africa bowling well and saw us to a half decent score. Unfortunate not to push on to get a ton, but two Tests in very difficult conditions and two very decent innings.

[Arthur Crabtree]

POor shots to get out by Cook and Taylor, both poking at wide deliveries.

[hopeforthebest]

Taylor was still on the move when he played the delivery that dismissed him, something he does very often.

[greyblazer]

Wrote a piece on some of the brilliant knocks played in Durban. http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/76 ... -in-durban

[greyblazer]

Never understood the reason behind Compton getting dropped from the England team. He looks as solid as most of them in the England set-up against the seaming ball.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Complicated issue.

Lack of popularity
Bowlers not happy he was playing air shots while fielding.
Did poorly on aptitude testing.
Didn't get on with Cook and Flower.
Flower felt he was unnecessarily off the field with an injury (a fractured finger).
Batted poorly at Headingley v NZ (with fractured finger) but had been top scorer in the previous series.
A desire to promote Root to open.

[meninblue]

imo South Africa are on top at stumps on day 1. England need a lot more runs to put a first innings scoreboard pressure. If Amla and ABD settle they are not going to score just 50's. They will make it count.

[hopeforthebest]

Complicated issue.

Lack of popularity
Bowlers not happy he was playing air shots while fielding.
Did poorly on aptitude testing.
Didn't get on with Cook and Flower.
Flower felt he was unnecessarily off the field with an injury (a fractured finger).
Batted poorly at Headingley v NZ (with fractured finger) but had been top scorer in the previous series.
A desire to promote Root to open.

What a cynical explanation AC, where's your Christmas seasonal goodwill to all men, even Cook and Flower.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Didn't criticise anyone. Or express cynicism. That's just what has been revealed through assorted sources. One of them is Compton. He might be partial.

[westoelad]

Taylor was still on the move when he played the delivery that dismissed him, something he does very often.

Just watched it again- he got stuck on his crease and tucked up by a good length ball with extra bounce. He's going to be vulnerable more than others to those deliveries because of his lack of inches. That shouldn't detract though from what was a fine innings.Certainly like a far better number 5 than any of the other options.

[Arthur Crabtree]

imo South Africa are on top at stumps on day 1. England need a lot more runs to put a first innings scoreboard pressure. If Amla and ABD settle they are not going to score just 50's. They will make it count.

I agree. England need hundreds tomorrow. They do have the advantage of bowling last though.